#hluhluwe

8 Things To Do in Hluhluwe

DumaZulu Traditional Village WHERE? Lot H29, Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal. WHEN? The cultural shows are performed daily at 08h15 and 15h15. Enjoy the 11h00 show followed by a traditional cooked Zulu lunch. HOW? Call +27 (0)31 337-4222 DumaZulu Traditional Village presents something special to its guests. Experience the traditions and language of the Zulu people, learn and interact with a living culture, one of our planet’s most indigenous cultures. A visit to our Cultural Village is an experience of a lifetime. Discover the Zulu way of life and watch the pulsating traditional dancing with the taste of Zulu beer on your lips and the drumbeat of the Zulus echoing in your ears. Not only is DumaZulu a cultural enriching experiencing for guests where they are afforded the opportunity to learn more about the rich variety of African cultures, but it also allows the local community to continue practicing their traditional ways of living and earn profits from selling curios. All products and produce sold on the property are made from natural products and are sourced from the land – 100 % green. The cultural shows are performed daily at 08:15 and 15:15. Enjoy the 11:00 show followed by a traditionally cooked Zulu lunch. Guided Walking Tours at Emdoneni WHERE? Emdoneni Lodge, Emdoneni Farm, Hluhluwe, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa WHEN? Walking tours are done on a request basis in groups of up to six guests. Guided walking tours will keep you busy for an hour or more at Emdoneni Lodge. On this tour your will learn more about the various geology, wildlife and plant-life of the region. Without the fear of predators, guests feel safe and are more relaxed during the walk. One can get close to Zebra, which might follow us on the walk and also meet some Impana, Nyala, Wildebeest and the shy red and grey duiker as well on the way. The guided walk also offers the chance to view the abundant bird life in the sand forest trees and also in the vlei lands, one can also notice the ever popular dung beetles hard at work, rolling the days collection whilst following the sun. All walks are done by qualified guides. Hluhluwe Horse Safaris WHERE? Hluhluwe Horse Safaris, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal WHEN? Our regular start timings are 08h00 and 15h00. Private rides are available for those who would like something a little different, please call for options and availability. HOW? +27 (0)35 562-0246 With years of experience in providing a world class experience, Hluhluwe Horse Safaris would like to take you on an adventure ride through the beautiful False Bay Nature Reserve, part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park and a World Heritage Site. With horses to suit all ages and levels of experience the Horse Trails experience is one to be enjoyed by the whole family. Experience Nature up close and personal, enjoy the thrill of seeing Zebra, Impala, Kudu and Hippo without any disturbances. Under the guidance of qualified guides you will be taken out into the False Bay Nature Reserve to experience the scenic beauty and tranquility of this world heritage site. As part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, False Bay Nature Reserve is an area of grand Landscapes and beautiful Natural Bush and Sand Forest. We look forward to sharing our special piece of Africa with you, from the comfort of our well trained horses. Kiss a Baby Crocodile WHERE? 10 km South of Hluhluwe, Off the N2, KwaZulu Natal. WHEN? Daily. HOW? Call +27 (0)72 020-7500 or +27 (0)72 020-7500 Pucker up to a baby snout sharp with cute deception. Baby jaws of baby crocodiles are on offer for a first date kiss without any obligatory baby talk – pretty friendly for a reptile capable of more than a love bite. An optional swim with diminutive crocodiles in the snorkelling pool displays a superlative encounter with this powerful predator that as adults will be able to devour any life form on the waters edge. Touch the rough scaly hide that creates a pebble effect on these apex predators which contributed to it’s Greek etymology Crocodylus; ‘kroko’ meaning pebble, ‘deilos’ meaning worm or man. These ‘pebbled worm men’ creatures get their first crack at life breaking themselves out of their shells at birth with their egg tooth and continue on to pursue a career as impressive photo companions with a full grown smile of sixty odd cone shaped bone crushers. ‘Crocodile whisperer’ Mr. Vernon Diggins, will expose the magnificent qualities of these misunderstood monsters on a personal tour that will get you as close to these beasts as the spur-winged plover that pecks the meat from between their teeth. Clamp your own jaws around the culinary creations served at the tea garden which include crocodile steak, traditional South African braai’s (barbecues) and potjiekos (pot food) delicacies. The natural setting of this crocodile education gives an authentic environment to the fascinating life of an animal that fuelled legends; formed the Egyptian God, Sobek; and showcased Hollywood with ‘Crocodile Dundee’ entertainment. Enclosures of emu, ostrich and bunny’s are also open for exploration as is the kiddies play park. What to do emu, get rich ostrich, in a while crocodile… Primitive Trail WHERE? iMfolozi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu Natal WHEN? Booking ids essential. Time: 2-3 days. HOW? Call KZN Wildlife on +27 (0)33 845-1067 Join the Primitive Trail in Hluhluwe for a fun, exhilarating and challenging hiking experience like no other. Backpack for three or four nights and make the most of the trail and the game reserve. Get in touch with nature and enjoy camping under the stars with the animals and wildlife around you in a well known Big Five area. There are no tents or permanent camping spots available but equipment and food will be provided. You will be taking a bath in the river and will carry all your own food and gear with you during the day. Trails will only take place if there

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Emdoneni News

Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project Protect Wildcats

Africa has undoubtedly seen the population of different animal species decline. Currently, Africa’s cheetah charts stand at roughly 70 000 less than 100 years ago, with South Africa’s count at approximately a thousand Wildcats, if not less. These concerning facts are accompanied by environmental hazards that result from our day-to-day routines that often involve overusing natural resources. Emdoneni Lodge and Spa with Cheetah Project, a family-run hospitality establishment in Hluhluwe (St Lucia World Heritage Site) in Kwa-Zulu Natal, offers an educational rehabilitation programme to help protect wildcats. The establishment’s owners strive to educate guests and day-visitors about daily conservation and the importance to sustain essential resources. “We live in and are surrounded by nature every day”, says co-owner and Cheetah Project lead, Louis Nel. “Conservation is the act of preserving or protecting the environment, and at Emdoneni Lodge, it’s what makes us ‘tick’. Louis’ business partner and wife, Cecillie adds that “without biodiversity, we would not have been able to continue offering guests organic and educational experiences”. In addition to challenges posed to preserve SAs unique fauna and flora, there are many pressing issues concerning the country’s wildlife that should not be overlooked. SA is no stranger to violent acts against animals and battles against poaching and illegal animal petting remains rife. It’s a daily reality where ‘underground’ hunting clubs go as far as raising game and wild animals for the purpose of hunting. “Animal cruelty among our wildlife is, therefore, becoming more and more of a reality, and it’s important to continue creating awareness about such inhumane acts”, says Louis. Emdoneni Lodge consistently works toward providing a safe ecosystem for a small number of ambassador cats that are cared for by experienced wildlife rehabilitators. Louis, his family, and staff have come to love each cat and have even become attached to their personalities. “It’s clear that the animals we protect crave our attention”, says Cecillie. “As much as we would like to enable guests to closely interact with them, unfavourable perceptions about petting that likely resulted from the violence that has spurned from illegal hunting groups, we don’t allow it. Interestingly, before we put this rule in place, guests have said that after touching a cheetah, they felt a physiological upliftment.” Cecillie’s remark can be backed by research recorded by Science Magazine journalist, Elizabeth Pennisi. In a recent article, Pennisi argues that social touch with animals have a calming power on humans, and Pennisi also notes that wild animals seem to enjoy being caressed too. In support of World Environment Month (June 2017), Emdoneni Lodge and Spa with Cheetah Project owners, Louise and Cecillie Nel encouraged South Africans to add the following easy-to-follow eco-friendly tweaks to their routine: Saving water should be second nature: After the Western Cape kick started World Environment Month with level four water restrictions, water is without a doubt a scarce commodity. It can be easy to add water-saving to a routine cycle such as simply doing a full load of washing rather than leaving it half-empty Recycle more water: With many guests who go through Emdoneni Lodge’s doors, every drop in the bucket counts. We try to maximise water saving by capturing unused water and a separate irrigation system, where we repurpose water for your gardens. Adding to the first point; learn the technique of ‘speed showering’: A geyser uses both water and electricity so shortening your shower session by a few minutes can give back double your guarantee. Fact: minimising shower time with one minute can save up to 600 litres water per month! Garden smartly: Keep to indigenous trees and plants when adding to your garden. Native plants are suited to growing in their own region, naturally latching onto the eco-system to benefit growth and oxygen production. Time for groceries? Opt for reusable fabric shopping bags: plastic bags can take up to ten centuries to decompose…enough said…. If you find yourself in the Hluhluwe region, feel like taking a road trip (just under a three-hour drive from Durban), or plan for a proper break away with family and friends to the east coast, Emdoneni Lodge and Spa with Cheetah Project is stripping 20 percent discount off when booking online. For more information visit www.emdonenilodge.com. Credit: http://www.tourismtattler.com

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Emdoneni News

Exciting Emdoneni

I discovered Emdoneni a few years ago. My sister was out from the USA and I wanted to give her a truly South African experience. And she wasn’t disappointed. By Tim Lombard. There’s something special about seeing a wild animal up-close. At Emdoneni, you get the chance. As part of the Cheetah Project, where they carefully rehabilitate wildlife and then release them into the wild, we get to experience monitored interaction with cheetah, caracal, serval and African wildcat. Emdoneni Lodge, with Cheetah Project, is a high quality lodge and is situated on a small game farm. It is accessible for any vistitor who still wants to experience the luxury of a bush environment and also be close to the main attractions such as Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserves and St Lucia World Heritage Park. This intimate, beautiful, multi-award wining lodge is the ideal location from which to explore the wildlife and coastal reserves in Zululand. We got to experience the abundance of our wildlife and the scenic splendors of this rich and diverse region during game drives offered at Hluhluwe/iMolozi Game Rerserves, guided and non-guided walks done at the lodge, cultural excursions close by and relaxing bot cruises at Lan St Lucia. The kids got to enjoy the facilities at the lodge too, with a swimming pool, jungle gym and play area. They even have their own kiddie’s menu, which was a real bonus for our fussy children. It’s now my third time and. And it won’t be my last. Do yourself a favour and experience Emdoneni’s owner-run lodge. You won’t regret it.

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Emdoneni News

Hluhluwe – 5 Reasons It’s The Best Place For Your Family Holiday

Hluhluwe is a small town in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is situated between iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park on the banks of the Hluhluwe River. Finding a great location for a family holiday can be a challenge, especially for families who have young children or varied interests. Do you often ask yourself – where will my family most enjoy a holiday? Here are 5 reasons Hluhluwe might just be the perfect answer for a family holiday: It’s the ultimate in outdoor activity: Do some members of your family crave outings in the bush while others would rather bury their toes in the sand or enjoy dips in the ocean? In Hluhluwe, you don’t have to choose. Visit the Hluhluwe / iMfolozi Game Reserve for a chance to spot the Big Five or enjoy beautiful beach time at Cape Vidal, Sodwana Bay, and Main Beach St. Lucia. Bush or sand, the glorious scenery and natural wildlife will ensure happy days for the whole family. Perfect for the sporty lot: If your family, young or old, enjoy sport activities, they will be spoilt for choice in Hluhluwe. The various lodges in the area offer a wide range of sporting activities, including hiking, walking, biking, horse riding, swimming, kayaking, and scuba diving. Getting outdoors and being physically active is sure to make everyone feel better, healthier, and happier. A thrill with some African beasts: Take a day trip to an educational facility like Crocodile Centre St Lucia and enjoy a hands-on snake and crocodile experience. You are sure to leave better educated about some of the world’s most feared creatures. And don’t forget the hippos… Home to the largest population of hippo in the area, the St Lucia Wetlands Park offers river boat excursions where you are guaranteed to see these fantastic “water horses” in their natural environment. The kids are sure to love these close encounters! Up close and personal with a big cat: Our own Emdoneni Lodge boasts a world-class cheetah project. Caring for cats that have been injured or orphaned in the wild, the project gives guests a chance to learn about and interact with these amazing animals. This is the kind of experience family memories are made of. Family time: Modern life is busy and between TV and technology not many families spend regular quality time together. The beautiful scenery in and around Hluhluwe will encourage you to gather and share as a family. Imagine having dinner together under starlit skies, sipping sundowners on a group game drive, or teaching your children to snorkel… the possibilities for family fun are endless. And, these moments of natural beauty and togetherness are sure to create treasured memories for you and your loved ones.

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