Travel Advice
Thanda Safari.
NEED TO KNOW
When should we visit Thanda?
Come in summer (the rainy season) if:
- You enjoy hot weather (30C+ / 90F+)
- You want to spend time on the beach
- You want to see most of the country (Cape Town, the wine-growing areas, the Garden Route, KwaZulu Natal).
- You don’t mind occasional rain
- The rainy season usually starts in October and ends in March (but it can start as early as September and end as late as April).
Come in winter (the dry season) if:
- You don’t mind cool nights (5-10C / 40-50F) and mild days (20-25C / 70F)
- The best dry season months for wildlife viewing are June, July and August.
Do I need to take Malaria medication?
How do we contact the reserve?
People wishing to reach us can call +27 (0) 35 940 2220. In emergencies, please call us on +27 (0) 32 586 0149.
What is the communication infrastructure like?
Each suite at Thanda Safari Lodge has a telephone and there is Wifi available. There is also Wifi in the shared areas (lounge and dining area) of Thanda Tented Camp, but there are no telephones, owing to the absence of electricity. There is reception for mobile phones in some parts of the reserve, but please be aware that the mountains do obstruct mobile phone signal in some areas.
What do I need to know about the electricity in South Africa?
Do I need to bring any special clothing with me?
Bring warm clothing for winter game drives (including hats, scarves and gloves) and cooler, lighter clothing (that shields you from the sun) for summer game drives. Be aware that some guests find the early mornings / late nights chilly, even in summer. No matter when you visit, it is advisable to bring a good pair of walking shoes and a sun hat, as well as a good sun-block.
Please remember not to display valuables (including devices) or jewellery unnecessarily, especially in your car.
Can I safely drink the tap water in South Africa?
Although tap water in South Africa is safe to drink, we recommend that you use the bottled water provided for drinking.
What should I know about tours, curios and guides?
Visit traditional areas with registered tourism operators or tour guides and ask them about the cultural protocol of the area. Help to conserve natural environments and protect wildlife, by not purchasing endangered plants or animal parts or products made from them. Feel free to purchase local handicrafts, curios and products that support the local economy, using the principles of fair trade.
What are the requirements for child travel?
Effective 1 November 2019, the regulations for children travelling in and out of South Africa have been relaxed. It is however recommended that travellers under the age of 18, regardless of nationality, carry an unabridged birth certificate as well as a valid passport.
Thanda Island.
NEED TO KNOW
What's the weather like on the island?
Thanda Island offers beautiful, warm, tropical weather. Rain showers are mostly short, followed by sunshine, bringing a wonderful renewal and freshness to the environment.
Here is a short weather guide for you:
- June to October: Beautiful weather; it’s hot and humid with short rain showers and plenty of sunshine. The perfect season to spend at a luxury, private resort.
- July to mid-September: This is the time of the south-easterly Kusi trade winds.
- November: The weather is mostly good with short rain showers (known as ‘vuli’).
- December to March: Beautiful weather with short rain showers and the north-easterly Kaskazi trade winds.
- April to May: An increase in rainfall with many sunny days between the rains.
Temperature
Temperatures are wonderfully warm, rather than exessively hot, even though Thanda Island is in the tropics. The temperature ranges from 27 to 31°C. The water temperature ranges from 27 to 29°C.
Rainfall
Thanda Island has a tropical climate with approximately 1,800mm of rain each year, divided into two specific rain seasons: the “long” rains in late April to May and the “short” rains in November.
Tradewinds
Thanda Island lies across the trade winds and experiences the northeast (Kaskazi) and southeast (Kusi) trade wind seasons. The Kaskazi usually starts at the end of November and lasts into February. The Kusi is from early July through to mid-September.
Thanda Cruise.
NEED TO KNOW
Visas
Depending on your nationality, we can help you to check which visas you require. We recommend that if you need any visas, that you get them in your home country prior to travelling. Visas can be purchased on arrival at certain destinations, but queues can be long.
Vaccines and Health Precautions
We advise you to consult your doctor, health department or travel clinic regarding the required vaccines and health precautions, including the appropriate malaria medication, if required. Several of the destinations are malaria-free, but it is best to seek medical advice in this regard.
Emergencies
The Thanda Classic Cruise has first aid and evacuation measures for any emergency.
