RESTORED PROTECTED PRESERVED WILD
Zuka Private Game Reserve is the cornerstone property of a pioneering land assembly founded by Tara and Jessica Getty in 2001. Today, this progressive rewilding project has thus far expanded to 10,300 hectares of environmentally restored and protected northern Zululand and stands as a beacon of light as to what is possible on our planet.
1990 – The Beginning of the Story
“Caring for wilderness, wildlife and people is multifaceted. There are many models. This is ours.”
~ TARA GETTY ~

“Caring for wilderness, wildlife and people is multifaceted. There are many models. This is ours.”
~ TARA GETTY ~
Where we are
Zuka Private Game Reserve is 10,300 hectares of the Munywana Conservancy, a formal Protected Area bordering a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.
Zuka Private Game Reserve’s proximity to the Indian Ocean, and the Lebombo Mountains creates dramatic topography with varied geology and soils from the ancient sea bed and historic volcanic activity; in turn supporting an array of habitats and vast biodiversity.
OUR MODEL
💧OCEAN
Close proximity to the Indian Ocean was at the heart of our commitment to Zuka 24 years ago!
Zuka’s geology, varied habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity are testament to this area’s relationship with the ocean over many millennia.
We love this stretch of coastline so much and in 2018 we formed Ocean Family Foundation which enabled the seed funding and our continued commitment to the @wildimpact.earth programme, Oceans Without Borders.
As an integrated legacy investment model, the ocean is a revered and enjoyed element within Zuka Private Game Reserve; annually we take part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge organised by @tusk_org and our funds raised go to marine rangers.
This is our way of doing things!
#Ocean
#IndianOcean
#MarineProtectedArea
#Seascapes
#MarineRangers
#MarineConservation
#Wilderness
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
Feb 7

OUR MODEL
💧OCEAN
Close proximity to the Indian Ocean was at the heart of our commitment to Zuka 24 years ago!
Zuka’s geology, varied habitats, ecosystems and biodiversity are testament to this area’s relationship with the ocean over many millennia.
We love this stretch of coastline so much and in 2018 we formed Ocean Family Foundation which enabled the seed funding and our continued commitment to the @wildimpact.earth programme, Oceans Without Borders.
As an integrated legacy investment model, the ocean is a revered and enjoyed element within Zuka Private Game Reserve; annually we take part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge organised by @tusk_org and our funds raised go to marine rangers.
This is our way of doing things!
#Ocean
#IndianOcean
#MarineProtectedArea
#Seascapes
#MarineRangers
#MarineConservation
#Wilderness
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
OUR MODEL
🐾WILDLIFE
Zuka supports stunning biodiversity across different ecosystems.
Home to a myriad of species of wildlife, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects, we share a boundary with South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
As part of the Munywana Conservancy too, we are active in reintroduction, protection and translocation initiatives of endangered species.
Accumulated knowledge through our practices, our research projects and monitoring of certain species has lead to positive legislation changes resulting in the improvement of conservation practices on a national and international level.
This all contributes to wildlife conservation success, but the simplest lesson prevails: if we can ensure habitat, wildlife thrives, we get to coexist and we are in awe of that!
Zuka is our model.
#Wildlife
#Birdlife
#Biodiversity
#Ecosystems
#Nature
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Legacy
Feb 5

OUR MODEL
🐾WILDLIFE
Zuka supports stunning biodiversity across different ecosystems.
Home to a myriad of species of wildlife, birds, mammals, reptiles and insects, we share a boundary with South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
As part of the Munywana Conservancy too, we are active in reintroduction, protection and translocation initiatives of endangered species.
Accumulated knowledge through our practices, our research projects and monitoring of certain species has lead to positive legislation changes resulting in the improvement of conservation practices on a national and international level.
This all contributes to wildlife conservation success, but the simplest lesson prevails: if we can ensure habitat, wildlife thrives, we get to coexist and we are in awe of that!
Zuka is our model.
#Wildlife
#Birdlife
#Biodiversity
#Ecosystems
#Nature
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Legacy
OUR MODEL
🌾LAND
Zuka Private Game Reserve is the cornerstone property of an innovative land assembly founded by Tara and Jessica Getty in 2001.
Today this creative and multifaceted conservation model of restoration and legacy has expanded to 10,300 hectares of land in northern KwaZulu Natal.
Zuka means dawn or sunrise in many languages, and we love how this is a powerful metaphor for new beginnings, fresh possibilities and the boundless energy that fuels us in the restoration of land, the preservation of wilderness, and the protection of wildlife, while integrating other concepts important to our co-existence.
Zuka shines a light and illuminates new ideas; sunrise is our daily invitation to creativity, determination and progress in restoring and living with our planet.
Zuka is our model.
#Sunrise
#Light
#Land
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Innovation
#Biodiversity
#Legacy
#AfricanLandscape
#LandAssembly
#SouthAfrica
Feb 3

OUR MODEL
🌾LAND
Zuka Private Game Reserve is the cornerstone property of an innovative land assembly founded by Tara and Jessica Getty in 2001.
Today this creative and multifaceted conservation model of restoration and legacy has expanded to 10,300 hectares of land in northern KwaZulu Natal.
Zuka means dawn or sunrise in many languages, and we love how this is a powerful metaphor for new beginnings, fresh possibilities and the boundless energy that fuels us in the restoration of land, the preservation of wilderness, and the protection of wildlife, while integrating other concepts important to our co-existence.
Zuka shines a light and illuminates new ideas; sunrise is our daily invitation to creativity, determination and progress in restoring and living with our planet.
Zuka is our model.
#Sunrise
#Light
#Land
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Innovation
#Biodiversity
#Legacy
#AfricanLandscape
#LandAssembly
#SouthAfrica
IN WONDER
Ponder, think about, meditate on, reflect on….
#Leopard
#UpClose
#Wonder
#Meditate
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Wildlife
#OnSafari
#WildlifePhotography
Jan 31

IN WONDER
Ponder, think about, meditate on, reflect on….
#Leopard
#UpClose
#Wonder
#Meditate
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Wildlife
#OnSafari
#WildlifePhotography
HERITAGE
Through the complex drumbeat, and the rhythms of traditional Zulu dancing and singing, this story telling is how younger generations learn of the rich heritage of their ancestors.
Traditional dancing is a culture that is lived and shared; guided by the elders who keep it alight! 🔥
#ZuluCulture
#ZuluWarriors
#Drumming
#Dancing
#Traditions
#Sunset
#Backflip
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Legacy
Jan 29

HERITAGE
Through the complex drumbeat, and the rhythms of traditional Zulu dancing and singing, this story telling is how younger generations learn of the rich heritage of their ancestors.
Traditional dancing is a culture that is lived and shared; guided by the elders who keep it alight! 🔥
#ZuluCulture
#ZuluWarriors
#Drumming
#Dancing
#Traditions
#Sunset
#Backflip
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Legacy
THE CLAN
Hyena are not perceived to be the easiest on the eye but we think pups definitely have appeal!
They are fun to watch around the den that bustles with activity when they emerge, intriguingly with females as the leaders in a clan, while males rank below even the youngest females in the hyena family structure.
Although not of concern on the IUCN Red List, their populations are declining outside protected areas.
#Hyena
#SpottedHyena
#HyenaPup
#HyenaDen
#FamilyStructure
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Safari
#SouthAfrica
Jan 28

THE CLAN
Hyena are not perceived to be the easiest on the eye but we think pups definitely have appeal!
They are fun to watch around the den that bustles with activity when they emerge, intriguingly with females as the leaders in a clan, while males rank below even the youngest females in the hyena family structure.
Although not of concern on the IUCN Red List, their populations are declining outside protected areas.
#Hyena
#SpottedHyena
#HyenaPup
#HyenaDen
#FamilyStructure
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Safari
#SouthAfrica
CREATIVE
Zuka Private Game Reserve is a creative innovation, and next year we will be 25 years old, only it was just three years ago we started this account to offer some sights and stories nested within.
To do so, we LOVE that we get to film, photograph, craft, compose, write, produce and share with you some snapshots of our land, our wildlife, our ocean, our legacy, our ecology venture (Getty Asterism) our regenerative farm (Khula Farm), along with some extras that inspire us.
So thank you for being there, for being curious, for noticing, watching, engaging and following us - if you’re keen, we’ll keep creating!
Siyabonga - thank you!
With love from Zuka Private Game Reserve 🧡
📸🎥 @its_jamie_lucas
🎥🤿 @ta_devs
🛻🐆 Alson Mathenjwa
🐾🐾 Thulani Nxumalo
🎹🎼 @_paintmusic_
✍🏻🎬 @jessica.s.d.getty
#WildlifePhotography
#Filmmaking
#ContentCreation
#SafariGuide
#SafariTracker
#Composing
#FilmScores
#Writing
#FilmProduction
#ThisIsZuka
#ZukaMedia
#Creative
#SouthAfrica
Jan 24

CREATIVE
Zuka Private Game Reserve is a creative innovation, and next year we will be 25 years old, only it was just three years ago we started this account to offer some sights and stories nested within.
To do so, we LOVE that we get to film, photograph, craft, compose, write, produce and share with you some snapshots of our land, our wildlife, our ocean, our legacy, our ecology venture (Getty Asterism) our regenerative farm (Khula Farm), along with some extras that inspire us.
So thank you for being there, for being curious, for noticing, watching, engaging and following us - if you’re keen, we’ll keep creating!
Siyabonga - thank you!
With love from Zuka Private Game Reserve 🧡
📸🎥 @its_jamie_lucas
🎥🤿 @ta_devs
🛻🐆 Alson Mathenjwa
🐾🐾 Thulani Nxumalo
🎹🎼 @_paintmusic_
✍🏻🎬 @jessica.s.d.getty
#WildlifePhotography
#Filmmaking
#ContentCreation
#SafariGuide
#SafariTracker
#Composing
#FilmScores
#Writing
#FilmProduction
#ThisIsZuka
#ZukaMedia
#Creative
#SouthAfrica
AVIATION
In the bush, operations include keeping the airstrip clear.
#Lions
#BushAirstrip
#BushLife
#OnSafari
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Bigcatswildlife
#ThisIsAfrica
Jan 22

AVIATION
In the bush, operations include keeping the airstrip clear.
#Lions
#BushAirstrip
#BushLife
#OnSafari
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Bigcatswildlife
#ThisIsAfrica
CLICK REFRESH
January means high summer for the southern hemisphere and deep winter in the northern hemisphere, only, no matter where, the start of the year is still the juiciest time to restore, revitalise, reinvigorate and refresh some things; small things, good things, some ambitious things. Click refresh, inside and out! 💦
#NewYear
#NewPossibilities
#ThisIsZuka
#SafariStyle
#Inspired
#Refresh
#InTheWild
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SwimmingPools
#glennmiller
#swingmusic
#bigband
#BushLife
#SouthAfrica
Jan 20

CLICK REFRESH
January means high summer for the southern hemisphere and deep winter in the northern hemisphere, only, no matter where, the start of the year is still the juiciest time to restore, revitalise, reinvigorate and refresh some things; small things, good things, some ambitious things. Click refresh, inside and out! 💦
#NewYear
#NewPossibilities
#ThisIsZuka
#SafariStyle
#Inspired
#Refresh
#InTheWild
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SwimmingPools
#glennmiller
#swingmusic
#bigband
#BushLife
#SouthAfrica
LAND
Zuka Private Game Reserve is 10,500 hectares of pristine wilderness in northern Natal. We are part of a 30,000 hectare Formal Protected Area called Munywana Conservancy.
Our land is important and sacred as it goes about its work of supporting abundant biodiversity, including the largest land mammals on earth - elephants.
#Elephants
#BigTusker
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Land
#ThisIsZuka
#MunywanaConservancy
#KwaZuluNatal
#SouthAfrica
Jan 17

LAND
Zuka Private Game Reserve is 10,500 hectares of pristine wilderness in northern Natal. We are part of a 30,000 hectare Formal Protected Area called Munywana Conservancy.
Our land is important and sacred as it goes about its work of supporting abundant biodiversity, including the largest land mammals on earth - elephants.
#Elephants
#BigTusker
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Land
#ThisIsZuka
#MunywanaConservancy
#KwaZuluNatal
#SouthAfrica
RELATIONSHIPS
As the buffalo move and graze, they stir up insects for the egrets to forage on. This is a perfect example of biological interaction and a symbiotic relationship where one of these species is benefitting while the other is unaffected….harmony on the Zuka plains.
#Buffalo
#CattleEgret
#Commensalism
#Symbiosis
#AfricanSavannah
#Coexistence
#Harmony
#ThisIsZuka
#Land
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Safari
#BigFive
#Birdsofsouthafrica
#Africa
Jan 15

RELATIONSHIPS
As the buffalo move and graze, they stir up insects for the egrets to forage on. This is a perfect example of biological interaction and a symbiotic relationship where one of these species is benefitting while the other is unaffected….harmony on the Zuka plains.
#Buffalo
#CattleEgret
#Commensalism
#Symbiosis
#AfricanSavannah
#Coexistence
#Harmony
#ThisIsZuka
#Land
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Safari
#BigFive
#Birdsofsouthafrica
#Africa
NATURAL ORDER
The natural life force of a male lion means establishing dominance in a pride, ensuring territory and that offspring are his own; this comes with a challenge.
@its_jamie_lucas captures this dramatic scene for us on Zuka.
#Lions
#MaleLionsFighting
#Dominance
#NaturalOrder
#LionPride
#LionCubs
#Nature
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#WildlifePhotography
Jan 13

NATURAL ORDER
The natural life force of a male lion means establishing dominance in a pride, ensuring territory and that offspring are his own; this comes with a challenge.
@its_jamie_lucas captures this dramatic scene for us on Zuka.
#Lions
#MaleLionsFighting
#Dominance
#NaturalOrder
#LionPride
#LionCubs
#Nature
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#WildlifePhotography
PROTECTING
Successfully protecting this species of rhino, the southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) in order to stabilise their population which is currently classified as “Near Threatened” status, asks us to apply multiple approaches.
The amalgam includes a dedicated and skilled team (anti-poaching unit) patrolling the conservancy, the frequent dehorning procedure, carried out by wildlife vets and professionals on adult animals, and, the extraordinary feat of moving or, translocating, individuals and groups to other game reserves!
Since 2009, as part of the Munywana Conservancy, we have translocated over 200 rhino (both black and white) to other game reserves in South Africa and further, to five other African countries, where the optimal security and environment means they thrive, just like this!
#Rhino
#RhinoCalf
#BabyRhino
#ConservationSuccessStories
#RhinoConservation
#CollaborationSuccessStories
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica
#WildlifePhotography
Jan 10

PROTECTING
Successfully protecting this species of rhino, the southern white rhino (Ceratotherium simum simum) in order to stabilise their population which is currently classified as “Near Threatened” status, asks us to apply multiple approaches.
The amalgam includes a dedicated and skilled team (anti-poaching unit) patrolling the conservancy, the frequent dehorning procedure, carried out by wildlife vets and professionals on adult animals, and, the extraordinary feat of moving or, translocating, individuals and groups to other game reserves!
Since 2009, as part of the Munywana Conservancy, we have translocated over 200 rhino (both black and white) to other game reserves in South Africa and further, to five other African countries, where the optimal security and environment means they thrive, just like this!
#Rhino
#RhinoCalf
#BabyRhino
#ConservationSuccessStories
#RhinoConservation
#CollaborationSuccessStories
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica
#WildlifePhotography
VOCATION
In the heart of the African bush, learning doesn’t necessarily come from books or screens, it is passed down through generations, carried by those who live in rhythm with the land.
Alson understands what many of us overlook, a little swathe of grass slightly pushed over, faint imprints clashing with each other in the soil, the smell of lightning, or the distance of a sound. This is language that Alson understands and translates for us. This is what trackers do. They are immersed daily - they are practiced and this is their learning.
Walking with a seasoned tracker like Alson is, like being adrift in time and space, and coexisting with everything around us.
We hope so much, this skill and vocation remains revered and aspirational to the next generation; to become trackers, to learn from the masters and to be part of something important and timeless!
#Safari
#Tracker
#Expert
#Wisdom
#Bushskills
#Vocational
#Aspirations
#ThisIsZuka
#Inspired
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Africa
Jan 8

VOCATION
In the heart of the African bush, learning doesn’t necessarily come from books or screens, it is passed down through generations, carried by those who live in rhythm with the land.
Alson understands what many of us overlook, a little swathe of grass slightly pushed over, faint imprints clashing with each other in the soil, the smell of lightning, or the distance of a sound. This is language that Alson understands and translates for us. This is what trackers do. They are immersed daily - they are practiced and this is their learning.
Walking with a seasoned tracker like Alson is, like being adrift in time and space, and coexisting with everything around us.
We hope so much, this skill and vocation remains revered and aspirational to the next generation; to become trackers, to learn from the masters and to be part of something important and timeless!
#Safari
#Tracker
#Expert
#Wisdom
#Bushskills
#Vocational
#Aspirations
#ThisIsZuka
#Inspired
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#Africa
CURIOUS
These little primates are untamed curiosity bundles!
Wild entertainment (although maddening if they are confidently raiding fruit in the kitchen, or worse, eggs!) Vervets are undeniably fun to watch in their natural habitat.
Their quick intelligence, inquisitive nature and playful energy make them resourceful inhabitants here, and, far beyond the bounds of the reserve through most of Southern and East Africa!
#Monkeys
#Vervet
#Curiosity
#MonkeyBusiness
#WildlifeEncounters
#Primates
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Safari
#SouthAfrica
Jan 6

CURIOUS
These little primates are untamed curiosity bundles!
Wild entertainment (although maddening if they are confidently raiding fruit in the kitchen, or worse, eggs!) Vervets are undeniably fun to watch in their natural habitat.
Their quick intelligence, inquisitive nature and playful energy make them resourceful inhabitants here, and, far beyond the bounds of the reserve through most of Southern and East Africa!
#Monkeys
#Vervet
#Curiosity
#MonkeyBusiness
#WildlifeEncounters
#Primates
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Safari
#SouthAfrica
HOLIDAYS
The safari evening ritual looks like this!
ThisIsZuka
ToastWithMoet
Sundowners
Champagne
Mixology
Firelight
SafariStyle
Inspired
HappyNewYear
SouthAfrica
Jan 4

HOLIDAYS
The safari evening ritual looks like this!
ThisIsZuka
ToastWithMoet
Sundowners
Champagne
Mixology
Firelight
SafariStyle
Inspired
HappyNewYear
SouthAfrica
“Courage is the measure of our heartfelt participation with life, with another, with a community, a work; a future.”
~ DAVID WHYTE ~
“Courage is the measure of our heartfelt participation with life, with another, with a community, a work; a future.”