Situated two hours from Durban in a malaria-free area, Thula Thula is the oldest private game reserve in Zululand and is home to elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard and superb birdlife. The Elephant Safari Lodge has eight luxurious air-conditioned chalets, elegantly decorated in ethnic and colonial style. Each chalet has a private verandah. The Lodge is a renowned gourmet destination. The Luxury Tented Camp is an African safari camp of a past era. Eight luxury tents each have a private deck, fan, mosquito net and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath and outside shower. The private conference room has great bush views and seats 32 delegates. The separate boardroom is fully air-conditioned and has lounge, bar and library with TV. Extra activities include massage therapy, visits to an authentic Zulu village and the Hluhluwe-Imfolosi game reserve. WE OFFER 2 DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION : ELEPHANT SAFARI LODGE – * * * * * Absolute luxury with 8 air-conditioned chalets, elegantly decorated in ethnic and colonial style, private verandah, mosquito nets. Exclusive Suites offering the ultimate in luxury and comfort : The Suite Royale, our honeymoon suite, and the Suite Imperiale, fit for Royalty. The Safari Lodge offers superb cuisine and is one of the most renowned gourmet destinations of Kwazulu Natal. Children welcome from 8 years old. LUXURY TENTED CAMP – * * * * Rediscover Nature in great style and true to the African safari camp of a past era at the Thula Thula luxury tented camp, where the peaceful essence of the African bush can be heard and felt.Exclusivity is assured with only 8 luxury tents with private decks, fan, mosquito net and en-suite bathroom with Victorian bath and outside shower. View wildlife while sipping a cocktail from the swimming pool bar or relax in your hammock overlooking the Enseleni river.Dine under the stars in the boma for a traditional South African braai (barbecue) or “potjie”(meat stew with vegetables cooked on the fire in a cast iron pot) where you will share stories of the day’s game viewing with our dedicated rangers and trackers. Children welcome from 2 years old. CONFERENCE CENTER - Airconditioned for up to 32 delegates. Elegant boardroom with lounge, bar, TV and library. EXTRA ACTIVITIES include massage therapy, visit of an authentic Zulu village, Hluhluwe-Umfolosi game reserve ( 30 min from Cengeni Gate) and Ste Lucia Estuary cruise. DAY VISITORS welcome for game drive and lunch.
DIRECTIONS TO THULA THULA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE AND SAFARI LODGE – ZULULAND -
FROM JOHANNESBURG ( 5 to 7 hours)
Take the N2 out of Johannesburg towards Kwazulu Natal through Mpumalanga. Drive past Ermelo, Piet Ritief and Pongola. At the Richards Bay/Empangeni turn-off, take the R34 to Empangeni. Drive through Empangeni following the direction of Nkwalini/Melmoth, then turn right towards Heatonville. Follow the road for about 10 km crossing 3 railway tracks. After the 3rd track, at the T-junction turn left onto a dirt road, follow the road upward for about 8 km, and turn right for 2 km to Thula Thula and arrive at the gate. NB. From the Heatonville turnoff the road is signposted.
OR
Take the N2 out of Johannesburg towards Mpumalanga. Drive past Ermelo and Piet Ritief; take a turnoff to the R33 towards Paulpietersburg/Vryheid. At Vryheid, take the R34 to Babanango/Melmoth. Drive past Melmoth, when you get to Nkwalini, turn left to Empangeni (R34), drive for 36 km and take a second turnoff left to Heatonville and follow directions as above. NB. From the Heatonville turnoff the road is signposted.
FROM DURBAN (2 Hours)
Take the N2 North bound to Empangeni. At the Empangeni turn off take the R34 to Empangeni. Drive through Empangeni following the direction of Nkwalini/Melmoth. Take a right turn towards Heatonville, cross 3 train tracks. After the 3rd track at the T-junction turn left onto a dirt road follow the road upward for about 8 km, then turn right for about 2 km and arrive at the gate.
NB. From the Heatonville turnoff the road is signposted.
FROM THE DRAKENSBERG AREA (4 – 6 Hours)
Drive back to the N3; follow the N3 towards Durban, past Howick/Pietermaritzburg. Drive past the Pavilion Shopping Complex. Take the N2 North and follow directions as Durban above.
NB: From the Heatonville turnoff, the road is signposted.
The gate of the game reserve closes at 5pm.
Please contact us for our special packages.










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