KwaZulu Natal

Natural Paradise on the North Coast The North Coast of KZN is a veritable natural paradise and outdoor-lover’s haven, packed to the rafters with natural sights, activities and beauty to be lapped up at your leisure… Here are our top spots worth exploring when holidaying in this region of KwaZulu-Natal. The Great iSimangaliso Crowned South Africa’s very first UNESCO World Heritage site, this wetland park features an incredibly beautiful and verdant series of beaches, coral reefs, swamps, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands. There is a wealth of diversity of bird and animal life, ranging from whales, dolphins, sea turtles, over 500 South African bird species, the Nile crocodile, South Africa’s largest hippo population, elephant, black and white rhino, giraffe, buffalo and a range of antelope. Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is well known as the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa, known for its rich

iSimangaliso Trail Challenge launched! There is, quite simply, nowhere else like it: to watch – while running along game tracks on the top of the highest vegetated coastal dunes on the African continent – southern right whales in the Indian Ocean below, hippo and flamingo in Lake St Lucia to the west and big game in close proximity. The inaugural iSimangaliso Trail Challenge – the latest addition to the Park’s Eco-Series events – will take place from the 7th-9th July 2017. It’s the first running event of this nature to be hosted in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Challenge offers a rare opportunity to unplug from the world – and instead move to the timeless rhythms of this miraculous land of prolific wildlife, magnificent birds, ancient fossil beds, sweeping vistas and haunting landscapes. “The event has been a long time coming,” says Andrew Zaloumis, iSimangaliso’s CEO. “A number of possibilities have been discussed over th

GorillaGramz Gift Hampers Let us make your  Christmas this year a Happy memory with  our own 'Secret Santa" who can deliver your Christmas Gift Hampers/ presents  to your schools, company Christmas luncheons/ dinners or at any other Christmas functions.    We design hampers for all ages as well as Christmas gifts for your pets.  We also have our friendly gorilla, Gee Gee, who can also surprise people with delivering their gifts.  Deliveries are only at public venues within Ballito and the surrounding areas.Like us on facebook GorillaGramz Gift Hampers or email us on gorillagramzkzn@gmail.com for booking sheets.

Hibberdene, Port Shepstone, Shelly Beach, Margate, Southbroom and Port Edward form the core of this South Coast 'beach holiday mecca' of KwaZulu-Natal. The Coast of Many Colours Quite simply, the very last word in gracious and relaxed subtropical seaside living, plus thrilling, adrenalin-fuelled adventures to boot! Living up to its name, our southernmost Hibiscus Coast dazzles with iridescent blooms against a lush green backdrop, meeting a perennially-warm, saltwater playground along 70 kilometres of picture perfect hideaway coves and seemingly endless golden sands. And while our inviting stretch of Indian Ocean presents the year-round delights of frolicking dolphins and majestic, cruising whales, this enchantment peaks each June or July with 'The Greatest Shoal on Earth' - when we offer the best possible 'ringside' seats for one of nature's truly grand spectaculars. Where else to marvel at 20-thousand dolphins plus thousands of s

The Cobham State Forest Kwa-Zulu Natal  Cobham State Forest is situated in the Southern part of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, and is approximately 150 km from Pietermaritzburg. Dominated by Hodgson's Peaks which enclose the Giants Cup, Cobham is a 52,000 ha section of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park in the southern 'berg adjacent to Himeville village. Cobham State Forest area is dominated by vast expanses of grassland which turn from emerald green in spring and summer to shades of gold, brown and purple in autumn and winter. The grasslands are interspersed with rocky outcrops / boulders, streams and rivers and indigenous forests. The area has large numbers of small upland lakes or tarns and there is an area in Cobham called the Lake District. This beautiful part of the southern Drakensberg with an abundance of tree ferns along its rivers and occassional dense stands of Protea dracomontana on the little Berg slopes and knolls

Jeera’s BURST of New Flavours for Tea Time True indulgence, explosion of unique Indian flavours and a complete sensory overload are just some of the words that come to mind when one thinks of Suncoast Hotel’s Jeera Afternoon Tea experience. Following the initial launch of the Jeera Afternoon Tea Experience in December 2015, Executive Chef, Sandren Govender and his team went on a yearlong tea journey to refine and introduce NEW and distinct flavours not forgetting a modern twist to the old favourites - promising to give guests something truly unforgettable with every sip. Guests can enjoy a relaxed environment where they can take in the fresh aromas and enjoy a selection of their favourite delectable sweet and savoury treats the Jeera way! “Every detail has been considered in providing a truly remarkable dining experience.  We excited to see our guests being taken on a journey through tea, spice and confectionary which perfectly combines traditional and eastern”

 UShaka Marine World The world class uShaka Marine World, situated in Durban, South Africa, opened its turnstiles to the general public on April 30th 2004. uShaka has fast positioned itself as a key attraction on Durban’s Golden Mile, offering a world of entertainment, excitement, fun and uniqueness. uShaka has brought together cultures, like no other place in Africa – into a safe, secure and clean environment that resonates the sound of fun, laughter and the spirit of togetherness. Entertainment is non-stop, extending from the daytime operations of Sea World, Wet ‘n Wild, and uShaka Beach, to the night time festivities of the Village Walk. Meet a Dolphin bookings are available until 30 September 2016. Get up close and personal with one of the ocean's most incredible mammals. You will be able to meet, touch and feed a dolphin – a once in a lifetime experience. For more information, please call (031) 328 8052. Please  click here to view the Meet a Dolphin t

9th Avenue Bistro KZN Charlie’s love for food and cooking began way back when he was a little boy. At eight years old he cooked his first full roast chicken dinner complete with Yorkshire Puddings and got his first kitchen job at the tender age of 12. Born into a family of farmers he has been surrounded by livestock and food for about as long as he can remember. He went on to receive his formal training at Yorkshire Coast College before becoming Sous Chef at The Star Inn where, together with the then Head Chef Andrew Pern, combined modern techniques with traditional home style cooking to create their own signature style. They subsequently won a Michelin star. Charlie remained there for four years and after another four year stint at the Faversham Arms as Head Chef, he finally went on to become Head Chef at The Marquis at Alkham, a five star fine dining establishment in Kent in the UK.  During his time at The Marquis, the restaurant won “Restaurant of the Year

Mpenjati Nature Reserve This lush little coastal reserve is 20 km south of Margate on the lower south coast. At present Mpenjati caters essentially for the day visitor. The 60 hectare reserve comprises a system of interlinking wetlands, grasslands and dune forests. The most popular activities are birding, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Two picnic sites on each bank of the Mpenjati River have barbecue facilities, ablution blocks, and a chidren's playground. The Ipithi trail on the south bank is 1,2 km long and offers visitors the opportunity of sighting blue, red and grey duiker and bushbuck. The Yengele trail on the north bank is 1,8 km long and is routed through one of the largest dune forests on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. The forest is home to forest antelope and a host of bird species, as well as a breeding pair of Fish Eagle. Observation platforms on both trails provide breathtaking views of the lagoon, wetland system and the coast. The lagoon is ideal

Flag Animal Farm KZN North Coast We bought Flag Animal Farm 13 years ago totally run down, and over the years have built the farm up to be the best animal farm in SA Through our passion and dreams we are where we are today because of so many wonderful visitors who have shared this journey of rescue with us , we have save more than 10500 lives and will continue to do so on a daily basis, We provide a safe haven for animals where families can come along and allow their kids the freedom to cuddle and love our animals, we also have delicious coffee for the folk’s yay! Some new things ☺ Barney plus our fun weekends Baby feeding room Indoor Play centres Reptile room Wolves Tractor rides Loads of Jabula Playgrounds And many more surprises so that every time you visit something new awaits whoop whoop! The best part i

  The Amazing Race Challenge Beach and Bush’s fantastic team build, based on the TV show, The Amazing Race. This adventure race is an off-site team-based race where teams are allocated a car, decide on a driver and race each other to complete a series of events. First team home…WINS!!     The amazing race is customised to the area in question. Beach and Bush have set up routes throughout South Africa, but are always willing to re-quote and re- plan according to your needs. The tone of Beach and Bush’s Amazing Race team build is sophisticated, yet fun. Events are chosen based on your desired team building outcome. Challenges such as the ‘art challenge’ are geared to set a more sophisticated tone, and events such as the ‘road block’ and ‘giant puzzles’ test your skills whilst keeping the event light hearted and fun. Brief overview: Teams meet at the start of the race. They are given instructions on the route and details of the challenges, which can be co

St Lucia South Africa Heritage Full Day Safari Destination : iSimangaliso Wetland Park (Eastern Shores) Duration :  7/8 hours Cost :        R590.00 Per person Pick Up :    From your Hotel Included :  Gate Entries, Snorkel Equipment, Lunch, Refreshements Tour Description: Travel by Open Game Drive Vehicle into South Africa's very first world Heritage site. The area received world heritage status back in 1999, and has since fast become a top tourist attraction. Your ranger for the day will pick you up at your accommodation within the St Lucia area, after a brief introduction to the area you travel into the park. En-route you will have an opportunity to witness first hand just why this area is so spectacular. Its not just the wildlife but the scenery and incredible eco systems that one may enjoy while on tour. The safari includes numerous loop roads, outcrops, wildlife and then a chance to enjoy Cape Vidal a protected bay, snorkelling or bathing and where

Ithala Game Reserve This spectacular reserve, tumbling from the heights of the Ngotshe Mountains a thousand meters down into a deep valley, carved over the eons by the Phongolo River revealing the world's oldest rock formations makes Ithala Game Reserve a game viewers paradise. Ithala Game Reserve is located within the rugged, mountainous thornveld of northern KwaZulu-Natal, the reserve's multitude of habitats host a spectacular array of wildlife species. Its panoramic beauty aside, Ithala Game Reserve's most characteristic attribute is perhaps its astonishing geological diversity. Some of the oldest rock formations in the entire world are found at Ithala Game Reserve, dating back 3 000 million years. With a topographic profile varying from 400m above sea level in the north to 1 450m near Louwsberg in the south, Ithala's terrain extends over lowveld and densely vegetated riverine valleys to high-lying grassland plateaus, ridges and cliff faces. The a

Cannibal Trail This hiking trail, just outside Clarens, used to be known as the St Fort Trail until 2009, when it re-opened as the Cannibal Trail with a few changes. It is an easy two-day hike that is ideal for weekends and is easy enough for the whole family. Situated in the Rooiberg and Witteberg Mountains, the trail is a circular 16 km route named the Cannibal Route because of a period in time during the early 1800s when there were a series of wars in the area between indigenous tribes that saw a fair number of them seeking refuge in the caves in these mountains. At the same time there was a widespread drought. Rumour has it that cannabalism was reinstated as a result. What makes it all the more relevant is that one overnights in one of these very caves, known as Mike's Cave. Day one is a relaxed 9 km that takes roughly 5 hours to complete with plenty to entertain you along the route. There are very few hills other than at the start of the hike, and the r

Shark Cage Diving KZN Shark cage diving typically involves diving in heavy metal cages in the cold waters of Gaansbaai in Cape Town, specifically targeting the large Great White Sharks that inhabit that region. However in the warmer waters of KZN Natal, different species of shark can be found on our cage dive like Blacktip sharks, Dusky Sharks, Spinner Sharks, Tiger and Zambezi Sharks. Because these species are smaller than the Great White Shark and their main diet consists of small schooling fish. We have a four man stainless steel SAMSA approved shark cages, designed by an engineer for diver and animal safety. The cage is a concertina, which opens up to width 2.3 m and height 2.4m and breadth 1m. Our cages are secured to the boat at all times in accordance with SAMSA requirements. This is truly an exciting once in a lifetime experience - bond with family, friends or colleagues as you get close up to sharks in South Africa Shark Cage Diving specialises

Howick KwaZulu-Natal Midlands Welcome to the fascinating South African and KwaZulu-Natal Midlands town of Howick. Howick is in the heart of the uMngeni Municipal region and hub of the Midlands. It is known as the place of many waterfalls for it is here that the uMngeni River and its tributaries tumble down gorges and over precipices on a journey to the Indian Ocean, some 95 km to the east. Some of the key villages found in the vicinity of Howick are Karkloof, Merrivale and Lion's River. High and Healthy Haven Sage advice on restoring vigour and vitality has throughout the ages extolled the benefits of spending time near waterfalls - the surrounding atmosphere infused with nature's curative powers unleashed by the cascading of water into water. Small wonder then, that this elevated and magnificent area where our Zulu Kingdom's mighty Mngeni River and its tributaries tumble from the edge of the Midlands Plateau has for centuries attracted with its life-e