While three days may not seem like enough time to explore a province, KwaZulu Natal’s diverse landscape means that visitors can squeeze in the city, culture and bush into just 72 hours.
Day 1: Durban
Known for its excellent climate and expansive beaches, Durban is the ideal first stop and a great city in which to soak up the culture or get the adrenalin flowing in an adventurous activity or two.
During the day
Tourists are spoilt for choice but those looking to explore some of the city’s off-the-beaten-track destinations should consider the Inanda Heritage Route. Here, they will gain insight into South Africa’s tumultuous history and have the opportunity to follow in Mahatma Gandhi’s footsteps.
Those looking for something more adventurous can climb to the top of the 106-metre-high Moses Mabhida Stadium via 500 steps. Once at the top, visitors can consider whether they are brave enough to take the leap and free-fall 80 metres into the stadium bowl in the world’s tallest swing – the Big Rush Big Swing.
Families will enjoy a visit to uShaka Marine World, a theme park with a water park with slides and pools, Sea World featuring dolphin, seal and penguin presentations, shopping experiences and the largest jungle gym in Africa.
In the evening
Enjoy cocktails at Moyo uShaka’s beach bar. The dinner menu features dishes from all over the African continent, with a special menu for children.
Spend the night
The Hilton Durban has a convenient, central location with views of the city’s coastline. It features 324 rooms and suites, along with a fitness centre, swimming pool, restaurants and a bar.
Guests looking to stay somewhere cosier should consider Sanchia Luxury Guesthouse, which has just six rooms, all with a private entrance, en-suite bathrooms, tea- and coffee-making facilities, LCD televisions and air-conditioning.
Day 2: Durban to Falaza Game Park
To make the most of the day, it is best to make a fairly early start, departing after breakfast. Today’s route includes a three-hour drive along the coast, with a slight detour into Eshowe to break the journey, before heading into Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
On the way
Leaving Durban, the route will take guests along the N2, past the North Coast for approximately one-and-a-half hours, before turning off towards Eshowe, aiming to arrive at Shakaland just before 11h00. This cultural village, built among thorn trees and aloes, comprises a traditional Zulu ‘umuzi’, or homestead, where the Zulu people reside, along with a separate hotel. The village was originally developed as a film set and movies such as King Shaka and John Ross were produced here. The three-hour Nandi Experience, named after Shaka’s mother, starts with an audio-visual presentation on the life of Shaka and is followed by a guided tour through Shakaland’s Royal Kraal. Guests will get to experience basket-weaving and taste traditional beer before watching a dance production, followed by a traditional lunch.
Overnight at Falaza Game Park
It’s just over another two hours on the road before guests arrive at Falaza Game Park in Zululand in time to enjoy a short late-afternoon game drive and sundowners in the bush. Accommodation is provided in 15 twin-bedded luxury tents, including spacious dressing rooms, en-suite bathrooms and private sundecks. Dinner can be served in the outdoor boma.
3: Falaza Game Park to Kosi Forest Lodge
After breakfast, guests can choose from a variety of morning activities.
In the morning
Guests can set off either for a game drive, a guided bush walk or even a morning boat cruise on the Mzinene River. Alternatively, they can head to the spa for a massage treatment.
Overnight at Kosi Forest Lodge
A two-hour drive will take guests to Kosi Forest Lodge in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site. The lodge can accommodate a maximum of 16 guests in its bush suites. Each is built on a raised wooden deck and includes a bedroom, balcony, dressing room and separate bath and shower. The bathroom is located in a reed-enclosed open-air boma.
If guests arrive early enough, they can go on a canoe trip on the Kosi Lakes. Depending on the season, guests also have the option of going on a night-time turtle tracking experience where they may encounter Loggerhead or Leatherback turtles coming on to the shore to lay their eggs (between mid-November and mid-January).
