We look forward to seeing you in South Africa very soon! Before you leave home, please look over the checklists & weather patterns below, so that you have a better idea of what to expect when you arrive.
»  What to Bring
»  Weather Patterns
»  Frequently Asked Questions
»  Zulu Nyala Group Video
 
Hippo Family
 
 
Please use this list as a guideline of what to bring:
At Zulu Nyala, formal clothes are not necessary.


We suggest that you bring:
»  Shorts
»  Cotton T-shirts
»  Fleece or sweater
»  Warm jacket
»  Pair of closed shoes / walking shoes
»  Hat
»  Sunscreen and lip creams
»  Sunglasses
»  Anti-mosquito spray
»  Mobile telephone with international roaming activated (this is also a good security precaution when
    travelling to the Zulu Nyala venues alone)
»  Binoculars
»  Camera
»  Camera batteries / charger
»  Plug converter
»  Personal toiletries
»  Personal medical aid kit (aspirin, plasters, headache medication etc.)

For a very low cost, you can have your clothing laundered at the lodge.
 
 
African Fish Eagle
Baby Zebra
 
 
Northern KwaZulu-Natal    
     
Zulu Nyala Game Lodge
Latitude: 27° 54' 1.79" S
Longitude: 32° 16' 19.66" E
Heritage Safari Lodge & Heritage Tented Safari Camp
Latitude: 27° 57' 7.60" S
Longitude: 32° 14' 49.69" E
   
Nyati Lodge
Latitude: 27° 56' 1.06" S
Longitude: 32° 15' 12.33" E
Ndlovu Lodge
Latitude: 27° 56' 4.83" S
Longitude: 32° 15' 9.79" E
       
Month Average Max. Temp. (°C) Average Min. Temp. (°C) Average Rainfall (mm)
January
29
21
172
February
29
21
167
March
29
20
107
April
27
18
109
May
25
15
109
June
23
12
57
July
23
12
60
August
24
14
65
September
25
16
77
October
25
17
105
November
27
19
114
December
29
20
86
       
This climatological information shows the normal values and, according to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) prescripts, is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 1961 - 1990. www.weathersa.co.za
 
Johannesburg    
Position: 26° 08' S - 28° 14' E    
Height: 1 694m    
       
Month Average Max. Temp. (°C) Average Min. Temp. (°C) Average Rainfall (mm)
January
26
15
125
February
25
14
90
March
24
13
91
April
21
10
54
May
19
7
13
June
16
4
9
July
17
4
4
August
19
6
6
September
23
9
27
October
24
11
72
November
24
13
117
December
25
14
105
       
This climatological information shows the normal values and, according to World Meteorological Organization (WMO) prescripts, is based on monthly averages for the 30-year period 1961 - 1990. www.weathersa.co.za
 
Metric Conversions
 
Celsius to Fahrenheit:
Celsius temperature multiply by 2, add 30 = Fahrenheit temperature: 25°C x 2 + 30 = 80F
 
Acres to Hectares:
1 acre: 0.4047 hectares
1 ha: 2.47 acres
1 ha: 100 x 100 m
 
 
Bat-eared Fox
Malachi Kingfisher
 
 
Where does the lodge's name (Zulu Nyala) come from?
The private game reserve and bush lodges are situated in KwaZulu-Natal, traditional home of the proud Zulu nation, made famous by the legendary King Shaka. The lodge provides economic upliftment to the area and employment opportunities for many of the local Zulu people.

The shy and extremely beautiful Nyala is a type of buck not found in many places in Southern Africa, but they are endemic to the region so seeing them here, in their indigenous habitat is a treat. The Zulu Nyala Private Reserve is known for the nyala that browse its more forested area.
 
Giraffe Drinking
Male Nyala
 
What language is spoken there?
English, Afrikaans and of course Zulu are the most common languages here, but all of the Lodge staff speak excellent English. Many of the local Zulu people speak mainly Zulu, but are able to communicate with English speakers well enough to sell their handmade crafts.

How do I get there?

First, you'll take a flight to Johannesburg, South Africa. From there, you'll take another flight to Richards Bay. Then you may either rent a car to travel the rest of the way or you can arrange for a transfer (at an additional charge) and someone from the Zulu Nyala group will pick you up.
 
We are currently looking into arranging charter flights from Johannesburg, directly to the lodge in KwaZulu-Natal. We will post these details on this site as soon as this option has been finalised.

When is the best time of the year to visit Africa?

The region has a sub tropical climate with mild winters and hot summers. The summer temperatures are usually between 82F and 90F, with December to February being the hottest months, when temperatures can reach above 90F. The winters are never cold and temperatures are rarely below 70F during the day and 0 at night. It is advisable to take a warm jacket for game drives, as the early morning and evenings on an open vehicle can be chilly.

South Africa's winter months (May to August) are the most appealing time to visit for several reasons: firstly, the temperature is comfortable, as it tends to be approximately 70F during the day and 40F at night. Secondly, most of the grass is dead and the trees are bare which means that the animals are active and are easily spotted. During this season, the pineapple fields and banana plantations on surrounding farms as you approach the reserve, are also a wonderful sight to see.
 
Hyena Pup
Buffalo
 
What are the medical facilities like?
There are excellent private medical practitioners in most towns and a top class hospital at nearby Richards Bay.

Do I need to take any special medical precautions?
1. Please have an anti-tetanus injection if yours is not up to date.
2. This is a low malaria area. Please speak to your doctor and follow his suggestions regarding anti-malarial
    medication. Whether or not you take anti-malarial medication, ensure that you use a mosquito spray or
    cream, especially outdoors at night.
3. You need FULL travel medical insurance, as well as emergency evacuation. Medical care in South Africa
    is excellent but expensive.

What currency should I bring?
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Banking hours are between 9.00am and 3.30pm on weekdays and 8.00am to 11.00am on Saturdays. There are banks with foreign exchange services and automatic teller machines at Hluhluwe and in most of the towns. Larger establishments accept most international credit cards and travellers cheques, but cash is preferred when buying at smaller shops or curio stalls. 14% Value Added Tax (VAT) is charged on most purchased goods and services, however tourists can claim refunds of VAT paid for goods (not services) when exiting the country - information is available at the international airports.

What is the procedure for game drives?
Upon your arrival at Zulu Nyala, you will be assigned a ranger. He or she will be your chauffeur on the game drives, and will be available to answer any questions that you may have, concerning game drives and outside activities. Warm jackets and possibly a scarf or headgear is advised for early morning and evening drives as the wind can be very chilly.

What should I wear?
Please keep your clothing colours earthy and do not wear any bright colours. It can be cold on some mornings when out on an early drive but can get very hot during the day, even in the middle of winter

Will my hairdryer work?

South Africa uses 220-volt electricity - please bring your own adapters and converters.

Is the water safe to drink?
The tap water in the KwaZulu-Natal area is not always suitable for drinking but bottled water is always available for purchase.

What will we eat?

The meals are the Zulu Nyala lodges are exceptional - prepared by international chefs, but with an African flavour of course! You will be given two different choices each day for your meat, potato, vegetable, soup and salad.
 
 
Vultures on an Animal Kill
 
 
Please click here to download a copy of the Zulu Nyala Group video.
Please Note: This video is 67MB and we advise that you use a broadband connection for the download.
 
 
Accreditation: SATSA (South African Tourism Services Association)  •  APTA (Association for the Promotion of Tourism to Africa)
Content Copyright © Zulu Nyala Group 2007  •  Pictures Copyright © Tim Driman 2007  •  Site by Trade & Lateral Development