A unique luxury lodge within Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, Tanda Tula amiably opens its doors to an unparalleled wilderness experience in the Greater Kruger National Park.
We venture into the bush for a plethora of reasons. To momentarily escape a retired urban existence. To foster a yearning for nature’s indelible vibrancy. To surround ourselves with the exhilaration of the wilderness, and all of her abounding attributes. Those that soothe, pacify and invigorate simultaneously – well before dawn and long after dusk. We’re curious about the creatures that freely roam the untamed landscapes, bringing about those life-changing encounters that take us back to something primordial. We often find ourselves shifting perspectives, contemplating life through a different lens whilst being embraced in the bosom of the bush. Perhaps that’s the real reason why we return to Mother Nature’s roots. The maternal call of belonging within a delicate ecosystem of uncultivated prevalence. That’s what you feel at Tanda Tula. What the custodians of this magical place have ardently extracted from the soil and soul of the Kruger’s land, and stowed it away for the future’s safe-keeping. It’s palpable and entirely evident from the moment you arrive at this serene, sustainable sanctuary in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve, overlooking the banks of the Nhlaralumi River. This lodge is so much more than a vogue voyage into the bush. Tanda Tula is about its wild creatures as much as it is about its ancient cultures. Its landscapes of yesterday, today and tomorrow. From the soil, all the way up to the stars.
Nine suites tuck themselves away from the vast communal living, dining, reclining and entertaining spaces, that have been recently uplifted by the discerning architectural eye of Nicholas Plewman. An ecologically sensitive stance on design, the lodge is totally energy sufficient with solar-powered amenities and entirely water-wise. The interiors parlaying sentiments of the Tsonga people, all of the furnishings and frilly bits and bobs have been consciously sourced and stitched into the narrative of the lodge’s relationship with nature. Glass doors and canvas sliding doors disappear in motion, allowing the sweeping views of the wilderness to engulf every space. It’s refined and clever, yet humbling and intuitive. The library, the private plunge pools, the expansive decks, the open-air bar, the lounging spaces and bino-grasping vantage points are areas where it can be you and your safari clan, or just you and your soliloquy with mother nature.
Of course there is game-viewing around the clock. The antelope and elephant, birds and mongooses that saunter around the riverbed, drinking from the watering hole and sweeping through the skies. Game drives and walks with master-trackers and some of the best field guides in the business. Timbavati has a low-tempo, community-driven, mi-casa-su-casa kind of approach to the Kruger. You will see leopard and walk with lion, spot black eagles and hear the hyena cackling with one another. You’ll learn about the land protection efforts and the conservation initiatives. You are an integral cog in the wheel that’s being circumnavigated, to nurture what is and what will be of the African bush. Tanda Tula’s ethos of exchange from your experience to those that will in-turn, one day.
Aside from the unbridled beauty of Timbavati, the experiences you’ll reap from exploring this magnificent part of the world, and the memories you’ll harness of being reacquainted with that maternal embrace of the bush, those soliloquies will become a life-affirming discourse between you and your future self. Imploring you to savour every moment in the wild, reminding you to connect with belonging and empowering you to keep it safe for all of the generations to come. What a wonderful perspective Tanda Tula provides, for the intrepid traveller.
What we love!
- The guests’ experience at Tanda Tula is centred around nurturing the region, its heritage, culture, wildlife, communities and the impact we have on the land the lodge occupies. An insightful, informative and inspiring safari experience.
- The new design of the lodge is definitely inline with its sustainable practices, yet still luxurious on every necessary level. It does not compete with the architecture of the abounding terrain. In complete harmony with nature.
- Enjoying the guided game drives and morning walks accompanied by reputable photographers who are there to assist you with your enthusiasm towards wildlife photography.
- All of the meals are sublime – around the clock – with all of the ingredients being locally sourced within an 80-kilometre radius. Ensuring small businesses, farmers and suppliers are supported by tourism.Â
- The staff are extraordinary. You can feel their genuine joy and pride in their place of proprietorship of the lodge. Every single smile, handshake and hospitable pillar of service is met with an authentic introduction to life in the bush. A reciprocal process of existence.Â
What you need to know…
- There are an abundance of conservation and community efforts that are at the helm of Tanda Tula’s operation as a luxury safari lodge. An inspirational journey for you to be a part of. You will learn more about all of their programmes when visiting the lodge.
- The game viewing experience in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve is unique in that it is a low-density region within the Greater Kruger National Park. Allowing you the time to explore it fully, without there being any urgency. You’re completely in rhythm with nature’s pace. The neighbouring lodges are operating on the same clock. In accordance with a laidback, generous, camaraderie-kind of approach to a safari.
- 80 % of the ingredients presented for your meals are sourced locally, ensuring your feasts are part of a Tanda Tula project that supports small businesses and suppliers. A food experience around the boma, is a dinner unlike anything you will ever have. Seriously good South African food, from down the road, cooked over the fire.Â
Reviewed by Colleen Ogilvie
