History of Thula Thula

Thula Thula is situated on the historic, former private hunting grounds of King Shaka, the legendary warrior who created the Zulu empire and famously defeated the British.  The first historic meeting between Shaka and his father Senzangakhoma, which set the stage for the creation of the Zulu nation, took place on the Nseleni River at Thula Thula. During apartheid the property was owned by a Dutch family and operated as a hunting lodge, eventually wiping out all of the elephant in the area and decimating the wildlife.

In 1998, Lawrence Anthony and his wife, Francoise, purchased the property with the intent of helping the local Zulus to learn how to utilize, support and protect the natural resources of the area through eco tourism.  He reintroduced elephant to the area and, as a result of his conservation activities, Thula Thula has seen a resurgence of the indigenous flora and fauna.

Thula Thula is now a unique safari destination and wildlife sanctuary.  Home to the “Big Four” (Elephant, Rhino, Cape Buffalo, and Leopard), it also has an abundance of other wildlife: giraffe, zebra, crocodile, nyala, kudu, springbok, jackals, monkeys and much more, with over 350 species of birds. Daily game drives and/or bush walks are part of your Eco Safari package, and you will have amazing opportunities to photograph the extraordinary wildlife around you.

The local Zulu culture will enchant you.  Our staff are warm, friendly, and attentive to your comfort and safety, as you are pampered in the 5-star luxury lodge and cabins, or the 4-star luxury tented camp.  Enjoy the captivating music of a Zulu choir during dinner, or the thunderous drums accompanying dramatic warrior dancers around the camp fire.

Thula Thula is situated only 45 minutes from Richards Bay harbour and airport, and less than 2 hours drive from Durban. There is a 700m airstrip on the property.