•
A visit to KZN’s pioneering wine estate, The Stables
•
A visit to the Battlefield sites
•
Experiencing The Big 5 in game reserves and protected areas
•
Tiger fishing at Pongola
•
Eco-tourism experiences
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Cultural and artistic experiences
•
Shark and dolphin experiences
•
Beach lodges including kayaking, walking, forests and scuba diving
•
City Tours
•
Ethnic, traditional cooking courses
with
Zen Africa Cooking School
•
Community Tourism experiences
•
Township Cultural Tours
•
Durban City Tours
Qambathi
Situated
in the Qambathi Mountain Reserve in the heart of the Kamberg Valley,
Southern Drakensberg. Handmade furniture, original art and superb
cuisine combines to create a romantic and unique experience for
each guest. The best preserved Bushmen Rock Art are on view in the
Kamberg Mountains while scenic game drives with breath-taking berg
views are on offer on the Reserve. Gourmet cuisine is one Qambathiís
myriad attractions and each course is a delicious adventure, an
eclectic fusion approach to food. We love to brainstorm with flavours,
colours, textures and cultures and bring them together like a symphony
on the plate. All courses are paired with superb wine choices from
the well-stocked wine cellar. Amazing sun sets, fantastic views,
log fires and prolific birdlife in the natural forests add to wonderful
relaxing atmosphere. www.qambathi.co.za
Esewini
Situated
within the Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve, Esiweni promotes
nature conservation and encourages visitors to partake in a Conservation
Safari. With spectacular views of the Sundays River, Conservation
Safaris afford clients the opportunity to be involved in wildlife
procedures such as pregnancy monitoring, health checks, transmitter
implants and collar fitments, by working closely with the veterinarian
on site. In addition we have a wonderful cellar where you can enjoy
traditional South African recipes with a contemporary, new twist
using the freshest local ingredients, accompanied by a glass of
select South African wine. www.esiweni.co.za
Nambiti
Plains
Offering
five-star, luxury accommodation for the executive adventurer, and
The Big 5, Nambiti Plains Lodge lies nestled within the beauty of
a landscape found only in Africa. Each suite is designed with the
utmost care and detail to surpass the expectations of even the most
discerning guest. Food is an important part of the Nambiti Plains
experience and we specialise in creating unique, healthy options
for vegetarians and non-meat eaters. www.nambitiplains.com
Thula
Thula
Family-owned
and operated Thula Thula, is situated in the heart of Zululand,
45 minutes from the famous Umfolozi Game Reserve. This 4500 ha,
malaria-free game reserve, just two-hours from Durban, is home to
a wide variety of game such as elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard
and giraffe and antelopes. Established in 1911, Thula Thula takes
pride in tracing its origin back to the private hunting grounds
of King Shaka, founder of the Zulu Kingdom. The game reserve is
also the home of bestselling author Lawrence Anthony, author of
‘The Elephant Whisperer’, the story of the rescue of
the Thula Thula elephant, and the special relationship he has created
with the herd. With its Unique atmosphere, stylish décor
and superb cuisine, Thula Thula offers you the choice of exclusive
accommodation between the luxurious Elephant safari lodge, renowned
gourmet destination, and the 4 star Luxury tented camp, offering
an authentic African bush experience. Dining at the Elephant Safari
Lodge offers a sense of occasion. A fusion of the most delicate
fare combined with exotic flavours and enhanced with the finest
South African wines make Thula Thula one of the most renowned gourmet
destinations in KwaZulu Natal. www.thulathula.com
White
Elephant
Surrounded
by the majestic Lebombo Mountains and the shimmering waters of Lake
Jozini, White Elephant Safari Lodge captures the history and romance
of a bygone era. The deep verandah, sweeping views and tranquil
setting provide the venue for a special African experience. Eight
luxurious safari tents, each with romantic ball and claw bath, outdoor
canvas shower and private verandah, provide an evocative safari
in the Pongola Game Reserve Wilderness. Enjoy sophisticated simplicity,
elegant dining, attention to detail and a myriad of magical moments.
Journey into the wilderness on a game drive, bush walk, gentle boat
cruise, tiger fishing safari or ‘elephanting’ where
you learn to understand and celebrate the fragile balances in nature
and life. www.whiteelephant.co.za
Thonga
This
intimate, luxurious, 24-bed lodge, nestled on the pristine coast
of Maputaland, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, within the Isimangaliso World
Heritage Park (an internationally recognized World Heritage Site),
is the ideal place to explore exquisite sandy beaches, coastal dune
forests, grasslands and shimmering lakes. Its clear, warm waters
offer superb snorkelling and unspoilt off-shore scuba diving.
Each
air-conditioned suite has been sensitively constructed for maximum
comfort. Enjoy mouth-watering cuisine, romantic candlelight dinners
on the beach deck and relaxing Sea Spa treatments. For the more
active there are guided forest walks and Lake Sibaya, Southern Africa’s
largest fresh-water lake, from where you can take a guided kayaking
trip or enjoy sundowners with hippos and crocodiles nearby. From
November to February, witness the amazing sight of giant Leatherback
and Loggerhead turtles making their annual return to the beach to
lay their eggs. www.isibindiafrica.co.za/mabibi
Kosi
Set
in a beautiful sand forest on the banks of the Kosi Lake, is the
only private lodge in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, part of the Isimangaliso
Wetland Park and a World Heritage Site. The 16-bed, thatched lodge
offers comfortable accommodation, fine cuisine and caters for a
host of estuarine, beach and wilderness activities. Each suite boasts
an open-air bathroom and is carefully positioned to provide guests
with ultimate privacy and intimacy. Relax at the pool with unsurpassed
views of Lake Shengeza or take a guided canoe trip on the Kosi Lakes,
whilst viewing and listening to the abundant bird life, followed
by a picnic lunch and a swim in the sea at Bhanga Nek. By boat,
one can view the famous Kosi fish traps which have been passed down
from father to son, a traditional fishing method used by the locals
and an attraction to Kosi Bay’s many visitors. Snorkel in
warm, crystal clear water, take a guided walk through the magnificent
Raffia Palm Forest or enjoy an exhilarating horse-ride with views
of the pristine beaches and visits to the many hippo pools along
the way. Turtle tracking excursions are offered annually. www.isibindiafrica.co.za/kfl
iSibindi
Zulu Lodge
iSibindi
Zulu Lodge is situated within the 4000-acre Isibindi Eco-Reserve.
With diverse habitats ranging from montane grassland and valley
thornveld, to riverine forests, the reserve is home to abundant
indigenous game and a thriving bird-life. See it first-hand on a
game drive or take a walk along one of the meandering river beds
while viewing Giraffe, Zebra and Wildebeest.
Accommodation
at the 12-bed lodge has been designed in an architectural celebration
of the Zulu nation. It offers a host of activities for those wanting
to experience a combination of game-viewing, Battlefields and Zulu
cultural experiences, as well as first-hand access to local community
life. Tailor-made trips and excursions can be arranged to suit every
need. www.isibindiafrica.co.za/izl
Upton
Hall
Perched
graciously on the elevated slopes of Upper Morningside, among some
of the city’s most prestigious residential properties, Upton
Hall captures excellence in every detail whilst introducing an entirely
new standard in sophisticated boutique hotels. The modern yet tasteful
revamp of one of the city’s premier 1930's-style mansions,
has created a seamless blend of old and new. Attention to detail
is evident throughout. Guests will enjoy beautifully appointed luxury
suites, each endowed with Africa’s harmonious spirit and every
technological convenience and luxury. While all rooms share common
elements such as luxury linens and designer bathroom products, no
two are alike in dé'8ecor or dimension. Extensive facilities
cover the full spectrum from business to leisure and relaxation;
from a bar/cigar lounge, 28-seater dining room and three inter-leading,
temperature-controlled cellars stocking the finest French champagnes
and South African wines, to a 14-seater private dining venue and
well-equipped boardroom; private lounges and a covered terrace where
meals can be taken, as well as the swimming pool, private, fully-equipped
gym with steam room complete
For
guests seeking a little hustle and bustle, Durban’s renowned
Florida Road, with scores of restaurants, pubs and galleries is
in close proximity, as is the recently upgraded beachfront, major
sports stadiums and golf courses. For business guests, Upton Hall
is well-placed for access to the city centre, as well as quick freeway
access to the Umhlanga Ridge precinct. At Upton Hall, every meal
will be one to savour. Its proudly South African menu is the work
of accomplished Chef Nardia Adams, who produces memorable meals
from a kitchen designed for excellence in every respect. Creativity
is her driving force and her philosophy that “food, like fashion,
is ever-changing”, informs her style and innovative menu.
www.uptonhall.co.za
