Thula Thula Game Lodge

In addition to the 2 lovely safari lodges at the Thula Thula Reserve is a hidden gem and opportunity known as the Volunteer Academy (VA). This was my 11th trip to Africa (6th to South Africa) and certainly one of the most memorable. I have just returned from my 3 week volunteer opportunity/adventure and certainly I am planning to return. The VA holds a maximum of 8 volunteers for 1-3 weeks and each session begins on the 1st of every month. The campus/compound is located on the most beautiful spot in the whole reserve high up on the hillside…the views are breathtaking. For those of you who have read the book, we look down at Lawrence’s favorite spot…Mkhulu dam. The accommodations are perfect as everyone gets their own tent….but as I was leaving they were almost finished with the new individual pods which will be just lovely….each with its own shower, large windows, deck and a spectacular view. The food, lovingly and tastefully prepared by CB is just delicious. CB certainly listens to your likes and dislikes….you will be well fed. As I mentioned, this is a volunteer opportunity and as such you will be working behind the scenes within all aspects of what it takes to maintain this beautiful reserve. Trimming limbs and bushes to keep all the roads open, repairing fences to keep the animals safely within the borders and to keep the poachers out is an ongoing and never ending challenge. Doing certain animal ID counts in addition to daily game drives is AMAZING. You will also do some community projects with the nearby Zulu Schools and any other project needed at the time. There is a schedule that changes daily and also depending on the time of the year…nothing is ever too onerous……rather it is very rewarding. The Volunteers are actually viewed very favorably by all the staff and employees at Thula Thula, and are considered to be a very important part as they know we are there to help. You will certainly fall in love with ALL of them. But the real gem to the VA program is our fearless leader, Victor. He is so kind, caring, knowledgeable, funny, flexible, dignified, and one the finest human beings you will ever meet. He has been at Thula Thula for years and as such is the best guide and leader for the VA. And if Francoise Malby-Anthony is at home she will make every effort to meet you as the Volunteers are very important to her. She is certainly a force to be reckoned with….so charming, thoughtful and kind. And if Bella Marques happens to be visiting with Francoise be prepared to laugh a lot and learn a ton about birds whether you like them or not! A very knowledgeable photographer. If you are looking for the perfect volunteer opportunity, the VA at Thula Thula receives the highest marks. And yes, in addition to all the animals you will see daily, you will certainly meet Nana which will fill your heart. 🐘❤️.

We had 4 nights at the Elephant Tented Camp and 4 nights at The Lodge. It was a truly wonderful experience. Having read the books I had longed to visit this place and then, once booked, worried it would not meet expectations. It was the most amazing experience, and to be so close to these incredible animals, is both humbling and adrenaline pumping! This place is Magic with a capital M. Then there’s the accommodation and the food. We loved going to sleep listening the hyena calling and waking up to Nyala on your doorstep, or monkeys looking for mischief. The food is fantastic and you will not find friendlier staff anywhere. The Rangers are awesome (thank you Syer) knowledgeable and keen to share this with you. In fact you quickly feel part of the unique Thula Thula family.

On my first visit to south africa in 2019 someone told me about a book i Had to read because i Love elephants. I downloaded and read the Elephant Whisperer right away. I finished the book in one day and i kept on reading. Every single book published by the great Anthony Lawrence and His inspiring wife Francoise and (Like i was asked when i told a lady of the staff at the lodge) yes even Babylons ark In the meanwhile my parents moved to South Africa and i have been dreaming of visiting thula thula myself since 2019.. Plans were Made to do so on my next visit to south africa. Because Money ist tight for me and i was still saving Up for the Trip. Plans are great, but Sometimes you get a little Push by fate. And so we went to thula thula Last Weekend and stayed at the beautiful Safari lodge. It was breathtaking ❤️ My first Impressions are all blurry because i Had tears in my eyes the whole time. The luxury lodges are Clean and and beautifully decorated. The food was delicious. Meeting the Herd was a deeply emotional experience. For me it felt Like Meeting old Friends. Standing at Mkhulu Dam and having a Coffee with the Hippos was amazing. Seeing the Rhinos even If we didn't get very close made for the perfekt experience, thank you Siya Staff were attentive and very friendly thank you so much ❤️ ngiyabonga ngiyajabula The Cherry on top would have been to meet Francoise who sadly was away while we were there. But i look forward to visiting again and hopefully meet her.

This experience exceeded our expectations and we arrived full of anticipation having read and re-read the books written by the Reserve's founders and manager. The accommodations were very comfortable and complete! Meals on the patio offered lots of delicious variety, staff was accommodating if we needed to push lunch a bit. The monkeys and gazelles passed by within a few meters, gracing our meals daily. The highlight each day were the early morning and late afternoon drives to find the animals. Our two night visit yield 12 hrs of touring the Reserve during which we saw exactly what we came to see! The best was saved for last; our departure day drive found us face to face with Nana and members her family. Read the books and discover the role now 60 year old Nana played and plays in the success of this welcoming Reserve. Kudos to the staff, especially Victor, our driver! The Best!

Such a memorable visit to Thula Thula. Six nights there altogether and it was without a doubt the most amazing week of our life. Beautiful accomodation and beautiful people. And the elephants - amazing. Food absolutely top notch . Highly recommend this place to anyone going to South Africa. And its one place I really want to revisit.

We are no stranger to safaris. This was our third trip and we booked it after a fancy-schmancy 5 star safari in Botswana and Zimbabwe. I had read all the books and was fascinated with the story behind Thula Thula. While it isn't one of those over the top luxury hotels, it is heaven. It feels so authentic and a little like old world Africa. We stayed one night in one of the suites (upgraded due to a plumbing problem in our cabin and it was wonderful). The food was delightful. The staff is superb. Our guide Kahya could spot a termite from a 100 yards away. The elephants act like no others we've seen. Our only disappointment was in not meeting Francois. I just sent a request for a reservation for next year and hoping she'll be on property.