Travel overseas, mention you are South African, and you’re likely to get an awed response from a foreigner who thinks we run around with elephants, giraffes and rhinos. Little do they know that it isn’t what happens, until you get to visit the Zulu Nyala Group.
It is owned by Trevor Shaw, a man with a passion for nature. With two hotels in northern KwaZulu-Natal, just past Hluhluwe, you have the option of staying at the Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge or, for the adventurous, the Zulu Nyala Game Lodge. We stayed at the Heritage and visited the Game Lodge.
The Heritage Lodge was acquired by Shaw in 1996, having taken over the original hotel, built in 1948 on the main road from Durban to Lourenço Marques (now Maputo).
The hotel has been restored to its original colonial grandeur, complemented by a tasteful Zulu theme. It features 57 spacious rooms with bathrooms . If you are the outdoor type, there are 42 luxurious Hemingway-style safari tents that offer the comfort of a luxury camp. Zebra and antelope roam freely, so don’t be surprised if they sneak up.
A crocodile enclosure on the property offers a close-up view of the reptiles.
Friendly staff members are always willing to assist.
A buffet-style continental breakfast and full English breakfast are served daily. You will also be spoilt for choice at lunch and dinner buffets. The Heritage Lodge has a boma which is ideal for functions and events.
The Game Lodge is in the heart of the game reserve, offering a unique wildlife experience. There are 52 ethnic-styled rooms, all with separate bath and shower facilities. The five-star restaurant is impressive, offering panoramic views of the reserve and buffets at breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Vibrant Zulu dancers entertain guests at dinner, while elephants are known to visit the huge windows overlooking the reserve.
A games area makes this a child-friendly destination and both venues are ideal for weddings.
You are encouraged to join the two daily game drives in the reserve’s 4x4 vehicles, accompanied by a ranger. The reserve has a variety of animals, including four of South Africa’s big five – giraffe, zebra, black and white rhino, hippo, leopard, cheetah, ostrich, wildebeest and more. Our first encounter was with a white rhino and her baby, who grazed apparently oblivious to our presence.
Further along, zebras blocked our path, giving new meaning to the term “zebra crossing”. A male rhino wasn’t very pleased about our intrusion, so we hurried along and caught a glimpse of the cheetah – a mother with six cubs, who posed for a memorable photograph.
Elephant proved to be elusive even though we spent hours trying to trail them. But two giraffe at a watering hole put on a spectacular swooning dance for us.
Zulu Nyala’s tagline is “Experience the Magic of Africa” and after visiting, you will certainly have done that.
It is running a special from R399 per person per night.
l For more information visit www.zulunyala.com or call 035 562 0177. - The Independent on Saturday