In my books, first impressions count, and Tanda Tula nailed it! As we drove in, Evans bounced up to our car, ready to welcome us. He was a ball of radiant energy with a smile that would brighten even the darkest of days! But I soon learned that Evans’ enthusiasm was just an extension of the rest of the staff at Tanda Tula. There is a warmth to Tanda Tula that I would never have associated with luxury before, but this fuzzy feeling is backed by opulence that would wow even the most discerning of travellers.

You’ve probably already heard of Tanda Tula

If you’re a luxury traveller or a safari enthusiast, and you have done even the most minute amount of research, you’ve likely heard whispers about the award winning Tanda Tula Lodge, one of South Africa’s premier safari destinations. Nestled in the heart of the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Tanda Tula promises an unparalleled blend of rustic charm and modern luxury. But is it worth all the media buzz?

In this post, I’ll explain Tanda Tula’s opulent features and unique wildlife encounters. I will admit that I was hosted for free. However, I entered my agreement with them on the understanding that the words I wrote would be an honest and accurate representation of my experience, for better or worse. Therefore, this Tanda Tula review is based solely on my honest opinion.

This post may also contain affiliate links, meaning if you click on a link and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Overview of Tanda Tula’s Unique Features

Exclusive Tented Suites

The first thing that sets Tanda Tula apart is its luxurious tented suites. The suites are a hybrid canvas and glass design with walls that disappear, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in nature. I particularly enjoyed sleeping with the doors wide open and nothing but mesh between me and the greater outdoors. It was fresh and wild, and I felt like I was in my very own secluded enclave.

Each suite is designed with elegance and comfort in mind, featuring plush beds, a fully stocked bar, your own lounge, a private plunge pool overlooking the Nhlaralumi river bed, en-suite bathrooms with Victorian-style bathtubs, and outdoor showers.

Every little detail has been thoroughly thought out, from a selection of different USB ports to the choice of colours that adorn the walls and upholstery, seemingly blending in with nature.

Intimate Setting

With only 9 suites (of which 2 are family suites), Tanda Tula offers an intimate setting that ensures personalised service and a sense of exclusivity. Unlike larger lodges, where you might feel like just another guest, here you are treated like royalty. The staff-to-guest ratio is high, ensuring that every need is met promptly, and by the time you leave, you will be on a first-name basis with every single staff member.

Add to that the little touches, such as personalised handwritten welcome notes in every room and the ability to customise every aspect of your stay, and you will start to understand why Tanda Tula is so special.

But as always, the people make a place stand out for me. I’ve already mentioned Evans, who was the highlight of my stay, but it was impossible to miss just how happy every member of staff was. I had no doubt that they genuinely enjoyed their work, and that shone through in their service. 

Gourmet Dining

Food at Tanda Tula is nothing short of a culinary adventure. Focusing on local ingredients sourced from within 50 miles of the camp, the chefs prepare mouth-watering dishes that cater to a variety of palates. Whether you’re enjoying a bush breakfast, a picnic lunch, or a gourmet dinner under the stars, the dining experience here is exceptional.

Every few days, they arrange a communal dinner within the boma. All guests are seated at a long table and can mingle and chat with each other while a fire burns in the background, and the chefs create a culinary delight.

The menu

The head chef stood at the table and explained what we would be eating. I have written part of the transcript of his explanation to give you an idea of just how much thought goes into every dish served at Tanda Tula.

“To kick you off tonight, we will put some bread on the table. It will be like a little sharing starter. This is no ordinary bread though! We are going to take inspiration from an Afrikaans style of bread: a roosterkoek (roasted bread). We have taken our homemade bread dough and stuffed it with some cheese and some apricot jam. It has then been cooked on the fires. It will be served in cast iron skillets with some confit garlic, confit tomato, and olive tapenade. And that is just your bread!”

Every dish was explained with this much detail and passion! What about the rest of the menu?

2nd Starter: Natal influenced mild lentil curry, topped with fire charred cauliflower, tomato salsa and pickled red onion.

Main Course: “Tastes from Limpopo”

• Braised Kudu fillet
• Locally sourced free range chicken thighs
• Lamb chop loins
• “Pap” balls filled with goats cheese, served with a tomato “Sheba” sauce
• Coal roasted pumpkin
• Charred sweetcorn
• Sorghum salad tossed with fire roasted tomatoes

Dessert: Cape Malay pudding baked with banana and caramel chocolate (Tanda Tula’s own banoffee malva!) served with caramel sauce.

Is your mouth watering yet?

It is no wonder that Tanda Tula was the runner up of the Best Safari Cuisine in Africa (the entire continent!).

But it isn’t just the dinners that are delicious. Below was our lunch upon arrival!

A pool with a view

In addition to your own individual plunge pools, there is also a communal infinity pool with the best views! A mere stone’s throw away lies a watering hole that attracts elephants, giraffes, impalas, and all manner of animals. I can’t think of anything better than enjoying a deliciously crafted cocktail while watching baby elephants play in the water!

But it isn’t just the pool that has this view. The gym and SPA also back onto the watering hole. Suddenly, running on a treadmill doesn’t sound so bad after all!

Wildlife and Safari Offerings

Tanda Tula is located in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, which backs onto the Kruger National Park to the east, Klaserie and Thornybush to the west, and Umbabat to the North.

The fences with Kruger National Park were removed over 30 years ago, increasing the amount of land animals had access to. In other good news, the fences between Timbavati and Thornybush have also been dropped, opening up an additional 14,500 hectares (35,830 acres) for natural animal migration.

There are a number of ways in which you can enjoy the wildlife at Tanda Tula.

Guided Safaris

I never knew there was such a thing as a comfortable safari vehicle! But Tanda Tula extends luxury into every aspect of the service they deliver, and the guided safari is no exception. Hot water bottles during early morning game drives? Yes, please! What a treat!

Of course, if you are on safari, you want to see animals! And at Tanda Tula, you have the opportunity to see the Big Five. That doesn’t, however, mean you will see the Big Five, as wildlife doesn’t perform like in a circus. We went on two game drives while with Tanda Tula and had a wonderful experience. The highlight of which was a baby elephant playfully charging our truck. It is by far the cutest thing I have ever seen. We also spotted rhinos and tracked lions and leopards.

What I particularly liked about Tanda Tula though, was their ethics. Having tracked the leopard, who had a kill, it was obvious that the animal was stressed, and therefore the sighting was called off to provide the leopard with the space it required. Although it meant we didn’t see the leopard, I would much rather know that wildlife is being treated ethically than exploited for tourism.

Ginger was our guide, and he was incredibly knowledgeable. As we explored the reserve, he provided insights into animal behaviour and the local ecosystem.

Bush Walks

Bush walks provide an immersive and intimate way to experience the African wilderness. These guided walks, led by highly trained and knowledgeable rangers, offer guests the chance to explore the untamed beauty of the Timbavati Game Reserve on foot. Unlike the more distanced experience of a driven game drive, bush walks bring you closer to the smaller details of the ecosystem, from the fascinating behaviours of insects to the intricate tracks left behind by larger mammals.

You will learn about the unique flora and fauna, survival strategies of various species, and traditional uses of plants. The rangers also share insights into animal tracking techniques, providing an educational and thrilling perspective of the wild. Bush walks at Tanda Tula are not just about observing wildlife; they are about connecting deeply with nature and understanding the delicate balance of the ecosystem, all while enjoying the serenity and majesty of the surrounding landscapes.

Birding

Birding enthusiasts at Tanda Tula are in for a treat, as the lodge is nestled in an area teeming with avian diversity. The Timbavati Game Reserve offers a wide variety of bird species, making it a premier destination for birdwatching. Guests can spot an impressive array of both resident and migratory birds throughout the year. Notable species include the colourful lilac-breasted roller, the majestic African fish eagle, and the elusive Pel’s fishing owl.

What other activities are available at Tanda Tula?

Stargazing

After the sun sets and the African sky transforms into a blanket of twinkling stars, Tanda Tula offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. The remote location of the Timbavati Game Reserve, far from city lights, provides an unparalleled view of the night sky.

I thoroughly enjoyed marvelling at the Milky Way’s splendour and identifying the Southern Cross, while more experienced star gazers pointed out constellations that I am not used to seeing in the Northern Hemisphere.

The magic of the African night, coupled with the sounds of nocturnal wildlife, makes for an unforgettable evening under the stars.

What really makes Tanda Tula special though?

Of course, I’ve spoken about the wonderful lodge and the great wildlife you can spot. But that is easily replicable, yet Tanda Tula has something special about it. I’ve already touched on how good the staff are. But is there something more to it?

I think so! Tanda Tula is a family-run business inspired by Africans, run by Africans, and co-owned by Africans. This shines through not just in the service they deliver but also in what they stand for.

Tanda Tula is part of a group of lodges focused on supporting a hyper-local supply chain that supports community businesses. This not only promotes sustainability but also provides opportunities and changes lives.

The Tanda Tula Foundation

The Tanda Tula Foundation embodies the lodge’s commitment to conservation and community upliftment. Established with a mission to support and empower the local communities surrounding the Timbavati region, the Foundation focuses on various initiatives that contribute to sustainable development.

Education forms the cornerstone of their efforts, with programmes aimed at improving access to quality education, providing scholarships, and supporting local schools with essential resources.

Additionally, the Tanda Tula Foundation champions wildlife conservation through projects that promote environmental awareness and protect the area’s rich biodiversity. By partnering with community leaders and various stakeholders, the Foundation tirelessly works to create opportunities that foster economic growth, health, and well-being.

The dedication of the Tanda Tula Foundation ensures that tourism’s benefits extend beyond the lodge, positively impacting the people’s lives and preserving the natural heritage for future generations.

My final thoughts on Tanda Tula

I thoroughly enjoyed my stay at Tanda Tula, which I didn’t expect to. I don’t normally do luxury because it’s not usually my scene. I don’t have the clothes, the plum in my mouth or the budget to be able to enjoy it. However, despite my shaby clothes and dishevelled hair, I felt welcomed and as important as any other guest at the lodge. I enjoyed the many conversations I had with staff and other guests, and I have left with a completely different opinion of what luxury safari travel means.

So, if you want to pamper yourself in one of the most exclusive lodges in South Africa, reach out to Evan at Nala Africa to book your stay at Tanda Tula. Why book through Evan? Because a safari is much more than just a lodge! He will be able to help you plan the entire trip and ensure you get the best prices.