ZuluWaters Game Reserve, previously Dalton Private Reserve, has re-launched this year with a new name that resonates with the history of the area and the Bushmans River along which it resides. The new name comes after five years of re-growth, re-birth and restoration of the reserve.
Set over 7 000 acres in the foothills of the Drakensberg, guests can ride adventurously close to herds of Wildebeest and Buffalo on a guided game trail, cast for wild brown trout in a 15km stretch of Bushmans River or just listen to the sound of the breeze in the grasses, at this malaria-free reserve. ZuluWaters’ blend of exclusivity and adventure makes for a truly well-rounded bush experience.
The reserve’s open savannah and pockets of Afromontane forest and thorn bush are host to an extensive array of Cape Buffalo, Cape Eland, White Rhino, and other plains game. Large hills, valleys and 15km of Bushman River frontage offer the discerning traveller a stellar example of African wilderness and wildlife. Guests will also see the nocturnal and secretive Leopard, Brown Hyena, Aardwolf and the elusive, ghost-like wild Bush Pig.
Other activities include game drives, horse riding, nature walks, birding, clay pigeon shooting, white water rafting, hot air ballooning and helicopter rides. Bushman paintings and many of the ruins of the old stone settlements used by the head-hunters of Bushman can also be seen on the reserve.
“Veldt to fork”
The picturesque eco award-winning lodge prides itself on bringing guests “veldt to fork” food indulgences. Savour freshly-caught rainbow trout, home-cured Carpaccio or succulent venison fillet with garden-fresh organic vegetables, grown at the lodge. Each meal offers guests true organic fare that is planted, grown, created and prepared on the ZuluWaters reserve.
Hives with African honey bees have been introduced into the reserve so guests can look forward to freshly-collected seasonal honey. The bees collect pollen from the indigenous trees and shrubs around the reserve, ensuring a true South African flavour.
Rest your head
There are three accommodation experiences at ZuluWaters Game Reserve, each with its own unique character. Shaka Lodge, built for privacy and comfort, offers a tranquil respite from the rigours of a day spent out on the veldt. Characterised by a contemporary indigenous design aesthetic, the house comprises three double suites, a fully-equipped kitchen, a well stocked wine cellar, and a roof-top spa. Shaka Lodge was the latest recipient of the 2010 Afrisam-SAIA award for Sustainable Architecture.
The romantic Lake Cottage, tucked away in the heart of the reserve, provides incomparable privacy and time for a couple to appreciate the area’s natural beauty.
River Camp, situated on the banks of the Bushmans River, provides an ideal day-camp for fly-fishing or a picnic respite from a hard ride across the veldt. The stone and thatched camp has central dining facilities, which are perfect for unwinding and reliving the day’s events.
ZuluWaters has its own private grass airstrip for those wishing to be chartered directly to the reserve.
For information visit www.zuluwatersgamereserve.com