Call us on
    Exit
    Exit

    The Elephant Coast, South Africa

    Thanda Safari Lodge

    Enormous Private Villas and Spa

    Thanda’s Safari Lodge features a level of luxury, service and Bushveld character that’s unrivalled – as recognised by the World Travel Awards which has frequently awarded it the prestigious title of ‘Africa’s Leading Luxury Lodge’.

    Nine, very large, detached private villa suites are the essence of the lavish safari experience. Each have their own sala with plunge pool, separate lounge, open fireplaces and boma for private dining.

    The main lodge here houses an Africology Spa, cigar bar, library, dining room and lounge.

    Highlights

    Game Drives and Bush Walks

    Star Gazing

    Bush breakfasts and dinners

    Wildlife Lectures

    ??Junior Ranger? courses for kids

    Bird Watching

    Crocodile Feeding

    Traditional Zulu village tour

    Gemstone and Geology Trails

    Tiger Fishing

    Canoeing

    Hiking in Mountains, Ancient Caves At St Lucia Estuary:

    Hippo and Crocodile

    Expeditions

    Diving

    Whale Watching

    Turtle Tours

    Deep Sea Fishing

    Marine Mammal Boat Trip

    Nine villa suites

    All with private plunge pools, separate lounge, viewing decks and bomas Main Lodge here:

    Spa

    Cigar Bar

    Library

    Dining Room

    Ready to plan your adventure?

    Whatever you want from your trip, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Trip Inspiration

    Get inspired with our South Africa example trips and then get in touch to plan your own adventure

    Plan your trip to South Africa

    Whatever you want from your adventure in South Africa, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.

    Places to combine Thanda Safari Lodge with

    Azura Marlin Beach

    Mozambique

    Azura Marlin Beach

    Azura Marlin Beach is located on the shores of Benguerra Island in Mozambique. The resort’s ten beautifully designed villas blend local craftsmanship with contemporary elegance, creating a seamless harmony between nature and comfort. Choose from beach villas and beach villa grandes or indulge in the exclusivity of villa vista, a spacious private sanctuary featuring two separate suites, a large pool and an expansive entertainment area, ideal for families or friends travelling together. Each villa is curated for both seclusion and connection, with open-air living spaces. The soft ocean breeze drifts through private terraces, while personal plunge pools offer a secluded oasis to bask in the sun. 

    Thoughtfully designed public areas maximise sweeping views over the Indian Ocean, providing tranquil spaces to relax, dine and take in the beauty of the island. Mornings begin with freshly prepared breakfasts overlooking the water, followed by leisurely afternoons spent poolside, where the sun-drenched deck invites deep relaxation. Evenings unfold with elegant candlelit dinners beneath the starry night, the soft glow of lanterns illuminating the beachfront setting. For a taste of Mozambican tradition, the lively weekly beach bbq is a guest favourite, offering an immersive experience of grilled seafood, local specialties and storytelling under the open sky.

    Two Mile Reef, one of the region’s most pristine snorkelling and diving sites, reveals an underwater world of breathtaking colour and movement, where manta rays sweep gracefully through the depths and rare marine species make their home among the corals. PADI 5-Star certified scuba diving excursions, led by expert instructors, offer a deeper glimpse into this extraordinary ecosystem, while deep-sea fishing expeditions provide the thrilling opportunity to seek out the legendary black marlin that the Bazaruto Archipelago is renowned for.

    The resort’s open-air treehouse spa provides a haven of rejuvenation, where skilled therapists use traditional African oils and balms to melt away tension.

    Wilderness Magashi Peninsula

    Rwanda

    Wilderness Magashi Peninsula

    Wilderness Magashi Peninsula is the sister property of Wilderness Magashi Camp, an exclusive retreat in the heart of Akagera National Park in Rwanda that offers an immersive safari experience. Set within a private concession on the shores of Lake Rwanyakazinga, with the Mutumba Mountains rising in the distance, this eight-bed camp is designed for those seeking unparalleled privacy and connection to nature. Here, the vast landscapes of open plains, acacia woodlands, shimmering lakes and rolling grasslands form the backdrop to extraordinary wildlife encounters. Akagera is a conservation success story, home to one of Africa’s most diverse ecosystems. Over 500 bird species fill the air with their calls, while elephants wade in the lake and hippos bask along its banks.

    The camp comprises a stunning four-bed villa and two twin suites, each elevated to maximise the panoramic views over the lake. Private plunge pools invite moments of quiet reflection and the villa’s multi-purpose room is adaptable as a gym, office or family space. Personalised in-villa dining and a dedicated private guide transform each stay into a deeply personal journey, allowing you to explore the wilderness at your own pace. Embark on a morning game drive, glide silently through the waterways on a boating safari or set out on a guided nature walk.

    Rooted in sustainability and inspired by Rwanda’s rich culinary heritage, the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Start the day with a signature ‘rolex’ breakfast wrap, a beloved Rwandan street food specialty, and end it with a Kugisha dinner, a communal feast accompanied by traditional storytelling and song.

    As with all Wilderness camps, conservation and community engagement are at the heart of Magashi Peninsula. In partnership with the Akagera Management Company, Wilderness supports vital initiatives such as predator monitoring, invasive plant management and educational programs designed to inspire the next generation of conservationists. Magashi Peninsula builds upon this legacy, ensuring that both wildlife and local communities thrive side by side.

    Ariel view of waves breaking on a forested shoreline