Zula Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge
For general tips for travel in South Africa read
Is an African safari trip on your bucket list?
It was on ours and we went to Zulu Nyala for our 6 days in July 2023.
We absolutely experienced the Magic of Africa and it was even more than we had expected.
Watch this video as it shows everything you need to see and get excited about your stay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-e-xE_GDPo&t=3s
For full FAQs for what this amazing offer includes.
Click this link FAQ- Winning Bidder .pdf - Google Drive
My season preference
I personally like August or Early September if one’s schedule allows.
It is not too cold or too hot. Right before the rainy season
Vegetation is not too thick aiding game viewing
June and July can be cold in the mornings and evenings but similar to the winter in So Cal. Warm during the day. This time suits families with school vacation time
December can be hot and humid and busy as it is mid summer in SA and school breaks.
Testimonials
Most of the other guests were there from a Non-Profit auction as well from all over the USA. I talked to as many of the other guests as possible and I asked if their trip was all they had hoped for.
Everyone loved the accommodations they had chosen and the beautiful grounds.
They really enjoyed the game drives, the food, and the staff.
Several groups had children in their party including ours. Our grandchildren of 10 and 14 loved it all so much they were crying when they had to leave
The camaraderie among the guests is amazing. A huge percentage of the guests are there with a non-profit event package so we are all like-minded people. There are some tour bus groups that come for a 2 day stay.
The guests all mix and mingle throughout their stay sharing stories of their wild life experiences. .
Dunham testimonial
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/FiTi8nGR-fI
Dunham kids 10 and 14 testimonial
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl2QnhU47Po
Full Safari Lodge information on their website
https://zulunyala.co.za/heritage-safari-lodge/
Full FAQ’s includes all the general information. Please read it all so you are prepared.
There are photos of everything described in the FAQ’s
FAQ- Winning Bidder (2)Zulu Nyala.pdf
The Heritage Safari Lodge is the Reserve that is with your package..
Disregard the Game Lodge information in the FAQ’s for now
The Game Lodge will re open when bookings warrant it.
Flying there
Zulu Nyala does not book flights but can refer you to a contact who can help.
Flying into Johannesburg and interested in a short stay over.?
Zulu Nyala will meet you at the airport and can help arrange accommodations and
day trips.
Flying straight on to Durban or Richards Bay you make the flight transfer on your
Own
If Zulu Nyala arranges accommodations in Johannesburg, they will arrange your
transfer back to the Johannesburg airport for your ongoing flight
Now to break it all down from our experience and feedback from others….
There is a lot of information included so scroll to the area you want to know about
Zulu Nyala runs a shuttle service between the airport you use and Zulu Nyala.
Durban has better flight choices or Richards Bay.
Must be booked ahead
You are met by your driver holding a sign with your name on it.
See FAQ’s in above link for travel time and costs.
Price is based on number of guests in the shuttle.
Driving can be very challenging so I highly suggest the shuttle
Reception on arrival
Check-in after 2pm on arrival. If it is in time for the afternoon game drive which leaves the winter schedule 3pm and the summer schedule between 3:30pm - 4pm
Ask the receptionist how you join that game drive.
Ask if lunch in the Boma Restaurant is still available. It is included in your package. The menu has a price list but that is for guests not on a package
The Receptionist will give you a welcome information packet and the QR code to reference for information during your stay.
You will be assigned your host Ranger for game drives and meal table assignment. 10 guests per assignment or if your party is large you may be assigned to your own Game Vehicle and table.
Your Ranger will contact you the morning after you arrive to fill you in on the week, answer questions and discuss plans for your week and find out if you plan on any excursions which I highly recommend. See my thoughts outlined under excursions.
Your Ranger takes you on your game drives and excursions.
Your Auction trip package is handled by Reshmi and her staff at Zulu Nyala once they have receceived your information
Accomodations
Your accommodations with the package you got from your fundraiser is a standard room or a standard Hemmingway tent which are amazing. All have ensuite bathrooms and a covered patio Enquire about airconditioning/heating availability when booking.
The grounds are very large and beautifully landscaped so if you have mobility issues discuss room assignment when booking. ,
The standard rooms can accommodate 3 people. Please arrange when booking.
If you have 4 in your group you will need to upgrade if planning to share your room.
You can upgrade your room for a surcharge. See FAQ’s
The tents do not have air conditioning heat/cold. All the other rooms do.
Heritage Camp tent. 2 bedroom camp, each has its ensuite bathroom, one room is in the front more spacious with a lounge area and one in the back.
Watch video for Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h-e-xE_GDPo&t=3s
Adding on more guests
See add-on costs in the FAQ’s
If you want to add on others speak to your Non-Profit organizer or me about purchasing another non-profit package. The Non-Profit will receive a 50% donation. There is no donation adding on through Zulu Nyala.
Photos of all the rooms are on the FAQ’s
The grounds
The gardens and grounds are beautiful and buck and monkeys everywhere a fun bonus. It is a pleasure walking around the grounds enjoying all the indigenous plants
All the rooms have a view of the gardens from the patio so sitting enjoying a drink is a pleasure.
There are several lounge areas with WiFi and a TV plus a full fitness center and 2 swimming pools all included in your package.
Meals in the Boma Restaurant.
You are assigned a table of 10 with your group with your guide’s name Depending on your group size you sit with your game drive mates.
3 meals a day in the Boma are included in your package. The meals are delicious and have a large selection of cultural foods to try plus selections you do know. The meals are all buffet style and the serving staff love explaining what the cultural meals are.
There is full cash bar.
The wait staff are delightful, very friendly and attentive.
If you have any food allergies let the staff know and they can accommodate you.
MEAL TIMES:
• Breakfast – 07.00 – 09.30
• Lunch – 12.30 – 14.30
• Dinner – 18:30 – 21.30
Camaraderie. The guests mix and mingle with each other and share stories from their game drives and excursions.
Zulu Cultural Center
Watch videos at the Cultural Center
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SkyKsqqSIVo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3PV0c-L9TIA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxqTeIIG8C0
There is a Zulu Cultural Village on site and you arrange a tour with reception. The tour is excellent walking you through Zulu life at many stations ending with Zulu Dancing in the large theater and you are invited to join in the dancing towards the end of the performance.
There is Zulu dancing every evening at dinner in the center of the Boma restuarant..
The Full Service Spa
Up for some pampering ? Check out the luxurious Spa
Appointments are made through Reception.
Game drives
The morning and evening game drives are with your experienced professional guide assigned to you and your group on arrival.
The Guides get you up close and personal to over 40 species of game and bird life seen from your open safari vehicle.
Your Ranger will share his excellent knowledge with you during your drives.
Game drives are at 6am and 3pm depending on the season. Your Ranger will instruct you when and where you meet.
Game drives are 2hours long in open Safari Jeeps.
Dress warmly in winter as it is cold. A blanket will be provided as well.
Seats are not assigned but are decided by the guests each drive.
Guests are never allowed to leave the vehicle at any time during the game drive
For safety reasons, there is an age restriction placed on game-viewing activities for children who must be 6 or older to go on the game drives.
Zulu Nyala is a perfect opportunity to experience an African Safari in every way.
We recently took a safari in the Masai Mara and the Serengeti.
Far more expensive and very long drives every day up to 7 or 8 hrs on very rough and dusty roads in winter and wet in summer.
OFF-SITE EXCURSIONS:
Zulu Nyala offers a variety of off-site excursions in the surrounding area are highly recommended and very reasonably priced as the exchange rate is so favorable.
The day excursions are arranged with your guide when you meet with him the day after arrival or at any time if you decide later.
Excursions available include: Crocodile and Reptile Park;; Scuba diving/snorkelling/ weather dependant;; Pineapple farm visit; Gin Distillery visit and tasting; Tiger fishing;; Deep Sea Fishing; Local visit to school/village School vacation dependant; Safari/beach horse riding;
**I highly recommend the following**.
Tembe Elephant Park.
, Cheetah Rehabilitation Centre,
St Lucia boat cruise;
Bayete Elephant interaction
,Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve ½ or full day trip.
I do not recommend the Ilala Weavers and brewery trip. It is just a showroom of Illala Weavers and a bar restaurant.
A comprehensive list of all available excursions as well as pricing can be obtained upon request from the Reservation’s office. Pricing is based on the number of people taking the tour. I do not have any photos of the other excursions as we did not take the others as we were going up to East Africa too. I did ask everyone who went of the excursions and they definitely recommended them.
Incidentals
Bottled water is recommended as Zulu Nyala has borehole water. 2 bottles per day are provided in your room
Rooms are serviced daily.
Laundry, safes and electrical information are all in the FAQs
What to pack suggestions is in the FAQ’s
Cash tab and bill
Zulu Nyala runs a tab for you for any and all purchase during your stay
Your bill is paid at the end of your stay at Reception
Tips
Tips as with anywhere is entirely up to your discretion.
Suggested tips:
Guests may add a percentage to their final bill at check-out. This may be paid by
credit card.
Tips are shared amongst all of the hotel and junior staff, ensuring that those working
hard behind the scenes are also included. However, if you would like to tip your
room service maid, waiver and bartender feel free to do so. Tips in cash are
always appreciated.
Shuttle driver per trip, we suggest in the region of $15 per couple or family of 4 you can tip them directly.
Zulu’s at the Cultural Center always appreciate a tip into their shared tip jar at the end
Tips for your guide are usually given in person at the end of your visit. The amount is completely at your discretion, but the suggested guideline is +/- $200 per couple or family of 4 for your 6-night stay.
Medical issues
Ensure any recommended vaccinations are up to date before your trip. Consult your doctor or pharmacist at least 4 weeks before your departure date or visit www.cdc.gov/travel for more information.
If you use prescription drugs, please ensure you have enough for your entire trip.
Although there is a very low risk of contracting malaria in our area, it is advisable to take precautions, especially in the summer months. It is advisable to use a mosquito spray/repellent or cream for outdoor activities. This is available for purchase at the reception if you happen to forget yours.
Make sure to bring your own medication with you such as Tylenol/Paracetamol in case of a headache. We unfortunately are not able to administer any form of medication. I suggest you take any medications with you that you might use as needed.
If you have any medical concerns that you feel need to be assessed by a Doctor contact Reception. You will be taken to town 30minutes away to see a Doctor.
Travel agency
Zulu Nyala has a full-service travel agency and can assist you with any or all travel planning.
VAT REIMBURSEMENT AT THE AIRPORT
When you leave South Africa ,VAT reimbursement is only available on goods purchased with the proper documentation which is a detailed invoice with a description of the goods as well as a price breakdown of the items and taxes. Officials will also need to inspect the items so they can’t be packed in your checked luggage.
Any questions : Email gillianstravelstories@gmail.com
If you others who want to join you or book a trip of their own share this basic information for a “Trip of a Lifetime” !!
This is an incredible opportunity for a trip of a lifetime and in addition this is also an amazing fundraiser for your Non Profit.
$3000.00 purchase is good for 2 years to use and includes:
6 nights lodging at The Heritage Safari Lodge at Zulu Nyala,
3 meals a day.
2 game drives a day in game viewing jeep with a professional guide and tracker
You choose your travel dates. No blackout dates
Additional local excursions can be arranged and well worth it .
Does not include airfare, transfers, alcohol, soft drinks or tips.
Purchase one or more. Available to everyone
Zulu Nyala donates $1500.00 to your non-profit for every purchase if that can be arranged with your organization.
If you are not able to take your trip within the 2 year window here are the options to extend or transfer your package.
Photo Safari Package Terms & Conditions
❖ The trip is valid for 2 years from Date of Purchase
❖ The trip is Non-Refundable
❖ Trip can only be transferred to another person with written permission from Photo Safari office.
❖ There is an admin fee of $110 for the name change
❖ The expiry date can be extended for another year at an additional fee of $550 per couple.
❖ Kindly note that the auction package extension allowance is a maximum of 2 years from the date of expiry.
Thereafter, the package will be forfeited.
I.e. You can extend your package twice within a two year period after your package has expired at an additional
$550 administration/inflation fee per year.
Any questions
Email gillianstravelstories@gmail.com