FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What should I pack for my visit to Bayala
South Africa enjoys a mild and temperate climate, and even more so here in the magnificent Northern Zululand, KwaZulu Natal. Light, comfortable cotton and natural fabric clothing are best, and in styles suitable for layering. A swimming costume for sunny days and a warm jacket for chilly evenings are a must. A comfortable pair of closed walking shoes and open sandals are recommended in the summer months. Sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and pair of binoculars will ensure an even better stay! Here is a more extensive list:
- layers are the most practical way to cope with fluctuating daytime and night-time temperatures
- trousers men / casual skirt for women
- shorts
- “smart casual” or dressy evening wear
- t-shirts
- long sleeved t-shirt
- short sleeved shirts or blouses
- long sleeved shirt or blouse
- cardigan/ pullover
- wind-breaker/ jacket
- 2 pair shoes comfortable to walk in
- swimming costume
- underwear & socks
- sleep attire
- personal toiletries (including some first aid – it’s always good to have painkillers, insect-repellent, anti-allergy medication, band-aids)
- Winter at Bayala (April to Oct) can be quite cold during your morning and evening game drives. During this time it is advisable to pack a warm jacket, gloves, hat and scarf.
- backpack for day trips
- binoculars
- camera
- hat for sun
- sunglasses
- sunscreen
torch
What should I pack for my visit to Bayala
South Africa enjoys a mild and temperate climate, and even more so here in the magnificent Northern Zululand, KwaZulu Natal. Light, comfortable cotton and natural fabric clothing are best, and in styles suitable for layering. A bathing costume for sunny days and a warm jacket for chilly evenings are a must. A comfortable pair of closed walking shoes and open sandals are recommended in the summer months. Sunscreen, insect repellent, a hat, sunglasses, a camera, and pair of binoculars will ensure an even better stay!
Are there mosquitos?
By its nature, Bayala is in the bush, in a semi-tropical climate zone, and in what is referred to as a non-malaria zone. As extra precautions, the windows in all the suites are screened, and there are air conditioners in the rooms which keeps the air moving and insects away. Insect repellent is available at reception, or available to purchase at the shop.
What game are we likely to see?
The game viewing experience is fantastic. The region that we traverse has been a leading conservation reserve for over 30 years and as such, herds are well established, entirely free-roaming but habituated to the green game-viewers we use. We do our best to ensure that our guests get to see the Big 5 during a 3-day stay.
What is meant by the Big 5?
The Big 5 refers to the five wild animals considered to be dangerous and the most difficult to approach. These are: lion, elephant, leopard, rhino and the Cape buffalo.
I’m planning my wedding celebration, how many guests can you accommodate?
Bayala consists of two independent lodges conveniently situated within the same precinct. Each lodge has 24 rooms, sleeping a total of 48 guests per lodge, or 96 on the property. Additional accommodation nearby enables us to easily cater for bigger events.
What else is there to see in the region?
ELEPHANT INTERACTION
Enjoy an up close and personal meeting with the habituated elephants
Travel Time from Bayala: 30min
CAT REHABILITATION CENTRE
An educational tour of orphaned or injured Wild Cheetahs, Serval Cats, African Wildcats and Caracal
Travel Time from Bayala: 1hour
BIRD AND REPTILE PARK
The Walk Thru Bird and Reptile Park is open daily from 8:00am to 4:30pm
Travel Time from Bayala: 1 hour
TRADITIONAL ZULU VILLAGE
The Traditional Village tour times: 8:15am, 11:00am, 3:15pm
Travel Time from Bayala: 1 hour
HIPPO & CROC CRUISE
Travel Time from Bayala: 1hr30
WHALE WATCHING
Travel time from Bayala: 1hr30
GREATER KWAZULU NATAL AREA:
The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park; the first World Heritage Site to be declared in South Africa and is a huge protected area along the KZN coast. The park’s centrepiece is the vast Lake St. Lucia, home to large numbers of hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos. To the north, Sodwana Bay is known for its colourful coral reefs. 1hr30 from Bayala
KZNs battlefield region – The battles fought in the rolling hills and valleys of northern KwaZulu-Natal some 120 years ago changed the course of South African history, and still today, the area now known as the ”Battlefields” seems to echo with the heroic and often tragic deeds of the past.
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Parkis one of KwaZulu-Natal’s two World Heritage This World Heritage Site is part of a much longer mountain range that stretches some 1,600 kilometres from South Africa’s northernmost provinces to the Eastern Cape. Not only does the World Heritage Site protect a stunning natural mountain wilderness area, it also protects an amazing cultural legacy of ancient rock art in Africa painted by Southern Africa’s earliest inhabitants, the San or Bushmen.