Family holiday hotspot: Thandulula Luxury Safari Tents in KwaZulu-Natal

With six self-catering, luxury safari tents Thandulula is an ideal spot for family holidays on the South Coast. Roughly 10 kilometres north of Port Shepstone and 130 kilometres from King Shaka International Airport in Durban, Thandulula is owner managed and offers a comfortable, quiet space on a large 3,6-hectare property that has been carved out of the coastal dune forest. I liked that the trees were left pretty much untouched during construction, so even though there are now open lawns you get a distinct forest feel, unlike most other places in this area.

Two-, three- and four-bed units are available and each is fully equipped for self-catering and has its own bathrooms with towels and bedding provided.

Shopping and supplies are available from Shelly Beach Shopping Complex and the South Coast Mall, where you can find a variety of shops, restaurants and even cinemas.

The area has some good shore angling and there are also a number of scuba diving operators.

It was really cool to lie on my bed listening to a forest alive with animals and birdlife. If you’re lucky you can see blue duiker, red duiker, bushpig, bushbuck and porcupines, especially in the drier winter season when they come out to feed on the green grass. Also don’t miss the birds – you’re sure to see quite a number of forest species such as purple-crested turaco.

Southport Beach is the closest (1,5 kilometres) and is quieter than the popular beaches closer to Port Shepstone. However it can be a little bit rough, so if the surf is too hectic you’ll have to scrum down for your spot on a busier beach. Other nearby options are Banana Beach and Umtentweni Beach while St Michaels, Uvongo, Margate and Ramsgate are a little further away.

What it costs to stay at Thandulula

Rates are seasonal and start from R500 a night for two adults (additional adults are R210 each), R95 a child aged 13 to 17 years and R65 for kids younger than 12.

Thandulula contact details