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Thula Thula Game Lodge

4.0 star property
Lodge in Ntambanana with 2 outdoor pools and free breakfast
your current months are December, 2024 and January, 2025.
December 2024
January 2025

Photo gallery for Thula Thula Game Lodge

Honeymoon Suite
Suite Imperiale
Breakfast, lunch, dinner served; local cuisine
2 outdoor pools
Terrace/patio

Reviews

9.0 out of 10

Wonderful

Popular amenities

  • Bar
  • Pool
  • Breakfast included
  • Spa
  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry

Explore the area

Map
D 312 Buchanana Main Road, Ntambanana, KwaZulu-Natal, 3880
  • Tusk Umfolozi Casino
    32 min drive
  • Enseleni Nature Reserve
    40 min drive
  • Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park
    56 min drive
  • Richards Bay (RCB)
    71 min drive

Room options

View all photos for Luxury Safari Suites 6 (Queen Size Bed )

Luxury Safari Suites 6 (Queen Size Bed )

Luxury Safari Suites 6 (Queen Size Bed )

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Suite Imperiale

Suite Imperiale

Suite Imperiale

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
  • Sleeps 4
  • 2 Double Beds

View all photos for Luxury Safari

1 bedroom, desk, WiFi

Luxury Safari

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Tented Camps

Tented Camps

Tented Camps

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
  • Sleeps 2
  • 2 Single Beds

View all photos for Family Tent

Family Tent

Family Tent

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Day bed
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
  • Sleeps 4
  • 3 Single Beds

View all photos for Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Deluxe Room

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
  • Sleeps 1
  • 1 Queen Bed

View all photos for Honeymoon Suite

Honeymoon Suite

Honeymoon Suite

Highlights

Balcony or patio
Separate sitting area
Air conditioning
Separate bedroom
Separate bath and shower
Private bathroom
Coffee/tea maker
Desk
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

About the area

Ntambanana

At Thula Thula Game Lodge, you'll be 21.3 km (13.2 mi) from Ntambanana Umtapo Wolwazi Public Library and 27.2 km (16.9 mi) from Life Empangeni Private Hospital. Highlights at this lodge include 2 outdoor swimming pools, a restaurant and free daily breakfast. .A day of pampering can include deep-tissue massages and aromatherapy. At the lodge's own lounge bar or poolside bar, you can enjoy a drink. Enjoy access to a safari, a wildlife and game drive and game viewing. Added amenities include Wi-Fi in public areas and laundry facilities. Each morning free full breakfast is offered between 7 AM and 10 AM. There's also free self parking, along with the convenience of an airport shuttle. .With a stay at this 4-property class Ntambanana lodge, you'll be 27.3 km (17 mi) from Ngwelezana Hospital and 27.8 km (17.3 mi) from Medicross Tamela.
View more Lodges in NtambananaOpens in a new window

What's nearby

  • Tusk Umfolozi Casino - 32 min drive
  • Enseleni Nature Reserve - 40 min drive
  • Boardwalk Mall - 42 min drive
  • Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park - 56 min drive
  • Ophathe Game Reserve - 63 min drive

Getting around

  • Richards Bay (RCB) - 71 min drive

About this property

Thula Thula Game Lodge

Lodge in Ntambanana with 2 outdoor pools and free breakfast
Thula Thula Game Lodge offers its guests 2 outdoor swimming pools. There's a restaurant on site. You can enjoy a drink at one of the bars, which include a poolside bar and a bar/lounge. Free breakfast is available daily. Public spaces have WiFi for a fee.

Spa services, a terrace, and barbecue grills are also featured at the business-friendly Thula Thula Game Lodge. An airport shuttle (available on request) is available for a fee. Self parking is free.

  • 8 guestrooms or units
  • Full breakfast (free)
  • Dry cleaning
  • Self-service laundry
  • Front desk (limited hours)
  • Concierge
  • Terrace
  • Garden
  • BBQ grill(s)
  • Outdoor picnic space
  • Bar or lounge
  • 1 conference room
  • Bar by the pool
  • Dining venue
Thula Thula Game Lodge offers 8 accommodations with coffee/tea makers. Rooms open to balconies or patios. This accommodation offers separate sitting areas and includes desks. This Ntambanana lodge provides wireless Internet access for a surcharge. Bathrooms include a separate bath and shower. Housekeeping is provided on a daily basis.
Guests can pamper themselves by indulging in the on-site spa services. Services include deep-tissue massages and massages. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy and reflexology.

Languages

English, French

Property amenities

Internet

  • Available in all rooms: WiFi (ZAR 50 per day)
  • Available in some public areas: WiFi (ZAR 20 per hour)

Parking and transport

  • Return airport shuttle (surcharge) during limited hours on request
  • Free self parking on site

Food and drink

  • Free full breakfast available daily 7 AM to 10 AM
  • A bar/lounge
  • A poolside bar
  • A restaurant

Things to do

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Game drive
  • Game viewing
  • Safari

Family friendly

  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Laundry facilities
  • Separate bedroom

Conveniences

  • Laundry facilities
  • Limited-hour front desk

Guest services

  • Concierge services
  • Dry cleaning/laundry service
  • Housekeeping (daily)

Business services

  • Meeting room

Outdoors

  • Barbecue grill
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace

Spa

  • Aromatherapy
  • Deep-tissue massages
  • Reflexology

Room amenities

Bathroom

  • Private bathroom
  • Separate bathtub and shower
  • Towels provided

Food and drink

  • Coffee/tea maker

More

  • Air conditioning (climate-controlled)
  • Desk
  • Separate sitting area

Policies

Check-in

Check-in start time: 1 PM; check-in end time: 6 PM
Contactless check-in and check-out are available
Minimum check-in age - 18

Check-out

Check-out before 11 AM
Contactless check-out

Special check-in instructions

This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
The front desk is open daily from 8 AM - 5 PM
Guests must contact the property in advance for check-in instructions; front desk staffed during limited hours
To make arrangements for check-in please contact the property ahead of time using the information on the booking confirmation
If you are planning to arrive after 5 PM please contact the property in advance using the information on the booking confirmation

Access methods

Front desk (limited hours)

Pets

  • No pets allowed

Children and extra beds

  • Children are welcome.
  • Rollaway/extra beds are not available.
  • Cots (infant beds) are not available.

Payment types

Important information

Optional extras

The fees and deposits listed below will be charged at the time of service, check-in, or check-out.

  • Fee for in-room wireless Internet: ZAR 50 per day (rates may vary)
  • Fee for wireless Internet in public areas: ZAR 20.00 per hour (rates may vary)

This may not be a comprehensive list. Fees and deposits are subject to change and might not include tax.

You need to know

Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
This property accepts credit cards
Cashless transactions are available
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit
Charges for extra guests may apply and vary according to property policy.
A cash deposit, credit card or debit card for incidental charges and government-issued photo identification may be required upon check-in.
Special requests are subject to availability at the time of check-in. Special requests can't be guaranteed and may incur additional charges.
    This property is managed by a professional host. The provision of housing is linked to their trade, business or profession. This property accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners Club. For guests' safety, the property includes a carbon monoxide detector, a fire extinguisher, a smoke detector, a security system and a first aid kit in all accommodation. Cashless payment methods are available for all transactions.

National rating

Quality graded by the Tourism Grading Council of South Africa (TGCSA) – South Africa's official quality assurance organisation.

Property is also known as

Thula Thula Game Lodge Ntambanana
Thula Thula Game Lodge
Thula Thula Game Ntambanana
Thula Thula Game Lodge Lodge
Thula Thula Game Lodge Ntambanana
Thula Thula Game Lodge Lodge Ntambanana

Frequently asked questions

Is parking available at Thula Thula Game Lodge?

Yep, Thula Thula Game Lodge has a free self car park.

Are there any beaches close to Thula Thula Game Lodge?

The closest beach to Thula Thula Game Lodge is Alkandstrand Beach (40.5 km).

Is there a spa on site at Thula Thula Game Lodge?

There's no onsite spa, but this property does offer services like deep-tissue massages.

Does Thula Thula Game Lodge have a pool?

Thula Thula Game Lodge has 2 outdoor swimming pools. Grab your bathers and lounge poolside while enjoying with a coldie from the bar.

What makes Thula Thula Game Lodge a romantic place to stay?

A lounge bar, plus private balconies in the guestrooms, help set the scene for a romantic weekend at Thula Thula Game Lodge.

Does Thula Thula Game Lodge serve breakfast?

Yep, complimentary full breakfast is served daily between 7 AM and 10 AM.

Is there a free airport shuttle available at Thula Thula Game Lodge?

No, but there's an airport shuttle on request for a fee.

Is there a bar or restaurant at Thula Thula Game Lodge?

Yep, they've got a lounge bar and an onsite restaurant that serves local cuisine. Pre dinner cocktails anyone?

What time are check-in & check-out at Thula Thula Game Lodge?

Check-in begins at 1 PM. Check-out time is 11 AM.

Are pets allowed at Thula Thula Game Lodge?

No, pets are not allowed.

Thula Thula Game Lodge Reviews

Reviews

9.0

Wonderful

Rating 10 - Excellent. 9 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 8 - Good. 3 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 6 - Okay. 1 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 4 - Poor. 1 out of 14 reviews" "
Rating 2 - Terrible. 0 out of 14 reviews" "

9.4/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.8/10

Amenities

9.2/10

Property conditions & facilities

10/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Excellent

BEN

Travelled with family, Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thula Thula had an abundance of wildlife, which is what we came to see.The staff was knowledgeable & courteous.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Timothy

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Wonderful stay at Fatula, all of the staff were great combination, charming, and interesting and informative. Our Ranger Senzo, Who led all of our game drives, was excellent, couldn’t have had a more knowledgeable and enthusiastic ambassador for the reserve And South Africa wildlife in general.
Stayed 2 nights in Sep 2024

10/10 Excellent

Edwina

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
We loved absolutely everything about the accommodation, the game drives and excellent game ranger (Khaya) and we can't say enough about all the staff who were wonderful. "Meeting" the elephants talked about in the books was so moving and one we'll never forget. It was a truly magical experience.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2024

8/10 Good

jean-francois

Liked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2024

10/10 Excellent

John

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
The game drives were fantastic, Andrew is very good, he knows the game and birds very well, he is excellent with the Elephant's, the way he talks to them, coming right up to the vehicle, it was amazing our best sighting of Elephant ever. thank you Andrew.
Stayed 3 nights in Sep 2023

10/10 Excellent

Verified traveller

Travelled with partner
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Amazing. Got to meet elephants and baby rhinos. Beautiful place. Wonderful staff. Trip of a lifetime.
Stayed 1 night in Sep 2018

10/10 Excellent

Donna, Connecticut, USA

Travelled with group
Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, amenities, property conditions & facilities
Thula Thula was an incredibly unique experience. Our inspiration were the books written by Lawrence Anthony who is Francoise's husband. Please read The Elephant Whisperer prior to arrival. The guide, Muzi, was very knowledgeable about the environment and appeared to have a personal relationship with the elephants and rhinos. It was clear that he truly enjoyed and respected them. Incredible experience. The proximity to the animals added to our experience. Kruger was okay. Thula Thula was fantastic. Exceeded our expectations.
Stayed 2 nights in Jan 2020

4/10 Poor

Verified traveller

Liked: Staff & service
Disliked: Cleanliness, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Very disappointing. Meals very ordinary. General appearance tatty. False advertising.
Stayed 1 night in Dec 2018

8/10 Good

Glenda, London United Kingdom

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
We stayed in the tented camp which was very quiet and peaceful.
Stayed 2 nights in Nov 2018

10/10 Excellent

WildlifeConserv, United States

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Not only a safari lodge, a safari experience
Those familiar with Lawrence Anthony's humanitarian and conservation work, books, and non-profit programs (Lawrence Anthony Earth Organization) know Thula Thula's reputation as a prime location to see healthy, friendly elephants in Zululand. As Thula Thula is not a "big five" property, the luxury safari experience is geared towards seeing the elephants rescued by the Anthonys as well as orphaned white rhino. The Safari Lodge accommodations are individual cabins with great decor and a view of the wilderness. They offer two game drives per day, as well as an optional game walk in the late morning, and are an excellent value. Food at the Safari Lodge is served family-style (eating separately is an option), giving guests an opportunity to socialize over phenomenal 2-course lunches and full course dinners. The Luxury Tented Camp accommodations have a more qualified game ranger, so guests wanting to see the world famous elephants would do well to spend the extra time and money for accommodations there. Or stay for 3+ nights to have the best odds of seeing them. Intermittent problems with the complimentary WiFi was disappointing. WiFi for the guests at the camp and lodge had been out for 3 days when I arrived and was still out when I departed. However their infrastructure is being upgraded and I was told it would be fixed soon. The housekeeping and hospitality staff are excellent and incredibly focused on providing guests with the best experience possible.

10/10 Excellent

Charmaine, London

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Outstanding!
My partner and I had am thoroughly enjoyable stay at Thula Thula Safari Lodge. We could not fault it in any way and would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to spoil themselves and enjoy the wonderful wildlife and scenery. The trackers were extremely knowledgeable and humorous and were able to find us lots of animals. I had also read the Elephant Whisperer beforehand so it was very special to meet the elephants by name :-)

8/10 Good

Verified traveller

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Anthony's Thula Thula
Having read Anthony Lawrence's books, it was a must do. So fabulous to see the elephants and rhino as featured. The park is a beautiful. Having an opportunity to walk through the bush and explore the small animal world and flora was really special. The staff were fabulous and took very good care of us during our stay.

10/10 Excellent

Thérèse

Liked: Cleanliness, staff & service, property conditions & facilities, room comfort
Stayed 5 nights in Apr 2023

6/10 Okay

Christophe

Stayed 2 nights in Oct 2022