Zulu Nyala Game Lodge
 

My husband and I will be staying at the Zulu Nyala private reserve and we are very interested in speaking with anyone who has experienced their hospitality. We've seen the website, but are very curious to hear about the different venues in which one can stay, the differences between them, and the experiences of anyone who has vacationed there. Thank you.

Lisa

ttt

We're not ignoring you, it's just that none of the regulars here seem to know anything about this place. A few other posters have asked this question and no-one answered them either.

RuthieC, thank you. I've searched and searched the Net for info other than what is on the website for zulu Nyala, but there seems to be so very little out there, although I have seen several postings from those who were going to be going but have not yet posted reviews of their trips.

I'm new at this posting business so can you tell me what TTT means? Just curious.

Thanks.

Lisa

Crystal-ttt means to the top, a way of getting this message back to the top of the list so possibly someone can answer the question this time around.

Thank you! Now I don't feel like such a dummy! :-)

Lisa

so why have you chosen Zulu Nyala?

Hi, Lin. First, I've just got to say how much I enjoyed your trip report! I learned so much from it.

As for choosing Zulu Nyala, it kind of chose us. :-) We won it at an auction, as I know many of its visitors seem to have done, and I am now awaiting someone's trip report to fill me in on the details of what the accommodations, game drives, guides, food, etc. are like. I've read on various boards of people who were on their way there sometime during these months, so...here's to patience.

Lisa

Crystalsong

You'll just have to post the first report.

You bet I will...I promise! But till then, here's hoping someone will beat me to it!

Lisa

Crystal,

I just stumbled across your email. May be too late, but I was at Zulu Nyala in June of this year. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions ([email protected]).

I've been getting too many requests for info to respond personally -- here's an overview that I've sent out to a few. Hope it helps:



I visited Zulu Nyala in June '05. Flew into J-burg, spent
the night at a hotel at the airport, flew to Richard's
bay in the morning, and had someone from Zulu Nyala
pick us up and drive us there...it's about an 1 1/2
hour drive if I remember correctly.

Some folks have asked why I didn't stay at the Zulu Nyala lodge in J-burg. Personally speaking, it looked like a tourist trap to get you to buy diamonds. After an 18 hour flight, I just wanted to get to my hotel (about 1000 feet from the airport) and sleep. Maybe it's nice -- just seemed like too much work for me.

We stayed in the Game Lodge. I also checked out the Safari Lodge and Tents. I'd recommend the game lodge -- nice rooms, beautiful views, relaxing game room, and by far the best chefs (each lodge has their own chef. we ate at the Safari lodge one night and it paled in comparison to the game lodge).

Our guide was Sebastian. I highly recommend him. Low key, down to earth, very accomodating. He was great at spotting animals in the distance (especially in
the dark) and was willing to drive anywhere, on or off
road, to get you to a good view point.

The rides are great -- typically one around 7:30 AM
and one around 4:30 PM -- each lasts around 1 1/2
hours. You'll see pretty much everything (elephants,
alligators, rhinos, hippos, giraffes, nyalas) except
cats -- you need to go to hluhluwe for that. I must
admit that by about the fourth day, I got a little
tired of the same rides. Needed some kind of
diversion. You can also request a walk instead of
ride -- it was a nice change of pace.

Expect to spend the whole week with the same group of
6-8 people. You'll do game rides together, eat
together, and go on day trips together. If you get a good group, your golden. If you get a bunch of people with very different expectations ("we'll see whatever we see" vs. "I need to check off every animal on my list") or different politics, it can be a bit straining.

Day trips: You'll need to go on some to keep yourself
from going bonkers -- day trip to hluhluwe was nice
(although 5:00 AM drive in open jeep was FREEZING);
St. Lucia day trip was also nice. Horseback riding
into a field of giraffes -- awesome! Our best trip was
to a local Zulu village (just me, my wife, and
sebastian). this was completely off the beaten track
-- not some touristy gimmick, but an actual walk
through the village (they call it a "village" but it's
really thousands of folks spread out over a
mountainside). In fact, this was not a trip offered
by Zulu Nyala -- we requested a chance to meet some
locals, and they arranged it specifically for us.
they hooked us up with a guide (a very nice young man
that lives in the village) who took us to the high
school to meet the teachers and kids, to the local
general store, and visited with a 78-year old woman
living in a stone hut. It was fascinating, moving,
and sad. After seeing thousands of animals, it was
nice to actually meet some real S. African people. I
forget the name of the village, but it was very close
to the enterance of the hluhluwe national park. I'm
sure Sebastion will remember.

Other miscl stuff: during the day, not much to do at the lodge. Nowhere
to walk, the pool was not heated, and the tennis
courts only work if you have your own racket (they
have loaners, but I don't think they've been restrung
in 20 years). A small workout room would have been
great. If you don't mind laying around the pool reading, you're cool. Otherwise, expect to do a bunch of day-trips.

One dissapointment -- don't go thinking your going to
meet all these international and exotic people. I
think 90% of the guests were either from boston,
Seattle, Michigan, or NY. Everyone there got the trip
through an auction.

Finally, if you can extend your stay, do so. We had
to go home right afterwards, but most people stay in
Africa to tour around. Prime destinations seems to be
Cape Town, the battlefields (historical sites where
the Zulus/Boer/British wars were fought), or to
safaris in Botswana.

Hope that helps. Please post any add'l questions and I'll try to respond. I'll continue to try to respond to personall emails, but no promises if I have 20 requests in my inbox.

Thank you so very much for all the information on Zulu Nyala! It's the most I've read about the Lodge yet, even though I've been searching for months!

I do have a question for you: Did you get a chance to see either the Ndlovu Lodge or the Nyati Lodge, the two smallest lodges on the reserve, while you were there and, if so, can you tell me a bit about them? From what I understand, they each have their own chef and each accommodates only about ten people?

We'll be staying there in March of 2007, and then we're going to continue on to Zambia and Vic Falls.

Thanks again for your candid report.

Lisa

Sorry...don't know much about it. Our host told us that if we wanted to switch to one of these lodges once we got there, we could. However, after settling in, we decided to stay where we were. Don't think we ever saw them.

Hello,

Please do post a trip report when you return -- it would be interesting to find out if there's a reason all of the guests win their stays through auctions rather than booking through more conventional means.

Cheers,
Julian

Julian,

Pretty simple answer there -- it's their business model. They've hooked up with a few people that specialize in charity auctions...basically if your organization hires that auctionaire, the auctionaire donates the trip for free. The non-profit organization is happy because it's extra money (I think the organization gets something like half of the money bid on the safari), the auctionaire can use that a reason to hire them, and Zulu Nyala gets two more guests. I'm pretty sure the money they get from the auction covers their fixed costs. They make it up on all the extras you spend there.

I know at our auction, all the brochures said they were going to auction off one trip. However, when 3 people were bidding close to $2K, the auctionaire suddenly realized that she could auction off three trips. I think as long as she could get close to $2K, she'd sell as many as she could.

Why don't people book there w/o auctions? Probably if you were going to go to all the time and expense to go on a safari in S. Africa, you'd pick a different one. But if you can get pretty cheap through an auction (I'm sure it's an impulse buy for a lot of folks), heck, why not.

Thanks Lincoln -- interesting business model. If the $2000 includes flights it's one serious bargain.

Cheers,
Julian

nope...airfare is separate. I used frequent flier miles, so didn't cost anything.

Hello Lisa,

This is Gayle. We are going to Zulu Nyala in April and I will let you know all about it. We are going at the end of our Africa trip and I am working on planning the rest of the trip.

Without flights, not such a bargain...for $2000 you can have a nice safari at a number of places.

Cheers,
Julian

We are going there in June and very interested to hear more about it. I was concerned but was reassured by some friends who went there last year and raved about it. They stayed in the Lodge and didn't get to see the other accommodations. I look forward to reading more about it. Barbara

I've been reading the notes from Crystalsong's post (have you gone yet?) ... My husband and I are one of the lucky (we hope) winners at an auction of the trip to Zulu Nyala Game Lodge -- I'm feeling a little skeptical but ... the price seems great (of course not counting airfare). I noticed what lincoln said about the auctioneer suddenly able to sell 2 more trips (which she promptly did). Anyway -- was hoping to hear from that last person who said they were going this past June. maybe it's been too long since I've traveled internationally but I'm feeling a little bit like I've bought a trip akin to one of those time-share gimmick things ... though the idea of horseback riding among the giraffes could fully change the tide... any other insights would be much appreciated. It seems that most people are extening their African stays for at least a week? This trip is 6 days and 6 nights. Thanks!

Outofblue,

A co-worker of mine won that same trip in an auction. In fact I thought you might be her, but I looked at your other listings and realized you live elsewhere.

I'll be interested in the reaction of others and any additional insights you gain so I can pass them on to my co-worker.

My son and I leave for Zulu Nyala on Wednesday morning. I'm glad to have read Lincoln's 2005 comments. Has anyone been there more recently? One more question: Were you able to drink the water while there?

Evelyn

We bought our trip through an auction too. We're planning on going in June/July 2007. Very interested in what others are doing. Did they (the tour company) send you info on other extended trips i.e. the Blue Train, drive from Durban to Cape Town? Is anyone else going to go to another city within South Africa? Cape Town, Durban? Are you using a local travel agent to book interior air flights or trips? Thanks, Should be fun! De

Hi Evelyn....I am very interested to hear what you have to say about Zulu Nyala....we are a group of 8 that are going for a week in July of 07....then we are going to the Cape Town area for the second week.. Please post your experience with Zulu Nyala. We are not sure what we have gotten ourselves in to! We are 6 adults and two teenagers.

We also bought the package at an auction. It went to a good cause and we had a few glasses of wine.....so we bought one of the trips.
I have heard on another travel board that most people are satisfied with the accomodations, food and the game drives are okay. But we are certainly planning on taking day trips to surrounding areas. We are taking a tour prior to arriving at ZN...13 days going to Chobe, Victoria Falls and Capetown. After all the traveling, staying in one place as a base, will be nice.
I like the idea of getting a guide to take you into the village. What did you pay the guide for that outing? And in general, what do you tip the guide/rangers that take you on the game drives?
Instead of flying from Jb to Rich Bay, and then paying another stiff fee to get a transfer, we are going to rent a car and drive. I have been told the roads are good, to drive in the daylight and not stop for anyone. There will be four of us, so we feel comfortable doing that.
anyone else made the drive from JB to Hluhwue area?

My husband, father-in-law and I went to Zulu Nyala in August 2006 and loved it. I can't add much to what Lincoln said because his description was perfect. We also went to a local village and St. Lucia. Everyone in our group was from the US - Boston, Seattle, Ohio, Arizona. It was very relaxing and the food was incredible. I would definately recommend a stop in Cape Town if you have the time. The game drives do get a bit boring by day five but day trips provide a nice change of pace. Everyone in our group got their trip from an auction and the winning bids ranged from $750-$4500. The movie I Dreamed Of Africa was filmed there if you want a sneak peak. The set is still there and two additional movies have also been shot on location. If you go there with relaxation in mind, you will have a wonderful time.
Enjoy

I'm new but we are going to Zulu Nyala also as you are in March of 2007. Can you tell me what else you plan besides this safari??
Thanks
sushli

Hi, sushli,

First, when in March will you be at Zulu Nyala? We arrive on the 21st.
Our plan is this: We're flying into Johannesburg on the 20th, staying overnight at the Metcourt Laurel, right at the airport, and then taking a morning transfer flight to Richard's Bay, where we will then be transferred to Zulu Nyala. Although the package is for six days/nights, after some careful research and planning, my husband and I decided to cut this a bit short, so we're only going to be staying for four days/nights. We have specific time requirements, and we felt that if we were going to fly all that way, we wanted to be able to see more of Africa than just Hluhluwe. So, after we leave Zulu, we're flying back to Joburg for a day and night, (flight times dictated this), and then early the next morning, we are flying to Botswana for a six-day/night safari at two different camps. From there, we'll transfer to the Zim side of Vic Falls for two nights, and then it's back home for us.

From what Lincoln wrote, I think we'll do a couple of the game drives offered by Zulu, and then take a day trip or two. We're considering going to St. Lucia wetlands, and/or visiting Hluhluwe-Emfolozi NP. I think Tembe elephant park is within driving distance as well, but I don't know very much about it.

Hope this helps.

Hi Lisa,
We arrive in JBurg 3/7/07, stay overnight and pu car on 3/8. We hope to drive & stay in Krugar Natl Pk, maybe Sun/Lost Ciry and then back in JBurg to fly out again 3/14/07 to Durban. Our time at Zulu is 3/17-22/07. We are staying 3 days at the Game Lodge and 3 days at the Tented Safari. Then we fly to Capetown and are at a timeshare one week from 3/24-30. We're wanting to go to Cape of Good Hope, Robbens Island, Tempi, Hluhlwe and do the Garden Route. All tentative. We're a little apprehensive not knowing much about any of this. Of course we want to take it all in. Especially the animals. Thanks for any suggestions/advice.

Hi, Sushli,

That sounds like a wonderful itinerary! It looks as if we'll overlap at Zulu for one night.

We have opted to stay all four nights at the Nyati Lodge, so between us, we'll get to see pretty much all the accommodations ZN has to offer.

You leave very soon! How exciting! Please post a review when you return. I'm going to try to do the same. I'm even taking a teeny digital voice recorder to record a journal of sorts. Have a wonderful time!

It would be fun to meet but we'd better not commit ourselves as we don't know what it's like or how far away the different lodges are. If close by we may try to find you. We are from Michigan, where are you from? Wish we'd discovered this site earlier-reading everything we can find now. We're doing the count down also. Family get together Sunday-pack Monday and off we go. We are excited. Hope you have a safe/fun trip also. We'll look for your post in April. Have a great time!

Marge

My husband and I also purchased this trip at an auction (good cause- lots of wine- do they do that on purpose?)We leave in 2 weeks and am interested in driving from Durban to Zulu nyala after reading the posts- has anyone done this? Is it safe? Also any suggestions on the side trips offered?

email Veena or Reshmi at Zn and they will give you driving directions.

I understand from other posts that Carhire 3000 has great rates and some of the best insurance.

Have driven from Durban to Phinda and then around the area quite a bit and it's easy driving and I am not aware of any safety issues (although check with locals when going off main roads).

Sorry I meant to add that I realize you aren't visiting Phinda but this is the same area you will be visiting.

Hello, everyone:

We just returned from our vacation at Zulu, Botswana and Vic Falls. I do intend to put together a trip report, but until then, if anyone has any questions about Zulu Nyala, please don't hesitate to ask.

We had a marvelous time; Zulu Nyala is a wonderful place, and I would recommend staying at the Nyati Lodge if at all possible. It is a very intimate setting, with only five rooms, four of which open out onto the veranda which overlooks the plain, and many animals. It's very African, with thatched roof and dinner served out on the veranda, but for those who need air conditioning, this is available in all of the rooms.

We loved it, and it was a wonderful spring board into Botswana, where we had a most amazing safari.
If you can, please request Marius as your guide at Zulu. Having met many of the guides, Marius is by far the most enthusiastic and knowledgeable that we had the pleasure of meeting. He loves his job, and the love he has for animals shows in everything he says and does. He made our stay at Zulu very special.
Looking forward to answering any questions you might have,

Lisa

Welcome back Lisa! Glad you had such a good time. Did you hear all the sounds you wanted to hear? Can't wait to read your trip report.

Yes, I heard just about everything I had hoped to hear. We saw almost everything there is to see, including the wild dogs!; however, often, what we saw and what vocalized were two different things! :-) For example, we saw a number of leopards over our six days in Botswana, but not once did one give us a vocal show! We also saw lions on a number of occasions, but aside from a few grumbles, pants and complaints, I never did get to hear that full-throated roar. But, you know, that's really okay, because after having been in the presence of all these magnificent animals, just hearing them move about, eat and breathe was truly enough to fill my senses.

What I did learn is that the animal world is a curiously silent place; the birds are the exception. When animals are silent, they are happy, relaxed, and satiated. It is only when they are alarmed, or hungry, or in competition that they tend to vocalize. To really enjoy the bush from an audio perspective, silence is key. Thanks to our exceptional guides, I was fortunate enough to enjoy many sustained periods of silence where I could simply enjoy listening to the animals breathe, eat, stretch, adjust position, nuzzle one another, etc. As silent as the animal kingdom can be, when one sits in silence to observe, it can become a very noisy place!

No experience I have ever had can even begin to compare to our days and nights in Africa! It is a textured world, full of sound, scent and silence. What an awesomely majestic place!