Africa & Beyond KwaZulu Natal e brochure

KwaZulu-NatalSouth Africa

Africa & Beyond LtdTel: 0161 789 8838

Email: [email protected]

When to goThe province has a warm, sub-tropical climate, with temperatures moderated by the expanse of the Indian Ocean.

Summers are hot and humid averaging 28 degrees, and experience the majority of the annual rainfall. The winter averages temperatures of 23 degrees and days are warm, dry and clear.

There is occasional frost in the interior and snow often falls on the Drakensberg Mountain range.

What to doBig 5 game viewing in the many private and public Game Reserves is a must, and there are some fantastic options with the Greater St Lucia Wetland offering a completely different perspective.

Loggerhead and leatherback turtles come ashore to breed from Nov–Mar and these areas are now heavily protected but open to visitors staying at selected lodges. Marine life is superb and excellent diving sites are to be found along the coast.

While inland, fascinating historical tours of the Anglo–Zulu and Anglo-Boer Battlefields take place as well as outstanding walking and hiking trails which are found throughout the Drakensberg Mountains.

South Africa’s Zulu Kingdom, KwaZulu-Natal, is often overlooked in favour of its more famous Western Cape counterpart; however due to its diversity, the province is increasing in stature as a destination in its own right, where visitors are invited to share in the rich culture and natural environment, sophistication and nature – as well as being home to the historic Battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift.

Flanked by the warm Indian Ocean, the region also has areas of vast, unspoiled beaches and coastline teeming with nature. In Elephant Coast, a great number of turtles inhabit the waters and breeds include the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Green Turtle and Hawksbill.

The Big 5 are all found in the province’s Game Reserves, and the largest population of Black and White Rhino are also found here.

KwaZulu-Natal - South Africa

0161 789 8838 [email protected] www.africaandbeyond.co.uk

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N7

ANTANANARIVO

Ile Sainte Marie

Nosy MangabeSpecial Reserve

Manakara

MozambiqueChannel

Maroantsetra

Ambanja

Ambositra

Fianarantsoa

Ihosy

Zombitse NP

Morondava

Anakao

Tolanaro(Fort Dauphin)

Andohahela

Toliara (Tulear)

Bemaraha NP

Pang

alan

esC

anal

KirindyForest

Antsiranana (Diego-Suarez)

MontagneD’Ambre NP

AnkaranaSpecial Reserve

Anjajavy

Isalo NP

Ifaty

TsimanampetsotsaNature Reserve

Berenty Private Reserve

Anja

Andringitra NP

Ranomafana NP

Masoala NP

MarojejyNP

Nosy Bé

Indian Ocean

Antsirabe

Ambatolampy

Andasibe – Mantadia NP(Périnet)

AnkarafantsikaNP (Ampijoroa)

PRINCESSE BORA LODGE & SPA

ANJAJAVY HOTEL

EDEN LODGE

VAKONA FOREST LODGE

MANAFIAFY BEACH & RAINFOREST LODGE

MANDRARE RIVER CAMP

Mahajanga

CONSTANCE TSARABANJINA

Tsingy de

Safari, Wetlands& Elephant Coast

Battlefields

DrakensbergMountains

Durban


In 1878, the increasing strength of King Cetshwayo was perceived to be a threat to the power held by the British government, so an ultimatum was issued to the Zulu nation to disband their army and swear allegiance to Queen Victoria. This was never going to be accepted and the infamous Anglo/Zulu war began with ensuing disaster for the British forces having grossly underestimated the strength and will of the Zulus.

The legendary historian and raconteur David Rattray, was a pioneer of Heritage Tourism; recreating the drama, horror and emotion of the Anglo/Zulu battles of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift through the spoken word. Today this passion and enthusiasm continues through the Rattray family and the new generation of guides who will ensure this time in history will never be forgotten.

Whilst across in the old Transvaal region many of the Anglo/Boer battles took place, KwaZulu-Natal was the location of the famous bloody battle for Spioenkop, a hilltop seen as a strategically crucial vantage point on which to advance on the strong-hold of Ladysmith. Once again guided tours will bring to life how key errors in planning and communication proved fatal for so many.

Battlefields

Zulu Lodge• Set on a private game reserve• Battlefield tours• Rustic luxury accommodation• Zulu cultural tours• Swimming pool

Fugutives Drift Lodge• Home of the Anglo Zulu Battlefield tours• Luxury cottages with verandas• Homestead style lounge & dining room• Wildlife viewing possible• Walking & cultural tours

Three Tree Hill Lodge• Anglo Boer Battlefield tours• Family friendly lodge• Game walks & rhino tracking• Horse riding & hiking• Swimming pool

Fugutives Drift Guesthouse• Part of the legendary Rattray Family• Luxury cottages• Anglo Zulu Battlefield tours• Swimming pool• Indoor & outdoor dining

Nambiti Plains• Private boutique lodge• Guided safari drives on the reserve• Guided battlefield tours• Cheetah interaction experience• Swimming pool & terrace

Isandlwana• Anglo Zulu Battlefield tours• Luxury guest rooms• Hiking & horse riding• Good birdwatching area• Swimming pool with views



Away from the well-known safari hot spots like Sabi Sands, Madkiwe & Shamwari, KwaZulu-Natal has its own fair share of wildlife. In fact just a few hours north of Durban brings you to a vast area of unspoilt plains and wetlands teeming with wildlife. Big 5 destinations such as Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the private reserve of Phinda are far away from the crowds whilst offering luxurious accommodation too.

Safari, Elephant Coast & Wetlands

Umkhumbi Lodge• Budget family friendly lodge• Safari game drives• Elephant interaction tours• Kayaking & cultural tours• Onsite bar & restaurant

Thanda Safari Lodge• Luxury bush suites• Big 5 game drives• Elephant interaction experience• Spa & great dining choices• Family friendly

Kosi Forest Lodge• Rustic luxury bush suites• Turtle tracking• Canoeing & boating• Set within a nature reserve• Wildlife and birdwatching

Phinda Forest Lodge• Luxury Eco-designed lodge• Central pool and terrace area• Safari game drives• River cruises & rhino tracking• Tranquil forest surroundings

Thanda Tented Camp• Luxury tented suites• Big 5 safari drives• Elephant interaction experience• Family friendly• Bush walks and cultural tours

Thonga Beach Lodge• Luxury beach lodge• Coastal & forest surroundings• Turtle tracking & snorkelling• Kayaking on Lake Sibaya• Abundant birdlife

Phinda Vlei Lodge• Exclusive luxury suites• Safari game drives• Overlooking the lodge waterhole• River cruises & rhino tracking• Tranquil setting

Amangwane Lodge • Located in Kosi Bay• Rustic chalets• Kayaking• Turtle tracking• Elephant interaction & wildlife tours

Rhino Ridge Lodge• Big 5 safari experience• Infinity swimming pool • Spa centre• Luxury hilltop accommodation• Family friendly


Mkuze Falls Lodge• Big 5 game reserve• Rustic luxury safari lodge• Swimming pool with river views• Onsite spa, restaurant & bar• River safaris

Phinda Rock Lodge• Luxury all suite lodge• Safari game drives• Exclusive hillside location• Terrace with plunge pools• River cruises & rhino tracking

Hluhluwe River Lodge• Sweeping views of False Bay• Game drives, rhino tracking & birding• Indoor/outdoor restaurant & bar• Luxury family friendly bush chalets• River safaris & mountain biking

Phinda Zuka Lodge• Small exclusive luxury lodge• Private safari guides & rangers• Chef creates tailored menus• Safari game drives• Private swimming pool & waterhole

Hluhluwe Hilltop Camp• Rustic bush camp• Stunning hilltop views• Swimming pool• Boat & driving safaris, rhino tracking• Family friendly

Phinda Mountain Lodge• Dramatic mountain top views• Family friendly luxury lodge• Safari game drives• Private plunge pools• River cruises & rhino tracking


The Drakensberg Mountains (Dragon Mountain) stretches roughly 1000km north-east and forms the western border of KwaZulu-Natal separating it from the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Free State province.

From the massive basalt cliffs of its northern reaches to the sandstone buttresses in the south, the Berg - as it’s popularly known - offers amazing experiences to anyone of any age who needs to ‘get away from it all’.

Peace and quiet is amid this unsurpassed splendour where the World’s second-highest waterfall tumbles down a series of cascades.

Several nature reserves including Kamberg and Loteni are worth visiting and both are home to the almost extinct reedbuck as well as blesbuck, eland, bushbuck and oribi.

Drakensberg Mountains

Didima• Choice of spacious chalets• Walking, hiking & cultural visits• Family friendly• Unspoilt hillside position• Onsite bar & restaurant

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse• Luxury guest rooms • Outstanding location • Suburb dining experience • Nature walks, riding, fishing

Hartford House• Ranch style accommodation• Award winning restaurant • Fly fishing, horse riding & Drakensberg tours• Onsite wellness centre• Situated on the world-class Summerhill Stud

Cathedral Peak• Family friendly hotel• Superb mountain location• Nature walks & hiking• Cycling & horse riding• Onsite restaurant & bar

Moorcroft Manor• Country house style property• Fine dining restaurant• Spa• Horse riding, walking• Fly fishing & cultural tours

Montusi Mountain Lodge• Quiet mountain location• Walking & hiking trails• Spacious luxury suites• Fishing & horse riding• Swimming pool



Durban is a sophisticated, cosmopolitan city of over three million people where east meets west. Durban is a great place in which to play, shop, experience the nightlife and to relax. Leisure facilities abound in Durban. Visit uShaka Marine World, Wilson’s Wharf on the Victoria Embankment and the nearby arts and culture BAT centre.

Visitors can enjoy fine and traditional dining, entertainment and shopping in scenic surroundings.

Dotted along the coast are several seaside towns which offer the same sandy beaches and warm Indian Ocean waters, but are smaller and less populated, with a fine selection of accommodation ranging from guest houses to golf estates. Umhlanga, Ballito and Salt Rock are amongst the most popular of these which are all within half an hour’s drive of Durban.

Durban & Surrounds

Canelands - Umhlanga• Beachfront location• Ocean view swimming pool• Onsite restaurant & bar• Spa centre• Family friendly

Quarters - Florida Road• Luxury boutique hotel • Individually styled rooms • Set in beautiful gardens • Fine dining restaurant • Ideal location for city & beach

Elangeni & Maharani Hotel• International style hotel• Beachfront location• Family friendly• Close to city for excursions• 3 swimming pools

Oyster Box Hotel - Umhlanga• Beachfront location• Onsite spa• Wellness centre• Family friendly• Heated swimming pool

Beverly Hills Hotel - Umlanga• International style hotel• Family friendly• Beachfront location• Restaurants, bars & fitness centre• Swimming pool with ocean views

Sandals Guest House - Umhlanga• Small luxury guesthouse• Centrally located for city & beach• Swimming pool• Onsite dining room & bar• Tranquil sun terrace & gardens


South Africa is blessed not only with extraordinarily fine weather but some of the most beautiful golf courses. Across the country courses are found nestled amongst winelands, mountains or the coast, and KwaZulu-Natal province is no exception.

Links courses are scattered along the east coast overlooking the Indian Ocean within easy drives both north and south of Durban.

Inland surrounded by the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, players try not to get distracted by the breath-taking back drops found at Cathedral Peak or the Champagne Golf Course. It’s not unheard of either to see wildlife sauntering across the greens.

Up in the north of the province near Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park, a course or two can be played while taking a break from a Big 5 safari.

Golf

Southbroom Golf Club• Immaculate 18 hole course• Views of the ocean & nature reserve• Abundant birdlife• Dining available at the club house• Accommodation available locally

Fairmont Zimbali Resort• 18 hole course• Overlooking the ocean & forest• Luxury apartments & houses• On the Dolphin Coast• Close to shops & beach

Umboni Park• 18 hole golf course• Views over the ocean & parkland• Set within a 20 hectare nature reserve• 1 hour drive from Durban• Accommodation available locally

Mount Edgecombe Country Club• Two 18 hole championship courses• Club house dining available• Set within rolling hills• Short drive from Durban• Accommodation available locally

Scotburg Golf Club• 18 hole golf course• Oceanfront location• Club house dining available• Short coastal drive from Durban• Accommodation available locally

Champagne Golf Resort• 18 hole championship course• Fishing & walking • Stylish family friendly thatched cottages• Onsite fitness & spa centre• Swimming pool & tennis courts


Ultimate KwaZulu-Natal TourDay 1Start your east coast adventure staying at the Oyster Box Hotel. With ocean views, this is the perfect start to your holiday.Day 2-4Depart Durban for the Drakensberg Mountains. Take time while driving to enjoy the spectacular scenery before settling in to Cleopatra Mountain Farm House. The farmhouse offers excellent accommodation and is renowned for its gourmet food. This pristine mountainous region offers a wealth of outdoor opportunities, from gentle walking to hiking, orhorse-riding to mountain biking.Day 5-6Your journey todays sees you heading to the legendary Battlefields region. There are a wealth of extremely knowledgeable guides who bring history to life by their eloquent narration. Stay at either Spioenkop for the Angelo/Boer War sites or Isandlwana and Fugitives Drift for the Anglo/Zulu War battle sites.

Stylish and relaxed accommodation is recommended at either Three Tree Hill Lodge, Isandlwana or Fugitives Drift Lodge.Day 7-10Safari time next stop! And here your choice is endless. The wetlands and St Lucia regions offer some of the best game viewing in South Africa including the famous Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, home to the Big 5 including the Rhino Protection Centre. From October – March the Maputaland Coastal Forest is home to thousands of hatching turtles making their maiden voyage from beach to sea, whilst in the ocean, the Marine Reserve offers exceptional snorkelling and some of the best dive sites in Southern Africa. Accommodation can be selected to suit your style, budget and preferences. Phinda Game Reserve has several luxury lodges, Rocktail Beach Camp & Thonga Beach Lodge are right on the coast, while Hluhluwe River Lodge is in the heart of the national park.Day 11Overnight in Durban with a chance to unwind on the Dolphin Coast.

Battlefields ModuleDay 1Choose from either exquisite beachfront or city accommodation to relax on arrival in Durban.Day 2-3Your destination today is Spioenkop, the site of the famous Anglo/Boer War battlefield. Three Tree Hill Lodge specialises in the history of the 2nd Anglo/Boer War (from 1899 – 1902). Other activities here include horse-riding, game walks, rhino tracking, mountain biking and nature trails.Day 4-5The area of Rorke’s Drift is the destination today, where the focus switches to the Anglo/Zulu battlefields.The incredibly moving narration of this momentous battle is given by guides passionate about their subject. Fugitives Drift Lodge or Isandlwana Lodge offer guests excellent accommodation in the heart of this historically important region.Day 6Return to Durban for a night by the coast or connect with additional arrangements.

Safari ModuleDay 1The east coast of South Africa is the perfect start to your KwaZulu-Natal journey. Overnight at Quarters Hotel, Florida Road, for easy access to the beach and city.Day 2-4KwaZulu-Natal is rich in wildlife regions including the Elephant Coast, where the forest meets the ocean, Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park which is perfect for Big 5 game viewing, or a private reserve such as Phinda or Thanda where luxury accommodation combines with exclusive safari activities. Three nights are recommended to ensure visitors can appreciate the full experience; game drives, canoeing, boat safaris, birdwatching, nature walks, snorkelling and diving are all on offer.Day 5Transfer back to Durban to continue with your holiday.

Giants CastleDay 1Take time out today in the Umhlanga area at the beachfront Canelands Resort.Day 2-4Self-drive to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, an area of unspoilt beauty on a grand scale. Stretching up to 1000 kms there are a wealth of hiking trails to peaks such as Giants Castle rewarding visitors with the most spectacular endless views. Cleopatra Mountain Farm House has mastered low key rustic luxury across their property while the kitchen produces some of the finest cuisine and hospitality is second to none.Horse riding, fly fishing and mountain biking are just a few of the other activities available in this most unique region.Day 5Return to Durban today to relax by the ocean or continue with onward arrangements.

KwaZulu-Natal Itineraries

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Africa & Beyond KwaZulu Natal e brochure