This has been our home in the Greater Kruger since 1978. What began as a dream became a life rooted in nature, family, and the joy of sharing it all. We are proudly African, co-owned and led by the Scott, Jackson, and Mathebula families. Here, every detail has been thoughtfully curated by hand and heart. In this sacred space in the Timbavati, we offer something deeply personal: a soulful, unhurried safari shaped by purpose, connection, and care.
Discover the Soul of the Wild: A Safari in South Africa with Tanda Tula
When travelers dream of a safari in South Africa, they often envision endless savannas, herds of elephants, and the iconic roar of lions echoing across the bushveld. But what if that dream could be more than just wildlife sightings? What if it was deeply personal—woven with stories of family, connection, and African heritage? At Tanda Tula, this is exactly what awaits you.
A Heritage of Heart and Home
Tanda Tula isn’t just another safari lodge in South Africa. It is a family story grounded in the heart of the Greater Kruger region, a place the Scott, Jackson, and Mathebula families have called home since 1978. Over four decades, what started as a dream has evolved into one of the most soulful safari experiences in the Timbavati Private Nature Reserve.
From the moment you arrive, you’re welcomed not just as a guest, but as part of the extended Tanda Tula family. The name itself, which means “to love the quiet” in isiXhosa, speaks to the ethos of the experience—one that honors stillness, nature, and deep, human connection.
The Safari Experience: Unhurried and Purposeful
Unlike many rushed game drives elsewhere, a safari in South Africa with Tanda Tula is intentionally unhurried. Each outing into the wild is a journey shaped by the rhythms of the land and the wildlife that call it home. With expert local guides and trackers—many of whom have grown up in the region—you’ll discover the nuances of the bush in ways that feel intimate and enriching.
Timbavati is part of the Greater Kruger National Park ecosystem, which means no fences between reserves. Wildlife roams freely, and you’ll have a front-row seat to the Big Five and beyond. But what sets Tanda Tula apart is not just what you see, but how you experience it. There’s a sacredness here, a reverence for nature that seeps into every aspect of your stay.
Where Luxury Meets Authenticity
Tanda Tula’s lodges are not only beautifully designed—they’re curated by hand and heart. Whether you choose the elevated elegance of Tanda Tula Safari Camp or the rustic intimacy of the Field Camp, each setting offers immersion in the African landscape without sacrificing comfort.
The safari tents blend seamlessly into the environment. Think open spaces, warm wooden decks, and flowing canvas walls that allow the sights and sounds of nature to surround you. Interiors are crafted with natural materials, and every detail—from the soft linens to the locally inspired décor—reflects the lodge’s commitment to authenticity.
Even the food tells a story. Meals are prepared with locally sourced ingredients and often shared under the stars, with stories and laughter flowing as freely as the South African wine. It’s an invitation to slow down, to savor, and to truly connect—with the land, with your hosts, and with fellow travelers.
A Commitment to Community and Conservation
At the heart of Tanda Tula’s mission is a deep commitment to both people and planet. The lodge is proudly African-owned and co-led, a rarity in the luxury safari world. This isn’t just a business; it’s a model for community-based tourism done right.
By employing, training, and empowering people from the surrounding communities, Tanda Tula ensures that its success benefits more than just its guests. The lodge also supports a variety of conservation initiatives aimed at preserving the region’s biodiversity and minimizing its environmental footprint.
When you choose a safari in South Africa with Tanda Tula, you’re supporting a sustainable tourism model that respects both wildlife and local culture.
More Than a Safari—A Journey of Connection
What truly makes Tanda Tula special is the feeling it leaves with you long after you’ve returned home. Guests often speak of a “bush soul”—a profound connection to the land that lingers in memory. It’s the kind of place where you form bonds not just with nature, but with the people who share it with you.
There’s something sacred in sitting around the fire as the night sounds swell around you, guided by the stories of those who’ve lived in the Timbavati all their lives. It’s more than a holiday; it’s a personal awakening, a return to the essence of what it means to belong to the earth.
Why Tanda Tula for Your Safari in South Africa?
Choosing where to go on a safari in South Africa can be overwhelming, but Tanda Tula offers an experience that’s rooted in something deeper than just luxury and adventure. Here, you’ll find:
- Genuine hospitality from families who’ve lived on the land for generations.
- Unparalleled wildlife viewing in the unfenced wilderness of Greater Kruger.
- Thoughtful, beautiful accommodation that honors both nature and comfort.
- Purpose-driven tourism that uplifts local communities and protects biodiversity.
In a world that often moves too fast, Tanda Tula invites you to slow down and see the wild not just with your eyes, but with your heart.
Final Thoughts
A safari in South Africa is a bucket-list experience for many, but with Tanda Tula, it becomes something even more meaningful. This is not just about seeing the Big Five or capturing perfect photos—it’s about stepping into a place of stillness, beauty, and connection.
Whether it’s your first time in Africa or your tenth, Tanda Tula offers a rare kind of journey—one that changes you from the inside out. Come for the wildlife, stay for the soul.
Contact Us
Tanda Tula
Greater Kruger National Park, 1380
www.tandatula.com
015 793 3191
Tanda Tula 