Zulu Nyala is one of the most popular private game reserves in KwZulu Natal, South Africa, . And I get loads of emails asking about transfers from Durban, so many that I decided I should put down on paper (well, blog post in this case) a simply guide and so, here goes; Zulu Nyala: hassle-free transfers for travellers.
The Index
- A little about Zulu Nyala
- Getting to Zulu Nyala from;
- Durban
- Richards Bay
- What Else We Offer Around Zulu Nyala
- Why Book Durban Safaris and Tours?
- Zulu Nyala Transfer Rates;
- From Durban
- From Richards Bay
- Booking a Transfer to Zulu Nyala
1. A Little About Zulu Nyala
Zulu Nyala was established back in 1981 by a chap called Trevor Shaw. The game reserve was named after the local people, the Zulu, and a very common but shy antelope called the Nyala.
Being a private game reserve, and not one of the larger ones, the reserve is home to 4 of the Big 5, lacking only lion. But being smaller, it means the game rangers can usually find all species of wildlife in fairly short order.
2. Transfers to Zulu Nyala
The nearest international airport is King Shaka International Airport situated just outside Durban. This is where the vast majority of visitors will arrive and then of course need to get to Zulu Nyala some 280 km (175 miles) north of Durban.
Looking for a great hotel around Durban? Our partner hotel, the Riverside Hotel, offers 4-star accommodation overlooking the Mgeni River onto Durban. Check out their website for more details.
From Durban – 3 hours drive
I offer a fantastic transfer service that I’m particularly proud to say is popular since it’s not only a transfer, it’s a guided tour!
You’ll be collected from King Shaka airport, or if you’re staying the night in Durban, your hotel. Then we head north on the 3 hour journey all the while I or one of my colleagues will be pointing out sites of interest or discussing the history and traditions of the Zulu people as we drive past the traditional villages of Zululand.
Most hotels and game reserves only allow check in after 2pm, and so if it’s an early morning departure, I’ll be happy to make a stop at St Lucia where you can enjoy your first taste of the African wildlife with a 2 hour estuary cruise spotting hippo and crocodile before heading onto Zulu Nyala.
From Richards Bay – 90min drive
Instead of flying from OR Tambo to King Shaka International, you can fly to Richards Bay airport, though there wont be quite as many options as from OR Tambo to King Shaka International airport.
As before I’ll collect you directly from the airport and drop you off at Zulu Nyala which from Richards Bay, is about 90min away. Along the way I’ll still cover a bit of history, point out the sites along the way and tell you more about the Zulu people.
And if time is on your side, I’ll be able to take you through to St Lucia for a 2 hour cruse on the estuary looking at hippo and crocodile.
3. What Else We Offer Around Zulu Nyala
Zululand is the perfect place to explore wildlife and cultural related activities and so often we’ll spend a few extra days with guests at Zulu Nyala, picking them up in the morning after their game drives and treating them to some nearby experiences.
- Elephant Experience: Just 30 minutes or so north of the town of Hluhluwe (that’s where Zulu Nyala is) lies the private game reserve, Bayete Zulu. It’s as this amazing reserve where two wild elephants, Rachel and Rambo, allow visitors to feed and touch them. It’s a privilege that everyone should experience!
- Hluhluwe Imfolozi: You wonder why you would want to visit another game reserve while already at a game reserve? The Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve offers an entirely different experience and unlike Zulu Nyala, does have Lion in the park – this is a popular excursion.
- Emdoneni Cheetah Project: Not much futher than 15 minutes from Zulu Nyala is Emdoneni. Since the early 1990’s Emdoneni has been caring for and rehabilitating cheetah, caracal, serval and African wildcat. On this excursion you’ll get to discover a great deal about these amazing animals up close and personal.
- St Lucia Estuary: About 90min south of Durban is St Lucia. On this excursion from Zulu Nyala you’ll get to enjoy a 2 hour cruise on the estuary situated in the UNESCO World Heritage site of iSimangaliso.
- False Bay Walking Trails: Just 25 minutes east of Zulu Nyala is the beautiful False Bay reserve where you can walk the quiet trails spotting Nyala, Bushback, Duiker and other antelope species. The trails take about 2 – 3 hours to walk and offer fantastic insight into coastal forests.
All these excursions can be offered during the course of your stay at Zulu Nyala and extremely affordable rates.
4. Why Book Durban Safaris and Tours?
I have been running tours and transfers for 14 years now (I started this amazing journey in 2010). I offer an affordable transfer service that offers a comprehensive tour experience and is rated 5-stars on popular review platforms.
Staying a night or two in Durban? I offer a range of city tours, cultural tours and adventure tours, as well as tours to Rorkes Drift. Get in touch with me for all the options.
On my transfers from Durban you will not only get there safe and sound, but you’ll discover the history of the areas we pass by, the traditions and culture of the people we see and learn more about the wildlife thanks to expert guides.
All the vehicles we use are legally compliant, carrying all the required permits and carry insurance. All my guides hold professional driving permits and are all qualified tour guides as per the South African law.
5. Zulu Nyala Transfer Rates
The rates below are current for October 2024 until end of December 2024. Of course they are subject to change simply due to fuel prices which in South Africa, are changed on the first Wednesday of the month.
- From Durban: R5,500.00 per transfer up to 8 people. For larger groups get in touch for a quote.
6. Booking A Transfer from Durban
Ready to kick start your African adventure with a professional transfer from Durban or Richards Bay to Zulu Nyala?
Contact me using any of the options below. Let me know the dates and how many people in your group. If you need advice on where to stay, or any other activities while in Durban, just ask away.
- Call or WhatsApp on +27 (0) 74 995 6669
- Email us: info@durbansafarisandtours.com
- Use the convenient contact from below: