Thula Thula Private Game Reserve is a 5000-hectare wildlfe sanctuary in the heart of Zululand.
Image: Instagram
A couple of weeks ago, while scrolling through TikTok, I stumbled across a video about the late Lawrence Anthony, the renowned conservationist affectionately known as South Africa’s “Elephant Whisperer”.
As an animal lover, I quickly found myself deep in what social media users call “elephant-tok”, fascinated by the remarkable story of a man who formed an extraordinary bond with a herd of wild African elephants.
The video had been shared by an American content creator and was told through a distinctly international lens.
While watching, I realised something important: some of South Africa’s most inspiring stories are often discovered abroad before they are celebrated at home.
Little did I know that I would soon find myself standing in the very place where Anthony’s legacy continues to thrive.
A few weeks later, I was invited to Thula Thula Private Game Reserve in Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, to cover the collaring of four cheetahs as part of an ongoing conservation initiative.
Excited yet slightly apprehensive, I accepted the invitation. My spirit for adventure won over any nerves.
The reserve is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Durban, and I decided to make the journey with my mother. It would be our first wildlife adventure together.
“Mom and I are going on safari.”
That simple text message to my sister perfectly summed up our expectations. We were simply looking forward to a much-needed escape and a chance to reconnect with nature.
After getting lost in eNgwelezane and eventually switching GPS applications, we finally arrived at Thula Thula Exclusive Private Game Reserve.
We were warmly welcomed at the reception by the reserve’s owner, Francoise Malby-Anthony.
Tall, elegant and instantly approachable, she spoke with a friendly French accent and a warmth that immediately put us at ease.
As the pieces of the story began to fall into place, our arrival coincided perfectly with our first game drive.
We climbed into the safari vehicle and headed out into the African bush. Class, as they say, was officially in session.
Named after the Zulu word meaning “peace and tranquillity”, Thula Thula is a 5,000-hectare wildlife sanctuary renowned for its conservation efforts, luxury safari experiences and fascinating history.
The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, rhinos, cheetahs, giraffes, buffalo, wildebeest, kudu, impala, hyenas, hippos, white-backed vultures and numerous bird species.
Although Thula Thula is most famous for its elephants, it was the story of Thabo the rhino that truly opened my eyes to the importance of conservation.
Thabo, a southern white rhino, was rescued as an orphan in 2009 after poachers killed his mother.
Found as a vulnerable calf beside her carcass, he was hand-raised and rehabilitated at the reserve.
Today, he lives freely in the wild, yet still seeks out human interaction from time to time.
As our safari vehicle approached, Thabo slowly moved towards us, seemingly eager to connect.
However, our guide carefully backed away. His response reflected a critical conservation principle: wild animals must remain wild.
While the encounter was touching, it served as a reminder that rehabilitation is about allowing animals to thrive independently.
As the sun began to set, our game drive concluded with sundowners in the bush and quiet reflection.
The vast landscapes of Thula Thula felt less like a tourist destination and more like a sanctuary where wildlife is given the space and protection it deserves.
That evening, we returned to Elephant Lodge, ready for dinner and eager for the adventures that awaited us the following day.
Accommodation at Thula Thula’s Elephant Safari Lodge offers a blend of comfort, luxury and authentic safari charm.
The lodge features eight luxury thatched chalets, including six standard suites alongside two premium options: the Suite Impériale and the honeymoon-focused Suite Royale.
From the moment we stepped inside our chalet, it was clear that every detail had been thoughtfully considered.
The spacious interiors embraced a timeless safari aesthetic, blending seamlessly with the surrounding environment.
A king-sized bed draped with mosquito nets dominated the room, while wooden floors and wildlife-inspired artwork created a warm and inviting atmosphere.
On the walls hung portraits of elephants, rhinos and warthogs - some of the reserve’s most iconic residents.
Touches such as a cheetah-print chair, crisp white linen, burnt-orange throws, and animal-print scatter cushions served as subtle reminders that we were immersed in the heart of the African bush.
Outside, the clay-coloured villas with traditional thatched roofs blended beautifully into the natural landscape.
As night fell, kudu, impala and wildebeest quietly wandered into the lodge grounds, grazing peacefully before settling down for the evening.
Later that night, curiosity got the better of me, and I searched for the accommodation rates.
Let’s just say I nearly fell off the bed. Smiling to myself, I closed my laptop and counted my blessings.
The restaurant and lounge area at The elephant Lodge at Thula Thula Private Game Reserve.
Image: Instagram
No safari experience is complete without exceptional food, and Thula Thula certainly delivers.
While the reserve is firmly rooted in the heart of Zululand, the culinary experience reflects Francoise Malby-Anthony’s French heritage.
Each day begins with coffee and biscuits before the morning game drive, followed by another refreshment stop in the bush.
Guests then return to the lodge for a leisurely breakfast.
The breakfast menu offers an extensive selection of cereals, fruit, yoghurt, freshly baked muffins, breads and croissants, alongside a choice of hot dishes.
Options range from omelette egg soufflés and cheesy French toast to smoked salmon and scrambled eggs served with a buttery croissant.
Dinner follows a similar philosophy, offering a multi-course dining experience with a selection of starters, entrées, mains and desserts.
Every course presents several options, ensuring there is something to suit every palate.
One of the highlights of my stay was a beautifully prepared kudu steak served with seasonal vegetables.
The dish was expertly cooked and showcased the lodge’s commitment to quality dining.
Thula Thula Private Game Reserve offers far more than luxury accommodation and memorable wildlife sightings.
It is a place where conservation, education and tourism work together to protect South Africa’s natural heritage.
Whether it is rehabilitating orphaned rhinos, monitoring endangered cheetahs or preserving elephant populations, every experience at the reserve carries a deeper purpose.
I arrived expecting a safari adventure. I left with a greater appreciation for conservation and the people dedicated to protecting wildlife for future generations.
Sometimes the best travel experiences are not about ticking destinations off a bucket list.
They are about discovering stories that stay with you long after the journey ends.