Thanda Private Game Reserve in Zululand has been selected as the first and only game reserve in the world to achieve ‘Leading Hotels of the World’ status and joins the elite membership that is reserved for only 400 of the world’s finest properties.
A major criterion for obtaining Leading Hotels of the World status is the standard of service. Establishments must be on par with the best hotels in the world and an in-depth audit was undertaken to ensure that Thanda would meet up to the exceptionally high expectations of the industry’s toughest critics. Thanda succeeded in obtaining this sought-after stamp of approval and is proud to join the Leading Hotels of the World. Thanda now joins the ranks of properties such as The Mount Nelson and the Palace of the Lost City.
Since opening in May 2004 at a cost of over R100-million, Thanda has been synonymous with setting standards and is recognised as a leader in luxury accommodation and its recent inclusion with Leading Hotels of the World is no exception. The Zulu word for ‘love’, Thanda embraces the philosophy of ‘for the love of nature, wildlife and dear ones’ in every aspect. Thanda has drawn from the Zulu culture for the architecture, décor and cuisine and has consciously contributed to the sustainment of the culture and its people by supporting the local community through initiatives such as the Vula Zulu Cultural Experience, an African theatre performance proudly re-enacted by previously unemployed Zulu men and women.
Thanda is also involved in various social responsibility initiatives, including the sponsoring of several bursaries and initiating an HIV/Aids awareness project that will be launched in schools in the Zululand area. Thanda supports all efforts to increase HIV/Aids awareness and recently hosted Miss Universe 2005 during an HIV/Aids awareness visit to South Africa.
Thanda has been at the forefront of land rehabilitation in KwaZulu-Natal, transforming overgrazed cattle farms into pristine game viewing land and reintroducing species that used to freely roam this area, including the Big Five. The game restoration project has been successfully launched and the reserve is witnessing its 4th breeding season since the land was purchased in 2002.
Unique features at Thanda include private bomas at each of the nine (9) luxury bush villas, private salas and heated splash pools. The luxury tented camp is a true ‘Out of Africa’ safari experience and the wellness centre – chosen as a top 5 finalist in the category of Resort Spa by Les Nouvelles Esthetique, 17 July 2005 – competes with the best in the world, yet maintains a distinct African atmosphere by the use of local products. For those that truly wish to safari in style, ‘Thanda Air’ was launched on Monday 14 March 2005, which makes a daily return flight from Rand Germiston Airport to Mkuze. Direct flights will soon be made possible upon completion of an airstrip on the property itself.
A major criterion for obtaining Leading Hotels of the World status is the standard of service. Establishments must be on par with the best hotels in the world and an in-depth audit was undertaken to ensure that Thanda would meet up to the exceptionally high expectations of the industry’s toughest critics. Thanda succeeded in obtaining this sought-after stamp of approval and is proud to join the Leading Hotels of the World. Thanda now joins the ranks of properties such as The Mount Nelson and the Palace of the Lost City.
Since opening in May 2004 at a cost of over R100-million, Thanda has been synonymous with setting standards and is recognised as a leader in luxury accommodation and its recent inclusion with Leading Hotels of the World is no exception. The Zulu word for ‘love’, Thanda embraces the philosophy of ‘for the love of nature, wildlife and dear ones’ in every aspect. Thanda has drawn from the Zulu culture for the architecture, décor and cuisine and has consciously contributed to the sustainment of the culture and its people by supporting the local community through initiatives such as the Vula Zulu Cultural Experience, an African theatre performance proudly re-enacted by previously unemployed Zulu men and women.
Thanda is also involved in various social responsibility initiatives, including the sponsoring of several bursaries and initiating an HIV/Aids awareness project that will be launched in schools in the Zululand area. Thanda supports all efforts to increase HIV/Aids awareness and recently hosted Miss Universe 2005 during an HIV/Aids awareness visit to South Africa.
Thanda has been at the forefront of land rehabilitation in KwaZulu-Natal, transforming overgrazed cattle farms into pristine game viewing land and reintroducing species that used to freely roam this area, including the Big Five. The game restoration project has been successfully launched and the reserve is witnessing its 4th breeding season since the land was purchased in 2002.
Unique features at Thanda include private bomas at each of the nine (9) luxury bush villas, private salas and heated splash pools. The luxury tented camp is a true ‘Out of Africa’ safari experience and the wellness centre – chosen as a top 5 finalist in the category of Resort Spa by Les Nouvelles Esthetique, 17 July 2005 – competes with the best in the world, yet maintains a distinct African atmosphere by the use of local products. For those that truly wish to safari in style, ‘Thanda Air’ was launched on Monday 14 March 2005, which makes a daily return flight from Rand Germiston Airport to Mkuze. Direct flights will soon be made possible upon completion of an airstrip on the property itself.