#kwazulunatal

Durban is Africa’s leading city destination!

Cape Town’s trophy cabinet is stocked with awards. It was voted as the best city in the 2018 Telegraph Travel Awards, made the list of 2018 Worlds Best (by Travel and Leisure), was named the best destination in Africa in the World Tourism Awards 2018, voted as world’s most affordable long-haul destination in 2018 and boasts being one of the top tech cities in the world (awarded by Savills Tech Cities). But now, for a second year in a row the city of Durban has been voted as Africa’s Leading City Destination, a title they took away from Cape Town in 2018 and this year they kicked masala and some of that humidity and heat in the eyes of other nominees such as the cities of Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, Kigala in Rwanda, the cities of Luxor and Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, Marrakech in Morocco and Nairobi in Kenya. The World Travel Awards celebrates its 26th anniversary this year and was established in 1993 to acknowledge, reward and celebrate excellence in travel, tourism and hospitality. Nominees compete in over 30 categories and represent Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, Indian Ocean, Middle East and North America respectively before moving on to the Grand Finale that will take place this year in Muscat, Oman on the 28th of November 2019 where the world’s best of the best in travel will be announced. Under the category of Africa, South Africa walked away with 23 titles during the 26th World Travel Awards. These titles include Cape Town International Airport as the leading airport on the continent, Sun City Resort as the leading resort as well as casino resort, Cape Town as the go-to destination for festivals and events, Table Mountain as the leading tourist attraction and The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa as Africa’s best luxury hotel. Click here to have a look at the other South African winners of the 2019 World Travel Awards, these winners will compete head to head in the corresponding world categories on the 28th of November at the Grand Final in Oman. Source credit: www.goingsomewhereslowly.com

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Emdoneni News

Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Dramatically beautiful and surprisingly diverse, KwaZulu-Natal, in the northeast of the country, packs in many of South Africa’s most popular attractions, despite its small size. Here, visitors can enjoy the World Heritage-listed Drakensberg mountains with their jagged-backed peaks and spectacular scenery, Durban’s golden beaches and surf breaks, a thriving Zulu culture, and exhilarating wildlife adventures. KwaZulu-Natal is home to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the oldest game park in Africa, as well as pampering private game reserves where lucky visitors might spot the Big Five (leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). Along the coast, nature lovers can explore the stunning scenery of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, and dive the coral reefs of Sodwana Bay. Throw in historic Boer War and Anglo-Zulu battlefields and Durban’s multicultural urban delights, and it’s easy to see why this is the province where South Africans love to play. The Drakensberg The Drakensberg The Drakensberg, from an Afrikaans word meaning “Dragon Mountains,” is a place of breathtaking beauty and one of the most popular destinations in the country. Jagged-backed peaks rise above dense forests and deep valleys, and cascades feed clear mountain streams. This spectacular region includes uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with soaring basalt peaks that are some of the highest in the county and San (Bushmen) rock paintings, as well as Royal Natal National Park with the Amphitheatre, a five-kilometer-long rock wall with one of the world’s highest waterfalls tumbling from above. The 3,282-meter-high Mont-aux-Sourcesrises beyond, and is the source for some of the nation’s mighty rivers. Nearby, visitors can see herds of eland, bearded vultures, and superb Bushman rock paintings in Giant’s Castle Game Reserve. Another highlight of the region is Cathedral Peak with some of the region’s most beautiful mountain scenery. This area is also home to the venerable Cathedral Peak Hotel, which has been pampering guests since 1939. Outdoor enthusiasts come to these velvety green mountains to fly-fish for trout, hike and bike the wilderness trails, rock climb, abseil, and raft the mountain rivers. To best appreciate the dramatic landscapes, visitors can soar over the area in a hot air balloon. Natal Drakensberg Map Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park Established in 1895, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park (formerly Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve) is the oldest game park in Africa and one of only a few parks in KwaZulu-Natal where visitors can see the Big Five: lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Including the wildlife corridor connecting the two sections of the park, it covers more than 96,000 hectares and is famous for its rhino conservation efforts – both black and white rhino are found here. The park lies deep in Zululand and was once the royal hunting grounds of King Shaka. Today, the park offers a rewarding safari experience with an impressive diversity of flora and fauna and typically less crowds than Kruger National Park. The Hluhluwe section in the park’s north is mountainous, while the iMfolozi section reveals sprawling savannah with taller trees along the riverbanks. In addition to the Big Five, wild dog, cheetah, zebra, blue wildebeest, hippo, hyena, and more than 300 species of birds are among the animals that make their home here. The best game viewing is in the cooler and drier months from May through October, however the summer brings lush growth and newborn animals. Guests can opt to stay within the park in modest chalets, safari tents, and a range of lodges. More lodging options are available just outside the park. 3 iSimangaliso Wetland Park iSimangaliso Wetland Park About 250 kilometers from Durban, World Heritage-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park) protects the largest estuarine system in Africa. iSimangaliso means “miracle and wonder” in Zulu, and the name is fitting for this beautiful biodiverse park. The eight interconnected ecosystems here include coral reefs, croc-filled rivers, lakes, swamplands, savanna, and coastal dunes. Thanks to this diversity of habitats, wildlife is abundant and varied. All in one day, visitors can snorkel, dive, or kayak along coral reefs where leatherback and loggerhead turtles swim; spot an incredible array of birds; and see leopard, buffalo, zebra, and rhino on a game drive. The park is also home to the highest concentration of crocodiles and hippos in Africa. Also in the park, secluded Kosi Bay offers empty seascapes of sun-bleached shores and shimmering lagoons. The area is also known for its traditional fishing techniques – fish are trapped here in woven baskets. Sodwana Bay National Park Sodwana Bay National Park On the Elephant Coast, Sodwana Bay National Park is one of South Africa’s best diving destinations. Part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the reserve lies on the shores of the Indian Ocean with South Africa’s southernmost coral reefs shimmering just offshore with schools of colorful fish. Divers can see caves, pinnacles, and both hard and soft corals, as well as an incredible array of aquatic life including lionfish, crayfish, moray eels, rays, and many species of sharks. Whale sharks also swim these waters. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest on the beaches here, and nature lovers can join turtle tours to see them in season. Apart from SCUBA diving and snorkeling, other popular activities here include sports fishing for marlin and sailfish, horseback riding on the beach, and hiking the coastal nature trails. Nambiti Private Game Reserve Nambiti Private Game Reserve Gerry Zambonini / photo modified About a three-hour drive from Durban, near the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, Nambiti Private Game Reserve offers exciting guided safari adventures in search of the Big Five: leopard, lion, elephant, buffalo, and rhino. Scenery here ranges from sprawling savannah and grasslands, with unimpeded views of game, to lush riverine bush, and the wildlife is plentiful. In addition to the Big Five, the reserve protects more than 40 different species of game such as cheetah, zebra, kudu, and hippo, as well as a diverse array of birdlife. Day visitors are welcome, and those who wish to stay overnight can choose from six self-catering or full-board five-star lodges, some with swimming pools, as well as a raised luxury tented camp. This

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Emdoneni News

Everything you need to know about iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a vast reserve on the extreme north end of South Africa’s east coast, known also as the Elephant Coast. It protects over 220 km of pristine coastline with a range of wild and magnificent beaches to enjoy (minus the crowds and beach umbrellas). Considered the largest natural World Heritage Site on the planet, it stretches from the St Lucia Estuary in the south up to the border with Mozambique. It’s also amazingly diverse with half a dozen unique eco-systems. Filled with wild game – crocodiles, hippos, leopards, pythons and a range of sharks – it’s not somewhere you’d consider getting out of your vehicle. Yet the park offers not only walking trails but MTB trails – the Game Park section on the Eastern Shores (up to the cattle grid) adjacent to the Bhangazi Gate, and the Ingwe Trail through the sand forest near False Bay are must-dos! ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK – USEFUL INFORMATION It’s only fair to warn you that iSimangaliso Wetland Park is not a ‘do in one day’ drive in, see the animals, drive out again kind of park. The park is extensive with so many areas to explore that even a week isn’t enough time. That said, if you’ve only a day to spare, get there early and leave late. But don’t miss out on the opportunity. You also need to know about the different names for the various nature reserves and state forests that make up iSimangaliso – it can get confusing as the 328 000 hectare park’s various ‘parts’ are known by a bewildering collection of new and old names (if you’ve heard of uMkhuze, Kosi Bay, Sodwana and the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park then you should be okay – even if the latter hasn’t existed for, like, 10 years). Get there: from Durban involves the N2 north for about 180 km, the R618 to Mtubatuba and St Lucia, and enter the park at the Dukuduku Gate, near St Lucia. However, there are many gates into the park, it depends on what you’re there to do and see. THE IMPORTANT BITS … Tip 1: Do one of the estuary cruises – definitely worth it for the birds, crocs and hippos plus you see areas of the park you wouldn’t in a car. Look out for the unusual like kingfishers, monitor lizards, sea eagles and cranes. Tip 2: If you like being in the trees, head to the Fig Tree Forest where there’s a system of walkways and viewpoints in amongst the branches. Tip 3: Remember the sunscreen, insect repellent and bear in mind that iSimangaliso is considered a low risk malaria area. Tip 4: Bangha Nek beach is not only great for fishing and snorkelling (at least 20 different fish on any swim), but it’s also where you head to sight turtles between October and March. Tip 5: Watch out for hippos – seriously – they’re everywhere at night, even on the main street of St Lucia town, so be careful driving. Tip 6: To discourage using iSimangaliso as a thoroughfare the park has a minimum drive time from one gate to another. You’ll have to wait if you arrive at a gate outside of your allotted time. MAIN THINGS TO DO … There’s something for everyone at iSimangaliso. Scuba diving (which is big as the park includes Sodwana) and all activities are possible throughout the year. And we mention the activities because, if you really want to experience the park, we recommend you throw yourself wholeheartedly into the physical side of the park – game drives, snorkelling, stalking turtles, diving (Five Mile reef in Sodwana Bay is awesome!), horse riding (great for game viewing), hiking, and kayaking on the St Lucia estuary. And if you have the time, picnic at Mission Rocks, because you’re right next to a beach, your table beneath the canopy of a coastal forest (it’s on the Cape Vidal road north of St Lucia). WHEN TO GO … Summer can get hot and humid and even the locals complain come February and March but if sub-tropical weather sends you into orbit, you’ll be happy with the midday temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius, and the rain showers. Winter is perfect with warm days, low rainfall and cool nights (around 15 degrees). Midday temperatures don’t exceed 20 degrees Celsius. Autumn (warm days, little wind) and spring (warm, windy and often wet) are also good times to visit. Highlights of each season: Whales – June to November Loggerhead and leatherback turtles – October to March Birdlife when it’s breeding season – June to August Source Credit: blog.sa-venues.com

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Emdoneni News

THE CULTURE OF KWAZULU-NATAL

Are you planning a trip to Kwazulu Natal and want to know what makes this beautiful part of South Africa so unique, look no further! SANIBONANI! HEITA! HOWZIT! MAJITHA! ZWAKALA! You can’t take anything too seriously in KwaZulu-Natal. It’s just too hot for that – and besides, it takes too much energy. We like to relax and would rather use our energy in more constructive ways. For instance, if we can’t lie in the sun watching the inside of our eyelids, we’d rather be surfing, playing beach soccer, strolling along Durban’s world-class promenade, fishing, hanging out with our friends and families, watching the plants grow (hey, we’re sub-tropical here and there are a lot of really, really nice plants) and generally making the most of our lives. This is not to say we don’t work. We do, and we work hard … when we need to. Evidence of our hard work is the fact that Durban alone provides some 11% of South Africa’s gross domestic product, has the busiest port in Africa (so from a business perspective, we are the gateway to commerce in the whole southern African region) and we are South Africa’s leading domestic tourism market. It’s just that in KZN, work often feels like play, and besides, why stress out with too much work when there are so many other fun things going on? We’re not known as a great, family holiday destination for nothing you know. “We’re cool with being warm” In KwaZulu-Natal we’re famous for our warmth – warm, as in friendly and welcoming, but also sub-tropically warm. That being said, you’d be surprised at how easy it is to be chilled here. So, as far as we’re concerned, we’re completely cool being a warm, happy part of the country. And KZN is a happy place – because being happy is what comes naturally when you don’t take things too seriously. It’s easy to be happy here. As long as the sun rises, the kids are occupied, business is taken care of, there’s a good game of sport either to be watched or played, the surf is great, there’s a breyani or a braai on the go, some lekker places to enjoy a dop and to siya-groova a bit with your buddies – well what more could you possibly want? “Being happy is what happens naturally when you don’t take things too seriously”. Okay, so we have a reputation for being laid back and easy going, but hey, we’re not doff. We like it that way. That’s why we live here and not in one of those places where you have to act larnie, dress right, be seen in the right places, read the right books, hang with the right people or where business is everything and life is so fast-paced and hyped you have no time to enjoy yourself. As some locals may say, “Bru, you’ll just get stressed. Rather chill china”. The way we see it, let everyone else rush around if they want. We’ll go at our own steady pace, conserving our energy for things that really matter – things like the big Sharks games for instance, (for those not in the know, the Sharks are our provincial rugby team of whom we are ridiculously proud and supportive), the Durban Vodacom July horse races, the Comrades marathon, the Duzi canoe marathon and the amaShovashova cycle race. And of course, even more importantly, one always needs to conserve one’s energy for a quick dip in the warm Indian Ocean, a good curry, preferably a Bunny Chow (a take-away curry served in a half loaf of bread which was invented here in KZN) or a seafood platter and a. We may look as if we’re just hanging out here on the edge of the East Coast of Africa, but in reality, not only are we really central to everything that is going on, but we’re cooking. Check it out … WE EVEN HAVE OUR LANGAUGE IN KZN. HERE’S A QUICK TRANSLATION IF YOU DIDN’T UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING YOU READ ABOVE Heita, Howzit, Majitha, (township and slang greetings) breyani (popular Indian dish made from rice ‘n spice ‘n all things nice) braai (barbeque) lekker (very nice) dop (a quiet drink) siya-groova (party) doff (stupid) chilled (relaxed) cooking (going places) bru (my brother) chill china, (Relax my friend: from the Zulu umshana = my nephew, and the cockney china plate = my mate) larnie (important person) check it out (see for yourself) Bunny chow : often referred to as a bunny, is a popular meal which is of a hollowed out loaf of bread filled with curry. It originated in the Durban Indian community. Source credit: www.zulu.org.za

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Emdoneni News

Emdoneni Lodge Accommodation

Accommodation at Emdoneni Lodge and Spa Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project and Spa, is a high quality three star lodge and is situated on a small game farm, with sand forest vegetation. Guests can relax and enjoy the true South African hospitality while viewing all Zululands’ resources. If you ever dreamt of getting close to nature, Emdoneni Lodge with Cheetah Project & Spa is the place to visit! Close to the National road (1.5 km), Emdoneni Lodge is accessible for any visitor 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 (23 km) and St Lucia World Heritage Park (from 30 km away). This intimate multi-award winning lodge is the ideal location from which to explore the wildlife and coastal reserves in Zululand. Nature lovers & enthusiasts will appreciate the abundance of our wildlife and the scenic splendours of this rich and diverse region during game drives offered at Hluhluwe/iMfolozi Game Reserves, guided and non-guided walks done at the lodge, cultural excursions close by and relaxing boat cruises at Lake St Lucia. Our passionate and very knowledgeable guides cannot wait to introduce you to our region! Emdoneni Lodge offers guests elegantly decorated, intimate and comfortable accommodation in Hluhluwe in chalets and/or rondavels, on a bed & breakfast or dinner, bed & breakfast basis. There are mainly showers in the rooms, with the exception of two rooms which do include baths. WiFi is available, free of charge, to all our guests. The accommodation is enhanced by facilities which encourage our guests to unwind, relax and enjoy the tranquil lodge surroundings, including a boma, swimming pool and sky deck. Walk with the wildlife including Zebra, Impala, Nyala and Red and Grey Duiker. The bird life in Zululand is also abundant. The surrounding area is renowned as a mecca for bird lovers. Some of the specials one might go in search of are: Narina trogon, Blue Crested Lourie, Mangrove King Fisher, African Broadbill, Pink Throated Twin Spot, Blue Billed Fire Finch. Come and be mesmerised by the beauty of the Caracal, enchanted by the playful Serval, astonished by the speed & agility of the Cheetah and delighted by the African Wildcat… We offer educational tours daily, Monday to Sunday with a feeding during the afternoon tour only. ALL tours to the Cheetah Project will be FREEof charge during the duration of your stay when you book, on DBB directly from our website and not through an online travel agent. It is impossible to run out of things to do in this little slice of wilderness heaven. Some of the activities at Emdoneni Lodge are visiting the cat centre, taking nature walks amongst the animals, join a game drive to the Game Reserve or book an activity for the kiddies whilst pampering yourself at our Spa! If you feel like a day out to explore the surrounding areas, there is plenty more to do. Visit the Hluhluwe Game Reserve (around the corner from us) or Mkuze Game Reserve and take a game drive in search of the elusive and famous Big Five. If its Zulu culture and education you’re after, then visit the Zulu Cultural Village. Those of you in search of water-based activities have the option of visiting any of the following: Lake St Lucia, Cape Vidal Snorkeling Safaris, Sodwana Bay, St Lucia Wetlands, Jozini Dam and Kosi Bay. Chalets Spacious and elegant chalets with an authentic atmosphere to maximise comfort. Each chalet has an en-suite bathroom (shower only) and a lovely view on the garden. Two chalets adjacent to each other with a split patio. We offer twin beds or king size beds with an en-suite bathroom. Tea and coffee making facilities are also available in all rooms. Rondavels This unique African-style, round, thatched roof is called a rondavel. The unit consists of two bedrooms, each with its own bathroom (with shower only). Each unit has an adjoining door between the two bedrooms, making it ideal for families. The rondavels have a view over the garden and it is in close proximity of the swimming pool and restaurant. The units are elegantly decorated with an authentic atmosphere. Extras: Air conditioners, ceiling fans, bar fridge, as well as coffee and tea making facilities. Honeymoon Suite The Honeymoon Suite, Windfall Cottage, is privately situated under Marula trees and offers great comfort and privacy. It consists of a lounge with DSTV, romantic bedroom, en-suite bathroom with a free standing bath, leading to an outside shower in a privately fenced Boma area. Sit and relax on your private patio, having your morning coffee or tea. In the afternoon, enjoy a glass of wine and watch Zebra, Nyala and Impala roam around the cottage. Ideal for honeymooners or for those looking for a romantic weekend away. Our Facilities The accommodation is enhanced by facilities which encourage our guests to unwind, relax and enjoy the spectacular surroundings of one of South Africa’s most popular tourist destinations – Northern KwaZulu-Natal. Available at Lodge : 24 hour reception Wi-Fi internet available in public areas Swimming pool Sky deck Boma for evening dinners Restaurant Bar Office facilities Housekeeping and laundry service Safe for valuables Air-conditioning and ceiling fans Parking available View and photograph cats at the Emdoneni Cheetah Project Family friendly Fun activities for kids, by experienced guides Babysitting available Walking and hiking trails Small Game Reserve with wildlife including Zebra, Impala, Nyala, Wildebeest, Red and Grey Duiker Excellent bird watching opportunities Housekeeping and laundry service Available in Rooms : Night Guard Amenities Housekeeping Laundry service Safe for valuables Air-conditioning Ceiling fans Safes for valuables in all rooms Bar fridges in all rooms (not stocked) Coffee & Tea making facilities (Plunger filter coffee) Own patio

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