On Wednesday, I attended a workshop at South Africa House in London. The workshop covered various attractions in the KwaZulu Natal (KZN) area of South Africa and I want to share with you some of the information that was given.
KZN is a large and diverse province located on the north east of South Africa. It is a popular destination with both overseas tourists and South Africans offering great year round weather and a wide range of activities. Visitors can indulge themselves in myriad of wildlife experiences, from private and community-owned game reserves. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park offers the opportunity to view the traditional Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as whales in the space of a single day. Humpbank and southern right whales can frequently be seen off the coast from July to November.
In the majestic Drakensburg mountains, you can climb and walk the trails or head north to the historic towns and battlefields such as Isandlwana and Rourkes Drift. Adrenaline junkie can get their fix abseiling the world’s highest gorge, white water rafting, scuba diving among sharks, hiking or mountain biking.
The first presentation of the evening was by an account executive of South African Airways. This award winning airline offers direct overnight flight from London Heathrow Terminal 1 to Johannesburg and Cape Town. From there, you can fly all over the country with a network of domestic connections. As a member of the Star Alliance network, South African Airways can offer connections from all over the UK with their partner airline, British Midland. Their new fleet of Airbus aircraft offer excellent comfort in economy or if you prefer a bit more luxury, why not take advantage of the lie-flat seats which are available in business class.
The vibrant city of Durban is around 1 hours flying time from Johannesburg and is a hugely popular leisure destination. Durban spans the area from the internationally known Umhlanga Rocks in the north to one of the worlds top diving sites in the south – Amazimtoti Aliwal Shoal. One of the most famous attractions is the city’s Golden Mile, a six kilometre stretch of beach-front with safe bathing beaches, famed surf, piers, pavilions, pools, lawns, promenades, luxury hotels, restaurants and lively nightspots. Quality venues are available throughout the city and surrounding areas from self-catering apartments up to magnificent 5* hotels such as The Royal which has been operating in Durban since 1840. Durban also has one of the largest populations of Indians outside of India. In the Victoria Street market, you can shop for African curios, fabrics, leather goods, copper as well as stalls offer bunny chow, samosas and curries at bargain prices.
Bunny chow is one of Durban’s most popular takeaway meals. Back in the old apartheid day, golf caddies (‘bunnies’) were not allowed to use the crockery or cutlery at the exclusive golf clubs. Innovative chefs solved the problem by taking a half loaf of bread, scooping out the middle and filling it with curry. The scooped-out section is used to soak up the sauce. Now, I’m no lover of curry but we were given some bunny chow to try at the workshop and I have to say, it was very good.
It is said that KZN is so fertile because it has been washed with the blood of a hundred battles. Britain have been involved in their fair share of battles in the area, most famously against the Zulus at Isandlwana where on 22 January 1879, part of the British Invasion Force of 1,329 men were attacked and wiped out by 25,000 Zulu warriors. Later in the day, just 139 men fought a heroic defensive action at Rourkes Drift against a force of 4,000 Zulus. 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded as a result of the 11 hour battle and the buildings still remain virtually intact to this day.
KZN is a large and diverse province located on the north east of South Africa. It is a popular destination with both overseas tourists and South Africans offering great year round weather and a wide range of activities. Visitors can indulge themselves in myriad of wildlife experiences, from private and community-owned game reserves. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park offers the opportunity to view the traditional Big Five (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino) as well as whales in the space of a single day. Humpbank and southern right whales can frequently be seen off the coast from July to November.
In the majestic Drakensburg mountains, you can climb and walk the trails or head north to the historic towns and battlefields such as Isandlwana and Rourkes Drift. Adrenaline junkie can get their fix abseiling the world’s highest gorge, white water rafting, scuba diving among sharks, hiking or mountain biking.
The first presentation of the evening was by an account executive of South African Airways. This award winning airline offers direct overnight flight from London Heathrow Terminal 1 to Johannesburg and Cape Town. From there, you can fly all over the country with a network of domestic connections. As a member of the Star Alliance network, South African Airways can offer connections from all over the UK with their partner airline, British Midland. Their new fleet of Airbus aircraft offer excellent comfort in economy or if you prefer a bit more luxury, why not take advantage of the lie-flat seats which are available in business class.
The vibrant city of Durban is around 1 hours flying time from Johannesburg and is a hugely popular leisure destination. Durban spans the area from the internationally known Umhlanga Rocks in the north to one of the worlds top diving sites in the south – Amazimtoti Aliwal Shoal. One of the most famous attractions is the city’s Golden Mile, a six kilometre stretch of beach-front with safe bathing beaches, famed surf, piers, pavilions, pools, lawns, promenades, luxury hotels, restaurants and lively nightspots. Quality venues are available throughout the city and surrounding areas from self-catering apartments up to magnificent 5* hotels such as The Royal which has been operating in Durban since 1840. Durban also has one of the largest populations of Indians outside of India. In the Victoria Street market, you can shop for African curios, fabrics, leather goods, copper as well as stalls offer bunny chow, samosas and curries at bargain prices.
Bunny chow is one of Durban’s most popular takeaway meals. Back in the old apartheid day, golf caddies (‘bunnies’) were not allowed to use the crockery or cutlery at the exclusive golf clubs. Innovative chefs solved the problem by taking a half loaf of bread, scooping out the middle and filling it with curry. The scooped-out section is used to soak up the sauce. Now, I’m no lover of curry but we were given some bunny chow to try at the workshop and I have to say, it was very good.
It is said that KZN is so fertile because it has been washed with the blood of a hundred battles. Britain have been involved in their fair share of battles in the area, most famously against the Zulus at Isandlwana where on 22 January 1879, part of the British Invasion Force of 1,329 men were attacked and wiped out by 25,000 Zulu warriors. Later in the day, just 139 men fought a heroic defensive action at Rourkes Drift against a force of 4,000 Zulus. 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded as a result of the 11 hour battle and the buildings still remain virtually intact to this day.
At Isandlwana, you can chose to stay at the fabulous Isandlwana Lodge which is carved into the iNyoni rock overlooking the plain on the place where the Zulu commander stood on that day in January 1879. There are 12 luxurious en-suite bedrooms each with a private balcony designed to maximise the magnificent panoramic views. Resident historian, Rob Gerrard and will help set the scene for you on one of the most historic battleground in Britain’s military history. In addition, you can also experience life in Isandlwana Zulu Village and enjoy the numerous walking trails through the reserve and experience the amazing bird life and game.
Every winter (our summer), the Greatest Shoal on Earth comes to KZN in the form of the world famous Sardine Run. This truly unique event sees the worlds largest migration of sardines move north along the KZN coast towards Mozambique from their feeding grounds off the southern Cape in huge shoals. They are followed by a caravan of predators such as seabirds, dolphins, whales and sharks who gorge themselves on the defenceless little fish. Sometimes, the shoals will move too close to shore and end up on beaches where people can literally walk down and scoop up their catch. Once seen, never forgotten.
In the very north of KZN, you will find Tembe Elephant Park which is home to well over 200 of the largest elephant in the world. These magnificent creature roam within the unique sand forest and grassland ecosystem of the Tembe Elephant Park. Open vehicle game drives are offered during the day and night stopping at waterholes with superb game viewing and photo opportunities. From Tembe you can combine your stay with the unforgettable beach resort of Ponta Mamoli just over the border in Mozambique. In Ponta Mamoli, you can experience breathtaking view of the bay and dine on the finest Portuguese cuisine. For the more energetic, a variety of sports and activities are available including scuba diving, snorkelling with dolphins, deep sea fishing, eco-trails and beach rides on horseback or visiting turtle nesting beaches (October to December).
Sadly, as I was driving, I could have any of the excellent Castle beer that was on offer but after the workshop was over, we did get a chance to do some drumming courtesy of some very patient guys from the Drum Café. All in all, it was an excellent evening and I learned a lot. For more information about travel to South Africa, why not visit our website: http://www.big5.explorertravel.co.uk/Destinations/southafrica.htm
Every winter (our summer), the Greatest Shoal on Earth comes to KZN in the form of the world famous Sardine Run. This truly unique event sees the worlds largest migration of sardines move north along the KZN coast towards Mozambique from their feeding grounds off the southern Cape in huge shoals. They are followed by a caravan of predators such as seabirds, dolphins, whales and sharks who gorge themselves on the defenceless little fish. Sometimes, the shoals will move too close to shore and end up on beaches where people can literally walk down and scoop up their catch. Once seen, never forgotten.
In the very north of KZN, you will find Tembe Elephant Park which is home to well over 200 of the largest elephant in the world. These magnificent creature roam within the unique sand forest and grassland ecosystem of the Tembe Elephant Park. Open vehicle game drives are offered during the day and night stopping at waterholes with superb game viewing and photo opportunities. From Tembe you can combine your stay with the unforgettable beach resort of Ponta Mamoli just over the border in Mozambique. In Ponta Mamoli, you can experience breathtaking view of the bay and dine on the finest Portuguese cuisine. For the more energetic, a variety of sports and activities are available including scuba diving, snorkelling with dolphins, deep sea fishing, eco-trails and beach rides on horseback or visiting turtle nesting beaches (October to December).
Sadly, as I was driving, I could have any of the excellent Castle beer that was on offer but after the workshop was over, we did get a chance to do some drumming courtesy of some very patient guys from the Drum Café. All in all, it was an excellent evening and I learned a lot. For more information about travel to South Africa, why not visit our website: http://www.big5.explorertravel.co.uk/Destinations/southafrica.htm
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