The best of the bush experiences.
THANDA SAFARI ACTIVITIES
Thanda Safari is a five-star Big Five safari experience. But it is also more than this because of Thanda’s commitment to partnering with our neighbouring Zulu communities to achieve a better life for all. Job creation, career advancement, socio-economic upliftment, educational advancement, the preservation of Zulu culture and our wildlife, as well as working together in the fight against poaching, are all part of Thanda Safari.
Bush Walk.
Experience a guided walk through the bush, a heightened sensory experience where every sound and scent is magnified as you get closer to nature. Your ranger will show you different plants, insects and birdlife as well as the flora and fauna of the Zululand area. Learn to identify the spoor and scat of different animals on this truly amazing experience.
2-3 hour activity | max 6 pax
Rhino Tracking.
Help to conserve our rhinos! Extraordinary effort is required to protect these magnificent creatures threatened with extinction as a result of poaching by international criminal syndicates. Now you can actively contribute to conserving the rhinos on Thanda Safari by joining our specialist rhino monitors who daily locate and record data on our black and white rhinos.
3 to 4-hour activity | max 4 pax
Rhino Darting.
Guests have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be in close contact with a rhino. Witness the darting of this prehistoric animal and assist the wildlife team in notching the sedated rhino for identification and research purposes, before releasing it back into the wild. The price includes the helicopter that is used in locating the rhino, as well as all costs involved in the darting, genetic sampling, and notching.
Half-day customised activity | max 14 pax
Cheetah Tracking.
This activity is hosted by a member of the Wildlife Conservation Team and starts just before sunrise. Guests will spend 3 to 4 hours helping the team track and identify the cheetah whilst learning all about their ecology, the threats to the species, behavioural and feeding patterns, and much more.
Customised activity | max 4 pax
In the footsteps of the Zulus.
Your Zulu cultural and community experience can include visiting a traditional homestead and village; spending time with a traditional healer (Sangoma); exploring King Shaka’s battlefields; meeting students at Thanda’s Star for Life schools or participating in community projects and Zulu celebrations.
Customised activity | min 2 pax
In the path of wildlife.
Thanda is passionate about conservation. Our team of trackers, guides, and researchers work tirelessly to ensure that our wildlife is healthy and protected. Guests have the opportunity to work with the conservation team for a day – this can include tracking and monitoring the Big Five, participating in game counts or translocating animals (seasonal).
Customised activity | min 2 pax
Hippo and Croc Cruise.
The St. Lucia Estuary is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Africa’s largest estuarine system and a World Heritage Site. The largest congregation of Nile crocodiles and African hippos can be found in this area, which is also the last significant breeding ground for the world-famous giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles. Experience a two-hour interactive boat trip up the St. Lucia Estuary, led by knowledgeable rangers.
5-hour excursion | min 2 pax
