Thula Thula Private Game Reserve located in the malaria free KwaZulu Natal Elephant Coast area, roughly two hours from Durban, is said to be the oldest of its kind in the province. The reserve which lies on the banks of the Nseleni River, is family owned and operated, and has a rich history which dates back to the days when Zulu King Shaka used the land as his personal hunting ground. Adding to interesting history of the region, Thula Thula also is home to the site where the first historic meeting between Shaka and his father Senzangakhona took place.

Thula Thula derives its name from a Zulu childhood lullabye, and translated into English, it means "quiet, peace, and tranquility", of which all are clearly visible in the reserve. Thula Thula displays a variety of unique habitats which range from riverine bush to savanna and forest, and is home to an impressive variety of wildlife which include the likes of leopard, crocodile, kudu, wildebeest, zebra, hyena, nyala, giraffe, buffalo, elephant and rhino. A true paradise for the keen bird watching fraternity, Thula Thula is home to more than three hundred and fifty various species, making it a definite "must see" destination.

Referred to by many as more than just a reserve, Thula Thula serves as a sanctuary, for wildlife and visitors alike. The owner, Lawrence Anthony is not only the founder of the international "Earth organisation", dedicated to environmental issues, Anthony also won an Earth Day Award in 2004 for his rescue of animals from the Baghdad zoo, making the comitted conservationist the first South African to achieve such an award. He also initiated the rehabilitation of these animals, making sure they were protected and fed. Today he is involved in a number of projects closer to home which incude the Royal Zulu Biosphere project, and educating rural communities about the benefits of conservation.

Directions to Thula Thula from Durban:
Take the N2 North bound to Empangeni. At the Empangeni turn off take the R34 to Empangeni. Drive through Empangeni following the direction of Nkwalini/Melmoth. Take a right turn towards Heatonville, cross 3 train tracks. After the 3rd track at the T-junction turn left onto a dirt road follow the road upward for about 8 km, then turn right for about 2 km and arrive at the gate. From the Heatonville turnoff the road is signposted. There is a 700m airstrip on the property.

For more information regarding Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, please make use of the contact details below:

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve
P.O. Box 87
Heatonville
3881
South Africa

Tel: (035) 792 8322
Fax: 086 6037731
Cell: 083 787 9991 / 082 259 9732
International: +27 35 792 8322

E-Mail: francoise@thulathula.com