My Home My Kingdom: Thanda Safari Property (South Africa)

If you’re looking for an overseas luxury home to own, many would opt for high-rise apartments, posh penthouses or commodious bungalows. What if you wish to opt for something more exotic with a unique location? Consider Africa, where its raw, bucolic landscapes and terrain, not forgetting, its wild, indigenous creatures beckons you.

Each Thanda Villa will have purposeful spaces for you to enjoy outdoor activities while making you feel right at home.

Tucked away in northern Zululand, South Africa, the landscape was the former hunting grounds of past Zulu Kings. It is also the place where Africa’s Big Five roam – lion, rhinoceros, leopard, elephant, Cape buffalo. The Thanda Royal Residences is set amid lush vegetation and there will be 44 villas up for homeownership. Designed by leading architects and beautifully furnished, this gated community ensures high security – electric fencing to prevent unauthorised access of intruders and animals – while enjoying exclusive access to your domicile. Living in the villa gives one a unique experience of being secluded, private and safe at the same time.

Every villa will enjoy enviable views of the African landscape; get pampered with a dip in your private pool.

Chic Interiors

The 44 villas range in size from 1 hectare to 38 hectares of land area, each unit offering enviable vistas of rivers, valleys and mountains. Each villa is a stand-alone design offering built-up space between 350 to 1, 000 square metres. The villas are available in two design variations – Traditional and Modern. The former’s aesthetics offer traditional hut-like, cone-shaped roofs that reference the Zulu people’s architectural language. There are outdoor areas to convene over a meal, enjoy a barbeque or take a dip in the swimming pool. Being traditional in design, you’ll find organic-shaped wooden furniture and lighting fixtures made from natural materials, complemented by sophisticated features and amenities found in modern homes.The Modern villas project a more contemporary touch: furniture with modern lines and brightly-coloured upholstery, a kitchen space with sleek lines, the use of glass partitions to demarcate rooms and alcove lighting, to name a few. Whichever villa style you opt for, you will still make an impeccable choice.

“This unique real estate offering is all about owners enjoying an exceptional lifestyle with exciting experiences, combined with the opportunity to do good and give back through philanthropic initiatives, all of which will create memories of a lifetime and a legacy that can be bequeathed to future generations.”– Pierre Delvaux, Thanda Group CEO and Vice Chairman

Regal Status

Purchasing a villa entitles you to some “regal” benefits; after all, this was the former land where once kings and warriors ruled! As a homeowner, you are automatically a Founder Member of the Thanda Royal Residences Club of the kindred spirit – leaders, entrepreneurs, social investors and adventurers. It is an investment where you’ll receive full title and freehold ownership of this one-of-a-kind property. More than just a home, you’ll also be granted access to Thanda’s other properties such as its grandiose Thanda Safari and Thanda Island (refer to following feature on the next page).

In addition, all members enjoy benefits such as a discounted villa purchase price if you’re one of the first ten buyers. You’ll also get one complimentary, superior furniture package, a royal invitation to the annual Royal Banquet and Honorary Annual Functions with His Majesty – King Zwelithini. Most interestingly, Founder Members will be seated at the King’s table! In fact, members will be invited to charity balls, events and other VIP functions attended by the King, as well as South African and international VIPs; there is also a certificate of exclusive membership signed by His Majesty and Dan Olofsson, Founder and Owner.

More Exclusive Access

Homeowners of this intriguing and exclusive property can also get up close with wildlife because they are granted access to Thanda Safari. The nature reserve is committed to the passionate conservation of the animals and their environment. Sprawled across 14,000 hectares of natural landscape, you will definitely have the opportunity to spot hyenas, giraffes, cheetahs or other abundant flora and fauna. The Thanda Safari Lodge offers nine luxurious bush suites to stay while Thanda Tented provides an authentic African Safari experience. You’ll be glad to know that Thanda Safari is a proud member of The Leading Hotels of the World and multiple winner of World’s Leading Luxury Lodge. The Thanda Royal Residences is an estate worth considering if you prefer a home with an exotic location that is close to wildlife, yet feel safe with a sense of privacy to enjoy a life with loved ones.

For more information, please visit www.thanda.com.

Words by Joe Lim