Thula Thula Game Lodge

As I'm rather ancient, I've managed to visit many Game Reserves in South Africa and Botswana. Thula Thula is my new favourite. Why?? It's not pretentious, but it offers every comfort any fussy traveller could want. (including memory foam and soft pillows!) Just over 2 hours drive from Durban. The staff are first class. As is the food.....and everything else. Khaya was our guide and made our visit with his charm, knowledge and excellent English. I could go on and on...but as this is not an overpriced Game Reserve, I suggest you book. Tell me if I'm wrong......

If you are looking for a safari to South Africa this is the palce you need to visit. Me, my wife and friends recently stayed there three nights. Unfortunately, we were on a world cruise and four days and three nights was the only time we could fir into our itinerary. But we hope some day to return. Andrew, our game guide, was extremely knowledgeable about the animals and very willing to share his knowledge and experiences. the staff worked hard to make our experience a great one snf they far exceeeded our expectations. On the days we toured other nearby preserves the staff always sent us off with a packed breakfast or lunch depending on our tour. The hospitality was guinuine and sincere. It was a truly great experience. One none of us will ever forget!

WOW! Amazing staff, animals, peaceful surroundings, and delicious food. What more could one dream of? A wonderful private Lodge and game reserve. Starting with seven rescued elephants now 28 that give you a different show every day. Elephants, Rhinos, Hippos, Buffaloes, Wildebeest, giraffes, zebras and more. The only thing I didn’t see were any mosquitoes or snakes. Our game drives with Siya were both fun and educational. Siya is a wealth of knowledge. He knows all 28 of the elephants by name and personality. We were able to have several of the animals within touching distance. He knows not only the animals, but also the plants, birds and the history of the reserve. Gourmet food at a game lodge in the bush, absolutely. So good with choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner that will satisfy the sophisticated palate. Hats off the the chef and the absolutely delightful wait staff. My only regret was that we were only there 5 nights. Thanks Thula Thula for a vacation of a lifetime. We will be back.

I have been on many safaris in many different Africa countries ... loving them all ... but THULA THULA was unlike anything I had ever experienced. I read the books by Lawrence and Francoise Malby-Anthony and came to this place very excited to see the animals. With Cenzo as our guide I got so much more than a sighting of the animals. Sharing his knowledge and taking such time, I was able to truly be IN the moment - IN the landscape -I got to learn about and observe the animals, the birds and all the flora and fauna -all with time. We were never rushed. Every staff member - the bartender, all the kitchen staff, those who looked after our rooms were wonderful people - never without smiles. Francoise was such a gracious host and the meals - just fabulous. The travelers I met were just a delight too - all brought together by the books and wanting to be IN this magical place. I will be back.

One of my optional trips on my cruise was to Thula Thula, it has been on my bucket list since I read the elephant whisperer and there’s an elephant in my kitchen. Ideally I would have stayed at the lodge because it was a wish of my late husband for us to visit the lodge. Francois was a fabulous host and seeing Nana, Nandi and other animals in the books was the cherry on the cake. The guide was so knowledgeable and we had a fantastic game drive, followed by a fantastic lunch cooked by Tom. I had just finished reading the elephants of Thula Thula and Francois was kind enough to sign it for me. Precious memories

Will go there again Have enquired for 2024. A place worth visiting. Staff and venue brilliant. Would spend there longer if possible. Guide excellent. Food and service could not be better. Would like to join the volunteer programme

We did a day visit and it was one of the highlights of our 18 days visit in the area. Our game drive with Victor was superb and lunch on the outside patio was divine. Francoise gave us a warm welcome and we took pictures on the patio. Definitely bring friends for a much longer stay at Thula Thula.

What an unforgettable experience we have had. The weather didnt cooperate and we spent most of our 6 nights in rain but it didnt dampen our experience one little bit. From the minute we got there everything was effortless and well organised. We had the warmest welcome from the staff who were ALWAYS friendly, helpful and caring. Our guide for our stay was Victor and to be honest this gentle kind soul of a man made the experience for us. He is very knowledgeable and every day he taught us something new, a new fact we could digest and soak up. No 2 drives were ever the same. His love of the park, what he does and for the animals shines through from the first interaction we had with an animal on the drive. He talks to them and talks about them like they are his family. His love for the animals really draws you in. Even when it was horrendous rain he looked after us all with blankets and ponchos and his enthusiasm kept everyones spirits up. Always positive about the game drives and positive we would see at least some animals when the weather had other ideas. This isnt a job for Victor, this is his way of life and he loves it, thats evident from the start, he takes pride in what he does. And that mahindra is some machine, comfortable, able and powerful. The tented accommodation we stayed in was spotless. The beds were comfortable and warm and the staff always looked after us, if it was cold and wet we could get back to the wee heater on and the heated blankets on in the bed. Always more water put in the fridge if needed. The outside shower was just the best for a morning wake up. The food served was always fresh and delicious. We will definitely be back for a visit at some point. Definitely recommend this for a holiday we have never felt so calm or at peace than when we were there. Its a magical place. Thanks to the team for making it so good.

A great place to view some of South Africa's animals. Accommodations were top notch and the service was outstanding. Gourmet meals served in a beautiful atmosphere. Evening game drives should start no later than 3:30 in September for best photography.