Tanda Tula

It’s tough to describe in words the magical experience we had on our honeymoon at Tanda Tula. The rooms are truly wonderful with private pools and amazing views into Timbavati. The food was phenomenal, the safari even better (we somehow got lucky enough to see a Pangolin) but what really sets this place apart is the people. ||From our driver and tracker (Steve and Eric) to the entire staff at Tanda Tula (special shout out to Smiling, Innocent and Pinky for making our trip extra special) from moment one they made us feel like family. They consistently went above and beyond to make our honeymoon trip one we will truly never forget. Easiest 5 star review I’ve ever given. Will 1000% be back.

I don't have enough words to describe how wonderful this place is. I have traveled extensively in southern Africa and stayed in many lodges, and this one is my favorite. |The rooms are huge, comfortable, and beautifully decorated. The food is gourmet quality; we ate so well. The South African wines are excellent and rival French wines.|The service and staff are very competent, warm, and friendly. Smiling, Thandi, Pinky, Innocent, Harry, Chris, and all the staff members, you are wonderful. |Our ranger Victor and tracker Allied taught us so much and allowed us to immerse ourselves in unspoiled nature and see the animals in their kingdom.|We can't wait to return to this paradise and I highly recommend this superb place. If I could, I would give it 6 out of 5 stars.

If you’re skimming reviews to find the perfect safari destination in South Africa, one that ticks all the right boxes, it’s worth reading this one – I’ve yet to visit a camp that comes close to measuring up to Tanda Tula. Skip this review at your peril.||So, let’s get to it. It's quite difficult to put into words what the Tanda Tula experience is like, but I'll certainly try. ||While you'll come across a plethora of websites (and glossy brochures if that's still a thing in some countries) that promise the safari experience of a lifetime, with photography and clever wording (probably AI-created of course) that echo the same, often what you actually get to experience is not quite the same. Sure, it may be luxurious, and you’ll see all the big game you’re after, but there is so much more to an experience like this (which for many people is a once-in-a-lifetime one) that travellers don’t consider when booking a safari. While there are many ‘big’ things about Tanda Tula that make it stand out, it’s really the sum of its parts that make it truly special.||I’ll break down what stands out most for me:||- The new camp: Goodness gracious me – the new camp. This is one of the ‘big’ things. Having visited Tanda Tula many times over the years, it was difficult to imagine what the new camp would actually be like, even after looking at all the videos and photos. While it’s uber luxurious, it hasn’t lost that original charm that made it such a special place to begin with. They’ve cleverly integrated a lot of the old features into some of the various spaces, like pieces of the original tent canvas woven into the décor. All the original charm with all the added luxury.||- The location: What I love most about the Timbavati is the accessibility while still being completely immersed in the African wilderness. What I mean by this is that there is a relatively quick flight from Cape Town or an even quicker one from JHB that drops you a few KM from the Timbavati control gate into the reserve. The location of the camp raised above the riverbed is very special – you don’t really need to leave the camp to see the game.||- The food: The food has always been a highlight for Tanda Tula and I honestly didn’t think chef Ryan could outdo himself – he proved us wrong. All the finest ingredients and dishes you’d expect from one of the best restaurants in the world, while still staying true to its African roots with wholesome, thoughtful dishes throughout the day. While having this exquisite food at your disposal is great, it’s the bush breakfast that is the true ‘pièce de résistance’. After a game drive you’ll arrive at a location alongside a riverbed away from camp where the chef crew will prepare a breakfast that will most likely put you straight back to sleep, but in a good way! Don’t be surprised if you’re visited by an elephant or two while you tuck in, as you’re completely in the bush.||- The tranquillity: This is one of the small things but is such a standout for us. There is a unique kind of calm that washes over you when you arrive in camp. It could be the stillness, the soft sounds of the African bush around you, the slow days, or the genuine happiness of all the staff – I’m not sure, but whatever it is, it’s incredibly special to experience.||- The game viewing: Shoo wee did we see special sightings. Leopards on kills, baby elephant, baby rhino, a rather frisky pair of male lions surrounded by females. It’s not only the big game though - our ranger even showed us an old termite mound with original pottery dating back I can’t tell you how many decades (they used the pottery for some of other reason at the termite mound and when it was found they kept it preserved – I was too busy watching a pair of giraffe fighting in the background to listen to the story)||- The people: This is both a big and a small thing. Going back to Tanda Tula after all those years, even with it being a completely new camp, felt like going home again. This wasn’t because the staff were attentive to every need, went out of their way to make sure you had all the comforts, or remembered how you liked your cortado served – it’s was the genuine warmth, care and happiness of each and every staff member. Nothing was forced or over the top – just a real and authentic desire to welcome you to their home. They are genuinely happy to have you there. Some staff were raised in the camp, and now their children are making their own careers there. It’s incredibly special and not something that is easy for any holiday destination anywhere in the world to emulate – even with a bottomless budget. The way the staff are is a direct result of how the owners and senior management make sure that Tanda Tula is not a place of work for them – it is a home, and it is their home.|||There are so many other elements that make Tanda Tula all that it is. The only way to truly understand it is to experience it for yourself.

Can’t say enough about this place. The team was amazing the accommodations were perfect and the food was great! |We saw so many animals - more than another safari camp we visited. ||Highly recommend!

What an amazing place. Crew was very attentive, remembered everybody’s names. What a service, food, wild drives…. Steve, our guide was wonderful, very well versed on his animals and plants of the area. Highly recommended.

Staying at Tanda Tula was, without a doubt, the best hospitality experience we’ve ever had — truly the best hotel we’ve stayed at in our lives. We were there to celebrate our honeymoon, and every single moment felt magical, thoughtful, and unforgettable. The infrastructure is absolutely stunning — everything is beautifully designed, perfectly maintained, and immersed in nature in the most harmonious way. But what truly sets this place apart is the service. The level of attention and care from the staff is a masterclass in customer experience. Every interaction is thoughtful, warm, and genuine, and you can feel that the entire team is deeply committed to creating memorable moments for their guests. They pay attention to the smallest details — from having a warm water bottle waiting for you during chilly game drives, to welcoming you back with a hot Amarula drink, to customizing the menu every day to accommodate my vegetarian diet with care and creativity. The food, by the way, is absolutely outstanding: fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. Huge compliments to the chef and the entire kitchen team. Special recognition also goes to Filipa, the general manager, who was incredibly kind and present. You can see the result of strong and thoughtful leadership in how empowered, joyful, and professional the entire staff is. Everyone you meet seems genuinely happy to be there, and that makes all the difference. We also received beautiful honeymoon surprises that made our stay even more meaningful and emotional. We wholeheartedly recommend Tanda Tula to anyone looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It will stay with us forever, and we cannot wait to come back.

We just returned from a 4 night stay at Tanda Tula. From the moment we arrived to the day we left we were taken care of from a team of wonderful people. Top notch service. The Camp is absolutely gorgeous and so quiet and relaxing. We had a family suite and a regular suite for the 5 of us. Spacious and beautiful inside. Wildlife right outside our suites and all over camp. Chef Ryan and his team cooked delicious food and catered to my gluten and dairy free preferences. Ginger and Eric brought us on 8 unbelievable game drives. We can't say enough about how warm, caring and knowledgeable both are. We loved learning from them and they totally meshed with the vibe of our family. We saw the big 5, plus zebras, giraffes, wildebeest, antelopes, warthogs, kudus, hyenas, jackals... To be surrounded by a huge pride of lions hunting a buffalo is indescribable. We highly recommend Tanda Tula. We have stayed at many luxury resorts and this topped them all. A safari experience we will never forget.

Tanda Tula .. well what an amazing lodge. I have here many times and have seen this camp evolve into its current status. Its always been an amazing 5* lodge .. but now its super amazing with the new renovation. Extremly luxurious with some of the best staff and Rangers in the business!!. I have been to many up-market lodges in the greater Kruger and unfortunately the staff and managment dont always measure up to what they are trying to sell. Tanda Tula in my books is one of the best run lodges in the business!!