We arrived into O R Tambo International Airport (Johannesburg) we then proceeded through to the Domestic Airport for an internal flight down to Durban on the Coast.

Around midday we checked into the Royal Palm Hotel in the Umhlanga area (5-10 minute drive to the beach) opposite ‘Gateway’, an entertainment, shopping, & restaurant complex all under one roof, complete with air-conditioning.

The Royal Palm has recently been refurbished, the rooms are complete with marble bathrooms, a small kitchen area complete with microwave and toaster, and a fabulous balcony where you are able to sit back and relax.

We ended our day of travelling with a cruise of Durban’s coast on a private catamaran. It was very relaxing watching the sunset behind the skyscrapers.

Saturday 31st May:

We drove to the Bayete Zulu Game Lodge from Umhlanga (approx 280km). The lodge itself consists of eight luxury bedrooms. And a stunning infinity pool. The reserve includes antelope, suni, leopard, baboons, warthog, hippo, buffalo, zebra, giraffe, ostrich, wildebeest, rhino and elephant.

It is a very special place as it is Rambo & Rachael’s home. These two elephants were rescued from the Wankee Game Reserve in Zimbabwe after their herd was culled in the mid eighties. We had an opportunity of a lifetime when we fed the elephants. Two rangers have dedicated their lives to looking after these elephants and only have 2 hours off a day! They have done a fantastic job of gaining the elephants trust. Rambo even plays football when he’s in the right mood!

After a fantastic outdoor lunch served at Bayete we proceeded onto Zululand Tree Lodge in the Ubizane Wildlife Reserve. There are 24 luxury-stilted chalets, which overlook the Fever tree forest.

We went on an evening game drive for 2 hours and later that evening we had a BBQ Bush Dinner, complete with a burning fire which kept us all nice and warm.

Sunday 1st June:

We started our day off driving to the adjacent Hluhluwe/Umfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest in Africa, where the big-5 (lion, elephant, rhino, buffalo and leopard) roam the bush. We watched animals wake up, and young giraffe play a game of head butting with their siblings!

After a 3 hour safari we made our way back to Tree Lodge for a well needed breakfast before collecting our things together and driving to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Located on the North-eastern coast of KwaZulu Natal, stretching from Kozi Bay in the north to Cape St Lucia in the South, the park was the first in South Africa to be declared a World Heritage Site by Unesco. The country now has a total of seven World Heritage sites.

We enjoyed a scenic drive, stopped to have a quick paddle in the Indian Ocean at Cape Vidal before taking part in an interactive Fish Braai (BBQ). After a delicious lunch, we made our way to Lake St Lucia. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park takes in a 60-kilometre river mouth that creates a huge estuary, Lake St Lucia runs parallel to the coast and is separated from the sea by the world’s highest forested sand dunes. The lake is part of the St Lucia estuarine system, the largest estuarine system in Africa. We watched the sunset whilst firmly keeping are eyes on the crocodiles, and hippos who swam alongside us. The Lake is a must for bird lovers as over 530 species of birds use the lake system.

We stayed at Seasands Lodge in St Lucia graded by the tourism authority as a 4* property with 28 bedrooms. The Lodge is located 32km North of Cape Vidal and acts as a good stop-over point for the night.

Monday 2 June:

After checking out of the hotel we set off on a drive towards the town of Ladysmith. We drove past Battlefields and learnt more about the country’s turbulent tribal history. Ladysmith itself is a poor town, which we drove through to get to Zintulo Private Safari Lodge. The lodge nestles within the Nambiti Big 5 Game Conservancy.

Zintulo Click Here For Photos

Arriving at Zintulo we were met by Deborah and John, husband and wife. The property has a very welcoming feel with only 10 rustic yet elegantly thatched suites, with sunken baths and double showers.
The view from the main lodge (reception, lounge, restaurant) is breathtaking offering miles and miles of spectacular scenery.

That evening we watched the sunset from our safari vehicles, and listened to two male lions roaring, defiantly something I will remember forever and that’s what a Safari is all about, amazing!

Tuesday 3rd June:

We were all very sad when it came time to wave goodbye to Zintulo Lodge. Debbie & John had looked after us so well but unfortunately are trip was coming to an end and we had to head back to Johannesburg for our flight back to Heathrow. We set off on the alternative scenic route, the quickest way would be to drive to Durban and then fly to Johannesburg. Currently there are no direct flights to the UK from Durban or vice versa, however this is set to change within the year.

We arrived into Johannesburg late afternoon, we stayed in the Balalaika Hotel which is situated 200 yards from the Nelson Mandela Towers area, complete with shops and restaurants we had a fantastic evening, though a thunderstorm hit as we were walking back to the hotel!

Wednesday 4th June:

After checking we drove to the Wanderers Cricket stadium where we interacted in a Braai, cooking fish, chicken, pork, and even chocolate brownies on the BBQ! Our experience of South Africa was now coming to a close.

Conclusion:
It was fantastic to explore a different part of South Africa. Kwazulu Natal has such a variety of landscape and activities for its visitors to enjoy. The people are fantastic, most of the roads are tolled meaning that they are maintained to a high standard, the food and wine was delicious. Beautiful coastline, fantastic wildlife, and the weather was fantastic seeing as we visited during their winter, high standard of accommodation. All and all a truly amazing country with so much on offer.

I hope you have enjoyed reading my South Africa report, If you would like any further information please contact me.

Thank you.

Kirstie.