This blog looks briefly at the identification and behaviour of the Nyala (pronounced nee-arl-a). They are commonly found on Kuleni Game Park, where Bushwillow is located.
Where Nature, Comfort, and Soul Meet: A Boutique Forest Escape at Bushwillow Collection
Tucked beneath the ancient canopy of Sand Forest in the heart of KwaZulu-Natal’s Elephant Coast, Bushwillow Collection is more than a place to stay—it’s a place to be. A boutique forest escape where the rhythm of the wild meets the quiet of the soul, and where every stay is a gentle invitation to reconnect—with nature, with loved ones, and with yourself.
A Stay Rooted in Nature
Located within the Kuleni Game Park, just 20 minutes from Hluhluwe, Bushwillow Collection offers three uniquely styled, self-catering chalets—each with its own private plunge pool, vibrant interiors, and expansive glass doors that let the forest breathe into your space. Here, you wake to the soft rustle of nyala grazing nearby, and fall asleep to the lullaby of cicadas and distant owl calls.
Whether you’re a naturalist seeking rare bird calls, a writer chasing stillness, a couple craving seclusion, or a family yearning for wild adventure, Bushwillow is your sanctuary.
The Spirit of Sand Forest
This rare biome—the Sand Forest—is a place of quiet magic. Ancient trees rise from sandy soils, their roots entwined with centuries of stories. Walk the trails and you may encounter giraffe, zebra, or the delicate duiker. Join a guided Spider Walk at night to discover the forest’s hidden nocturnal life, or take a bushwalk at dawn to feel the pulse of the land beneath your feet.
Gateway to iSimangaliso’s Wonders
Just beyond the forest lies the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Africa’s most biodiverse treasures. Here, coastal dunes, coral reefs, estuaries, and savannahs converge in breathtaking harmony.
Spend your days:
- Snorkeling in Sodwana Bay, home to vibrant marine life and coral gardens.
- Watching hippos and crocodiles from a boat on Lake St Lucia.
- Exploring the 900-year-old fig forest in uMkhuze Game Reserve.
- Witnessing turtle nesting under the stars or whale watching in season.
- Visiting Zulu cultural villages and learning from the communities who have long called this land home.
Supporting Local, Living Lightly
At Bushwillow, we believe in travel that gives back. We source locally, support community artisans, and collaborate with guides and conservationists who know this land intimately. Your stay helps sustain the people and ecosystems that make this region so extraordinary.
A Place for All Seasons of the Soul
- For the creative soul, there is silence, space, and inspiration in every leaf.
- For the romantic, there is privacy, starlit dinners, and the intimacy of the wild.
- For the adventurer, there are trails, tides, and thrilling encounters.
- For the family, there is wonder, laughter, and stories to take home.
Come Home to the Forest
Bushwillow Collection is not just a destination—it’s a feeling. A breath of fresh air. A return to what matters. Come, let the forest hold you. Let the wild remind you. Let comfort and soul meet in the heart of nature.
Book your stay and begin your journey where the bush whispers, and the soul listens: [www.bushwillow.com](https://www.bushwillow.com)
Further Reading
This time of the year, it is not strange to hear funny noises in the bush, to see males fighting one another and males acting possessively..... male animals that is! It is breeding season! In this blog we are going to have a look at the common animals seen during the bushwalks, their breeding behaviour, reproduction and offspring.
False Bay Park is situated 16 km North East of Hluhluwe and is one of the best birding spots in Zululand. The park is a fantastic spot for forest birds in particular, but there are also some interesting water birds to be found along the shores of the lake. Guests staying at Bushwillow can book a walk with Specialist Bird Guide, Ryan Tippett from Ukuhamba Guiding. Here is an account from Ryan...
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