About Thula Thula Game Reserve
Thula Thula is a private game reserve, said to be the oldest such reserve in KwaZulu Natal and set in a malaria free zone on the Elephant Coast roughly two hours' from Durban.
Did you know? 'Thula Thula', the words of a Zulu childhood lullaby, translate to mean 'quiet', 'peace and tranquility'.
As such it is family operated and lies in the heart of Zululand with a history that dates back to the days in which Shaka and his men held this land as their hunting ground.
The reserve is steeped in history not least because it was on the banks of the Nseleni River in Thula Thula where the first historic meeting between Shaka and his father took place.
A stay at Thula Thula assures one of sightings of giraffe, rhino, elephant, buffalo, hyenas, nyala, zebra and over 370 bird species. But the emphasis of the reserve is on luxury, and the colonial and ethnic blend woven into the design and decor of the lodges makes for a timeless elegance that brings to mind the effortless grace of films like Out of Africa.
'Thula Thula', the words of a Zulu childhood lullaby, translate to mean 'quiet', 'peace and tranquility' and here there is an escape from the banal that begins with the hush that hangs over the bush as day breaks and draws to a close.
For Thula Thula is more than a reserve. It is a sanctuary. The late Lawrence Anthony was not only the founder of the international 'Earth organisation', dedicated to environmental issues, he also won an Earth Day Award in 2004, the first South African to achieve such an award, for his rescue of animals from the Baghdad zoo. He initiated the rehabilitation of these animals, making sure the animals were protected and fed.
Today, his wife Francoise Maltby-Anthony, continues his legacy and is involved in many projects including the Royal Zulu Biosphere project and teaching the benefits of conservation to rural communities.
Need to Know
WhereD312 Buchanana Main Road, Empangeni, 3880, Zululand / Elephant Coast, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
WhenOpen to overnight guests only.
OvernightStay in Empangeni Accommodation, KwaZulu Natal
Disclaimer
Please note, business details can change. While we endeavour to ensure all information provided by the service provider is correct at the time of publication, we do not assume any liability caused by errors or changes, such as price, cost, time, and location. Please check with the provider that the activity/business is still offered as described, before making any travel plans.
Feedback?
If this is your reserve, you can let us know if anything on this page is outdated or contains inaccuracies, by email. We regret, we do not have any other information, please contact the provider if you have questions.
Additional Reading
You might also be interested in
Wish you were here?
Game & Nature Reserves in KwaZulu Natal
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options in Empangeni
Thula Thula Private Game Reserve
The 4500 ha private game reserve Thula Thula is situated only 45 minutes from Richards Bay harbour and airport, and less than 2 hours drive from ...
Canefields Country House
Canefields Country House is a traditional sugar cane mansion converted into a homely country hotel. The property provides accommodation in tranqu...
The Wood House
The Wood House is a charming, family-operated guesthouse nestled in the heart of Zululand, seamlessly blending tradition with modern comforts. Th...
Things to do in the area
Empangeni Arts and Cultural History Museum
Any visit to South Africa demands that you explore the arts, crafts and cultures of this country; and the Empangeni Arts and Cultural History Mus...
Boardwalk Inkwazi Mall
The Boardwalk Inkwazi Mall is one of the most popular centres of shopping and entertainment in Richards Bay. Here, more than 65 000 square metres...
Noteworthy attractions
AmaZulu Game Reserve
Situated in Northern KwaZulu Natal, on the banks of the Mkuze River, the Amazulu Private Game Reserve is the home of the Amakhosi and Mkuze Falls...
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the only park under formal conservation in KwaZulu Natal where the Big Five occur. Established in 1895, this is the...
Ithala Game Reserve
This magnificent Ithala Game reserve, tumbling from the heights of the Ngotshe Mountains a thousand meters down into a deep valley, carved over t...
Mkhuze Game Reserve
Situated in northern Zululand, this 40 000 hectare reserve was proclaimed a protected area in 1912. Mkuze Game Reserve constitutes the north west...
Mkuze Falls Private Game Reserve
Situated in the heart of historic Zululand in the South African province of KwaZulu Natal, Mkuze Falls is one of only two Private Game Reserves i...
Pakamisa Game Reserve
The Pakamisa Private Game Reserve comprises a pristine malaria free wilderness area of some 2500 hectares. Access to the reserve is restricted, e...
Pongola Nature Reserve
The Pongola Nature Reserve was first proclaimed in 1894 and is the second oldest reserve in the world and the oldest in South Africa. Pongola Nat...
Richards Bay Game Reserve
The Reserve has remnant stands of swamp forest, the Thulazihleka Bird viewing hide in small swamp and the Tidal Mudflats and shallows south of th...
Ubizane Wildlife Reserve
Ubizane Wildlife Reserve boasts a variety of wildlife including white rhino, giraffe, wildebeest, zebra, most species of antelope, and over 350 s...
Accommodation near Thula Thula Game Reserve
FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Zululand Accommodation / Empangeni Accommodation