Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
The Heritage Safari Lodge was originally built in the 1940’s as a hotel and was a landmark pit-stop for weary travelers between Maputo and Durban. Acquired in 1996, the gracious building was lovingly restored 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. The sparkling pool is always inviting, and you’re sure to enjoy browsing our beautifully stocked curio shop for a few authentic African mementos.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to Giata.
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The Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge is celebrated by guests for its comprehensive amenities and the cleanliness of both its grounds and rooms. Reviewers frequently highlight the attentive service, contributing to a memorable stay.
While the lodge offers a variety of dining options and excursions that many find to be good value, some suggest that the bar and entertainment could be enhanced. The comfortable and spacious rooms with wildlife views are particularly popular, as is the vibrant atmosphere during special celebrations like New Year's.
Atmosphere
Lively
Rooms
Spacious
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Immaculate
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Comprehensive
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We traveled to Zulu Nyala in October of 2019 and were there from the 5th to the 25th. Our experience could not have been better. The staff were most accommodating and engaging. We were first at the Manor House in Johannesburg and then flew to the Lodge in Hluhluwe where we stayed for 7 days. This too was first rate; each day excursions were right on time and each had its own charm. I would highly recommend The Saint Lucia Boat Cruise, Tembe Elephant Part and the Hluhluwe/Umfolozi part Full Day. The food was good, served cafeteria style, and plentiful. We honestly believe that unless a person just wants to complain, there is very little to criticize. At the Country Manor, in Johannesburg, the day excursions were also interesting. We enjoyed the Cradle of Civilization and the tour of Soweto township (Nelson Mandela house) and the Apartheid Museum. The one negative was the curio shop which is adjacent to the Lodge. I purchased 3 rather expensive gifts in October and as of the end of December have not received them. If you are going to buy any gifts there, take them with you.
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Date of stay: October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
This place was absolutely incredible! Every staff member was remarkably kind, helpful, and generous with their time.
We arranged for shuttle transportation to and from the Durban Airport and the drivers were punctual, professional, and efficient.
The grounds on the property are immaculate and there are wild Nyala, monkeys, and crocodiles that you can safely view while walking the property.
We stayed in one of the suites and it was HUGE! There were no televisions in the room, which was a great break from the noise of the world. The housekeeping was timely, thorough, and always pleasant to return back to after a day of excursions out in the bush.
The game drives were the most enjoyable experiences by far! Our guide, Musa, was the best!!! He was incredibly knowledgeable, kind, and helpful. He helped us to see black and white rhinos, kudu, elephants, giraffes, zebras, hippos, Nyala, wilder beasts, warthogs, tortoises, and much more! We would highly recommend Musa to anyone and everyone! He answered so many questions and taught us so much about the animals, the bush, life in South Africa, and he made the experience more incredible than we ever thought possible!
The game drives happen daily at 6 am and 4 pm and we spent about 2 hours out in the preserve for each drive. We always saw different parts of the preserve on each drive and each safari experience was more magical than the next one.
The gym was always clean with a big variety of workout machines, weights, and equipment.
The meals were fantastic (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are buffet style and always something different for every meal with great options for both meat eaters and vegetarians.
We chose to see the cheetahs and lions for additional excursions during our stay and both experiences were remarkable!
We had massages one day in the spa when it was very rainy out and it was well worth it. Very relaxing and effective.
I can’t recommend this place highly enough!! An absolutely magical experience and a place that will make you fall in love with Africa for the first time or fall in love again if you’ve been away for any length of time.
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Date of stay: December 2023Trip type: Travelled with family
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lise Holloway, Marketing at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge
Responded 01 Jan 2024
Wow! Thank you for this awesome review and 5 star rating. Your words sure make us extremely proud to have been your hosts during your safari. Our shuttle drivers are well trained and an asset to Zulu Nyala - Punctual, professional, efficient - perfect words! We agree with you on the TV aspect and this is purposefully done for just what you noted on - a break from the noise of the world. Ranger Musa is highly trained and skilled and is a valuable member of the Ranger Team. Sharing knowledge with the guests he hosts is a reflection of commitment to his work and the environment of Zulu Nyala and its surrounds. We're thrilled that you enjoyed your twice daily game-drives on our private reserve and took the opportunity to use the complimentary gym plus reward yourselves with some time in the spa. A worthwhile addition to further enhance relaxation. The off-site excursions we offer our staying guests - incredible opportunities to see, learn and do more. 'Remarkable' forever memories to be created. No one goes to bed hungry is what we strive for. Mission accomplished! Catering for all tastes and eating preferences is important. We recognise this and work on appropriate daily menus to satisfy all tastes. Beautiful words and an appreciated recommendation - 'I can’t recommend this place highly enough!! An absolutely magical experience and a place that will make you fall in love with Africa for the first time or fall in love again if you’ve been away for any length of time.' Arrive as strangers, leave as part of the Zulu Nyala Family - welcome to our world!
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A friend and I just spent six nights at Zulu Nyala with Adam as our guide and had a fantastic time. The resort is beautiful and our first game drive out the very first afternoon we saw giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, including a black rhino, hippos, warthogs, Wildabeast/Gnu, a serville and many unique birds. We were told Adam was the best guide there and I think they were right. On one trip we spotted the three female elephants, quite far away and after watching them for a couple minutes, had to move the jeep down in around the corner and waited and sure enough within 5 to 10 minutes. The elephants came walking right by the jeep and across the road in front of us. He is an expert guide/driver, and knows the behavior of the different animals.
Zulu Nyala was very responsive to emails and set up pick up transportation from the airport in Durban as well as back to the airport.
We found every staff person we interacted with extremely professional, personable, attentive, and helpful.
Most meals were served Buffet style and had ample choices for everyone. I wish we could/would have stayed longer.
Accommodations were fabulous. We upgraded to the heritage suite and the room was huge, and had much more space than we ever needed. The Heritage Suites are further away from the reception and dining room/bar than other rooms. I have a bad knee, but was able to negotiate walking to the area to meet the game drives and to the restaurant, but if somebody had serious mobility issues, it might be troublesome. Had I notified them I had a problem – which I did not have when we booked it – they likely would have moved us to accommodations closer However, for a family it would be ideal.
I marveled at how they were able to maintain the property in such immaculate condition, especially after Covid and two or three years of probably very little business
The new curio/curiosity shop they opened has so many different gift items. You will need to bring an extra suitcase!
We also did the elephant encounter excursion, the cheetah excursion, and National park game reserve excursions. I highly recommend them as well.
We were there July 4 to July 10 and the weather was perfect. We had rain only on the last day. Despite it being winter in South Africa, I did not think it was that cold in the morning or at night. I thought it was a perfect time of year to visit.
Also, please plan to take plenty of South African $$ (rand) to tip your driver and the serving staff – I didn’t plan well enough and didn’t have enough rand as I wish I had. although I did put tips on my charge card, it is more beneficial to the staff to get tips in local money.
Overall an excellent experience – much better than I expected. Like many people who were there, I bid on the trip at a charity auction. I would go again… but I would add an extra week!
Also, South Africa is a huge and beautiful country -so plan to spend more time then you initially think you would/should when you go!
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Date of stay: July 2023Trip type: Travelled with friends
Room Tip:Â As noted in my review, bring plenty of South African money (rand) for tips.
Zulu Nyala will...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Zulu Nyala, Marketing at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge
Responded 17 Jul 2023
Thank you for your wonderful, comprehensive review and 5 star rating of our property and your safari experience. 'Fabulous' what a great word to describe a safari to Experience the Magic of Africa! Seeing a Serval is mighty special - plus - the 3 Ladies as we call our elephant girls. Aren't they something to behold? Ranger Adam is a valuable part of the Zulu Nyala Ranger Team, it seems like he certainly put you onto a variety of animals and hosted you superbly. Our reservations department is very professional and strives to give the best customer/guest service through communications. Satisfaction attained by them, throughout for you - happiness. We do have a wonderful team of staff throughout, no matter what department or area of expertise - for that to be acknowledged we thank you. As we say 'no-one goes to bed hungry' - yummy food, a great selection as you point out. The Heritage Suites are indeed generous in size - we hope your knee is on the mend and commend you on your tenacity. Our gardens are part of the pride we feel - an awesome gardening/landscaping team facilitates this impeccably. 'Curiosity' Curio and Gift shop has something for everyone. Whether for yourself or someone at home that you wish to share with - there is definitely an answer. Your input on the gratuities is appreciated and we thank you. All are dedicated and work hard within Zulu Nyala, for our guests - 'tips' are a bonus and reflection on this. Your recommendation and urge to come to us again (with an extra week added) - proud we are to hear this. Yes, to spending time in South Africa. Our reservations department can put all that together for you. Arrive as strangers, leave as part of the Zulu Nyala Family! Kind regards.
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If you are looking for luxury, don't go here. It's a package tour safari. Food is ok but not gourmet, and little choice of menu. Lunch desserts one day were leftovers from dinner the night before. We had to ask for our room to be cleaned one day, we really only needed more water and coffee. One couple in our group visited another game reserve and didn't come back!
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Date of stay: January 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We were concerned that with just a few drives we wouldn't see enough animals on what was very likly to be our only trip to South Africa, so we booked an extra 3 days at Sibuya before our battlefields and safari. Just as well. Zulu Nyala has very few animals, and rangers who are not proactive, we had to spot the animals that were there. The food was only of the same quality as a motorway services, and the interest from the staff minimal. The rooms were very good, but a long hot un shaded walk from the entrance and restaurant. All water with the meals had to be nought in 2 litre bottles, and alcohol was expensive. A big contrast to every other hotel we stayed at during an otherwise great trip.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yup, bought this at a charity auction and was apprehensive. All apprehension went away after the long flight and settling in the first 12 hours on the property.
What they don't say is that you have a safari guide assigned to you for the week. Our guide was Chris (the A team) and well supported by Adam (the B team) and others. We did see the "big five" - four out of five at Zulu Nyala and lions offsite. We went on excursions every day we were there - the excursions are well worth it and the flex of the dollar made it easy to go do things.
The food is fine and they even made a spectacular birthday cake for my wife who turned 29 (again). Even better, Chris took us out to local restaurants when we were out and about during the day. Also, we stayed in the Suites and they are large and very nice. It was a little disappointing as the Grand Lodge is closed and we had paid extra to "buy up" a room but the suites were certainly very nice.
If you're considering a safari adventure this provides a great value and was extremely fun. I am convinced that the guide really makes the trip so if you decide to go ask for Chris or Adam - they know the facility, local area and have outgoing personalities that will keep you in stitches after you return.
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Date of stay: June 2022
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Stay in suites or better - worth the extra $$
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Zulu Nyala, Marketing at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge
Responded 17 Jun 2022
Thank you, for taking the time to review our venue. It sure seems as though you embraced being here with the excursions and more! We're pleased, Chris took exceptional care of you. Your kind words and compliments are greatly appreciated. Kind regards.
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My friend and I had a fabulous time at Zulu Nyala. We stayed in the luxury heritage camp lodging "suite." It was spacious, clean, and had all the amenities one would need. We thoroughly enjoyed sitting on the veranda each evening as the sun set, watching the nyalas and monkeys up close. The food was tasty and plentiful. The daily game drives and various excursions were well planned, organized and priced accordingly. Other travelers in our group were friendly and fun to be with. We did not experience any rolling blackouts - as the resort now has a generator. Graison - our guide - was exceptional. His knowledge and experience ensured that we got to see everything we could and eat at some great local restaurants. The spa services were also nice. Various options at reasonable prices. My only requests: face (wash) cloths in the bathrooms and have a large coffee pot/machine & paper cups in the game drive meeting area. Can't wait to come back again in the future. Thank you Zulu Nyala.
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Date of stay: October 2023
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled with friends
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lise Holloway, Marketing at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge
Responded 19 Nov 2023
Thank you for your review and 5 star rating throughout. Your comprehensive, positive comments and feedback are so appreciated. We're pleased you enjoyed the outdoor veranda at your room - it is a great place to just still and to enjoy all around you. Our catering team has a great menu variety and strives towards offering variety and something for each taste palette. Ranger Graison is an awesome host and valuable member of our Ranger Team. It seems like he took wonderful care of you not only on our private game reserve twice daily game-drives but, also in the organising and co-ordination of your off-site excursions including experiencing some of the local restaurants. Our on-site spa is a welcome place for relaxing and rejuvenating and has many treatments available to suit what each and every guest may need. A lovely way to treat oneself post a long journey or just because one deserves to be pampered. We have noted your requests. Please, do come back! You know how to reach us when you're ready and we sure look forward to hosting you once again. Arrive as strangers, leave as part of the Zulu Nyala Family!
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I was so pleased with the Heritage Suite, the daily game drives, the spa services, the excursions, and the FOOD! I didn’t have high hopes because all-inclusives don’t have the best track record for meals, but I was pleasantly surprised to find delicious options for every meal. The service was wonderful and all staff is incredible. We had Sabelo as our guide and he did an amazing job on every four and game drive. We saw so many animals and truly enjoyed a relaxing vacation.
I would caution you to bring your own disposable washcloths, reusable coffee mug, and understand that you WILL pay for all extras, including water. The 10-person groups are assigned by driver, so you will also be put at assigned seating and all activities with strangers. If you don’t all agree on the same excursions or if you have different personalities, it may get uncomfortable. There was one woman in our group no one could stand, but there was nothing we could do about it.
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Date of stay: May 2024Trip type: Travelled with family
Room Tip:Â Bring your own disposable washcloths, reusable coffee mug, and understand that you WILL pay for...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Lise Holloway, Marketing at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge
Responded 07 Jun 2024
Thank you for taking the time to review us and for your constructive comments. Your positive feedback and compliments on your accommodation - yes, the Heritage Suites are fantastic - the daily game drives and spa are appreciated. We're super pleased you enjoyed the food that the catering team thoughtfully prepares so much - they certainly cater for all palettes and preferences including those who may have allergies if we are alerted. The vegetarian options too are ever so tasty! All the staff at Zulu Nyala strive to deliver the ultimate experience to each and every guest while they are being hosted by us. Thank you for 'incredible' for the service and all staff. Ranger Sabelo is knowledgeable and hosts his group of guests professionally at all times. The aim of course is to 'Experience the Magic of Africa' which he did for you you - fantastic. As we say - arrive as strangers, leave as part of the Zulu Nyala Team. Welcome to our World! Thanks for choosing us as your safari destination. With appreciation and kind regards from all at Zulu Nyala.
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Zulu Nyala often donates a 6 nite stay to charity auctions. I bought this trip in 2019 and finally took the trip. It was well worth the 22 hr flight (which I would break up differently in future). The Lodge and grounds are lovely, teeming with weaver birds building their nests, and a crocodile pit. Just on lodge grounds we saw lots of birds, giant African snails, tree snakes. I had hoped to stay in the tents, but the staff did warn that I was coming during their wet summer months and the tents had no AC so I opted for the Lodge rooms, which were still great and since I was near the Reception, I got good WiFi reception. As it turned out the rain and heat hadn't yet started the week I was there so prob could have stayed at tents. The staff are wonderful and the package included 3 meals/day and 2 game drives per day in their 4K acre reserve. In addition I bought several outside excursions which I highly recommend (Lion expedition, Elephant Encounter, Cheetah Rehabiitation, St Lucia all day boat and town excursion). Justin (Sia Bonga) was our guide and was excellent. At the Lion excursion (a 56K acre reserve), Iver was our guide and was truly outstanding and quite knowledgeable about the game and fauna. I HIGHLY recommend this facility. Their Game Lodge was closed when I was there, but I think it's also a great lodging option as it is located in midst of the reserve on a hill and you have a great overview of the reserve.
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Date of stay: November 2022
Value
Location
Service
Trip type: Travelled as a couple
Room Tip:Â Bring $1, $5, $10 for tips. ZN has a tipping guide you should ask for. Our guides were...
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Zulu Nyala, Marketing at Zulu Nyala Heritage Safari Lodge
Responded 20 Nov 2022
Thank you, for taking the time to review and rate our properties. The Zulu Nyala Team is thrilled that you enjoyed your stay and yes, the off-site excursions are a must as they enable further incredible sightings, experiences, photo opportunities and memories to be made. Our Rangers are top class - Justin certainly delivers excellence. We hope you've returned home richer after visiting Zulu Nyala - Arrive as stranger, leave as family!
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Our stay at Zulu Nyala was a disappointment. The hotel was very modern, and clean, the food was adequate, the drinks expensive. The room was ultra modern, and very clean but a great distance away from the main buildings, and although well planted, the grounds provided no shade when walking to and from the room. The safari experience was low key, the reserve is small and this is reflected in the number of animals it holds, for example only three elephants and no lions. To add to this they are cutting a large landing strip in the middle of the reserve to accommodate more tourists. Staff misinformed us of the timing of a game drive and so we missed it. There was no apology, and no attempt to provide an alternative, in fact total disinterest. I would not recommend Zulu Nyala if you are looking for a safari experience.
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Date of stay: February 2020
Value
Rooms
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Johannesburg, South Africa158 contributions3 helpful votes
FYI - PEAK SEASON – February to May and August to November.
Your game viewing experience at Zulu Nyala will be exceptional regardless of the time of year. Hluhluwe has a sub-tropical climate, this means our winters are mild and dry whilst our summers are hot and humid.
• Summer Season – September to April: Temperature range: 60 degrees – 104 degrees F
• Winter Season – May to August: Temperature range: 40 degrees – 70 degrees F
• Rainy Season – September to March
• Hottest Months – December to February
Inflew feom LAX to Heathrow to Johannesburg. And stayed 1 nite before flying to Durban. I would stop somewhere in between in Europe - was way too long. Others flew to AMS then to Johnnesburg - stayed a nite then flew to Durban. Another couple fkew SEA to Dubai and stayed over - Then to Durban. You will need to take a car feom Durban to Zulu Nyala - it’s about 3 hrs
There are more places to choose from in the Hluhluwe area.
ALSO KNOWN AS
zulu nyala heritage safari hotel hluhluwe
LOCATION
South AfricaKwaZulu-NatalZululandHluhluwe
NUMBER OF ROOMS
57
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details.
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