Thula Thula Game Lodge

whenever I read the 3 books I knew I had to see Thula Thula. 4 months after I went and it was amazing. I think, knowing the story and the struggle they went through it is very heart touching to meet the animals, especially the elephants. To me it was magical. I felt like in a dream. My accomodation at the Elephant Safari Lodge was beautiful and very comfortable. Theu clean twice a day and it is very peaceful. Also very unique is that the nyalas (gazelles) are around the lodge by day and night. The food is excellent and a great variety. The staff is very kind and helpfull. And what to say about Francoise...she is amazing!!!! It is not just another Game Reserve, it is a place with a long story behind it. They worked very hard to create this paradise for the animals, that makes the difference I really recommend Thula Thula to all real animal lovers!!!!

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 a wonderful experience here. The game drives were great, our room (cabin?) was very comfortable, and the food was delicious. This is a very special place. I had read “The Elephant Whisperer” a few years ago and really enjoyed it. I decided then that I wanted to visit Thula Thula. I was disappointed that Françoise was not there when we visited as I would liked to have met her, but that’s okay! I was in tears when I met the elephants I’d read about; it was a special experience to have Nana come so close to me and look me directly in the eye. While we were there, in addition to game drives we also visited the village nearby which was very interesting. The entire experience at Thula Thula was amazing and fantastic. Shoutout to Senzo, our guide & driver on the game drives. He was very knowledgeable and made the experience even better.

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.

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!

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.