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.

Map of the countries of Africa and where Zuka Private Game Reserve lies
Zuka Private Game Reserve is feature in National Geographic Traveller Middle East and Africa
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

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
...

164 8
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

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
...

60 3
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

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
...

202 14
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

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
...

144 9
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

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
...

150 8
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

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
...

63 1
HOLIDAYS

The safari evening ritual looks like this! 

ThisIsZuka
ToastWithMoet
Sundowners
Champagne
Mixology
Firelight
SafariStyle
Inspired
HappyNewYear
SouthAfrica

HOLIDAYS

The safari evening ritual looks like this!

ThisIsZuka
ToastWithMoet
Sundowners
Champagne
Mixology
Firelight
SafariStyle
Inspired
HappyNewYear
SouthAfrica
...

101 4
DAY ONE

‘How do you do it?’ said night.
‘How do you wake and shine?’
‘I keep it simple,’ said light.
‘One day at a time.’

~ Lemn Sissay ~

#Sunrise
#ThisIsZuka
#Sunset
#NewYearsDay
#Welcome2025
#AfricanSkies
#Wild
#InTheLight
#Inspired
#OneDayAtATime
#lemnsissay

DAY ONE

‘How do you do it?’ said night.
‘How do you wake and shine?’
‘I keep it simple,’ said light.
‘One day at a time.’

~ Lemn Sissay ~

#Sunrise
#ThisIsZuka
#Sunset
#NewYearsDay
#Welcome2025
#AfricanSkies
#Wild
#InTheLight
#Inspired
#OneDayAtATime
#lemnsissay
...

85 4
RELAX

Soften, unwind, rest, repose – take it easy today!

#EasyPose
#Today
#HolidaySeason
#Giraffe
#Zebra
#PlainsGame
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#ThisIsAfrica

RELAX

Soften, unwind, rest, repose – take it easy today!

#EasyPose
#Today
#HolidaySeason
#Giraffe
#Zebra
#PlainsGame
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#ThisIsAfrica
...

92 4
ATTENTION
	
‘Gratitude arises from paying attention, from being awake in the presence of everything that lives within and without us.’ 
 
~ David Whyte ~

#Presence
#Wildlife
#Leopard
#DavidWhyte
#Poet
#Philosopher
#Gratitude
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Africa

ATTENTION

‘Gratitude arises from paying attention, from being awake in the presence of everything that lives within and without us.’

~ David Whyte ~

#Presence
#Wildlife
#Leopard
#DavidWhyte
#Poet
#Philosopher
#Gratitude
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Africa
...

130 3
🪐MERRY CHRISTMAS!🫱🏻‍🫲🏿

“…..May the nourishment of the earth be yours, may the clarity of light be yours, may the fluency of the ocean be yours, may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you, an invisible cloak to mind your life……”

~ John O’Donohue~

With love to you, from Zuka Private Game Reserve

#Blessings
#Peace
#Love
#ThisIsZuka
#ChristmasSafari
#SafariStyle
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica

🪐MERRY CHRISTMAS!🫱🏻‍🫲🏿

“…..May the nourishment of the earth be yours, may the clarity of light be yours, may the fluency of the ocean be yours, may the protection of the ancestors be yours.

And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you, an invisible cloak to mind your life……”

~ John O’Donohue~

With love to you, from Zuka Private Game Reserve

#Blessings
#Peace
#Love
#ThisIsZuka
#ChristmasSafari
#SafariStyle
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica
...

75 16
WE LOVE 

The preparations, the gathering, some feasting, some celebrating, and keeping with some traditions – Christmas safari style! 🐾🦁🎄

#Christmas
#SafariStyle
#ThisIsZuka
#Love
#Blessings

WE LOVE

The preparations, the gathering, some feasting, some celebrating, and keeping with some traditions – Christmas safari style! 🐾🦁🎄

#Christmas
#SafariStyle
#ThisIsZuka
#Love
#Blessings
...

114 10
FULL STRETCH

It’s December and we tend to be at full stretch – everything, everywhere, all at once! 

Christmas and a whole new year are almost upon us; hopefully the holiday season, and the end of the year will bring a little window of rest and relaxation – you’re almost there!

#TheFinalStretch
#ChristmasSpirit
#HolidaySeason
#YouCanDoIt
#Elephant
#ElephantsSwimming
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica

FULL STRETCH

It’s December and we tend to be at full stretch – everything, everywhere, all at once!

Christmas and a whole new year are almost upon us; hopefully the holiday season, and the end of the year will bring a little window of rest and relaxation – you’re almost there!

#TheFinalStretch
#ChristmasSpirit
#HolidaySeason
#YouCanDoIt
#Elephant
#ElephantsSwimming
#ThisIsZuka
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#SouthAfrica
...

169 3
PODCAST

Collectively known as a pod, these semi-aquatic giants may look comical and laid-back but, they are anything but! 

🌙 Nighttime Grazers:
Rarely out of the water as their place of safety during the day, when night falls they emerge to feed on grasses and we see them or their tracks miles from the water.

🌊 Territorial Titans:
Water bodies,deep enough for them to submerge, is their haven. Hippos are highly territorial and aggressively defend their domain and pod.

🏃‍♂️Speed Demons:
Don’t be fooled by their hefty size! On land, hippos can run up to 19mph (30kmh) over short distances which is faster than most humans! 

#Hippos
#Hippopod
#Restored 
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Safari
#Africa

PODCAST

Collectively known as a pod, these semi-aquatic giants may look comical and laid-back but, they are anything but!

🌙 Nighttime Grazers:
Rarely out of the water as their place of safety during the day, when night falls they emerge to feed on grasses and we see them or their tracks miles from the water.

🌊 Territorial Titans:
Water bodies,deep enough for them to submerge, is their haven. Hippos are highly territorial and aggressively defend their domain and pod.

🏃‍♂️Speed Demons:
Don’t be fooled by their hefty size! On land, hippos can run up to 19mph (30kmh) over short distances which is faster than most humans!

#Hippos
#Hippopod
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#Safari
#Africa
...

74 1
LEATHERBACK TURTLE

Filming close by to Zuka, along our wild Indian Ocean coastline, an official Marine Protected Area (MPA), as an experienced (and our favourite!) underwater cameraman, @ta_devs captured this incredible leatherback turtle. This was his experience:
 
“We were releasing satellite tagged loggerhead turtles off Sodwana Bay in October. Leatherbacks start arriving in late November for the beginning of the nesting season.
 
We were just about done having released 10 of the 12 turtles when the skipper noticed a turtle on the horizon about 60 metres away. I slipped off the side of the boat and swam in the direction of where it had been seen. 
 
I saw it swimming about 20 metres below the surface, so dived down and this caught her attention. 

She came to investigate giving me the most incredible swim by. Really showing curiosity and interest, she made three passes before swimming off into the abyss. 
 
I didn’t know I would ever get to swim with one in the wild - Leatherbacks are oceanic travellers and swim in the deepest oceans, only coming close to shore to nest and mate once a year. 
 
This was really special and truly, a once in a lifetime experience.”

#SeaTurtle
#LeatherbackTurtle
#Freediving
#underwaterphotography 
#Mystical
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#IndianOcean
#Coastal
#Southafrica

LEATHERBACK TURTLE

Filming close by to Zuka, along our wild Indian Ocean coastline, an official Marine Protected Area (MPA), as an experienced (and our favourite!) underwater cameraman, @ta_devs captured this incredible leatherback turtle. This was his experience:
 
“We were releasing satellite tagged loggerhead turtles off Sodwana Bay in October. Leatherbacks start arriving in late November for the beginning of the nesting season.
 
We were just about done having released 10 of the 12 turtles when the skipper noticed a turtle on the horizon about 60 metres away. I slipped off the side of the boat and swam in the direction of where it had been seen. 
 
I saw it swimming about 20 metres below the surface, so dived down and this caught her attention.

She came to investigate giving me the most incredible swim by. Really showing curiosity and interest, she made three passes before swimming off into the abyss. 
 
I didn’t know I would ever get to swim with one in the wild - Leatherbacks are oceanic travellers and swim in the deepest oceans, only coming close to shore to nest and mate once a year. 
 
This was really special and truly, a once in a lifetime experience.”

#SeaTurtle
#LeatherbackTurtle
#Freediving
#underwaterphotography
#Mystical
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
#ThisIsZuka
#IndianOcean
#Coastal
#Southafrica
...

105 5
FUTURE

We support @wildimpact.earth and their theory of change reflected in their work throughout communities that immediately surround Zuka Private Game Reserve and, further afield in other sub-Saharan countries where they operate.
 
The children at Saparingo Primary School, on the edge of the Masai Mara in Kenya are taking part in Wild Impact’s brilliant interactive environmental education programme, known as Echo - for it’s resonance across generations - that inspires young learners from our partner communities.
 
Improving knowledge and career prospects, imparting the value of wildlife and natural resources, how to protect them, promoting sound enviro planning and resource use and facilitating economic upliftment in rural areas are the elements in this holistic, meaningful and sustainable programme.
 
As custodians and future conservation advocates for the protected areas they live adjacent to, building this into their curriculum and providing immersive engagement through game drives too, Wild Impact’s work with communities is helping significantly to support our conservation efforts.

#Restored
#Protetected
#Preserved
#Wild
#wildimpact 
#RuralAfrica
💜

FUTURE

We support @wildimpact.earth and their theory of change reflected in their work throughout communities that immediately surround Zuka Private Game Reserve and, further afield in other sub-Saharan countries where they operate.

The children at Saparingo Primary School, on the edge of the Masai Mara in Kenya are taking part in Wild Impact’s brilliant interactive environmental education programme, known as Echo - for it’s resonance across generations - that inspires young learners from our partner communities.

Improving knowledge and career prospects, imparting the value of wildlife and natural resources, how to protect them, promoting sound enviro planning and resource use and facilitating economic upliftment in rural areas are the elements in this holistic, meaningful and sustainable programme.

As custodians and future conservation advocates for the protected areas they live adjacent to, building this into their curriculum and providing immersive engagement through game drives too, Wild Impact’s work with communities is helping significantly to support our conservation efforts.

#Restored
#Protetected
#Preserved
#Wild
#wildimpact
#RuralAfrica
💜
...

68 4
Bayala Private Safari Lodge and Camp
Nkonka Private Game Reserve Logo
Sungulwane Private Game Lodge Logo
ukhuni game lodge logo
Bayala Private Safari Lodge and Camp
Nkonka Private Game Reserve Logo
Sungulwane Private Game Lodge Logo
ukhuni game lodge logo
Bayala Private Safari Lodge and Camp
Nkonka Private Game Reserve Logo
Sungulwane Private Game Lodge Logo

“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.”

~ DAVID WHYTE ~