KWAZULU NATAL, SAFARI & BEACH HOLIDAY

Settle into the laid back rhythm of the ‘Berg’ where you will spend the next 3 nights. It’s easy to see why the beauty of the Drakensberg Mountain Range has inspired many legends in the Zulu, Afrikaans and English cultures. Scraping the sky at over 3 400 metres, the jutting peaks of the Drakensberg are known as uKhahlamba (Barrier of Spears) in Zulu and Dragon Mountain in Afrikaans.

Never mind how fit you are, just pack your hiking boots because there will be a walk that’s perfect for you. The Drakensberg escarpment is an eco-tourist destination that stretches through quite a few provinces. It also forms part of the border between South Africa and Lesotho. Outstanding sights include the impressive Tugela Falls, the Amphitheatre, Cathedral Peak and the Sani Pass. The most visited section is the ukhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park. Come here to be rewarded by a magnificent World Heritage Site, grazing herds of oribi, eland and reedbuck and a wealth of ancient San rock art sheltering in its caves. As well as hiking there is plenty for the active soul: fly-fishing, horse-riding, mountain biking, bird watching and safaris. Think fresh clean air, green hills, snow in winter, flowers in spring, wooden chalets and chilled rock pools.

Enjoy a slice of history during your 3-night stay in this region, with optional tours to the battlefields of Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, sites of some of the most dramatic events in British military history that occurred during the Anglo-Zulu War of the 19th century. Alternatively stop on the way at Spionkop, the scene of another bloody conflict, this time from the Anglo-Boer War.

The Voortrekker-Zulu War (1836-1852), the Anglo-Zulu War (1879), the two Anglo-Boer Wars (1881 and 1899) and the Bambatha Rebellion (1906) are dramatic chapters in South Africa’s history that helped shape the present day nation. Today visitors from around the world come to roam the battle sites, graves, memorials and museums which tell stories of courage, betrayal and tragedy. To fully understand the present you must look to the past. Isandlwana, Spionkop, Rorke’s Drift, Blood River, the Battle of Majuba, the siege of Ladysmith - these sensational battles can be described as the ‘main events’ of these conflicts and these sites are easily accessible from a selection of establishments. But don’t think they are only of interest to military historians and enthusiasts. The way the tours are conducted and the events presented make them accessible and enjoyable to all.

A short drive will take you to Nambiti Game Reserve for the start of an exciting safari. Close to the majestic Drakensberg Mountain Range, a World Heritage Site full of extraordinary beauty and numerous activities, you will find the Malaria free Nambiti Private Game Reserve - situated 25 km’s east of Ladysmith, only 3½ hours from Johannesburg and 2½ hours from Durban. Nambiti Game Reserve is the only game reserve in the area with the Big 5 and currently has over 40 other species of game including cheetah, giraffe, hippo, hyena, impala, eland and zebra.

Nambiti Game Reserve offers incredible biodiversity, with grasslands, riverine bush, savannah and thornveld. Game viewing, birding, and fishing (for yellowtail) in the river are the main activities at Nambiti, which is also close to the renowned battlefields.

Another 3 hour drive, this time down the coast, will bring you to Shaka’s Rock or Umhlanga Rocks, both popular and relaxed coastal towns. After the activities further north spend a few days relaxing on the beach, swimming or enjoying the nearby restaurants.

Sunshine, sea, and sand… the classic summer holiday trio, only here you get it all year round. The subtropical North Coast of KwaZulu Natal follows the Indian Ocean from just north of Durban all the way up to Richard's Bay. Shaka’s Rock – A great choice for families, this is a residential coastal village with plenty of accommodation, a family friendly beach and tidal pool. Umhlanga Rocks - With its red and white lighthouse and lovely stretch of sand, Umhlanga has long been a favourite resort among South Africans. Due to this favoured status, it has a proliferation of high-rise luxury apartment blocks and a roaring social life for most of the year.