PAID CONTENT FOR JUMEIRAH THANDA SAFARI
PAID CONTENT FOR JUMEIRAH THANDA SAFARI
Jumeirah Thanda Safari KWAZULU-NATAL, SOUTH AFRICA
The first light breaks over Zululand’s savannah, casting a golden hue across the grasslands. The air is crisp, pierced only by the call of a francolin and the rustle of a distant antelope. With a hot mug in hand, Truman Ndlovu scans the horizon — an instinct honed over two decades. From his start as a young guide in KwaZulu-Natal to his current role as reserve general manager of Jumeirah Thanda Safari, his connection to the land is profound. Conservation, especially of rhinos, is at the heart
of the reserve. “Most rhinos are now dehorned,” Truman explains. “It’s not cruelty — it’s a second chance at life.” Dehorning protects them from poaching, giving them space to live and breed in peace. At Jumeirah Thanda Safari, both black and white rhinos roam freely across 40,800 acres. The reserve plays an active role in the Black Rhino Expansion Project, with ground patrols, tracking collars and community outreach. Guests can even join Priority Species Monitors in the field to witness conservation in action. Before the sun has fully risen, guests climb into open vehicles wrapped in blankets, coffee cups in
hand, awaiting their first glimpse of wildlife. Game drives promise close encounters with the Big Five — lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino, all thriving within the reserve’s protected terrain. Of all the animals that move through the
morning hush, it’s the elephant that holds Truman’s heart. “You never get bored watching an elephant,” he says. He speaks of them like old friends, admiring their wisdom, calm authority, and the deep bonds within each herd. After hours tracking wildlife, guests return to
camp to find a hearty breakfast laid out and waiting. Late morning unfolds at a leisurely pace. Guests might cool off with a dip in the pool, pause on the terrace to spot animals gathering at the watering hole, or retreat to their residence, where they can enjoy deeply restorative spa treatments that draw from Zulu and Western healing traditions. For a different kind of connection, guided walks
bring guests face to face with the smaller wonders of the bush. These walks slow the pace, inviting travellers to understand the ecosystem beneath their feet rather than simply observe from afar.
DON’T MISS Experience thrilling encounters with wildlife, enjoy stargazing and watch Zulu warriors battle dance in the bush
113 This content is brought to you by our sponsor. It does not necessarily reflect the views of National Geographic, National Geographic Traveller (UK) or their editorial staffs. Need to know
KEY FEATURES • Private game reserve • Accessible by helicopter or by road • Actively involved in wildlife conservation
• Personalised butler service • Expert wildlife guides & trackers • Exclusive use accommodation
KEY ACTIVITIES • Big Five safari game drives • Bush walks • Boma bush dinners • Wildlife photography lessons • Stargazing with a guide
GET IN TOUCH
jumeirah.com/thanda-safari T: +27 32 586 0149 E:
reservations.thanda@
jumeirah.com
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