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2011-01-11 : BOOK SUGGESTION: The Elephant Whisperer

A good read and an excellent way to entice you to come visit KwaZuluNatal (Durban Area) where this story is set and maybe to even meet Mr Laurence Anthony in person? Lawrence Anthony is a highly-respected South African conservationist and co-founder of The Earth Organization. When Lawrence Anthony was asked to accept a herd of 'rogue' elephants on his reserve at Thula Thula, his common sense told him to refuse. But he was the herd's last chance of survival - notorious escape artists, they would all be killed if Lawrence wouldn't take them.

Laurence agreed, but before arrangements for the move could be completed the animals broke out again and the matriarch and her baby were shot. The remaining elephants were traumatised and very angry. As soon as they arrived at Thula Thula they started planning their escape. As Lawrence battled to create a bond with the elephants and save them from execution, he came to realise that they had a lot to teach him about love, loyalty and freedom. Set against the background of life on the reserve, with unforgettable characters and exotic wildlife, this is a delightful book that will appeal to animal lovers everywhere.

Thula Thula, owned an operated by Laurence and his lovely wife Francoise, is situated in Zululand, only 40 minutes from Richards Bay harbour and airport, 45 min from Umfolosi game reserve - Cengeni Gate and less than 2 hours drive from Durban. A 700m airstrip is on the property.

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.

Experienced rangers will guide you on exciting safaris in open Landrovers through the unique diversity of this ancestral land to encounter elephant, rhino, leopard, giraffe, hyena, crocodile, zebra, wildebeest, kudu, nyala and a spectacular variety of other indigenous species, great and small.

Birdlife is prolific with over 350 identified species, including raptors.

The re-introduction of a family herd of elephant in August 1999 marks the historic return of these great creatures to the area for the first time in 100 years.

Extra activities include a massage therapy, or a visit to the local rural Zulu village, authentic experience with an encounter with the Inyanga, the Zulu "Doctor” who will display for you the traditional Zulu medicine, the visit of Umfolosi-Hluhluwe Game Reserve or a cruise on the St Lucia Estuary to view hippos and crocodiles.

Thula Thula is situated in a malaria free area.

SAFARI LODGE RATES

Rates all inclusive of Luxury accommodation, gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinner,
2 Game drives per day , bush walks, night drives, teas and coffees, and are quoted per person per night sharing.
Rates exclude bar & curio shop expenses.
Single rates + 30%

LUXURY TENTED CAMP RATES

Rates all inclusive of luxury accommodation, all meals, one morning bush walk and one afternoon game drive, all teas and coffees,
and are quoted per person per night sharing.
Rates exclude bar and curio shop expenses.
Single rates : + 30%