Feature: Zulu Culture

Isandlwana Lodge, Isandlwana, Battlefields

Isandlwana Lodge is a magical, thatched lodge overlooking the site of one of Britain’s worst military disasters

Isandlwana Lodge will provide you with a magical experience at one of the most moving and inspiring locations overlooking the battlefield of Isandlwana which marks one of the worst military defeats ever inflicted on the British Army by the might and cunning of the Zulu led by King Cetshwayo in 1879. The Lodge has been very sympathetically built into the side of the hill overlooking the battlefield and from where the Zulu commander astride his white horse guided his troops to victory. This was immortalized in the film ‘Zulu Dawn’. The Lodge has an almost fairy tale quality with the 12 large suite style rooms built into the rock face. Each room has a balcony overlooking Isandlwana Mountain. The rooms are beautifully appointed reflecting the American owner’s style and attention to detail. The cuisine is beautifully prepared for a mixture of tastes. You will receive a warm Zulu welcome from the attentive and friendly staff – most of whom live in the little village below the hotel.

About Isandlwana Lodge’s Location

Idle over a beer in the bar around the log fire on a crisp winter’s evening and learn about modern day Zulu culture. By day, the resident historian will provide you with a very graphic description of the battle of Isandlwana. In the morning you will be seated in the middle of the battlefield and then in the afternoon at nearby Rorkes Drift where the small British garrison drove off the Zulu attack. This was the subject of the film ‘Zulu’. This is a fascinating location approximately two and a half-hours drive from Durban. You can easily visit the site of the Battle of Blood River (1838) which has become legendary in Afrikaans history. The Anglo Boer War battlefield of Talana is close by just outside the town of Dundee. There are also several Boer War battle sites within easy reach. This location can be easily combined with a visit to the Private Game Reserves of Zululand and the Drakensberg Mountains.

Montusi Mountain Lodge, Drakensberg

Montusi is an exceptional family owned and run property in a magical location

It is rare that we repeat verbatim the words from the website of a property but in our minds having spent time here, these words are perfect: “Montusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquility of one of the most beautiful settings in Southern Africa. Space, comfort and peace are what you will find. Treat yourself to the natural splendour and peaceful, romantic ambiance of this Drakensberg haven.”  There are 10 spacious, self contained Garden Suites, 4 Family Suites and 2 much larger Mountain Suites. These are set in an estate of 1,000 hectares with the glorious backdrop of the imposing wall of The Amphitheatre. This is one of the most spectacular areas of the Drakensberg.  Accommodation is on a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast basis with food served in the main thatched lodge

About Montusi’s Location

The property has a swimming pool and tennis courts and horse riding and guided hiking can be arranged. Guided hiking can be arranged to the top of Montusi Mountain. Excursions to a cave with Bushmen paintings as well as into the nearby Royal Natal National Park are also offered. For the adventurous a guided hike to the top of the Amphitheatre can be arranged. You can hire Mountain Bikes and ride on the 100 km Drakensberg Mountain Biking Trail which goes right through the property. Fly fishing is available on the lodge’s two dams and for those seeking extreme thrills, All Out Adventures is a 10 minute drive away. Add a stay at Monusi to a battlefields location and a KwaZulu Natal Game Reserve.


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.


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.


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.