​Overview – Zulu Nyala GR

Philip Briggs
Expert
By Philip Briggs

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many guidebooks to African destinations, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip lives in South Africa and has authored many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is the author of many Africa guidebooks, including the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Philip is author of the Rough Guide to Game Parks of South Africa.

Zulu Nyala is a very small reserve nestled between the wilderness reserves of Hluhluwe and Isimangaliso. There are no lions in the park, but it is easy to get up close to all the other Big Five animals. Because of the limited size of the park, game drives rapidly become repetitive, but well-priced packages are offered with excursions to nearby reserves and attractions.

Best Time To Go May to September (Dry season)
High Season October to March (It can get busy)
Size 18km² / 7mi²
Altitude 150m / 492ft

Pros & Cons

  • Good wildlife viewing of several major safari animals
  • Open-vehicle game drives
  • Affordable base for exploring tourist attractions in the area
  • Many wildlife and cultural excursions available
  • Very small park lacking wilderness appeal
  • Big emphasis on checking off flagship species

Zulu Nyala GR Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding

Wildlife

Zulu Nyala offers reasonable wildlife viewing of several big safari animals – including four of the Big Five (no lion). The park is very small, and numbers of any species are limited. Leopard are present but rarely seen. Cheetah are especially relaxed without lion on the property, and watching a mother with cubs or a coalition between two brothers is a special experience.

Scenery

This small reserve feels a bit like a ranch. There are patches of indigenous vegetation and areas of exotics, such as eucalyptus. There is a beautiful patch of fever tree forest in the center and a man-made dam but, overall, it's not a pristine environment.

Weather & Climate

The heat and humidity are oppressive in summer (October to April) when thunderstorms drench the landscape and afternoon temperatures stubbornly refuse to drop much below 30°C/86°F. The weather during the winter months (May to September) is much more agreeable, with warm daytime temperatures and a bright blue sky overhead. However, it does become quite cold at night.

Best Time To Visit

Due to the small size of the reserve, wildlife viewing is good throughout the year. However, the Dry season (May to September) has a slight advantage when it comes to animal visibility. Days are pleasantly cool and sunny, but evenings and early mornings can be chilly. It can be very hot and humid during the Wet season (October to April).

Want To Visit Zulu Nyala GR?

Zulu Nyala Operators

Zulu Nyala GR Safari Reviews

  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
  • Wildlife
  • Scenery
  • Bush Vibe
  • Birding
Most Helpful Expert Review
Expert
Ariadne van Zandbergen  –  
South Africa ZA

Ariadne is a renowned African wildlife photographer whose work is featured in many well-known guidebooks and magazines.

Zulu Nyala’s camp with a view
3/5

Zulu Nyala, close to the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, is set in lush green vegetation with lots of yellow fever trees. The reserve is very small and it is easy to get close to a variety of animals including cheetah and rhino. All...

Full Review

Latest User Review
Jayhawk80  –  
United States US
Reviewed: Jan 24, 2019
Great option for your FIRST safari
4/5

Since South Africa has largely confined its large "safari" animals, there are three primary venues to see them. Roadside Attractions - ranging from wineries to rehabilitation facilities these are very small, but intimate viewing options,...

Full Review