RESTORED PROTECTED PRESERVED WILD
Zuka Private Game Reserve is the cornerstone property of a pioneering land assembly that was founded 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.
DREAMY FOREST
Zuka Private Game Reserve hosts an array of interconnected ecosystems and varied habitats. Sand Forest is a rare, specific habitat type identifiable through characteristic and endemic fauna and flora. We are home to pockets of this important and magical subtropical forest type with a larger swathe on @andbeyondphinda
With its soft, ancient sandy floor, distinctive trees and plant species as well as endemic birds, and the tiny, uncommon Suni and Red forest duiker antelope, it is truly the enchanted African forest!
#WorldHabitatDay
#SandForest
#Unique
#Ecosystems
#Habitat
#Elephants
#Duiker
#Africa
#Baboons
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@faunafloraint
@isimangaliso
@swarovskioptik_birding
@andbeyondtravel
Oct 2
DREAMY FOREST
Zuka Private Game Reserve hosts an array of interconnected ecosystems and varied habitats. Sand Forest is a rare, specific habitat type identifiable through characteristic and endemic fauna and flora. We are home to pockets of this important and magical subtropical forest type with a larger swathe on @andbeyondphinda
With its soft, ancient sandy floor, distinctive trees and plant species as well as endemic birds, and the tiny, uncommon Suni and Red forest duiker antelope, it is truly the enchanted African forest!
#WorldHabitatDay
#SandForest
#Unique
#Ecosystems
#Habitat
#Elephants
#Duiker
#Africa
#Baboons
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@faunafloraint
@isimangaliso
@swarovskioptik_birding
@andbeyondtravel
INDIAN OCEAN
With Zuka Private Game Reserve’s close proximity to the coast, we have a strong connection to the Indian Ocean and we are fortunate to be see humpback whales in our warm waters here.
These whales migrate northward each year along our coast line to breed, give birth and nurse their calves, before heading south again to the colder nutrient rich waters of Antarctica.
@oceanswithoutborders
@oceanfamilyfoundation
#BluePlanet
#LifeCycle
#MarineLife
#IndianOcean
#HumpbackWhales
#WhaleCalf
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#AerialPhotography
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
Sep 30
INDIAN OCEAN
With Zuka Private Game Reserve’s close proximity to the coast, we have a strong connection to the Indian Ocean and we are fortunate to be see humpback whales in our warm waters here.
These whales migrate northward each year along our coast line to breed, give birth and nurse their calves, before heading south again to the colder nutrient rich waters of Antarctica.
@oceanswithoutborders
@oceanfamilyfoundation
#BluePlanet
#LifeCycle
#MarineLife
#IndianOcean
#HumpbackWhales
#WhaleCalf
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#AerialPhotography
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
LION PRIDE
The relationship between male and female lions is a fascinating tale of teamwork, survival and together they are the cornerstone of the pride`s success.
Watching different prides on Zuka Private Game Reserve we witness the males and females in their specific roles, protecting and guarding territory, raising litters of cubs, hunting and maintaining social cohesion.
@pantheracats
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodges
#Lion
#Lioness
#LionCubs
#LionPride
#Teamwork
#PantheraLeo
#BigCatsofAfrica
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
Sep 27
LION PRIDE
The relationship between male and female lions is a fascinating tale of teamwork, survival and together they are the cornerstone of the pride`s success.
Watching different prides on Zuka Private Game Reserve we witness the males and females in their specific roles, protecting and guarding territory, raising litters of cubs, hunting and maintaining social cohesion.
@pantheracats
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodges
#Lion
#Lioness
#LionCubs
#LionPride
#Teamwork
#PantheraLeo
#BigCatsofAfrica
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
MALE LEOPARD
Male leopards can be seen less frequently than females, as they roam and defend larger areas, which enhances their elusive nature.
Preferring to move along the edge of their territory, their ranging patterns can cover vast distances, according to data captured during the 10 year span of the Munywana Leopard Project.
@pantheracats
#Leopard
#PantheraPardus
#Predator
#Camouflage
#Icon
#BigCatsOfAfrica
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@sungulwane
@andbeyondphinda
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
Sep 25
MALE LEOPARD
Male leopards can be seen less frequently than females, as they roam and defend larger areas, which enhances their elusive nature.
Preferring to move along the edge of their territory, their ranging patterns can cover vast distances, according to data captured during the 10 year span of the Munywana Leopard Project.
@pantheracats
#Leopard
#PantheraPardus
#Predator
#Camouflage
#Icon
#BigCatsOfAfrica
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@sungulwane
@andbeyondphinda
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
WORLD RHINO DAY
These are Earth`s ancient guardians who deserve our utmost protection and care!
At Zuka Private Game Reserve we pride ourselves on maintaining and safeguarding a healthy population of both Black rhino and White rhino.
Across the wider Munywana Conservancy, with our commitment to thorough and collaborative conservation measures, increased security and the effective dehorning practice, we have significantly protected this species against the threat of illegal poaching.
Celebrating this iconic species today!
#ConservationAtItsBest
#Rhino
#WhiteRhino
#BlackRhino
#WorldRhinoDay
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@andbeyondphinda
@andbeyondtravel
@africa_found
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodges
@munywanaconservcancy
Sep 22
WORLD RHINO DAY
These are Earth`s ancient guardians who deserve our utmost protection and care!
At Zuka Private Game Reserve we pride ourselves on maintaining and safeguarding a healthy population of both Black rhino and White rhino.
Across the wider Munywana Conservancy, with our commitment to thorough and collaborative conservation measures, increased security and the effective dehorning practice, we have significantly protected this species against the threat of illegal poaching.
Celebrating this iconic species today!
#ConservationAtItsBest
#Rhino
#WhiteRhino
#BlackRhino
#WorldRhinoDay
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@andbeyondphinda
@andbeyondtravel
@africa_found
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodges
@munywanaconservcancy
AFRICAN FISH EAGLE
Seen next to water, lakes, dams, and in coastal habitat, with its unmistakable call, the African fish eagle is celebrated in folklore and traditional belief. This iconic eagle is assoicated with power and purity and is a symbol of Africa’s love of songs!
#AfricanFishEagle
#FishEagle
#Eagle
#Birds
#BirdsofPrey
#BirdsofAfrica
#Raptor
#OnSafari
#Symbol
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
Sep 20
AFRICAN FISH EAGLE
Seen next to water, lakes, dams, and in coastal habitat, with its unmistakable call, the African fish eagle is celebrated in folklore and traditional belief. This iconic eagle is assoicated with power and purity and is a symbol of Africa’s love of songs!
#AfricanFishEagle
#FishEagle
#Eagle
#Birds
#BirdsofPrey
#BirdsofAfrica
#Raptor
#OnSafari
#Symbol
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
CLOSE OF THE DAY
Golden hour on Zuka Private Game Reserve with the iconic giraffe silhouetted against the setting sun.
#Giraffe
#Sunset
#Savannah
#Goldenhour
#AfricanScene
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wildlife
Sep 18
CLOSE OF THE DAY
Golden hour on Zuka Private Game Reserve with the iconic giraffe silhouetted against the setting sun.
#Giraffe
#Sunset
#Savannah
#Goldenhour
#AfricanScene
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wildlife
IT’S A WRAP FOR WILDLIFE RANGER CHALLENGE 2023
We pushed-up, we sat-up, we walked and we ran across Zuka Private Game Reserve - all 180 of us! Some of us even ran 4 extra kilometres, owing to lions removing the sign posts - the wild culprits were caught on camera! This joyous, inclusive event somehow didn’t burn all our energy; there was plenty left for dancing and celebrating throughout the day!
Congratulations to all our participants.
Thank you to all our donors.
Thank you @tusk_org for powering up this brilliant initiative!
Until next year…. 🐆🌾🐬🌍
#ForWildlifeRangers
#WildlifeRangerChallenge
@africa_found
@oceanswithoutborders
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
@andbeyondphinda
@jessica.s.d.getty
Sep 17
IT’S A WRAP FOR WILDLIFE RANGER CHALLENGE 2023
We pushed-up, we sat-up, we walked and we ran across Zuka Private Game Reserve - all 180 of us! Some of us even ran 4 extra kilometres, owing to lions removing the sign posts - the wild culprits were caught on camera! This joyous, inclusive event somehow didn’t burn all our energy; there was plenty left for dancing and celebrating throughout the day!
Congratulations to all our participants.
Thank you to all our donors.
Thank you @tusk_org for powering up this brilliant initiative!
Until next year…. 🐆🌾🐬🌍
#ForWildlifeRangers
#WildlifeRangerChallenge
@africa_found
@oceanswithoutborders
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
@andbeyondphinda
@jessica.s.d.getty
HABITAT MANAGEMENT
We put controlled burns through areas of Zuka Private Game Reserve during the winter months as a land management technique.
Mimicking natural fire cycles in the African landscape, grassland and savannah benefit from periodic fires. This approach not only cycles dead vegetation and clears invasive plant species but stimulates growth, which draws carbon from the atmosphere and rejuvenates vegetation for the populations of grazers and browsers.
#HabitatManagement
#ControlledBurning
#Fire
#CarbonCycle
#Vegetation
#Savannah
#Grasslands
#AfricanLandscape
#GettyAsterism
#Rejuvenation
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
Sep 15
HABITAT MANAGEMENT
We put controlled burns through areas of Zuka Private Game Reserve during the winter months as a land management technique.
Mimicking natural fire cycles in the African landscape, grassland and savannah benefit from periodic fires. This approach not only cycles dead vegetation and clears invasive plant species but stimulates growth, which draws carbon from the atmosphere and rejuvenates vegetation for the populations of grazers and browsers.
#HabitatManagement
#ControlledBurning
#Fire
#CarbonCycle
#Vegetation
#Savannah
#Grasslands
#AfricanLandscape
#GettyAsterism
#Rejuvenation
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
ISLAND DAM
Early Zululand mornings and nothing beats a trip to Island dam to catch our hippo displaying in the winter light!
#Hippos
#Hippopotamus
#WinterMornings
#Mist
#IslandDam
#SouthAfrica
#Africa
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
Sep 13
ISLAND DAM
Early Zululand mornings and nothing beats a trip to Island dam to catch our hippo displaying in the winter light!
#Hippos
#Hippopotamus
#WinterMornings
#Mist
#IslandDam
#SouthAfrica
#Africa
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
LIONESS
Photographing this lioness in full stride is to encounter her embodiment of grace and power.
In motion, with such intent and all muscles simultaneously taut and fluid, is the beauty of nature`s design.
#BigCats
#Lion
#Lioness
#Wildlife
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@pantheracats
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
Sep 11
LIONESS
Photographing this lioness in full stride is to encounter her embodiment of grace and power.
In motion, with such intent and all muscles simultaneously taut and fluid, is the beauty of nature`s design.
#BigCats
#Lion
#Lioness
#Wildlife
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@pantheracats
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
ZUKA X TUSK!
This post is a little longer – we would LOVE you to read it!
You may have heard of @tusk_org and their work in partnering with effective wildlife conservation organisations, and funding sustainable conservation programmes across Africa.
Tusk annually organises the Wildlife Ranger Challenge which involves three physical phases and fundraising!
Who for?
Rangers.
The people on the ground carrying out their incredible work.
Rangers are a dedicated, hardworking species of human!
They are an alchemy of conservationists, guardians, custodians, advocates, role models and teachers working in protected areas and the communities that surround conservation areas.
Once again, Zuka Private Game Reserve is taking part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge and our beneficiaries are Africa Foundation’s Oceans Without Borders Community & Conservation Marine Rangers!
This is where it gets really good!
* All our funds raised go to @africa_found to be deployed to @oceanswithoutborders
* These are also match funded.
* Further grants are deployed to @oceanswithoutborders from Tusk throughout the year as a result of our participation and fundraising.
* Last year, our funding doubled and doubled again.
We are a week away from the final phase – the 10km walk or run and the 21km run through the reserve.
Thank you SO much for reading this far!
Please wish us luck OR if you are feeling it, ☝🏼☝🏾donate using our link-in bio to the Wildlife Ranger Challenge fundraising page!
Siyabonga!
#WildlifeRangerChallenge
#ForWildlifeRangers
#Work
#Wildlife
#Conservation
#AntiPoaching
#Teachers
#Community
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@tusk_org
@africa_found
@oceanswithoutborders
@oceanfamilyfoundation
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesfarilodges
@andbeyondphinda
@jessica.s.d.getty
Sep 9
ZUKA X TUSK!
This post is a little longer – we would LOVE you to read it!
You may have heard of @tusk_org and their work in partnering with effective wildlife conservation organisations, and funding sustainable conservation programmes across Africa.
Tusk annually organises the Wildlife Ranger Challenge which involves three physical phases and fundraising!
Who for?
Rangers.
The people on the ground carrying out their incredible work.
Rangers are a dedicated, hardworking species of human!
They are an alchemy of conservationists, guardians, custodians, advocates, role models and teachers working in protected areas and the communities that surround conservation areas.
Once again, Zuka Private Game Reserve is taking part in the Wildlife Ranger Challenge and our beneficiaries are Africa Foundation’s Oceans Without Borders Community & Conservation Marine Rangers!
This is where it gets really good!
* All our funds raised go to @africa_found to be deployed to @oceanswithoutborders
* These are also match funded.
* Further grants are deployed to @oceanswithoutborders from Tusk throughout the year as a result of our participation and fundraising.
* Last year, our funding doubled and doubled again.
We are a week away from the final phase – the 10km walk or run and the 21km run through the reserve.
Thank you SO much for reading this far!
Please wish us luck OR if you are feeling it, ☝🏼☝🏾donate using our link-in bio to the Wildlife Ranger Challenge fundraising page!
Siyabonga!
#WildlifeRangerChallenge
#ForWildlifeRangers
#Work
#Wildlife
#Conservation
#AntiPoaching
#Teachers
#Community
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@tusk_org
@africa_found
@oceanswithoutborders
@oceanfamilyfoundation
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesfarilodges
@andbeyondphinda
@jessica.s.d.getty
CHEETAH SIBLINGS
Young cubs in a litter with their heart-melting tufty mohawks, form strong bonds and often stay together in adulthood.
They grow up to form a coalition of two or three and sometimes more, roaming and living together to hunt and protect their territory.
#Cheetah
#Siblings
#Bigcats
#CheetahCubs
#Wildlife
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@pantheracats
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
Sep 8
CHEETAH SIBLINGS
Young cubs in a litter with their heart-melting tufty mohawks, form strong bonds and often stay together in adulthood.
They grow up to form a coalition of two or three and sometimes more, roaming and living together to hunt and protect their territory.
#Cheetah
#Siblings
#Bigcats
#CheetahCubs
#Wildlife
#Africa
#SouthAfrica
#OnSafari
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@pantheracats
@sungulwane
@bayalaprivatesafarilodge
KHULA FARM
Khula Farm is our 25 hectare regenerative agriculture farm on the boundary of Zuka Private Game Reserve. Khula means “grow” in Zulu and we are embarking on producing healthy organic food for our guests, staff and our wider community, while crucially improving the health of the soil. In the harvest so far: spinach, broccoli, beetroot and cauliflower with more good things to come! 🌱🥦🥬🌱
#KhulaFarm
#Agriculture
#RegerativeAgriculture
#Regenerative
#HealthySoil
#OrganicProduce
#Sustainability
#SouthAfrica
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
Sep 7
KHULA FARM
Khula Farm is our 25 hectare regenerative agriculture farm on the boundary of Zuka Private Game Reserve. Khula means “grow” in Zulu and we are embarking on producing healthy organic food for our guests, staff and our wider community, while crucially improving the health of the soil. In the harvest so far: spinach, broccoli, beetroot and cauliflower with more good things to come! 🌱🥦🥬🌱
#KhulaFarm
#Agriculture
#RegerativeAgriculture
#Regenerative
#HealthySoil
#OrganicProduce
#Sustainability
#SouthAfrica
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
UNSUNG HEROES!
Often overlooked and not admired quite as much for their looks as the other raptors, vultures are the unsung heroes!
Critical within the food web, vultures play a vital role in the system here on Zuka Private Game Reserve and across the continent of Africa.
They track predators and scavenge on their carrion. This characteristic behaviour recycles nutrients to enrich the soil, benefits plant growth and supports countless other species in the food chain, and, importantly, disposes of carcasses that could transmit disease.
#Vulture
#WhiteBackedVulture
#InternationalVultureAwarnessDay
#Birdlife
#Conservation
#Birding
#Birds
#EndangeredSpecies
#SouthAfrica
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
Sep 4
UNSUNG HEROES!
Often overlooked and not admired quite as much for their looks as the other raptors, vultures are the unsung heroes!
Critical within the food web, vultures play a vital role in the system here on Zuka Private Game Reserve and across the continent of Africa.
They track predators and scavenge on their carrion. This characteristic behaviour recycles nutrients to enrich the soil, benefits plant growth and supports countless other species in the food chain, and, importantly, disposes of carcasses that could transmit disease.
#Vulture
#WhiteBackedVulture
#InternationalVultureAwarnessDay
#Birdlife
#Conservation
#Birding
#Birds
#EndangeredSpecies
#SouthAfrica
#Africa
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
STILL
Now in our third decade, we are reaping the rewards of protecting our wilderness and the ripple effect of the @pantheracats leopard project that spanned 10 years over @zukaprivategamereserve and the wider Munywana Conservancy resulting in definitive changes in legislation of permits granted to hunt leopard.
We are seeing the positive impact of that in the new populations, sightings and their relaxed behaviour. Leopard are important teachers.
#Leopard
#PantheraPardus
#Golden
#Rosettes
#Solitary
#TreeClimbers
#Predators
#Ecosystem
#ConservationAtItsBest
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@pantheracats
@faunafloraint
@bayalaprivatesafarilodges
@sungulwane
@munywanaconservancy
Aug 30
STILL
Now in our third decade, we are reaping the rewards of protecting our wilderness and the ripple effect of the @pantheracats leopard project that spanned 10 years over @zukaprivategamereserve and the wider Munywana Conservancy resulting in definitive changes in legislation of permits granted to hunt leopard.
We are seeing the positive impact of that in the new populations, sightings and their relaxed behaviour. Leopard are important teachers.
#Leopard
#PantheraPardus
#Golden
#Rosettes
#Solitary
#TreeClimbers
#Predators
#Ecosystem
#ConservationAtItsBest
#Restored
#Protected
#Preserved
#Wild
@pantheracats
@faunafloraint
@bayalaprivatesafarilodges
@sungulwane
@munywanaconservancy
“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.”