Originally purchased as degraded cattle farms, heavily infested with alien invasive plant species, the land at Thanda Private Game Reserve has been restored to re-establish the natural equilibrium. An ongoing game rehabilitation programme ensures the long-term conservation of wildlife. Eradicated in the past through hunting and farming, the big five and animal species endemic to the area have been successfully re-introduced. Thanda was the first privately owned game reserve in KwaZulu Natal to introduce a breeding pack of wild dog.

The expansion of the reserve in 2009 to 14,000 hectares meant that the game carrying capacity on the land increased and a herd of several black rhino were successfully released by KZN Wildlife on to the consolidated Thanda Mduna Royal Reserve.

The facilities at Thanda include a main lodge, tented camp, exclusive royal private villa and an award-winning wellness centre.