Compare this to other camps, and the 30 guest capacity makes it one of the biggest. Not a bad thing if you want to share your safari experience with others. The team here also lays on one of the broadest range of activities you’re likely to see in a safari camp, so if you’re the kind of person who likes to try new things, this camp could be for you.
It’s a solar powered destination that’s an hour’s drive from the Indian Ocean and Elephant Coast, situated in a Big 5 private game reserve. And guests of all ages are welcome.
Look up to the hilltop, because that’s where you’ll find the 15 colonial-style tents that form the accommodation in camp. They’re all rated as deluxe, but as in life, there’s always one that’s a little better than the rest. More about that in a minute. But first to the others, which are perfectly luxurious in their own way, with either a four poster kingsize or two single beds, plus a lounge area with director’s chairs, an ensuite canvas bathroom and an outside deck. The final tent – known as the Jabula safari tent - is the jewel in the crown, with the biggest bed, the smartest bathroom, and an outdoor shower with a splash pool on the sun deck.
With so much space and luxury to enjoy in your tent, you’re likely to want to spend plenty of time there. But when you can tear yourself away, there’s plenty to draw you to the main central area of the camp. The aroma of food wafting from the dining area will get stomachs rumbling and your party eager to take your places at a table for a delicious meal.
On the menu is cuisine with an unmistakable South African flavour which you can enjoy in a space adorned with African artwork. After eating, hang back in the bar (the wine list is impressive) or on one of the sofas in the lounge. The boma has room to sit around the camp fire and tuck into a barbecue. There’s also a curio shop and swimming pool to enjoy.
Thanda Tented Camp offers the reserve’s most relaxed, close-to-nature safari experience, but there are two more luxurious ways to stay at Thanda. Thanda Safari Lodge has just 9 spacious suites, each with its own private plunge pool and plenty of room to unwind, while Villa iZulu is an exclusive-use retreat for families or groups of up to 10 guests. Whichever you choose, you’ll enjoy the same private Big Five reserve, excellent game viewing and warm Thanda hospitality.
The Big 5, bush walks and more. There’s certainly an impressive range of activities on offer here. Game drives leave camp every morning and early afternoon, times of day that will increase your chances of seeing the Big Five, as well as hyena, zebra, giraffe, warthog, wild dog and more.
Rhino tracking is also possible, as the camp team carry out plenty of conservation work to help protect this magnificent species. Bush walks are another activity, offering the chance to see a selection of the 400 bird species that fly the skies. Other activities include a photography masterclass with a resident expert, fishing, snorkelling, canoe safaris, horse riding and stargazing.
You can also go on a Zulu cultural experience, getting to know the history and traditions of the people who call this land home. And for younger guests, the Bucks & Bugs Club will keep them occupied so the grown-ups get a break.
"A dream come true"
We had the most amazing family holiday, everything worked so perfectly, the arrangements and accommodation was spectacular!
"Unforgettable trip to Namibia – Thank you Namibia Tours & Safaris!"
We are a group of four from Romania and spent 3 unforgettable weeks in Namibia. We can't recommend them enough, and for any future travels in Namibia or other parts of Africa, we will definitely use their services again.
"We had a great experience"
From the time we put the key in the ignition till we boarded the plane in Windhoek nothing went wrong.
"Unforgettable bird photography trip in Namibia"
It was a fantastic experience, everything was very well organised, went smooth and according to expectations. It was our first self drive in Africa and it was a great, unforgettable time.
