News / 21 May 2020
North, South, East or West, Which Part of KwaZulu-Natal is Best?
Here’s where we recommend you go once travel returns to the ‘Garden Province’
From the midlands to the mountains, the bushveld to the beaches, KwaZulu-Natal is very much a world within a province. It’s a domestic destination at the top of our #lockdownlist this week and one we’re keeping a firm eye on for when local travel returns.
If you’re longing to venture through the bounds of our beloved “Garden Province”, here’s exactly where we think you should go:
The South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal
Follow the N2 reaching down to Port Edward, and you’ll discover a treasure trove of shimmering beaches: Kelso, Baggies (Warner Beach), Southbroom, Margate, Sheppie (Port Shepstone) and St. Mikes, to name a few.
This coastal region is known as the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, and the best place to kick-start your post-lockdown holiday here is at the well-loved The Blue Marlin Hotel overlooking Scottburgh main beach (Scotties). Located just an hour’s drive from Durban, you’ll have the wonderfully warm Indian Ocean right on your doorstep with what-more-could-you-need facilities from the pool to play area, the Lighthouse Restaurant and the Big Blu bar overlooking the bay.
During the winter months, the glorious sight of aloes blooming along the southern coastline heralds the annual Sardine Run around June to July, but fingers crossed we’ll be able to travel that soon!
The North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal
While the South Coast has long reigned supreme for sun-seekers, The North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal also has its fair share of glorious beaches where you can wiggle your toes in the sand. Pencil in Ballito, Chaka’s Rock, Salt Rock, and Zinkwazi.
Head even further north and you’ll quickly discover more than just sea and sand, most notably the game-rich Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve and the incredible World Heritage Site of iSimangaliso. Book a future stay Nibela Lake Lodge near Lake St. Lucia and you’ll have a front-row seat to an abundance of bird and wildlife sightings proving that you don't have to make your way to the Kruger to see it all!
Another lake worth visiting in the further reaches of the KwaZulu-Natal Province is Lake Jozini (Pongolapoort Dam). Snap up a few nights at Jozini Tiger Lodge & Spa (at a later stage) and you’ll be looking forward to sunset cruises and more than enough me-time at the spa.
The Mountains and the Midlands
Aside from that idyllic coastline and almost perfect weather, KwaZulu-Natal brims with the most incredible battlefield sites further inland. The province remains the stronghold of the isiZulu kingdom to this day, and there is plenty to be learnt from their most legendary battles fought against the British Empire. The historic graveyards located close to the Drakensberg Mountains prove that there were plenty more skirmishes between them and the Boers, too.
Our favourite property within this region is Little Switzerland Resort located along the Olivershoek Pass. This charming resort offers the most glorious Alpine chalets and hotel rooms with plenty of activities to keep you busy, like fishing, horse riding and easy hiking trails on-site.
If your future travels through KwaZulu-Natal take you near to the town of Pietermaritzburg, make a stopover at Tala Collection Game Reserve in Camperdown. This malaria-free reserve is perfect for families seeking a relaxed holiday post-lockdown, far from the crowds.
Even though we can’t travel in and around South Africa right now, we can certainly plan to do so at a later stage which is why we’re currently offering our travel-later gift vouchers. Gift one to someone special or simply keep it for yourself. Each is valid for 36 months from date of issue.
