Situated on the Indian Ocean coastline just north of Durban, Umhlanga is an upmarket seaside town renowned for its golden beaches, modern lifestyle and relaxed coastal atmosphere. The town's palm-lined promenade stretches alongside the ocean, inviting leisurely walks, cycling and whale watching during the migration season. The iconic Umhlanga Lighthouse and scenic Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve add natural and historical appeal, while nearby shopping centres, restaurants and cafés create a lively social scene. Warm waters and lifeguarded beaches make swimming and surfing popular throughout much of the year. Combining easy access to Durban with a polished resort feel, Umhlanga is an excellent base for both beach holidays and exploring the wider KwaZulu-Natal coastline.
Located in northern KwaZulu-Natal’s wildlife-rich Zululand, on the scenic Elephant Coast, Thanda Safari is one of Africa’s most luxurious Big Five private game reserves. Spanning approximately 16 500 hectares, this multi-award-winning reserve offers a range of exceptional accommodation options catering to all travellers. From dawn to dusk, expert guides take guests on safaris through golden grasslands, hidden river valleys, and rugged hills, bringing them exclusive close encounters with Africa’s legendary Big Five. Beyond its unforgettable safari experiences, Thanda Safari is distinguished by its deep connection to the Zulu people and their rich cultural heritage. Guests can also enjoy outstanding cuisine, boma and bush dinners under the African sky, relaxing spa treatments, hippo and crocodile cruises, and immersive wildlife experiences. As a proud member of Leading Hotels of the World, Thanda Safari promises an immersive, once-in-a-lifetime African experience that blends adventure, culture, and luxury.
Located on South Africa’s Highveld plateau, Johannesburg is a fast-paced, creative city shaped by gold-rush history, cultural diversity and constant reinvention. Its atmosphere is energetic and urban, with contemporary galleries, rooftop bars and leafy suburbs existing alongside powerful reminders of the country’s past. Visitors can explore the Apartheid Museum, tour Soweto’s historic streets or browse vibrant markets and design spaces in neighbourhoods such as Maboneng. The city’s soundtrack shifts from lively jazz and amapiano beats to the hum of busy streets, while the scent of grilled street food drifts through open-air cafés and market stalls. Johannesburg rewards travellers who engage with its complexity and culture, though its size, traffic and contrasts mean it is best experienced with some planning and local insight.
The southern area of South Africa’s most famous game reserve, Kruger National Park, is separated from lush farmland by the Crocodile River, a popular area for spotting crocodiles, playful hippos and thirsty wildlife gathering along the banks. This region, known as the ‘Southern Circle’, is renowned for its excellent game viewing and high concentrations of rhinos and lions, with different prides displaying fascinating hunting techniques and behaviours. Near the Hippo Pool, visitors can also discover ancient San rock paintings that offer insight into the area’s rich cultural heritage. The Southern Kruger features magnificent landscapes of African bushveld and open savannah, dotted with acacia trees and seasonal waterholes attracting diverse wildlife. Popular activities include guided game drives, birdwatching and photography, making this one of the park’s most rewarding safari regions.
