Located on the eastern coast of South Africa, just outside of the port city of Durban, Umhlanga Rocks, also referred to as Umhlanga, is a popular seaside resort town. The tropical weather and lush vegetation make this an enticing holiday destination attracting visitors from all over the world. Umhlanga and its surrounds feature golden-sand beaches stretching over 200 kilometres, endless sugarcane fields and the rolling verdant landscape of the Valley of 1000 Hills. It is the perfect location for ocean enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike, with great opportunities for diving, swimming, scuba diving, whale watching, dolphin viewing, deep sea fishing and kiteboarding. Don’t miss Umhlanga’s excellent golf courses; they are a real treat for the avid golfer.
Located in the heart of the South African Province of KwaZulu Natal, the Midlands form the temperate zone between the subtropical coast and the Drakensberg Mountains. A favourite destination of the early colonial settlers, their mark still remains in the names and the area’s agricultural legacy. A popular tourist route,’The Midlands Meander’ traverses this spectacularly scenic region. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, sample incredible cuisine, explore the famed battlefields and historic landmarks, enjoy a variety of thrilling adventure activities and visit numerous arts and crafts shops which sell locally-made goods. Highlights include the impressive Howick Falls, the Zulu Mpophomeni Township Experience, and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains.
South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal North Coast, decorated with sugarcane plantations and spectacular beaches, is divided into two distinct sections. Located just north of Durban are the well-developed beach resorts and golf courses, while the far north provides endless unspoiled beaches, wetlands, and lake systems. Visitors can find everything from luxurious restaurants overlooking the beaches, to plenty of incredible camping spots in the dunes. The North Coast also plays an important role in South Africa’s history, as two great leaders are buried here: King Shaka Zulu, the mighty, legendary Zulu king; and Chief Albert Luthuli, African National Congress leader and the first South African to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize. History enthusiasts can discover more about his contributions at the Luthuli Museum near Groutville. Don’t miss the opportunity to go swimming with dolphins.
Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is sandwiched between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. This fact ensures that visitors will be treated to incredibly scenic surroundings. Those who enjoy fresh, juicy South African pineapples can indulge themselves to the fullest, with most of the country’s pineapples produced in this region. Visitors can also look forward to exploring one of many surrounding reserves to view the world-renowned Big Five; soaking up the incredible natural scenery; and enjoying a variety of activities including scuba diving, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, boat cruises, and mountain biking.
Divided by the Drakensberg Escarpment, Mpumalanga - meaning ‘where the sun rises’ - is a province in eastern South Africa. Known as the Highveld, Mpumalanga's western region features grassland, with the eastern 'Lowveld' region mostly comprised of savanna. Popular tourist attractions include the Sabi-Sand Game Reserve, known for its amazing leopard sightings and the Kruger National Park, home to the renowned Big Five. Visitors can also look forward to a wide selection of wonderful activities such as excellent wildlife viewing, white water rafting down the Sabie River, and visiting the iconic Blyde River Canyon, one of the world’s largest and greenest canyons. Other popular activities include: camping, bird watching, hiking, swimming, abseiling, canyoning, fishing and guided nature walks.
Situated in a valley on the escarpment of the Drakensberg, overlooking the Sabie River, Sabie is a quaint, country town surrounded by stunning natural scenery, such as cascading waterfalls and tranquil mountain streams. It is the centre of the local timber industry and home to the statues of the famous dog, Jock of the Bushveld.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, the Kruger National Pak, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area to spot crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife. The game viewing area is known as the ‘Southern Circle’ and is renowned for its rhinos and lions, with different prides boasting an array of different hunting techniques and behaviours to observe. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can view ancient San rock paintings. The Southern Kruger offers incredible game-viewing opportunities and magnificent landscapes covered in African bushveld and savannah.
