Zulu Nyala Game Lodge
Jan 29th, 2006, 08:31 PM
#21
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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
Aug 6th, 2006, 06:55 AM
#22
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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!
Aug 6th, 2006, 08:17 AM
#23
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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.
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.
Aug 6th, 2006, 04:45 PM
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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
Evelyn
Aug 16th, 2006, 09:21 AM
#25
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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
Sep 6th, 2006, 11:18 PM
#26
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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.
Jan 10th, 2007, 09:42 PM
#27
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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?
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?
Jan 12th, 2007, 09:30 AM
#28
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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
Enjoy
Feb 26th, 2007, 03:08 PM
#30
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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.
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.
Feb 27th, 2007, 05:04 AM
#31
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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.
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.
Feb 27th, 2007, 02:00 PM
#32
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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!
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!
Feb 28th, 2007, 06:15 PM
#33
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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
Marge
Mar 25th, 2007, 02:46 PM
#34
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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?
Apr 7th, 2007, 09:53 AM
#38
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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
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
Apr 7th, 2007, 11:33 AM
#40
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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!
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!
