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.
Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to thrilling night drive safaris, hippo and crocodile cruises, and many comfortable accommodation options.
Set on South Africa’s northeastern coast, the UNESCO-listed Maputaland Marine Protected Area falls within the awe-inspiring iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three protected areas: Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, and Rocktail Bay. Extending all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south, it encompasses forests, wetlands, lakes, marshes, and coral reefs near glorious, deserted golden-sand beaches. Local wildlife includes large numbers of leatherback turtles, numerous bird species, and many species of freshwater fish - also look out for Nile crocodiles and hippos at Lake Sibaya. A superb dive site (arguably one of the best in the world) can be found at Sodwana Bay, with its magnificent 50 kilometre-long reef complex.
Officially known as the ‘Kingdom of eSwatini’ and still referred to as Swaziland, this tiny landlocked nation boasts a rich historical and cultural heritage and is Africa's last remaining absolute monarchy. Swaziland encompasses a diverse array of ecosystems featuring towering mountains and low-lying savannah, tangled rainforests and lush river valleys. Highlights of this laid-back land include the mesmerizingly beautiful ‘Valley of Heaven’, the handicraft haven of the Malkerns Valley and the Hlane Royal National Park, famed for its white rhinos, antelopes and lions. Visitors can look forward to excellent wildlife watching, rafting, mountain biking, and hiking along a network of scenic trails which traverse spectacular mountainous landscapes.
Situated in northern KwaZulu Natal, the Amakhosi Private Game Reserve is comprised of 6000 hectares of spectacularly scenic wilderness characterised by riverine forest, savannah, rugged mountains and lush wetlands. Bordered by the magnificent Mkuze River, this unspoilt African landscape is home to abundant wildlife including the sought after ‘Big Five’ (elephant, buffalo, rhino, lion, and leopard) and over 400 bird species. Visitors to this pristine sanctuary can look forward to some excellent bird watching, game viewing safaris, guided bush walks and even seasonal frog safaris.
KwaZulu Natal, also known as KZN, is steeped in history and littered with battlefields from the struggles of the Zulu Civil Wars, to their clashes with the Boers and the British. This picturesque area features sweeping views of rolling hills scattered with rugged rock formations. The most well-known and well-visited sites are those of the legendary Battles of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift took place on the same day, lodging the Zulus firmly at the top of great warrior nations. Visitors can also explore the famous Anglo-Boer War fields of Spioenkop, Colenso and the Siege of Ladysmith, which drew characters like Winston Churchill, Louis Botha and Mahatma Gandhi onto the same stage.
Situated in the scenic Midlands of Kwazulu Natal, South Africa, Elandskop is tucked into the foothills of the majestic Mount Lebanon in the heart of the Kamberg Valley. Famous for its trout fishing, it affords a multitude of fishing activities in the dams and rivers traversing the beautiful terrain. Visitors can also enjoy exceptional bird watching opportunities, discovering the natural landscapes of Highmoor Park Nature Reserve and viewing the fascinating Kamberg San Rock Art at the nearby Kamberg Nature Reserve and Rock Art Centre. Other popular activities include mountain biking, horse riding, and hiking. Don’t miss a visit to the nearby Crane and Wetland Sanctuary, which provides a habitat for all three of South Africa’s crane species.
As previously described
