Deep in the Kingdom of the Zulus you will discover Zingela Safari & River Company, a stone and canvas bush camp a stone's throw from the historic Tugela River.

Established in 1983, the camp has been lovingly created from the natural materials that occur in the area. From simple beginnings, it has evolved slowly over the years and has stretched the concept of outdoor living to its limits!

Whether you are here for relaxation or an adventure filled holiday, conference or teambuilding session, the magic beauty of Zingela assures you of a special and memorable stay.

Zingela Safari and River Company is located near Weenen in the interior of South Africa's KwaZulu Natal province. We offer both catered and self-catering accommodation.

Accommodation at Zingela Safari & River Company has been 4-star graded by Getaway writer Don Pinnock

We often get asked for a description of the accommodation and have found it easier to say what it is not than what it is!

You will not be staying in a chalet, rondavel or tent. Each en-suite design is unique and has been built in unity with its immediate environment. We have used river stone, reed and canvas as materials.

Larney lane is ideal for couples while Hotel and Aloes are more suitable for family groups or friends who know each other. The price remains the same for each unit and we book on a first come, first serve basis.

J. camp is an extension of main camp but as it has its own bush kitchen and dining area, it does double up as a Bed & Breakfast or self-catered camp for those who prefer that option.

The recently refurbished House On Hill is the original Zingela farmhouse. Perched on a cliff overlooking the river, it is just down stream from J camp. We use it for both those who want catered accommodation as well as for groups who would prefer to self-cater and join the main camp for selected meals.

We can comfortably host groups of forty and erect extra tents for larger parties. As an example, Zingela has been the venue for weddings and adventure races where we have catered for seventy guests.

HITCHENS: Commonly referred to as Bushbuck lodge (due to a resident bush buck) or the honeymoon suite, Hitchens boasts the largest rock double bed headboard in Africa. Furnished with a king-size bed and one single bed for couple with children.

DAWSONS CREEK: The outdoor shower on a rock must have one of the views in Africa. In the morning, the baboons on the rocky outcrops are the only peeping toms to worry about! Furnished with 1 double and 1 single bed.

SHAYAMOYA: The trill of the mocking chat is the most harmonious of alarm clocks in the morning and Shayamoya (where the wind blows) has its own private reading or sundowner spots. Sleeps 3.

EDDIES: Eddies consists of two units on the same site. Each has its own toilet and shower. Conveniently placed close to central camp it is ideal for family groups. Furnished with a double bed on the one side and 4 single beds on the other.

HOTEL: HOTEL TOP and ALOES TOP accommodation is suitable for family groups as the two thatched en-suite rooms are situated within sneezing distance from each other. Each quaint room is designed to sleep two adults or three children.

HOTEL BOTTOM and ALOES BOTTOM has a canvas roof and when dormitoried, can sleep ten. Both the Aloes & Hotel sites have their own outside fireplaces and so are ideal for those who want to spend quality time together.

J. CAMP (Catered, B&B or self-catered camp): J. Camp is within easy walking distance downstream of Zingela main camp. It consists of four en-suite thatched units built with mud and reed walls and traditional earth floors.

Two units have electricity while two are lit by oil lamps. There is a central simple bush kitchen for those who would like to self-cater or take advantage of our bed & breakfast package. Meals also available at the main camp. Awesome setting and privacy for those who want to do their own thing.

HOUSE ON THE HILL ( H.O.H.): The recently re-thatched the old farmhouse gets the first and last of the winter sun. The position of the house gives those who stay there a panoramic, eagle's eye view of the majestic Tugela river. It can sleep two families at present. Guests who stay at the H.O.H. can choose the catered or self-catered option. This is an ideal venue for small corporate groups who need privacy and uninterrupted inspiration!

Zingela Safari & River Company offers fully catered, bed & breakfast as well as self-catering accommodation with the option to enjoy some meals at the main camp.

The Zulu Kingdom boasts superb all year round sub-tropical weather with an average of 320 days of sunshine a year! Zingela's average rainfall of 600mm falls mainly over the summer months This is when the peaceful Tugela wakes up from its hibernation and provides some of the most exciting rafting in the country.

With these statistics in mind you might decide to do absolutely NOTHING while unwinding at Zingela. The camp is ideally situated for guided game walks, birding or fly fishing. Sitting in the shade of a thorn tree with a good book is also a wonderful alternative. African time rules here and the Tree of idleness might find you a common visitor!

Adventure activities are largely dictated by the seasons and nature has provided a wonderful playground.

The river for white water rafting, kayaking, fishing and zip sliding. The cliffs for abseiling. Spectacular terrain for 4x4s, quad, horseback and mountain biking. The variety of birds, trees and game that makes every walk an adventure. Paintball is also even on offer.

At Zingela neither your cell phone nor your car will be of use so it is time to move to the beat of a different drum! The 26km bush track is not Citi-golf friendly and the venue is only accessible by high-clearance, diff-lock or 4x4 vehicles.

A team is often moulded through shared experience and the Zingela environment provides ample opportunities for this to happen. The itinery is tailor-made from the physical activities on offer and in discussion with your organiser.

On request we source highly experienced facilitators who link the physical activities with discussions in the conference room.

Corporate bookings of 20 or more are regarded as exclusive.

Beach and Bush Adventures, one of South Africa's top corporate teambuilding and event organising operators, offers a variety of teambuilding and activity options which can take place onsite at Zingela.

To learn more about what we can do for you and your organisation, please contact us at: bookings@beachandbush.co.za or phone Sean on +27 82 902 5672.

Please note: the above prices are just a guideline, as stays of a longer duration are subject to major discounts. Please enquire for current applicable rates.

Children under 14: half price

INCLUDED IN THE CATERED PRICE:

• Accommodation in our romantic bush camp
• First class campfire cuisine
• Guided game walks
• Fishing
• Zip Slide
• All Rafting equipment, life jackets and helmets (if water levels allow)
• Abseiling and abseil equipment
• Casual use of boats on the camp pools
• Land support vehicles
• VAT.

EXTRAS:

• Transfers from Weenen & Return
• Refreshments from the bar
• Eco friendly quad trails
• Paintball for the young at heart!

INCLUDED IN THE SELF-CATERING HOUSE PRICE:

• VAT
• Serviced accommodation & bedding
• Crockery and cutlery
• Gas cooker, Braai facilities and firewood
• Small deepfreeze, NO fridge but coolbox with ice supplied
• Staff member to assist with food preparation and washing of dishes
• Use of our 4x4 roads, guided game walks and fishing (strictly catch & release).

GENERAL INFO FOR SELF-CATERING HOUSE:

• Due to the access roads, a 4x4 or difflock vehicle is a prerequisite.
• Unless the main camp has an exclusive group you would be welcome to book in for selected meals.
• The same applies to the adventure activities on offer such as the rafting, abseiling, quad trails.
• Kitchen is VERY basic. Suited to braais & potjies. No oven.
• The two bedrooms are not ensuite. The large central area can be used as an overflow sleeping area for couples with young children. The house has 2 double beds and 2 bunk bed sets.