Thula Thula Game Lodge

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.

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. 🐘❤️.

A serendipitous drinks meeting with neighbours and a recommendation to visit Thula Thula resulted in our recent visit for a week. After reading the many books written by Lawrence and François we felt we knew Thula Thula and all the elephants and rhino by name, so we happily plunged into really experiencing it. Our visit exceeded our expectations and we’ve spoken about a revisit already. You can’t help admire the dedication and disappointment experienced by Lawrence and François. A very remarkable story!