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Property description
Thula Thula, family owned and operated, is situated in Zululand, only 40 minutes from Richards Bay harbour and airport, 45 min from Umfolosi game reserve - Cengeni Gate and less than 2 hours drive from Durban. A 700m airstrip is on the property.
Thula Thula, with its centuries of cultural and wildlife heritage, takes pride in tracing back its origin to the private hunting grounds of King Shaka, founder of the Zulu Empire.
The first historic meeting between Shaka and his father (Senzangakhona), which set the stage for the creation of the Zulu nation, took place at the Nseleni River at Thula Thula.
Experienced rangers will guide you on exciting safaris in open Landrovers through the unique diversity of this ancestral land to encounter buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hyena, crocodile, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, nyala and a spectacular variety of other indigenous species, great and small.
Birdlife is prolific with over 350 identified species, including raptors.
The re-introduction of a family herd of elephant in August 1999 marks the historic return of these great creatures to the area for the first time in 100 years.
Extra activities include a massage therapy with Carlize, or a visit to the local rural Zulu village, authentic experience with an encounter with the Inyanga, the Zulu “Doctor” who will display for you the traditional Zulu medicine, the visit of Umfolosi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve or a cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to view hippos and crocodiles.
We propose 2 different experiences in our 2 lodges at THULA THULA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE :
LUXURY SAFARI LODGE *****
Exclusive bush experience and absolute luxury, with only 8 thatched chalets decorated in flavours of ethnic and colonial elegance, the Elephant Safari Lodge offers superb accommodation with as much privacy and comfort you could wish for.... and the "Suite Royale, our honeymoon suite, or the Suite Imperiale, for those special occasions.
Candle lit dinners are served either in the dining room around the pool on the veranda, looking at wildlife coming to the waterhole, or in the Boma around a fire under the stars.
Stylish décor and superb cuisine in the unique atmosphere of the Elephant Safari Lodge make Thula Thula one of the most renowned gourmet destinations of Kwazulu Natal.
Enjoy exotic cocktails at the "Marula Bar" or just relax in the lounge in the open thatched lapa while viewing game at the waterhole and magnificent birdlife.
Rates are all inclusive of 3 gourmet meals per day, one morning and one afternoon game drive.
Children 8 + welcome.
THULA THULA LUXURY TENTED CAMP ****
Rediscover Nature in great style and true to the African safari camp of a past era at the Thula Thula luxury tented camp, where the peaceful essence of the African bush can be heard and felt.
Exclusivity is assured with only 8 luxury tents, all with private viewing decks, fans, mosquito nets and luxurious en suite bathroom with Victorian bath and outside shower.
View wildlife while sipping a cocktail from the swimming pool bar or relax in your hammock overlooking the Enseleni river.
Dine under the stars in the boma for a traditional South African braai (barbecue) or "potjie"(meat stew with vegetables cooked on the fire in a cast iron pot) where you will share stories of the day's game viewing with our dedicated rangers and trackers.
Rates are all inclusive of a bush walk and a game drive, brunch, high tea and dinner. Drinks not included.
Children from 2 to 12 years old pay 50% off the adult rate. Malaria free
Conference center
Airconditioned for up to 32 delegates. Elegant boardroom with lounge, bar, TV and library.
Day visitors programme
Day visitors are welcome for game drive and lunch, breakfast and game drive, or game drive and dinner. Rates and programme available on request.
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Driving directions
FROM JOHANNESBURG ( 5 to 7 hours)
Take the N2 out of Johannesburg towards Kwazulu Natal through Mpumalanga. Drive past Ermelo, Piet Ritief and Pongola. At the Richards Bay/Empangeni turn-off, take the R34 to Empangeni. Drive through Empangeni following the direction of Nkwalini/Melmoth, then turn right towards Heatonville. Follow the road for about 10 km crossing 3 railway tracks. After the 3rd track, at the T-junction turn left onto a dirt road, follow the road upward for about 8 km, and turn right for 2 km to Thula Thula and arrive at the gate. NB. From the Heatonville turnoff the road is signposted.
OR
Take the N2 out of Johannesburg towards Mpumalanga. Drive past Ermelo and Piet Ritief; take a turnoff to the R33 towards Paulpietersburg/Vryheid. At Vryheid, take the R34 to Babanango/Melmoth. Drive past Melmoth, when you get to Nkwalini, turn left to Empangeni (R34), drive for 36 km and take a second turnoff left to Heatonville and follow directions as above. NB. From the Heatonville turnoff the road is signposted.
FROM DURBAN (2 Hours)
Take the N2 North bound to Empangeni. At the Empangeni turn off take the R34 to Empangeni. Drive through Empangeni following the direction of Nkwalini/Melmoth. Take a right turn towards Heatonville, cross 3 train tracks. After the 3rd track at the T-junction turn left onto a dirt road follow the road upward for about 8 km, then turn right for about 2 km and arrive at the gate.
NB. From the Heatonville turnoff the road is signposted.
FROM THE DRAKENSBERG AREA (4 – 6 Hours)
Drive back to the N3; follow the N3 towards Durban, past Howick/Pietermaritzburg. Drive past the Pavilion Shopping Complex. Take the N2 North and follow directions as Durban above.
NB. From the Heatonville turnoff the road is signposted.
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Policies & disclaimers
All bookings will be considered to be provisional bookings. In order to confirm a booking, the full amount or a deposit of 50% of the total stay or package may be required. The deposit may be paid either by advising us of credit card details, or by payment into our banking account.
In case of Cancellation, Thula Thula reserves the right to retain the deposit received.
The general rule for cancellations prior to arrival is:
Less than 7 days, forfeit the full deposit; From 7 – 14 days, forfeit 75% of the deposit;
From 14 – 21 days, forfeit 50% of the deposit; From 21 – 28 days, forfeit 25% of the deposit..
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