TWO KINGS WELCOMED AT THANDA SAFARI
IMAGES: CHRISTIAN SPERKA
20 Years of wildlife conservation sees lion population strengthened further
Renowned for its Big Cat sightings, Thanda Safari, a luxury private game reserve nestled in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal, has welcomed two magnificent male lions as part of their wildlife conservation programme to ensure healthy genetic diversity within the game reserve.
Both aged four, this young coalition replaces a 7-year-old male who has been relocated to a nearby game reserve to ensure the lion genes at Thanda Safari remain strong. The two dominant brothers will initially be settled in a large boma (an enclosed area) whilst they become accustomed to their new surroundings. Once released, the wildlife conservation team will track and monitor the coalition daily for the first couple of months to ensure that they are hunting successfully and are adapting to their new home.
Founded 20 years ago, Thanda Safari is a Big Five game reserve situated on 14 000 hectares in the heart of Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal. It is owned by Swedish philanthropists Christin and Dan Olofsson. Meaning ‘love’ in isiZulu, Thanda Safari offers an authentic South African wildlife experience with excellent game viewing all year round. With a sincere commitment to Zulu culture and environmental conservation, it is actively involved in conservation and wildlife research.
Christian Sperka, resident photographer and field guide who has been photographing Thanda’s lions since 2009, says: “Whilst historically sacred to the Zulu people, 20 years ago when Thanda Safari was formed, wildlife persecution was rife and there were no resident lions roaming these ancient lands. Showcasing the outcome of years of determined conservation effort, Thanda is again home to a thriving lion population. With births occurring year-round, keeping track of all groups of lions is not an easy task!”
Mariana Venter, Wildlife Operations Co-ordinator, adds: “We have two resident prides. One resides around the area known as the Thanda Main area and is Thanda’s largest pride. It is led by a formidable 15-year-old lioness.
“The second pride resides in the Intibane/Mduna area. Historically, our males have moved between prides instead of staying with just one and we are hoping that the new males will do the same. Females will usually leave the pride to give birth and will only introduce the cubs to the pride when they are older and are ready to start eating meat. The female can then hunt with the other adults while the cubs stay with a babysitter.”
Offering excellent year-round game viewing, Thanda Safari’s guests enjoy regular sightings of lions, as well of other African cats such as the cheetah and leopard. Morning and afternoon game drives led by professional field guides on open-top vehicles take guests through the African wilderness where elephants, buffalos, rhinos and much more can be found in their natural habitat. Thanda Safari is also home to a wide variety of plains game and some 300 different bird species.
For a more exhilarating adventure walking amongst Africa’s wilds, guided bush walks led by knowledgeable rangers who deeply understand Zululand’s wilderness, immerse guests in the ecosystem’s intricacies. These are heightened sensory experiences where every sound and scent is magnified guests learn to identify the spoor and scat of different animals – including that of the Kings’.
SADC rates start from R3637 for the Tented Camp and R6477 per person per night sharing staying in one of Thanda Safari Lodge’s 9 suites which pay homage to the region’s Zulu culture with their circular homestead design. It includes game drives and bush walks (lodge only) with a professional guide and tracker, all meals and selected beverages.
