Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge

The Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge was originally built in the 1940`s as a hotel and was a landmark pitstop for weary travelers between Maputo and Durban. Acquired in 1996, the gracious building was lovingly restired to its original colonial grandeur, enhanced with new accommodation, and tastefully themed to highlight Zululand`s unique cultural heritage.

With buffet-style meals in our restaurant, the wide, welcoming veranda and our ‘human watering hole’ - the pub or thatched boma, warm and relaxing atmosphere is conducive to shared good times and conviviality.

Sundowners are a fine part of old colonial tradition that really should be observed! The Zulu Nyala Heritage Hotel also has a small library, as well as a beautifully stocked curio shop for your browsing pleasure and be sure to keep an eye out for the impala, nyala, warthog, zebra, blesbok and Zulu nguni cattle that roam freely on the property.

Accommodation at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge:
Unwind in one of the 57 guest suites all tastefully decorated and fully air-conditioned with seperate bath and shower. These spacious colonial style rooms are all equipped with tea/coffee making facilities, overhead fans, hairdryer, wall safe and direct dial telephones.

Many of the rooms lead out onto long spacious verandas with comfortable seating. See the zebra strolling by and watch beautiful African sunsets.

Situated adjacent to the Zulu Nyala Safari Game Reserve, only 200 meters away from the closest entrance gate, the Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge is ideally located for guests to enjoy all the activities on offer at Zulu Nyala Safari Game Lodge. Only 5 kilometers off the main N2 highway the Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge is easily accessible by both coach and motor vehicle. Visit our live cultural village and experience Zulu dancing, bead work, beer and basket making and stick fighting.

Facilities at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge:
Most of the facilities are located in and around the main Hotel which was built in true Colonial style during the 1940s. Lovingly and graciously restored, it serves as a wonderful venue for the elegant lounge spacious dining rooms and traditional bar. The large veranda is a delight and special place to spend quality time.

Swimming Pool
The swimming pool is sparkling and inviting. Laze on one of the loungers or bask in the sun sipping refreshing cocktails.

Open Air Boma
Our open air boma with its traditional Zulu feel and decor is the perfect venue for under the star dinners. This can be arranged in advance for larger groups.

Gardens
Take a stroll around the extensive gardens and stop past the crocodile pond and observe these prehistoric looking reptiles in their natural surroundings or just sit on the lawns and enjoy the spectacular sunsets.

Activities and Excursions Nearby:
Cultural Village
Adjacent to the Heritage Safari Lodge is our fascinating Zulu Cultural Village, where the residents still live and practice Zulu traditions as their ancestors did a hundred years ago. A visit will expose you to traditional Zulu beer and spear making; sangomas who read your future in the bones that they throw; the Zulu version of martial arts stick fighting; bead and basket making and the high-kicking, rhythmic Zulu dancing. Bookings are essential.

St Lucia Boat Cruise
Experience the beauty of the iSimangaliso /Greater St Lucia Wetland Park on a relaxing two hour boat cruise (three different daily departure times) along the St Lucia Estuary with St Lucia Safaris or Advantage Tours & Charters. Learn about the numerous birdlife, hippo and croc to be sighted with educational talks. The boats offer ample space to walk around in and comfortable seats from which to study the beautiful scenery, while being custom built to venture into shallow waters, excellent photographic opportunities are a given.

Zulu Arts & Crafts
The iSimangaliso / Greater St. Lucia Park is rich in Zulu crafts. The Zulus or People of Heaven are famous in many respects. Historically Shaka Zulu is considered one of the most illustrious African leaders. Their colourful culture has spawned an international fashion craze. Even overseas their curios, beadwork and grass baskets are considered prized possessions. Within St. Lucia there are several markets and curio shops which sell a great variety of curios. These include baskets, mats, carvings, walking sticks, clay pots and locally produced fruit and vegetables.

Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Centre
The Emdoneni Cat Rehabilitation Project was started by Ida Nel (Louis mom) who always had a passion and love for wild animals, especially cheetah. Ida received the first 2 cheetahs from Namibia (Nandi & Jabu) in 1994. They both died of old age over the last 2 years. Both were between the ages of 1618 years (captivity). Not long after receiving the original cheetahs we received one injured serval and then it all happened; Emdoneni Lodge Animal Care started. People learnt that injured or orphaned cat species could be brought to us for care and love. We are working closely with KZN Parks Board who assist us in releasing off-spring back into the wild. Successful releasing of Serval, Caracal and African Wild Cat has been done in Charters Creek, Phinda, Mkuze Falls Game Reserve and in the Bushlands area.

Elephant Interaction Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park
Guests seeking deeper meaning to their visit may wish to have close contact and interaction with wildlife. Although little can match the thrill of seeing wild elephants in Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve, guests are also afforded an opportunity of close contact with 3 Elephant that were orphaned and hand reared but are now free to range in a private game reserve that is over 2 500 hectares. These elephants come up to visit the viewing area each morning, for a welcome snack of game pellets. Here you will be able to interact with them in well controlled situations and also enjoy suburb interpretation of the elephant species, which is enlightening and clearly shows the care and concern that is afforded to these magnificent animals.

Zulu Croc Hluhluwe
Situated in northern Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, and nestled in the moist tropical savannah bushveld of northern Zululand, close to Hluhluwe, lies Zulu Croc. Easily accessible from Durban N2 highway and close in proximity to some of the most popular tourist wildlife destinations in the country, including Zulu Nyala and the world renowned Hluhluwe / Umfolozi game reserve. Zulu Croc is more than just a reptile park; it is an educational adventure where you will get to meet our guides, who are well respected by the local community.