ABOUT THE AREA
Central Zululand
South Africa’s east coast region approximately 3 hours drive north of the city of Durban is known as Zululand. The warm climate and high rainfall create the ideal habitat for Nyala, Red Duiker and Livingstone Suni along with a variety of other species. This is one of the few areas in South Africa where pygmy antelope can be hunted. Provided permits are issued, we also offer Hippo, Crocodile, Spotted hyena and Leopard on an extremely limited basis. Most of the hunting is on vast low fenced cattle ranches where wildlife is abundant because it is valued and therefore conserved. Two state owned protected areas lie to the east and southwest of the core hunting area. Our hunters are accommodated in a luxurious tented & thatched safari camp. The hunting season is from 1 March to 30 November.
It is also perfect for serious trophy hunters who are after specific species such as Suni and Red Duiker. This is one of the few areas in South Africa where Suni and Red duiker can be hunted. They require a specific type of forest habitat to flourish in, and this is exactly what we have here! Hunting the pygmy antelope is an awesome hunt in truly beautiful forests where walking slowly one step at a time, waiting patiently and calling occasionally is the order of the day.
Crocodiles are not very large here and you can expect an 8–10-footer, maybe more if the stars align, however you are assured of a great hunt and success is not guaranteed. Success rate on hippo stands at 90%, and we have enjoyed many successful hunts and taken some great old bulls over the years. Permits for crocodile, hippo, spotted hyena and leopard are extremely limited. Leopard hunting has been closed for several years and we expect this to open in the future. We can confidently say that there are some very large leopards in this neck of the woods!
Leopards are prolific because there is an abundance of prey which unfortunately also includes cattle! We pick up leopard tracks daily and frequently see them whilst out hunting or returning to camp at night They kill a lot of cattle each year as do the spotted hyenas. Despite this the landowner is extremely tolerant of the predators because he is a devoted conservationist, and his family has protected wildlife here for generations.
Over and above the aforementioned species, a safari here can include several species such as common reedbuck, grey duiker, bushpig over bait, warthog, impala, and other plains game species.
Hunters are accommodated in a luxurious tented and thatched safari camp set under a canopy of large indigenous trees. The tents are beautifully appointed and include complete ensuite bathrooms and outdoor showers.
This camp can accommodate up to 20 guests. Although the owners cater to non-hunting guests while we are there, they do not interfere with the hunting activities at all and we barely see other guests in the camp. In the evenings we dine privately in the outside boma around a warm campfire where we are served by well-trained friendly waiters. Meals are excellent, and you will have several choices of starter, main and dessert to choose from in the evenings. Breakfasts and lunches are served in the main dining area or outside (privately) under shade trees overlooking a busy waterhole. The camp boasts an excellent spa and swimming pool. Standard services such as laundry and housekeeping are done daily. Wi-Fi is limited to the dining area and comfortable lounge. Cell coverage is intermittent in the field. This is considered a low-risk malaria area, especially in winter but please consult your doctor about acquiring prophylactics.
SPECIES
What to hunt in Zululand
Where you’ll stay
The accommodation is fantastic – luxury tents with private bathrooms, electricity, bedside lamps and a porch. The dining area for breakfast and lunch is open to other guests staying at the lodge but they do not hunt or traverse the reserve.
During the evenings, we have exclusive use of the outside boma, which is where we eat dinner and enjoy the glowing campfire. The meals and service are top notch. We frequently enjoy lunch outside under the large, shady Fever Trees.
