Zulu culture at the heart of Thanda Safari Lodge

I think what makes Thanda so unique is that nothing’s a trouble. We can do whatever we want to do. We’re family owned by the Olofssons who are the largest private investors in Africa and also the largest philanthropists, so to have them as our chairman and owner we are extremely blessed. The ethos was to preserve wilderness, to reintroduce naturally occurring game (non-exotic game) – including all the Big Five – and to create a sanctuary. Now we’re proud to say the lodge is one of the Leading Hotels of the World.

Thanda’s location is in the heartland of Zululand on the original footprint of the first proclaimed nature reserve in Africa. Historically it was the Zulu King’s hunting grounds. The views are expansive. It’s in the rolling hills with a lot of high elevated points, beautiful valleys and dense vegetation like the south veld red grass and natural acacia bush that lend itself to carrying large herds of game animals.

The circle-shaped villas are modelled on the traditional African umuzi hut. Everything is fashioned into circles from the fireplace to the outdoor sala lounge. Game come right up to the property – elephant drink quite often from the splash pool which is quite remarkable. At dinner we love to offer authentic African cuisine such as pap (maize porridge) and your typical barbecue braai with warthog sausage, venison steaks or crocodile as well as the usual red meat and chicken.

We are very proud of our Zulu team. We have about 160 members of staff, just over 90% of whom are Zulu and support over 1,600 people in our surrounding area; on average one bread winner supports as many as 10 people in the family. We always involve the community; mamas come and dance, Zulu dancers perform, and we support the school choirs from where the young kids come and sing gospel songs. They have the most beautiful voices.