Our Roots
THULA THULA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE is situated in the heart of Zululand, in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. This 4500 ha, malaria free wildlife reserve was established in 1911 and has been operational as Thula Thula since 1998. It is home to a wide variety of game like elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, hippo, giraffe, birds and many more.
Thula Thula, with its centuries of cultural and wildlife heritage, takes pride in tracing back its origin to the private hunting grounds of King Shaka, founder of the Zulu Empire. The first historic meeting between Shaka and his father (Senzangakhona), which set the stage for the creation of the Zulu nation, took place at the Nseleni River at Thula Thula.
The Zulu name Thula Thula literally means peace and tranquility.
Thula Thula was also the home of late bestselling author and conservationist Lawrence Anthony, who passed away on the 2nd of March 2012. His second book, The Elephant Whisperer relates the story of the rescue of the Thula Thula elephants, and the special relationship he has created with the herd.
Thula Thula is run by his wife, Francoise Malby Anthony, who carries on the legacy of Lawrence with the conservation projects and running of the two lodges. Francoise wrote the sequel of the Elephant Whisperer, AN ELEPHANT IN MY KITCHEN, who was released in July 2018, the true story and numerous adventures of the reality of running Thula Thula after Lawrence passed away. www.AnElephantInMyKitchen.com
Feel free to email on: info@thulathula.com Or call us on: 082 2599732 / 073 2668577
