Prior to the summer season and in line with its comprehensive wildlife programme, Zululand's award winning 5-star Thanda Private Game Reserve has taken stock of additional wildlife and experienced an impressive 4th breeding season, as well as receiving industry accolades such as the 1st and only Game Reserve in the world to achieve 'Leading Hotels of the World' status and join the elite membership that is reserved for only 400 of the world's finest properties.
14 kudu have been brought in from Hlambanyathi Game Reserve - bringing Thanda's total to approximately 100 and the herd of buffalo has increased to 39 - recently yet another calf was born. A male cheetah has also joined the existing females and the wildlife team have spotted 2 two-month old cubs from this new union.
To date, more than R7.5 million has been spent on wildlife re-introduction and the property has grown from its initial size of 5, 300ha to 6, 000ha with further land expansion planned in the New Year.
The Wild Dogs, discovered at Thanda a year ago, are healthy, relaxed and covering great distances. The 2, two-year old lionesses relocated from nearby Phinda are in excellent condition and it has since been determined that 2 lion cubs have been born, approximately 14/15 weeks old.
Due to the decrease in cattle in the area and the increase in game, the red-billed Oxpecker population is noticeably increasing - all signs that the benefits of nurturing the land and animals are a worthwhile investment.
Thanda's most significant contribution to the area since its opening in May 2004 is through the Thanda Foundation and the JAC initiative - Jobs, Aids and Conservation. Its objective is to create jobs, assist in the reduction of Aids in the community through education/medical programmes and also provide entrepreneurial ownership in game conservation and eco-tourism ventures.
However, Thanda's first social investment project, the Vula Zulu Cultural experience has not only provided full-time employment and training in theatrical arts, the Zulu show has been experienced by up to 90 tourists per day - educating all on Zulu history and culture - the prime purpose of Thanda.
During the course of its 1st year of business, Thanda was selected by Fodors as highly recommended and gained a 'star' category. The Wellness Centre was chosen as a top 5 finalist in the category of Resort Spa by Les Nouvelles Esthetique during their inaugural South African 2005 Sanitas Per Aquas Spa Awards and Conference in Johannesburg in July 2005.
In order to make Thanda more accessible, 'Thanda Air' was launched on 14 March 2005 and plans are afoot to build its own airstrip.
For further media information please contact:
The P.R Team - Peter Unsworth
Tel: 021 419 2390/1
Email: enquiries@theprteam.com
14 kudu have been brought in from Hlambanyathi Game Reserve - bringing Thanda's total to approximately 100 and the herd of buffalo has increased to 39 - recently yet another calf was born. A male cheetah has also joined the existing females and the wildlife team have spotted 2 two-month old cubs from this new union.
To date, more than R7.5 million has been spent on wildlife re-introduction and the property has grown from its initial size of 5, 300ha to 6, 000ha with further land expansion planned in the New Year.
The Wild Dogs, discovered at Thanda a year ago, are healthy, relaxed and covering great distances. The 2, two-year old lionesses relocated from nearby Phinda are in excellent condition and it has since been determined that 2 lion cubs have been born, approximately 14/15 weeks old.
Due to the decrease in cattle in the area and the increase in game, the red-billed Oxpecker population is noticeably increasing - all signs that the benefits of nurturing the land and animals are a worthwhile investment.
Thanda's most significant contribution to the area since its opening in May 2004 is through the Thanda Foundation and the JAC initiative - Jobs, Aids and Conservation. Its objective is to create jobs, assist in the reduction of Aids in the community through education/medical programmes and also provide entrepreneurial ownership in game conservation and eco-tourism ventures.
However, Thanda's first social investment project, the Vula Zulu Cultural experience has not only provided full-time employment and training in theatrical arts, the Zulu show has been experienced by up to 90 tourists per day - educating all on Zulu history and culture - the prime purpose of Thanda.
During the course of its 1st year of business, Thanda was selected by Fodors as highly recommended and gained a 'star' category. The Wellness Centre was chosen as a top 5 finalist in the category of Resort Spa by Les Nouvelles Esthetique during their inaugural South African 2005 Sanitas Per Aquas Spa Awards and Conference in Johannesburg in July 2005.
In order to make Thanda more accessible, 'Thanda Air' was launched on 14 March 2005 and plans are afoot to build its own airstrip.
For further media information please contact:
The P.R Team - Peter Unsworth
Tel: 021 419 2390/1
Email: enquiries@theprteam.com