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.
Serving as a central point between Durban, the Drakensberg mountain range, and game reserves, Pietermaritzburg is the bustling capital of KwaZulu-Natal that offers a convenient base for exploring the surrounding countryside. Known as the "Last Outpost of the British Empire," it's adorned with quaint lanes and colonial-era architecture as grand Victorian and Edwardian buildings line the streets. In spring, azaleas bloom across the city, earning it the title "City of Flowers." The annual Garden Show attracts enthusiasts worldwide. Pietermaritzburg offers historical sites, including the City Hall and Natal Museum. Nature lovers can explore the Botanical Gardens or visit Midmar Dam for water sports and scenic views. The city hosts iconic events like the Comrades Marathon and Dusi Canoe Marathon, drawing sports enthusiasts annually. The surrounding Midlands Meander offers a scenic drive with art studios, craft shops, and local produce stops.
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.
Resting in the Msunduzi Valley in the heart of Zululand, the Manyoni Private Game Reserve lies in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It boasts excellent game viewing opportunities, rich cultural traditions, and significant conservation efforts. It was established when a group of private landowners partnered with the WWF and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to remove all internal fences and today it stretches over 23 000 hectares of magnificent African bushveld. This private reserve is home to a wide selection of wildlife including a variety of endangered species and the world-renowned Big Five. The area’s vast range of diverse habitats allows the reserve to support an array of wildlife species while also attracting an abundant variety of birdlife. Providing a safe haven to over 70 mammal species, Manyoni is home to impressive populations of giraffe, kudu, nyala, wildebeest, zebra and much more.
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.
