KwaZulu Natal


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With a sub-tropical climate, golden beaches, entertainments, vibrant nightlife and varied sporting facilities, this area really is a year-round holiday playground. If you want to be in the heart of the action then Durban is the place to stay. Otherwise, we would suggest one of the quieter resorts to the north, such as Ballito or to the south, Selborne. All the way along this part of the coast care should be taken when swimming due to the strong undertow. We suggest taking local advice on any given day.

Travel inland from Durban and through the Natal Midlands to the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains and spend a few days at one of the many resort hotels. For the walker there are many way marked trails for short, easy strolls or exhilarating all day hikes. A wealth of leisure activities are available in the area including fishing, golf, horse riding, bowls, tennis and bird watching.

Nearby are the famous battlefields of Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Spionkop and historic towns of Ladysmith, Colenso and Dundee. A few days can easily be spent touring the area, either independently or with a guide, soaking up the fascinating history of the late 1800’s.

The region has an abundance of fine game reserves, the most noted being Hluhluwe & Umfolozi (now combined into one reserve). Established in 1897 this is Africa’s oldest game reserve. Close by is the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, a pristine World Heritage Site, renowned for its prolific birdlife with around 450 species. Another great area for birders is Mkuze which is further north around the Swaziland border. Towards the Mozambique border is Maputaland, which is not only an area of outstanding natural beauty but also a haven of birdlife and wildlife.

ZIMBALI LODGE & COUNTRY CLUB
About 40 minutes north of Durban this resort complex is set in lush vegetation surrounded by forests and the Indian Ocean. It has 76 bedrooms designed in an African style and amenities include private balcony with views over the lagoon, sea and forest, room safe, television and a personal butler service. There are various charming public rooms and the Colonial-style restaurant offers table d’hôte dining. In the extensive grounds is a swimming pool, tennis courts, an 18-hole championship golf course, horse riding and numerous other leisure activities. The health and beauty spa offers an array of skin and body treatments as well as a host of beauty care therapies.

BEVERLY HILLS HOTEL
This 5-star hotel at Umhlanga Rocks (about 20 minutes north from Durban), has long been the leading hotel in the area. It fronts directly on to the coastline and offers a choice of excellent sea facing accommodation from 73 bedrooms through to 10 cabanas and 2 suites. All rooms have a tea & coffee making facilities, room safe, voice mail, internet access and 24-hour room service. There are contemporary, spacious public rooms including a relaxed café bar offering a selection of light dishes. The Sugar Club is the hotel’s signature restaurant and is rated amongst the finest in the country. Facilities include a swimming pool, sun loungers on the pool deck or beach and an on-site fitness centre.

LALARIA LODGE
This elegant guest house is located right by the beach in Umhlali, on the Dolphin Coast some 50 kms north of Durban. There are 5 air-conditioned bedrooms with sea or pool views and 2 deluxe rooms, each with their own private sea view patio. All rooms have satellite TV and mini-bar. Light meals are served at the pool-side bar and a sundowner on the spacious deck with panoramic views over the sea is the prefect end to a busy day. Numerous activities can be arranged (charges applicable) such as golf, boat trips to see dolphins, microlight flights, deep sea fishing and surfing. Local advice should be sought with regard to swimming in the sea due to possible undertow.

TEREMOK LODGE
Situated just a short distance from the centre of Umhlanga Rocks, 20 kms north of Durban, the lodge is classed as a 5-star guest house. The 8individually decorated bedrooms have views over the gardens to the sea and offer extra length beds, ceiling fans, home entertainment system with DVD player and flat screen TV as well as free ADSL internet connection and a private balcony. There is a large airy lounge with a well stocked honesty bar and a complimentary tea & coffee station and a library of books, magazines and DVD’s. The lodge has an excellent Wellness Centre offering a wide range of therapies and in the extensive park-like gardens is a large swimming pool.