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Ingwe Manor, Margate, South Coast

Popular location on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast with a Blue Flag Beach

This is a charming, 7-bedroom property with a unit suitable for a family. The rooms are nicely appointed and we particularly liked the four-poster bed! The bathrooms are enormous and by the exquisite pool and gazebo there is a Jacuzzi. The terrace is a perfect spot for breakfast or a sundowner, overlooking the Indian Ocean.

About the Location

The resort of Margate may be a little ‘tired’, although it does have an excellent, clean, Blue Flag beach with great facilities, but the delightful little resort of Ramsgate is a five-minute drive away with some very good restaurants. This would make an excellent base for a family to explore the South Coast area of KwaZulu-Natal and down to the Wild Coast and for golfers there are good courses nearby and the owner will be delighted to make arrangements and has been known to accompany guests for a game or two!

Three Trees at Spionkop

A stunning lodge in an historic location (non malarial)

Originally established to commemorate the location of one of the bitter struggles in the Boer War between the largest empire the world has known and one of the smallest nations at that time. Accommodation is in 6 exquisite twin bedded cottages overlooking the battlefield of Spioenkop. Winston Churchill took a very active part in the ultimately vain and costly attempt to capture the hill from the Boer commandos. There is a standalone two bedroom house named Churchills which is perfect for families. There is also a family suite. This is an all inclusive property and the dining room in located in the main house.

About the Location

The property is situated on a nature reserve so you may notice a rhino or giraffe wandering past you cottage. The lodge can arrange full day battlefield tours, game walks and rhino tracking, horse riding as well as mountain biking and hiking. For those who prefer less strenuous activities, there is a beautiful pool with sweeping views over the nature reserve and across to Spioenkop. This is a 4 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg Airport and around a 2 1/2 hour drive from Durban Airport. This can be included in a trip taking in a private safari lodge in Northern Zululand (this area is malarial), the Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift battlefields and the nearby Drakensberg Mountains.

Michael Poliza

Fairlight, Umdloti, KwaZulu-Natal, North Coast

Fairlight is right by a great beach on the Indian Ocean and walk to restaurants

Fairlight was the original building in this area over 100 years ago. Dating back to the early 1900’s, the house was built by Squire Bacon – Margaret Bacon Avenue is named after his wife. The Squire often enjoyed watching a particular trading schooner from England sailing past his house. Its name was ‘Fairlight’, and his house found a name. The property is rated 5 star and is alongside one of the finest bathing beaches on the North Coast. The 4 bedrooms and 2 suites (1 ideal for a family) are beautifully decorated and comfortable although the beds tend to be firm. All the rooms are sea facing and two can be used on a self-catering basis and for families. You will be able to enjoy the sumptuous breakfast overlooking the pool or the Indian Ocean.

About the Location

This property is conveniently located between Durban and the Game Reserves and just 20 minutes from Durban Airport. The area has many activities to keep even the most active people occupied. This includes Scuba Diving, Horse Riding, surfing, golf and for those who enjoy the finer things in life there are excellent restaurants a short walk away.

Wendy’s Country Lodge, Mtubatuba,Hluhluwe

Comfortable cottage style accommodation close to Hluhluwe National Park

This is a convenient alternative from which to view the Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game Reserve and the St Lucia Wetlands area. The property is located in a quiet residential area of Mtubatuba which itself is close to the main N2 highway. Game drives into the nearby reserves can be arranged from the property. The accommodation here is delightful. The seven beautifully appointed, mostly spacious rooms are decorated in cottage style with large Victorian style bathrooms en suite. You can relax with a drink beside the refreshingly shaded pool, which, although not large, will provide a welcome respite from the heat of the day. The gardens are a tropical paradise and the owner’s pride and joy is the collection of orchids. The restaurant is renowned locally and is set around an unusual water feature reminiscent of a forest dell. You are ensured a warm and friendly welcome.

About the Location

This is a very convenient location approximately 2 hours’ drive from Durban International Airport. It is an easy drive into the Hluhluwe – Umfolozi National Park where you will find some of the best animal viewing in South Africa. Herds of elephant, Cape wild dogs, lions giraffe and numerous plains game. We have even spied a black mamba close to the main rest camp! This is an amazing place to visit. You are also close to Lake St Lucia and the iSimangaliso Wetlands National Park with its extraordinary scenery, birdlife and crocodiles and hippo.

Teremok Marine Lodge, Umhlanga Rocks, Natal North Coast

Stylish accommodation close to one of the top beaches in South Africa

This lodge, set in one of the most exclusive residential areas in South Africa, has a rich and romantic history. The land was acquired by a Russian immigrant, who fled the revolution and his wife in 1965. He subsequently died tragically and the house that had been built was eventually sold to the current owners in 2002. The property was fully renovated and enlarged, keeping many of the original features. The luxurious accommodation comprises 8 beautiful suites, each with their own balcony and some with sea views. The decoration is always cooling and whilst some rooms reflect the heritage of the original owners, others relate to the theatrical connections of the present owners.

About the Location

The Wellness Centre includes a well-equipped gym and a therapist is available to provide various treatments for that well-earned pampering! The tropical gardens include a wonderful pool for enjoying sundowners around after the heat of the day. The beach is 200 metres away and the lively centre of Umhlanga Rocks, with numerous, good restaurants, is just 1 km distant. This is within easy reach of Durban (15 minutes) and the airport (25 minutes) and is close to the Gateway Mall for inveterate shoppers! The renowned Hluhluwe – Umfolozi Game Reserve is approximately a two and a half hour drive.

Thanda Private Game Reserve, Elephant Coast

One of the great Private Game Reserves of KwaZulu-Natal

Thanda has 9 luxury bush villas each with their own lounge, boma and, heated, splash pool. The bathroom features indoor and outdoor showers. In addition to an exclusive villa, there are also 16 luxurious tents with sweeping views of the reserve. These enable guests to get even closer to nature yet benefit from the height of luxury. The central facilities include full bar, lounge and ‘wellness centre’. The beautifully crafted food features traditional Zulu as well as interesting fusion between Western and African cuisine.

About the Location

There are a variety of different activities and experiences on offer. In addition to ‘Big Five’ game viewing on the reserve where the original ecosystem is being restored, Thanda can also arrange bush walks, excursions to the nearby Indian Ocean beaches and a variety of Zulu cultural experiences. Private game drives can also be arranged. Accommodation is provided on an ‘All Inclusive’ basis including game drives. the best time of the year to visit this area for a wonderful game experience is during South Africa’s winter season between May and November. This is the dry season for this region and this will help with game viewing. The humidity which can be intense during the summer months is much less in winter.

White Elephant Safari Lodge, Pongola, Northern Zululand

A real back to nature experience in the African Bush in Northern Zululand

White Elephant Lodge offers safari with a difference. Accommodation in the Safari Lodge is in 8 luxurious safari tents. These are well equipped with beautiful bathrooms, private, outdoor canvas shower, private veranda and personal bar. Exquisite white percale bed linen completes the style and each tent has insect gauze on the windows, ceiling fans and mosquito nets. Sumptuous meals are served at the main house, which is a restored colonial homestead. Accommodation in the Bush Camp is simpler in 7 thatched chalets. There is the same attention to style and quality and meals are taken in the dining area close to the viewing deck. Both lodges have a welcome swimming pool for relaxing beside after the day’s activities.

About the Location

The lodge is situated close to the border with Mozambique and Swaziland approximately a 5 1/2 hour drive from Johannesburg airport and 3 hours from Durban Airport. Two eco activities are included in the price. Activities include game drives into the Pongola Game Reserve, which was the first to be declared by President Kruger at the end of the 1800s, guided walks, Rhino walks, and Elephanting where guests participate in the reserve’s elephant monitoring project. Guest can also take a scenic flight with the flying doctor service into local communities, experience a number of cultural tours into the surrounding Zulu communities or participate in a programme where a psychologist provides a de-stressing programme with the elephants. The lodge also has a fully equipped wellness centre. Therefore, whether you are looking for a game experience, want to discover Zulu culture or just a chance to relax and de-stress, White Elephant should provide you with a memorable experience.

Hartford House, Giant’s Castle, Drakensberg

A stylish 5 star country house hotel in the beautiful Natal Midlands

This is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s finest boutique hotels. The location is exceptional as the hotel forms part of Summerhill, which is one of South Africa’s leading racehorse stud farms. There are 14 luxurious suites decorated in a style that befits this gracious Victorian estate. There is a renowned restaurant for fine dining and the Natal Midlands area is home to numerous good and casual restaurants. The Wellness centre will pamper you especially after a long flight and swimming and tennis are also available in the exquisite gardens. This is a very popular location for weddings.

About the Location

Durban Airport is a 2 hour drive and from here you will be able to drive easily to the Drakensbergs (Giant’s Castle is relatively close and Cathedral Peak is not too far). There are numerous Boer War battlefields close by and the Zulu battlefields are a 1 1/2 hour drive. Personal tours into the Drakensbergs can be arranged.

Lythwood Country Hotel, Lidgetton, Natal Midlands

The English Countryside comes to scenic Natal Midlands

This is an exclusive country lodge set on a 275-acre estate surrounded by forest. The lodge has 11 luxuriously appointed rooms, one honeymoon suite and there are also a selection of self-catering lodges for families. Fine food and wine is a feature of the lodge and we particularly like the flexibility provided by the a la carte menu.

About the Location

The extensive grounds provide a pool, croquet and numerous walks to soak up the peaceful atmosphere while this is also a bird watcher’s paradise. There are many activities and excursions that can be provided including a 4X4 day trip up the breathtaking Sani Pass over the dramatic Drakensbergs into Lesotho. Many cultural activities can also be provided giving guests a unique insight into the local communities, some of which are direct descendants of the original San inhabitants. There are many excellent craft shops along the Midland Meander and here you will also find the home of South African made Tsonga shoes and leather goods.

Jock Safari Lodge, Southern Kruger Park

A rare private safari lodge in the Kruger Park, Note that malaria precautions are required for this location

We regard this as one of the best-kept secrets of the Kruger Park. One of the original private concessions in the Kruger Park, this lodge has been extensively refurbished and is now part of the Shamwari Dubai World Group. There is an impressively equipped Wellness Centre offering extensive pampering after a hard day watching game. The main lodge has 12 suites and there is a family lodge. Each suite is beautifully appointed and very private. The bedroom is centred around a four-poster bed complete with mosquito net and a view from the bed and the bathroom of the adjacent riverbed. The outside deck extends to a private viewing deck overlooking the valley and comes complete with its own plunge pool for cooling off in the heat of the day. Each suite has its own outside shower again in complete privacy. The central facilities are excellent with pool, elevated bar and extensive dining area overlooking the valley. Evening meals are often served buffet style in the boma around a log fire to complete the atmosphere.

About the Location

Game drives are included and are guided by experienced rangers who will drive you off road in the lodge’s concession area but also into the surrounding park for a complete game watching experience. The lodge gets its name from the book written by Sir Percy Fitzpatrick chronicling his hunting adventures 120 years ago with his Jack Russell Terrier called Jock and you will see memorials to the plucky little dog all over this part of South Africa. In honour of his memory, during the cooler months, the lodge creates a tented camp complete with outside bucket showers in order to recreate the feel of exploration in the 19th century. We consider this an excellent alternative to the numerous lodges in the private reserves adjoining the Kruger Park. Please note that this is a medium risk malaria area so you should consult your physician to take appropriate anti – malaria medication.