ACTIVITIES AT ZINGELA
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, trail running, mountain biking or 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 rafting, kayaking and fishing; the cliffs for rock climbing and abseiling and spectacular terrain for 4x4s, quad and mountain biking. The variety of flora and fauna make every walk an adventure.
River Rafting and Paddling: R285 pp
Abseiling: R275 pp.
Rock climbing: R175 pp.
Fly Fishing Rod Fee: R150 pp.
Night drive & feeding the wild boar: R75 pp.
Guided nature walks: R100 pp.
Guided waterfall walk: R100 pp.
Kiddies Scorpion Hunt with UV lights: R25 pp.
Summer is all about white water rafting and Zingela has twice hosted the South African White water rafting championships. There is an excellent 20km stretch of rapids and pools on this section of the Tugela Canyon including the intimidating Washing Machine and Finger Rock rapids. Water levels alter the mood of the river but whether the river rises along with adrenalin levels or whether the water converts to a “smell the roses” experience, these adventure trips are unforgettable. Rafting on big water is traditionally between November and April but as always Mother Nature has the final say! On big water we use the eight and four man rafts while in lower water the two man crocs and one man kayaks are ideal. Our experienced guides are trained by and registered with the African Paddling Association. Many of our clients are novices so no previous rafting experience is necessary.
White water rafting
Zingela offers some wonderful single track riding and interspersed with rugged 4x4 vehicle bush tracks. The ride in from both Weenen & Colenso offers 30kms plus dirt road riding at its best. The abundance of game in the bushveld wilderness adds to the riding experience. Guests are welcome to bring their own mountain bikes, quads and motorbikes. Sensible & considerate riding often results in an excellent game viewing and is a wonderful way to explore the area.
Mountain Biking & E-Biking and Adventure Bikes
Love it or leave it but the game is guaranteed to turn you into a cowboy or a crook! The dry river beds make an ideal venue.
Paint Ball
Fly fishing for Yellows in the Tugela is not only a sport but a passion. With over 20km of water to fish on, you are spoilt for choice! Enquire about our Ladies Fly Fishing weekends which are fun, relaxed and aimed at ladies who love to be outdoors. Booking in advance for Fly Fishing is essential.
Fly Fishing
The cliffs overlooking the Tugela Canyon provide dizzying abseil sites. Face your fear or watch other participants step over the edge. Registered, experienced guides are there to provide reassurance and safety. The following poem says it all!
Over the Edge
Cold sweat, false bravado.
Anxious eyes, fidgeting hands the senses are brought to life.
Rough rocks, cool breeze
An agony of waiting
The edge, a leap of faith
Fear becomes terrifying exhilaration
Heart pumping, Eyes popping, You touch down. Its over!
Zach Bowen-Davis ( Hilton College Poetry group)
Abseiling& Rock Climbing
Zingela offers an incredible variety of bird-life but is perhaps best know for its population of White-fronted Bee Eaters which nest in the river bank below James Camp.
Birding
The Zingela Trails make use of a network of game paths within the thousands of hectares of thorney bushveld. The area is teeming with game, including giraffe, kudu, Nyala, impala and warthog. The terrain is varied but the variety of routes mean awesome adventure runs for beginners and pros alike.
Find everything you need to know about the multi-day Zingela Trail Run here.
Trail Running
Guided game walks up and around the spectacular Hippo Hill give you plenty of opportunities to view these beautiful, curious animals. Enquire about game viewing on horse-back with Umhlambi Horse Trails.
Find out more about Zingela's Giraffe Project here.