My husband and I just bought one of the Zulu Nyala 6 night packages at a charity auction. We know nothing-any help regarding which lodge to choose, how to get there, other things to see, would be a huge help!

To start, there's information on this thread:

http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34653366

My coworker did this and if you paid even 3x what she did, you got a tremendous deal. She was really pleased with her trip and showed me a nice variety of pictures. Not surprising she wants to go back and see more of Africa.

She and her husband ended up getting another couple to join them. They negotiated a price for the add-on couple. Of course it was nothing like the auction price.

The 4 of them rented a car and drove from Durban, where their international flight landed, to Zulu Nyala. She was nervous about this but all went fine. The roads are excellent. You drive on the left side in South Africa. You could arrange a transfer through the lodge at added expense.

I don't recall which lodge they stayed at. I looked at the options and they all would be very lovely and comfortable.

Game lodge = 50 a/c rooms and snooker, pool entertainment area, bar

Heritage Lodge = gracious lodge restored, helipad, 57 a/c rooms, 2 bars

Heritage Tented Camps = 42 tented camps, it looks like same facilities as the Heritage Lodge so the two must adjoin central facilities.

In addition to these it looked like there are family or group facilities.

If you are a snooker fan, it’s the game lodge, hands down. I’d personally get as far away as possible from the helipad, unless it is never really used. If you wanted a tented experience, then that’s the one to go for but with a phone and hair dryer it’s not remote or rustic and probably much like the lodge.

The wildlife viewing activities, which is your big draw and reason for going, appear to be the same for all 3 locations; therefore, I don’t think it matters that much where you stay.

One thing my co-worker did that was a highlight of her 6 nights was to book a full day trip (at added expense) to nearby Phinda. She said the number of animals she saw on her one day at Phinda was far more than at Zulu Nyala. On a full day outing, that lasted until early eve, she was told the odds of seeing at least one lion was 80%. I’d say that’s about right, based on my Phinda stay. They did not see any lions that day (or during their 6 days) but they saw cheetahs at Phinda. Phinda is a cheetah sanctuary so it is a good place to see them. Phinda is a fenced reserve.

Can you extend your stay to include more of Africa? I believe that's the best way to see other things. I think your days will be filled at Zulu Nyala with game drives that are different everytime out, walks, cultural visits, etc.

Have a great visit.

Many thanks for the reply! If we were to extend the trip, where would you suggest?

Where to extend? I'd say take a year off and just drift throughout Africa. Wouldn't that be nice.

Seriously, the easiest extension and least costly would be to remain in South Africa. You could add more safari time or time in Cape Town and environs.

If you wanted more safari, you could just head to Phinda, as mentioned but stay for 2 or more days, rather than a day trip. I liked Forest Lodge in a sand forest in the north. There is also Mountain Lodge in the south. These are the more moderately priced. There are also Vlei in the north and Rock in the south that are smaller, fancier, and pricier.

To see the famous Kruger region, you would likely need fly to and overnight in Johannesburg. There are lots and lots of options there. Self drive in Kruger. Stay in the neighboring private concession, Sabi Sands Game Reserve (SSGR) and do guided drives. I stayed at Mala Mala, which is known for exceptional game viewing, especially leopards, and thought it was great. The whole SSGR is know for pretty good leopards.

Here is a link to Cape Town activities.
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=35120876

This July, I'll be doing some Great White Shark viewing (not swimming with), some baboon walks with Baboon Matters, going to Robben Island where Mandela was held prisoner, and seeing the penguins, among other things, on a first visit.

Thank you! Your itinerary sounds fabulous. A couple more questions...what city should we fly into? We'll be traveling from around nyc/boston. And, is it advisable to drive ourselves? We've driven around Ireland and Europe, but are insecure since we know little about sa.

I bought this package at a auction also. I added on to the trip though the TA that was recommended in the info sent with the verification. We are flying to Cape Town for 4 days, then to Durban where we will be picked up and taken to Zulu Nyala. After the 6 days, we then will be taken to Richards Bay for a flight to Johannesburg followed by a flight to Livingstone. We will be there for 3 nights. We then fly to Nxagega Okavango safari camp for 3 days then on to Sandibe Safari Lodge for 3 more nights. We then fly to Johannesburg for one night before our long flight home to Seattle via London.

The lodges at Zulu Nyala that she recommended are Nyati Lodge and the Game Lodge. These do not get the tour buses.

We leave next Sunday, May 4th and I thank all whose knowledge I have used from the various posts, esp the packing lists. Gail

Mgquil, You took that auction package and went to town! What a fantastic trip you have coming up. The no bus option is great inside info.

Debmac,
You'd fly into Durban if you want to start out at Zulu Nyala. If you want to start in Cape Town then you'd fly to Cape Town. The penguins are 20 minutes away in Simonstown. You can stay in Simonstown or visit from Cape Town.

South Africa Airways would work well from New York.

If you are comfortable driving in Ireland on the left side, then SA should be fine. But you could weight the costs of a rental and how much you'd use it vs being picked up at the airport. While at Zulu Nyala, I think you are in their vehicles on game drives.

If driving on your own causes you concern, I'd go with the transfer option then you aren't anticipating your adventure with mixed feelings.

In Cape Town there are many driver-guide services, or you can drive yourself. Selwyn of I love Capetown gets rave reviews here. The shark people suggested Take2 tours, so I am going with that company. There are other good ones too.

Thank you for all the information on ZN. I am leaving on May 5th from Seattle and the safari starts May 10th to the 16th. We will be renting a car in Richards Bay and traveling south on the Garden Route to Capetown. We are leaving May 27th for home. I have read posts since August and have found only one other site that has info on ZN. You all have been very helpful in learning more. Please advise if there is any more info that I may need or any special items I should take with me. Do you have any suggestions as to what small items I can bring from home to leave there? Thanks again, Cindy

Small items--Your guides will probably be most happy with cash for tips.

But for other gifts--baseball caps and T-shirts with local logos, sunglasses, hairclips for girls, stickers. Give all kids' items to the adult in charge to give to the kids.

Have a great trip.

Thank you for your help. I am really looking forward to this trip and am sure that we will have a great time. Do you know where I can locate information on the best route and things see and do between Durban and Port Elizabeth?
Thanks Cindy

We just bought a ZN safari at an auction, too. I'm grateful for the info on this site, and look forward to more as folks return from Africa.

We're trying to figure out when to go. We'll probably combine the 6-night stay with a few nights in Cape Town, and maybe a couple at Phinda or other private reserve. We're really hoping to see some babies -- didn't see too many in Botswana last year. Any idea when would be best to see baby eles and giraffes? What about other animals?

Also, I'm curious.... Everyone talks about the day trips from ZN, but no one mentions prices. Can anyone give me any ballpark prices on the day trips -- especially St. Lucia, Tembe, and Hluhluwe Umfoloze?

Thanks in advance.

Baby eles stay as small babies for years so anytime for them. In herds of giraffe, there are often young ones. I don't think you can time it and babies are always a treat.

Tell your guide up front about your interest in babies.

I'd contact CC Africa about pricing.