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Places to Visit in Northern KwaZulu-Natal

Bays like Sodwana, Kosi, Rocktail and St. Lucia Town have always beckoned me. I’m not sure if it’s their seclusion, their wild beauty or the burgeoning eco systems of this land that held such appeal for me but when I finally got to visit with Vaughan and my son Caleb, I couldn’t be more excited. Road tripping through the region, staying a different place every night we saw so much. But here are the spaces and parts of the trip I loved the most and the ones I suggest you visit ( and yes they all involve water)

1. Lake Sibaya

Within the 32 000Km which make up the iSimangaliso Wetlands, lies the alluring Lake Sibaya. One of the best parts about this Lake is actually the journey it takes to get there. Our guide Gugu from Rocktail Bay Camp took us through dense forest, golden savannah with grazing Nguni cattle and past sparse Mabibi homesteads. Time of day is everything and judging from the way the sunset glow cast a warm glow on this light blue lake, I would say don’t go at any time other than this. I trudged through swampy ground, felt the moist moss beneath my feet and even dipped my toes into the fresh water with a family of hippos far in the distance.

Travel Tip:

While this blue lake beckons you to dive in, don’t be tempted as crocodiles, hippos and much more call this lake home. I would advise you not to go near the water without a guide present who knows the area and can spot the wildlife quickly. Go at sunset time and take a camera, you don’t want to miss golden hour here.

2. Lala Nek

Photo source: Darren Glanville

It could be my childhood nickname ‘Lala’ or the fact that it means ‘place of rest’ in Zulu but after a Land Rover drive along a sandy lane through a dense dune forest, I arrived at what appeared to be paradise. Shards of light peaked through the white pear and milkwood trees and we parked in this portion of the Isimangaliso Wetlands which allows a maximum of four vehicles. Beach towels and toddler in arms, we made our way through a tunnel of woody hedges with only a deserted beach in view. Other than one couple, we had the beach all to ourselves for sunning, swimming and snorkeling.

Travel Tip:

There is no shade on this beach so take an umbrella, sunblock, beach towel, swimming costume. Snorkelling is great here so bring a snorkel and goggles to take advantage of the rich world here. Try not to swim alone as there are no lifeguards on duty and don’t go too far out especially if you don’t know about the currents here. Please take your litter home with you.

3. Hippo Cruising in St. Lucia

I’ve done many incredible things first thing in the morning, but this was the first time I was able to sip coffee, watch hippos playing the water and eat croissants at the same time. It was a splendid way to start the day. Aboard a Shakabarker Tour boat, we chatted about the multiple eco systems around this river, the natural sun protection of hippos and their ability to breathe beneath the water. We saw a crocodile, hippo paths up the hills and babies peeking above the estuary’s surface.

Travel Tip:

When going on a boat tour in the morning, take a warm top as the wind can pick up and it can get quite chilly early in the morning. Whilst we went with Caleb who was crawling at the time, it may not be the best for toddlers who are walking/running as there are areas of the boat which are not tightly closed. And just means parents will have to keep them on a ‘tight leash’ to avoid any accidents. To book your Hippo cruise, visit Shakabarker Tours.

4. Houseboating on Lake Jozini

This was my first house boating experience and it was pretty unbeatable. Think cruising between the Lebombo mountains ever closer to the horizon at the end of Lake Jozini, whilst sitting in a jacuzzi or fishing on deck. You have everything you’d ever need on board like couches, a cosy cabin, dining area, bar, jacuzzi and the tutorage of Captain Bransom when it comes to tiger fishing. I was able to bag a tiger fish one morning just after stepping out of our cabin which is often the goal of most people staying on the Shayamanzi. My absolute has to be watching fire flies in the night sky from the bed in my cabin.

Travel Tip:

It’s hot aboard the boat in the day and gets cooler in the evening so bring something to wear in different conditions including a swimming costume for the jacuzzi. Don’t miss out on the fishing, even if it’s not your thing. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by how fun it really is. Also be sure to look outside at night to see the fireflies. To stay and cruise aboard the Shayamanzi I, visit Shayamanzi houseboats

5. Lake Jozini

Lake Jozini is the third largest lake in South Africa and is the southernmost home of the tiger fish. Also, known as Pongolapoort dam. It is approximately 30km long and 5km wide. The mountains form the Eastern shore. The lake wall is in a 5km gorge in these mountains. The lake is surrounded by reserves on all sides, and is abundant in wild life, such as elephants, hippopotamus, rhinoceros, giraffe, buffalo and various other game. When full, the lake covers approximately 16000 hectares. The department of Water Affairs monitors the lake and keeps the level between 70% and 80% full.

Photo source: Bernard DUPONT

Lake Jozini is a very productive lake, being home to a few other species including: Sharptooth Catfish, Threespot Barb, Bowstripe Barb, Imber, Carp, River Goby, Purple Labeo, Rednose Labeo, Silver Robber, Mozambique Tilapia, Silver Catfish, Redbreast Tilapia and a variety of other smaller species. After the heavy rains brought by Cyclone Demoina, fish (including the Largemouth Bass) from the farm dams upstream swam into the dam. Tiger fishing on Lake Jozini became popular in the mid 1990’s. Marketing of the area has increased the number of anglers visiting the lake. It has proven to become a wonderful alternative to tiger fishing in neighbouring countries, although the average size tiger fish is a little smaller than those caught up north.

Travel Tip:

Stay at the Pongola Game Reserve on the shores of Lake Jozini and enjoy rhino tracking, guided walks, boat trips, tiger fishing and more.

6. Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Set in the heart of Zululand this is the oldest game reserve in Africa, where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws. Today, Africa’s ‘Big Five’ (lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhinoceros) stalk the flourishing savannah. Game viewing is the principal attraction in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Viewing hides overlook pans and waterholes enabling one to observe the wildlife at close range.

The hilly Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is also known for its wilderness trails which originated in Umfolozi in the 1950s and its renowned Game Capture unit upgraded into the Centenary Capture Centre, a bench mark for animal capture and sustainable utilisation throughout Africa.The Park covers some 96 000 hectares and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora.

Apart from game viewing drives there are self guided auto trails which provide information on both the management and natural history of the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi game reserve. Guided walks can be especially rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon.

There is a 40 seater boat on Hluhluwe dam which takes visitors on guided trips twice a day. The trips are conducted by an experienced community guide and visitors can see an excellent range of birds and animals within the park while the Zulu culture is covered in the community areas outside.

Travel Tip:

Take a day trip into the park or stay within the reserve at one of the lodges and resorts. Self-drive or go on a game drive with a game ranger.

by Lauren McShane

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Asha’s Insider Guide Series to South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal

Asha Singh, founder of Life By Asha Singh, is a South African lifestyle blogger from South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal, who writes about women empowerment, travel, product reviews and cool events. Her writing tends to often be feminist themed, although you’ll also find some more personal posts as well as write ups on everything that’s a part of her life.

5 things I love most about South Coast

  1. The Beach
  2. The tropical climate
  3. Instagram-worthiness
  4. Outdoor activities
  5. The small town vibe

A few quirky/cool/fun things only locals know about

Mpenjati nature reserve is lesser known, and the Umtentweni and Ramsgate whale watching deck. For some lovely food with a view you can go to Fish On The River in Port Shepstone.

The least touristy thing to do in South Coast

The towns on the south coast are all very touristy since it’s a holiday destination, but I guess fishing.

Best place in South Coast to enjoy…

The water: There are tons of beach front places all along the south coast, you just have to pick the town… perhaps Southbroom or Port Edward.

The mountains/countryside: The Oribi Gorge.

The outdoors: Pretty much anywhere since it’s always green and lush, any of the beaches or for a more daring outdoor vibe then Oribi Gorge.

The food: You have to go to Waffle House in Ramsgate.

The general vibe or nightlife: Margate or The Wild Coast Sun.

Good coffee/tea/wine: We don’t have much of a coffee or wine culture here however I highly recommend Beaver Creek for coffee.

Meet locals: Jaxx Restaurant in Umtentweni is a local hangout spot with good food.

What makes a city/town special for me

The natural beauty. The south coast won the nature lottery – beautiful beaches, lush greenery and the perfect weather all year.

My favourite small town in South Africa and why

Clarens and Stellenbosch. I’m a very artsy and wine person and both these towns cater for that!

If I were to do a 10 day road trip through South Africa, these are the stops I’d make:

I did a Durban to Cape Town trip in 2015 with my family and that was absolutely amazing but since I already did it it doesn’t count. I would like to do a trip to the Kruger. This is what the itinerary looked like: Graaff Reinet – Beaufort West – Winelands – Cape Town (For a few days) – Garden Route – Port Elizabeth – East London. Midlands – Drakensberg – Clarens – Johannesburg – Hartbeespoort – Pretoria – Blyde River Canyon – Kruger.

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in SA

My ultimate was Addo in Port Elizabeth

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in Southern Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia)

I haven’t travelled Southern Africa extensively yet, but I would love to experience Namibia.

My best beach/island experience in Southern Africa

Port Elizabeth – the beaches are stunning, sand is white, and sea is not nearly as cold as Cape Town.

The most magical place in South Africa and why

Drakensberg.

The best places to visit in South Africa for…

  1. Solo travellers: Suncity
  2. Couples: Winelands
  3. Families: Drakensberg
  4. Luxury travelers: Cape Town or Umhlanga
  5. Those seeking off-the-grid spots: Clarens

Asha, founder of Life By Asha Singh  is a 21 year old wine-a-holic. She’s passionate about women empowerment, politics, and social media. She enjoys travelling and sharing snippets of her life on social media. For more of her, check out her Facebook page.

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Carmen’s Insider Guide to Hilton and the Midlands

Carmen Barends lives in Hilton and is a researcher and Social media marketer by day and a blogger by night, fighting ill-conceived ideas of boredom by providing updates on local adventures. Her blog, Meanderings, is a quirky look at travel and lifestyle topics. Here’s a few of her tips to Hilton and the Midlands.

5 things I love most about Hilton

  1. Community
  2. Misty nights
  3. Lush green trees and fields
  4. Outdoors orientated people
  5. Fireplaces and red wine

A few quirky/cool/fun things only locals know about Hilton

We are spoilt for choice on artisanal coffee, mountain bike trails in the forests that would make most green with envy, plenty of festival spirit.

The least touristy thing to do in Hilton

Go for a cappuccino on your bike with your mates after a session in the planties (forest plantations).

Best place in Hilton to enjoy…

The water: Midmar dam

The mountains/countryside: Take a drive on the Midlands Meander route.

The outdoors: Get out in the forests in Hilton on your mountain bike with a group.

The food: Jaxx for dinner, Uncle Bucks for Pub lunches with a twist, Artisan Cafe for pizza (Hilton).

The general vibe or nightlife: Crossways and Uncle Bucks( Hilton) & St Ives Boma ( Midlands).

Good coffee/tea/wine: Coffee – Ground Coffee House, The Upper Millstone ( Hilton), Steampunk. Wine – Menu at Highgate, Abingdon Wine Estate ( Midlands).

Meet locals: Uncle Bucks or Pot and Barrell ( Hilton).

What makes a city/town special for me

A sense of community spirit and purpose to make the place as good as it can be. A good sense of self, no matter how quirky.

My favourite small town in South Africa and why

Clarens.

If I were to do a 10 day road trip through South Africa, these are the stops I’d make:

Pilansberg, Kruger, Drakensberg zipline, Coffee on the Midlands Meander, The Golden Mile in Durban, Hole in the Wall – EC, A sunset in the Karoo, Table Mountain in the Cape, Paternoster on the West Coast, Richtersveld up North, Maboneng Precinct in Johannesburg.

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in SA

Spending a week at Mavela Game Lodge in KZN.

 

The ultimate bush experience anyone can have in Southern Africa ( Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Botswana, Namibia)

Touch the Earth experience in Pilanesberg

My best beach/island experience in Southern Africa

Mapelane Nature Reserve

The most magical place in South Africa and why

Shayamanzi houseboats – friendly service, good food, lovely game watching from the water and Tiger Fishing.

The best places to visit in South Africa for…

  1. Solo travelers: Uncle Bucks in Hilton 🙂
  2. Couples: Granny Mouse Country House
  3. Families: Brahman Hills
  4. Luxury travellers: Nambiti Reserve
  5. Those seeking off-the-grid spots: Antbear Lodge

Carmen Barends is the founder of Meanderings, a blog where she revisits some of the amazing places and spaces she gets to frequent. So in her meanderings and musings, you may find some treasures to visit and places to see and perhaps happy memories to last a long time. You can find more travel inspiration from her on Facebook.

Photography Credit: Kirsten Rae Hughes

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Top 5 Game Reserves to Visit in Summer

Come summer in South Africa between December and March, Addo Elephant National Park, Gondwana Game Reserve, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Pongola Game Reserve and Shamwari Private Game Reserve are the best reserves to visit. Whether you are planning on going on safari for the first time or you’re a returning game reserve visitor, we know that these game reserves are not to be missed. See the Big 5, learn about their various conservation programmes, view wildlife while lounging on a boat, go bird watching and much more while visiting these reserves. Here’s our list of best game reserves to see in the summer…

1. Addo Elephant National Park

Situated on the Garden Route, 72km (one hour’s drive) away from Port Elizabeth and malaria-free, Addo is a good option for families. Here you can see the famous Addo elephants as well as mile after mile of verdant citrus trees, bearing fruit all winter and scenting the air with their blossoms in springtime. Established in 1931 to save 11 Elephants on the brink of extinction, Addo is now home to one of the most dense African elephant populations and currently has about 550 elephants.

Other than being a sanctuary for African elephants, the park is also home to 280 Cape Buffalo, some black Rhinos, a range of Antelope species, as well as the rare flightless dung Beetle. The game viewing and outdoor activities, includes horse-back riding, guided walking, hiking and 4×4 trails and a picnic area for day visitors. Recently, the Addo Elephant National Park has expanded to become the only park in the world to lay claim to Africa’s ‘Big 7’, which are the elephant, rhino, lion, buffalo, leopard, southern right whale and great white shark. This park is full of life and adventures!

2. Gondwana Game Reserve

Situated on the scenic Garden Route, a four-hour drive from Cape Town International Airport, this 11,000-hectare game reserve offers a luxurious and malaria-free safari destination. Here you can explore and experience the beauty of Western Cape’s unique flora—the fynbos—which is found nowhere else in the world. Indigenous plants such as Proteas, Ericas, and Restios provide year-round enjoyment and colour. Numerous fountains, streams and dams provide spectacular waterholes. The gorgeous deep valleys, ravines, rolling green hills covered in a sea of colourful indigenous flora and the mountains that seem to go on for an eternity will be a feast for your senses, not to mention that it would make an amazing addition to your Instagram account!

The park is actively sustainable and is constantly working to reduce its carbon footprint and conserve wildlife. Gondwana has replaced all of its electric geysers with solar assisted geysers in their staff village that houses 75 people. Additionally, the park supports some of the most critically endangered vegetation types in the world. The reserve bi-annually monitors veld condition to determine the state of the Fynbos.

And if all those perks weren’t enough to win you over, did you know that Gondwana offers a once-in-a-lifetime romantic and tranquil experience? That’s right, the park hosts beautiful African weddings! The game reserve offers two boutique lodge venues that can accommodate 100 people seated or up to 200 in a cocktail-styled setting. They also have outdoor wedding venues. There is something for everyone at Gondwana.

3. Hluhluwe Game Reserve

The Hluhluwe Game Reserve—otherwise known as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park—is the oldest reserve in Africa. It is 96000 hectares in size and is the only state-run park in KwaZulu-Natal that has the Big 5 and is home to the largest population of White Rhino in the world. The park also has 86 species such as the Nile crocodile, hippo, cheetah, spotted hyena, blue wildebeest, jackal, giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and more. Fun fact: this park used to be the private hunting grounds of King Shaka.

Photo Credit: jumblejet

Activities within the Hluhluwe Umfolozi Park include day drive safaris, night drive safaris (which are only available if you are staying overnight in the park), guided day walking trails and guided overnight walking trails. For the safaris, there are 3 options: 3-hour day safari options, half day safari options and full day safari. The safaris include conservation levies, breakfast on half day safaris and lunch on the full day safaris. During colder months, rustic guided overnight guided walking safaris are run. This is a great opportunity for you to experience the Big 5 on foot.

Photo Credit: jumblejet

4. Pongola Game Reserve

The Pongola Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal is a birding hotspot. It is home to four of the Big 5 and many other plains game species. The Pongola River runs through the centre of the reserve. The reserve offers scenic bushveld, mountains and a lake with a diversity of leisure activities. They have game drives that are done in open vehicles, and there are sightings of White Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Blue Wildebeest, Zebra, Kudu, Nyala, Warthog, Impala and many other species. You can go on a rhino tracking adventure! Feel the excitement of viewing them from a concealed spot in the bush. On their guided walks, you have the opportunity to learn more about conservation, the environment and mother nature.

Photo Credit: Their Gallery

Their boat cruises combine game viewing & bird watching from the tranquillity of the water and last about three hours. The Fish Eagle safari boat is a real treat where you can enjoy a breakfast, lunch or sundowner cruise while viewing the game grazing along the shores of the lake. The 21-metre luxury day cruise boat departs from the Mvubu jetty and can carry up to 50 people in comfort and safety. The Fish Eagle has a sun deck, bar, kitchen, braai and toilet, is ideal for a relaxed trip on the Pongolapoort Dam and is also available for special functions by arrangement.

Photo Credit: Their Gallery

5. Shamwari Private Game Reserve

The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is located on the Garden Route in the Eastern Cape, about an hour’s drive from Port Elizabeth. The reserve is a conservation orientated 5-star safari holiday destination and is malaria-free. It is home to vast herds of wildlife, birdlife and incredible ecological diversity. Five of South Africa’s 7 biomes are found here. The Shamwari Private Game Reserve is an award-winning 25, 000 hectares of protected land and a pioneer in environmental education. On top of all this, the reserve has plenty of activities on offer that you can enjoy.

Photo Credit: Their website.

Ornithologists and bird watching hobbyists alike will be delighted to hear that the reserve has an array of birds, such as Black Shouldered Kites, Secretary birds, African Darters, Malachite Kingfishers, Black Harrier and many more. Their game viewing drives are available for morning and evening trips as this is when the animals are most active. The drives are guided by trained game rangers who’ll take you and your party through the reserve, encountering many animals along the way.

If you’ve got children, they have the opportunity to learn about the importance of nature conservation as well as have buckets of fun in their Kids on Safari programme. While the children are occupied, you can spend some time relaxing at their safari spa, which will leave you feeling revitalised and rejuvenated.

Photo Credit: Their website.

We hope that these game reserves have piqued your interest. Whether you’re having a holiday in Cape Town, Port Elizabeth or KwaZulu-Natal, these reserves are not too far away. Each reserve has its own unique potential for great and memorable experiences. Get in touch with our consultants to book your next vacation!

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South Africa beyond a Safari

If when someone speaks about South Africa, you immediately think about wild animals in the middle of the African savannah or if every time someone says to you, “I’m going to South Africa for the holidays” you answer back, “Oh nice, you’re going to go on a safari!” Take a few minutes to read this article and you will understand that it’s a shame to reduce such a beautiful country to only one activity, no matter how incredible it is!

In this country, there is something to satisfy everyone’s tastes. Adults, young and old, couples, families, retirees, athletes, nature lovers, musicians, foodies, everyone—yes I do mean everyone—can find something in South Africa to their taste! It would be tedious to list every place, landscape or activity in the country. However, let’s try to highlight the peculiarities of South Africa to introduce you to something other than a safari!

First of all, you should know that South Africa is a really BIG country, which deserves to be captured differently depending on where you are. Indeed, if you travel in Western Cape, Kruger Park or KwaZulu-Natal, you will see very different landscapes, animals, climates and cultures! It’s certainly relevant to speak of bush but we shouldn’t forget that South Africa also has amazing beaches, mountains, lagoons, dry deserts, and vineyards as far as your eyes can see.

Yes really, you’ll never get tired of this country! If there are landscapes to suit every taste, imagine how many activities there would be for you to do! Let’s start with what seems more obvious: the beaches in South Africa. South Africa is home to two oceans and thousands of beaches. Below the mountains, hidden between cliffs, spreading as far as your eyes can see, it’s up to you to find your small corner of paradise! For those who can’t stand lying on the beach, you have the chance to do many water activities such as surfing or windsurfing, swimming with seals, watching the whales and even shark-cage diving… the list goes on.

For those who love nature, the Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal is the place where you belong. Choose a path and explore this huge nature reserve for several days. You will enjoy a very unique experience in harmony with nature. Or maybe you’re more attracted to Table Mountain? You will definitely enjoy a breathtaking view of Cape Town from the top!

Don’t worry! If you prefer the excitement of the city and cultural visits, the major cities of South Africa—Cape Town and Johannesburg—are perfect for you. Through visiting many museums (the Slave Lodge in Cape Town and the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, amongst others), or wandering in the different districts (townships, sea side, CBD, etc.), you will feel the strong influence of history that is still very present in this country.

There is nothing better than interacting with locals, discovering their habits, their ways of life and state of mind to have a truly accurate overview of these cities. Eventually, it’s crucial for you to know that South Africa takes food very seriously! Once again, there is something for everybody: whether you’re at a South African specialties or indulging in some international food (Asian, European and more) in a themed restaurant (jazz, hipster, pub) or in a casual market, you will be completely overwhelmed! This culinary diversity can be coupled with a huge range of excellent wine produced in the Winelands of Cape Town. If you have the chance to visit these vineyards, you will discover wonderful properties that have absolutely nothing to envy from all these castles in Bordeaux (in France)!

There you are. You now have a modest preview of what is waiting for you in South Africa. Go ahead; come discover a country that will blow your mind!

And never forget, going on safari is an excellent reason to visit South Africa – but hardly the only one!

By Capucine Motte

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Verushka’s Insider Guide to Durban

Meet our insider from Durban, Verushka Ramasami, currently working full-time as a Travel and Tourism lecturer at a local college in Durban. By day her lectures, marking and dogs keep her busy and every spare minute in between she is busy working on her blog and blog related things.

She loves exploring locally and  since returning home in 2010 after living abroad she now sees her home town through the eyes of a tourist. She is a foodie so she loves discovering local foodie places and most week days she becomes the Indian version of the Nigella Dawson and dons her apron as a domestic goddess. 

5 things I love most about Durban

  1. The amazing food spots all around the city.
  2. All year round fantastic weather.
  3. The friendly locals who make up the rainbow nation can all be found in Durban.
  4. Durban is a cultural hub and home to many beautiful places of worship.
  5. The amazing beaches and not forgetting the stunning sunsets.

A few quirky/cool/fun things only locals know about Durban

  1. Board the Holiday Express Train for a family adventure to Shongweni Market or down the southcoast to Scottburgh for the day.
  2. Visit Beaver Creek Coffee Estate.
  3. Chocolate Garden.
  4. Waffle House.
  5. Karkloof Safari Villas.
  6. Abingdon wine estate in the Midlands.

Best place here to enjoy the..

The water– Umhlanga Beach or Warner Beach.

The mountains/countryside– Midlands Meander.

The outdoors– a down drive the South coast will bring you to Oribi Gorge and Lake Eland both adventure sport places.

The food – Florida Road has a few amazing places which include home to once market stalls now eateries on the block Roti& Chai, Falafel Fundi and not forgetting Mozambik and Cubana. For the best Indian food head to Malis in Goble Road or Palki near Musgrave centre. Lingella at the Elangeni Hotel has an amazing buffet. Not forgetting Old Town.

The general vibe or nightlife-The Umhlanga area is a great spot for a night out with numerous bars and places to eat.

Good coffee/tea/wine – Saviour and CO, Bike and Bean , I want my coffee

Wine Selection– try The Big Easy situated at the Hilton Hotel

Meet locals – Local markets like I Heart Market, Shongweni Market (only opened on a Saturday), Suncoast Casino and places of worship like the Hare Krishna Temple in Chatsworth, not forgetting all the eating places around Durban.

What makes a city/town special for you?

The people, food and culture

What is your favorite small town in South Africa and why?

The Midlands Meander it is a great escape from city life and is full of wondesful little spots like Rawdons Brewery , The Midlands Kitchen, Fordoun Spa,Piggly Wiggly are a few places to mention. And the best part is that you can see the night sky filled with stars.

If you could do a 10 day road trip through south africa, which stops would you make?

Garden Route to Cape Town, a trip I did as a kid with my parents. It would include Hole in the Wale, Port Elizabeth – Addo National Park and the Big Pineapple, Knysna, Oudtshoorn, Jeffrey’s Bay, Stellenbosch before Cape Town.

What is the ultimate bush experience anyone can have in SA?

Is to explore the KZN province we have some pretty amazing game reserves some with the Big 5. They include places like Tala Game Reserve , Nambiti , Rhino River Lodge and Phinda.

What is the ultimate bush experience anyone can have in Southern Africa?

Besides South Africa I think Botswana is pretty amazing.

The best places to visit in South Africa for..

  1. solo travellers- Durban
  2. Couples- Midlands Meander
  3. Families- Drakensberg
  4. Luxury travelers- Cape Town
  5. Those seeking off-the-grid spots- Mozambique

Verushka is the Founder of spice goddess.co.za, a lifestyle blog with a focus on travel, food and culture. It is a place where I share my world with the world. Aside from her blog get more insider tips to Durban and beyond on Facebook.

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Beaches not to miss in Southern Africa

The Southern African countries of Namibia, South Africa and Mozambique present beauty and diversity in their varying landscapes of mountains, islands, rivers, deserts and of course beaches. Come rain or shine, each coastline will present families, romance-seekers and adventurers with many opportunities to enjoy the water. While there are too many to mention, we’ve narrowed it to down a few beaches for every kind of traveller and ones you can’t miss when visiting these African countries:

1. Coffee Bay, South Africa’s Wild Coast

Wild, rural and beautiful without abandon this is a beach and stretch of coastline best enjoyed by walking along it. Coastal trails will take you past rural huts, river mouths and grazing cattle. Trail with a guide to the natural wonder of Hole in the wall which juts out to sea, try a surf lesson at Coffee Bay Beach or perch atop one of the green cliffs and take in the endless views of this blissful rural life that still exists in very few parts of South Africa.

2. Skeleton Coast, Namibia

Don’t arrive expecting to relax, tan or frolic in this wild, chilly Atlantic Ocean, but come with anticipation of a rugged stretch of beach found between the Kunene and Swakop rivers. A haven for seals, marine birdlife and ship wreakages ( due to the tumultuous ocean), where the barren warm desert meets the cold ocean and forms a haunting mist. Come with your camera and desire to witness one of the most unique stretches of African coastline.

3. Bazaruto, Mozambique

It’s not called one of the world’s most picturesque islands for nothing. A tropical paradise bringing day trip visitors from the mainland, divers seeking great visibility and dugong sightings as well as snorkelers wanting to enjoy the turquoise ocean, turtles and rich marine life. Climb the dunes for island views and a feeling of being caught somewhere in the desert and savanah, enjoy a fish braai with local guides on the beach or hop on a dhow cruise to bid farewell to the sun.

4. Cape Columbine Reserve Beaches, South Africa’s West Coast

Most visitors get stuck in Paternoster and never look past the instagram-worthy fishing boats of Paternoster, but once in Paternoster, keep left until you enter the reserve where giant boulders enclose tiny bays with clear, cool water. Jump from boulder to boulder or join a kayaking tour in the bay or just savour the serenity of the reserve.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

5. Swakopmund, Namibia

Find little Germany in this town along with a beach bustling with ways for visitors to enjoy it such as  quad biking, sand boarding, kayaking and surfing and of course just lazing in the sand.

6. Tofo and Tofino Beaches, Mozambique

Four hours drive from the popular town of Vilankulo, lies 8km worth of sandy beach for swimming, wading, sunning and family fun. For those wishing to go deeper, diving, deep sea fishing excursions are on the cards. Surfers and those wanting to try their hand at fly fishing will do well to visit nearby Tofino beach.

7. North Beach, Durban South Africa

A hive of activity for those to keen to jump in the water and those wishing to enjoy it from a distance. With a skate park, bike rental, nearby coffee shops and restaurants, families can take their pick of how they’d like to spend an afternoon here. Popular amongst locals for surfing, catch a glimpse of these guys ( and girls) jumping off the pier to catch waves.

8. Smitswinkel Bay, Cape Town South Africa

A short walk down a pathway at the base of a cliff beside Cape Point Nature Reserve, you’ll find a beach much-loved by local residents and one providing a wonderful place to picnic and laze in the sand more than swim. Pack a picnic and all the food you need as there are no shops nearby and be mindful to take all refuse and goodies you brought with you.

9. Terence Bay, Namibia

Another beach known for its wildlife appeal and beach angling opportunities rather than swimming and ideal beach temperatures. The icy Benguela current will ensure that you may not want to dip into its waters, but join  a desert excursion and look out for desert-adapted wildlife roaming the coastline.

10. Cape Vidal Beach, Northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Found beside Lake St. Lucia in the fairly secluded region of Northern Kwa-Zulu Natal, this beach can get windy but provides a long stretch of beach perfect for walks, family picnics, snorkeling right off the beach hugging the reef and solitude on most days.

11. Muizenberg Beach, Cape Town

The more laid-back cousin to Cape Town’s Atlantic Seaboard sexy beaches, Muizenberg is a beach packed with energy, life, restaurants, cafes and places to rent and get lessons in surfing, SUPPing ( stand-up paddle boarding). Dog walkers, toddlers, couples and families love this beach for its play park, coastal walk, relatively warm water ( warmer than the Atlantic seaboard) and local vibe.

12. Point and Main Beach, Jeffreys Bay- South Africa

Top International surfers hurry here from around the globe to catch one of the world’s best right-hand breaks at the beaches of Supertubes and Point. For non-surfers, these aloe-lined beaches with their wooden walkways are also enjoyable for the rock pools, long stretches of sand to walk on or a place to bring your coffee and take in the surf artistry below. Main Beach is wonderful for families who want to laze on the beach, bodyboard or even learn to surf. Coffee shops and restaurants offering incredible seafood can be found nearby as well as  water park the kids will love.

13. Chintsa Beach, South Africa’s Wild Coast

Another wild beach with hardly anyone on it, go on a coastal horse riding trail and ride on the sand, past dunes and over green hills. Find serenity and a place to relax away from the city crowds. Just in from the beach is a river where you can rent a kayak and float down the river watching the abundant bird life.

14. Kraalbaai, South Africa’s West Coast National Park

Once you set eyes on Kraalbaai’s aquamarine ocean, you’ll be forgiven for thinking you’re somewhere in the Maldives. With houseboats moored in the bay, learner kitesurfer and SUPPers ( stand-up paddle boarders) loving this calm, sheltered bay, this is a beach perfect for a hot day where the refreshing water is welcomed and all you need do is lay back beneath your umbrella.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

15. Llandudno Beach, Cape Town

There isn’t a better place for romantic sunset picnics, visits with the family and a chance to bring the dog for a walk. Nestled between plump boulders and something resembling an Italian coastline, this is a beach favorite amongst locals and foreigners alike. Don’t miss out on the viewpoints from above as well as the coastal drive all the way from Llanduno to Camps bay and Clifton.

Photo Credit: thetravelmanuel.com

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