Tranquil treasures to add to your KZN travel diaries

THE tourism sector is back in full swing and Tourism KZN is ready to kick-start its international marketing campaigns. A few high-end products that are popular with international tourists have seen a dip in their occupancy numbers over the past two years. However, they are now ready to open their doors, roll out the red carpet and welcome the world back to the Zulu Kingdom.

Even though the international market is still a huge part of the success of the tourism sector in KZN, Tourism KZN is also encouraging domestic travellers from all over South Africa to explore more of the country and KZN. Local support of domestic tourism products and offerings will go a long way to reviving the sector and ensuring that establishments are able to stay afloat while the world begins to travel to the Zulu Kingdom once again. KwaZulu-Natal boasts world-class tourism products.

This page and the following two profile some of the province’s top travel destinations. EVER thought of escaping the countryside to enjoy the pleasures of clean air, tranquillity and not having to check your phone every 15 minutes for deadlines and meetings? Then a KZN experience is exactly what you need.

Here are two options waiting to be explored:

Sungulwane Private Game Lodge is a luxury, boutique lodge located on its own private game park, nestled in the game-rich western Lebombo Mountains in northern Zululand. It consists of 31 000 hectares of conservancy, and is centrally situated close to Lake St Lucia, Sodwana Bay, Hluhluwe, Imfolozi and Mkuze Game reserve as well as Bayete Zulu Elephant Sanctuary, Ndumu Game reserve and Kozi Bay.

The conservancy also borders the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. The lodge boasts amazing mountain views, and offers guests the opportunity to soak up the spectacular scenery, sunsets – and unique wildlife sightings – from a deck that overlooks a watering hole. There are eight private chalets suitable for couples, friend groups and families. for more information, visit: www.sungulwane.co.za

Gwahumbe Game & Spa is a luxury bush lodge and game reserve situated in the Gwahumbe Valley in Mid-Illovo, KwaZulu-Natal. Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway weekend, a family adventure or an indulgent spa day, it is the ideal KZN game reserve destination to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the bushveld. Gwahumbe Spa offers the ultimate intimate, relaxing and indulgent bush spa experience, with a variety of packages on offer.

Retreat to the Spa – and allow the hands of the qualified therapists and the surrounding valley to wrap your body and mind in peace and beauty. There is also a wide selection of exciting activities on offer – ranging from game walks and drives to birdwatching expeditions, mountain biking, team building exercises and swimming. for more information, visit: www.gwahumbe.co.za

For more information on all that KZN has to offer, visit: https://zulu.org.za/

Visit KZN’s Battlefields for a once-in-a-lifetime experience

GUGULeTHU SHINGA

TODAy, everything is still. But back in the 19th century, this area of northern KwaZulu-Natal was a maelstrom of action as British, Boer, and Zulu armies clashed in several bloody encounters. Led by some of the region’s best guides, you can tour the various Battlefield sites and learn about the rich history that helped shape the area.

There are a number of great places at which to stay and base yourself during your visit. Here are three of the best:

FUGITIVE’S DRIFT

Fugitives’ Drift, set on a 5000-acre game reserve with 22km of river frontage, is a place where the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 is brought back to life. Boasting views of Isandlwana and the Oskarsberg at rorke’s Drift, this remarkable lodge offers five-star accommodation on a Natural Heritage Site. you can enjoy a delicious meal at the on-site restaurant or relax on the sun loungers by the pool side. fugitives’ Drift also offers world-class battlefield tours, abundant game and birdlife, as well as hiking in the nearby surroundings. for more information, visit: www.fugitivesdrift.com

SPIONKOP LODGE

Spionkop is a small hill on the Tugela river, a few miles south-west of Ladysmith. During the second Boer War, the hill was the scene of a Boer victory over the British in 1900. Spionkop Lodge, situated on an expansive 700-hectare game farm, is the perfect base from which to explore the Battlefields area. The lodge offers visitors an awesome sense of space and beauty, together with warm hospitality. Guests can savour fine cuisine and experience excellent service while taking in the spectacular African landscape. Other activities include game drives, hiking and canoeing. for more information, visit: www.spionkop.co.za

THREE TREE LODGE

Bordering the Spionkop Game reserve, Three Tree Lodge lies in the foothills of the Drakensberg. This intimate and luxurious 24-bed lodge is owned by Simon and Cheryl Blackburn, and offers locally grown farm-style country food with superb hospitality. It is the ideal environment in which to unwind and be rejuvenated - and the perfect place from which to explore the major Battlefields sites. for more information, visit: www.threetreehill.co.za

For more information on all that KZN has to offer, visit: https://zulu.org.za/