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| Welcome to South Africa's most popular holiday destination: - | ||
Untamed wildness, acres of dazzling beaches, lush tropical
vegetation, the farm hills and towns of the midlands and the awe inspiring peaks
of the Drakensberg make this one of South Africa's most popular holiday
destinations.
KwaZulu Natal is sub-divided into various tourist regions. The South Coast, the
Dolphin Coast, the North Coast, the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, Zululand and the
Drakensberg Mountains.
This page contains information on the various
towns on the backpacking route in Kwazulu Natal. The lodges in each town are
linked to their home page.
Each lodge has a booking facility for each room in their
establishment or the places on their tours. If you wish to book just follow the
instructions on their booking page.
Select a region or town from the list below: - You
will be taken to that region or town.
Backpack Africa International |
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(Zululand & Maputoland.)
The Zululand coastline is a magnificent combination of shades of blue where the sky melts into the beautiful landscape of sea, rivers, swamps and the wetlands. This is the magic coastline stretching for more than 180 km from Kosi Bay in the north to St Lucia in the south. The area comprises six eco systems, which promise an impressive diversity of fauna and flora.
THE CULTURE AND HISTORY OF THE ZULU PEOPLE
The area provides visitors with many opportunities to enjoy
and share in the culture and history of the Zulu people. These opportunities
range from cultural villages with their crafts and arts to trips into the really
rural areas of Zululand.
The Zulu People of
KwaZulu-Natal
After Shaka became king of the Zulu people in 1816, he created a
highly efficient fighting force and by brilliant military strategy and
leadership, he forged a great Zulu nation.
Today, the Zulu are the largest
of South Africa’s ethnic groups, and most of them live in KwaZulu-Natal.
Traditional Zulu homes are beehive-shaped huts built around a central
cattle enclosure. Cattle are used as lobola " the bride price " traditionally
paid by the groom’s family to the bride’s father.
However, times are changing, and lobola is increasingly being paid in the
form of money and presents such as cars and household appliances.
The Indian People of
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is the main home of South Africa’s Indian population.
Languages, especially among the older generation, include Tamil, Telugu, Hindustani, Gujarati and
Urdu.
The strictly regulated, patriarchal, extended family is less evident today and Indian languages
are heard less often than before. Younger people tend to speak English
as a first language, and they lead an increasingly westernized lifestyle.
A
generally hardworking and prosperous society, members of the Indian
community are found throughout the upper echelons of commerce,
industry and the professions.
(A misleading name as it’s known for its lake system rather than its ‘bay’)
Situated on the shores of Lake Nhlange, the Kosi Bay Reserve
is the northern most resort on South Africa's East Coast.
This pristine
wilderness area incorporates the Kosi Bay estuary and Lake System.
Four fresh water lakes rich in fish, hippo, crocodile and water birds stretch for over 30 km along the northern Maputaland shoreline. They are separated from the sea by some of the world's highest vegetated dunes.
The Tsonga tribe that inhabit the area have built an elaborate
network of “fish traps” to catch the fish migrating and spawning in the
lakes.
You can try your hand at this traditional fishing method or buy a permit
and use the conventional rod to hook your supper.
The Kosi Bay reserve is also
well known for its wonderland of tropical birds' e.g. Palm-nut vulture and Pel's
fishing owl
The charm of Sodwana Bay is it's unspoiled magic. Even nature
has taken a hand in ensuring that the area remains unspoiled by providing no
estuary into the sea. Ski-boats are forced to launch directly from the beach for
fishermen to enjoy some of the best deep-sea fishing in the world. Black and
Blue Marlin, Sailfish and Tuna are caught during the billfish period in October
each year. Rock anglers can catch an abundant supply of Kingfish, Pampano,
Garrick, Grunter and Bream. The crystal clear waters are ideal for snorkelling
or scuba diving to explore reefs encrusted with brilliant corals and beautiful
coloured tropical fish.
The Tongaland coast of this region is the breeding ground of
the world's largest marine turtle, the leatherback and several other smaller
species. The leatherback turtle can reach a length of 2m and weigh up to 640
kilograms.
The breeding season for sea turtles stretches from October to
February each year and attracts many enthusiasts who watch these sea monsters
deposit their eggs in the sand. The egg-laying process takes place mostly at
night with turtles returning to the same spots each year to lay their eggs.
Turtles are protected by Natal Parks Board to save them from extinction.
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From the trading centre and railway station of Mkuze take a
beautiful 18 km drive through the Lebombo Mountains to the Mkuzi game reserve.
This place of great beauty, with a large population of different antelope, is
world renowned as a bird lovers Mecca. More than 600 bird species have been
recorded in this area.
The Reserve is predominantly flat and dry with large
patches of sand forest, gently rolling acacia savannah, swamps and a variety of
woodland and riverine forests. The shallow expanses of the flood pans are home
to hippo, crocodile and attract a magnificent variety of aquatic birds.
Walking
trails through the wild fig forest takes you to a world seldom penetrated by
sunlight, with rivers tunnelling below overhanging branches and ever present
birdsong to keep you company.
: A MAJOR TOURIST DESTINATI0N
Hluhluwe named after the river flowing next to the village
derives its name from the thorny monkey ropes that grow in the riverine forests
called “Umhluhluwe”.
This area is South Africa's Pineapple Capital –
producing in excess of 90% of South Africa's pineapples. Other farming include
sugar cane, sisal, cotton, chillies, wildlife and cattle farming.
The reason for Hluhluwe's growing popularity as a “must
visit and see” destination lie in the remarkable diversity of things to see
& do in the area plus the wide range of affordable & easily accessible
backpacker accommodation.
Use Hluhluwe as the base to explore game reserves, a lagoon paradise, check the cheetah & serval cat breeding project, get a taste of traditional Zulu village life or laze away at the poolside to the scream of ‘sonbeesies' (sun beetles or cicades) under the African sun.
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One of South Africa's most celebrated game parks, boasting not
only the “Big Six” i.e. black and white rhino, elephant, buffalo, lion &
leopard, but also other bushveld species like giraffe, cheetah and wild dogs.
The Park covers 96 000 hectares, and is responsible for the survival of the
almost extinct Black and White Rhino.
The Umfolozi is the white rhino sanctuary and can be traversed in a single day.
The Hluhluwe Game Reserve is the most densely populated nature reserve in Africa
ensuring plentiful and enjoyable game viewing days.
BACKPACKERS GALORE
Backpacking lodges in this area are plentiful and as varied as any traveller could wish for. Elegance, comfort and a walk on the wild side at Emdoneni Lodge with it serval cat and cheetah breeding project or stay for a night in a zulu hut at African Tale Backpackers.
The lakes and wetlands comprising the St Lucia Lake and Mkuze
Swamps were formed about 60 million years ago when the sea receded. The former
seabed known as the KwaZulu terrace filled up with sea and fresh water to form
lagoons, lakes and an estuary system.
This area offers an unparalleled diversity
of fauna and flora and boasts large populations of crocodile, hippo and many
water birds. Tour operators offer exciting and informative launch trips from St
Lucia, Charters Creek and False Bay.
Bibs International Backpackers in St Lucia
has all the information you require and they can even organise a tailor-made
tour for you.
St. Lucia Game Park, the Nkuzi Game Reserve, the Mapelane
Reserve, the St Lucia Marine Reserve and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park are
further sights to see in this Eco-tourism mecca.
Although these parks
collectively do not have the land area of a tenth of that of the Kruger National
Park they are home to all of the big five and have some of the best game viewing
in KwaZulu Natal.
Each of these parks is unique and almost completely
independent, and yet totally reliant on the others for its survival. A look at
this fragile Eco-system is a definite yes for all nature lovers and
conservationists.
A tranquil town with unbelievably beautiful forests and vegetation surroundings developed as a base for sugar cane farms in the area. This little village overlooking a golf course sports an air-conditioned backpackers lodge (Cuckoos Nest Backpackers). A place to be when Zululand hots up for the summer and is only a 30 minute drive from the Umfolozi/Hluhluwe game reserves.
Nestled between the Drakensberg mountain range and the North Coast we have Zululand. Zululand is the home of the Zulu nation and is a true taste of pure Africa.
While the British nicknamed the place ‘Gin, gin I love you'
the Zulu name means ‘the swallower of the elephant'. Today's railway junction
is the site of yesteryear's commemoration of Cetshwayo's victory over his half
brother to leave him the undisputed heir to the Zulu throne.
This is also the
home of Inyezane Backpackers – situated in the whispering sugar cane fields
this is the site of many a backpackers disappearance. They go to stay for one
night and end up ‘disappearing' and resurfacing one to two weeks later –
this phenomenon occurs regularly.
A closer examination of the lodge reveals that
the power of attraction lies in several Inyezane specialities such as:
One only has to spend a night in a Zulu village enjoying live
Zulu dancing or a traditional meal of maize porridge and meat while drinking
traditional African beer and participate in the daily activities of the tribe to
truly feel the tune of Africa.
These experiences transport one back to a 150 years ago to a forgotten world. Eshowe, in the heart of Zululand is the centre of a lot of the history relating to the Zulu Nation during this period.
Near the town of Eshowe is SHAKALAND, the authentic Zulu
village and hotel. Shakaland was built in 1984 and 
used as the film set for the
international hit series ‘Shaka Zulu’.This was turned into a cross-cultural centre and hotel in
1988.
Shakaland runs a cultural programme that introduces you to the intricacies
of the Zulu culture and includes practical experiences like beer tasting and a
traditional meal. Shakaland gives you an insight into Africa.
Zululand Backpackers in Eshowe will introduce you to 101 things to do in Zululand including introducing you to the ‘adrenaline junkies’ latest thrill: Rock Sliding. Sitting at the top of the slide, with water gushing over your feet, you push yourself off and slip through white water to the pool below, sliding over the rock as if it was made of butter.
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The Dolphin or North Coast starts at Umhlanga and stretches to the Tugela River. It is the gateway to Zululand. Dolphin siting is an almost daily occurrence and vies with babe watching for popularity. The largest game fishing competition in the Southern Hemisphere is hosted here over the Easter period. Visit the Crocodile farm in the Balito Bay area or catch some action on the beach. This section of coastline is also known for its power kiting, with kite skiing proving to be a firm favourite on the beaches
Durban, the most cherished holiday area in South Africa
because of its all year round summer climate and relative short distance from
Johannesburg has something to offer for all. The Dolphinarium and Sea World
Aquarium are firm tourist attractions in Durban. Watch the daily Dolphin, Seal
and penguin performances. On a more grizzly note the Natal Sharks Board at
Umhlanga is the world's leading authority on Sharks. They have daily shows
including dissections where you learn more about the Sharks that inhabit the
waters of the South African coast.
Water World with all its water rides is a favourite tourist
attraction (esp. in summer) in the Durban area. The bustling Indian market with
a whiff of curry and loads of bargains adds flavour to the downtown city. A
visit to the Botanical Gardens, the Japanese Gardens, the Umgeni River Bird
Park, Durban Harbour with its maritime museum and the numerous Flea markets is a
must. The city bustles with nightlife and many clubs provide venues for the
energetic while the more sedate munch their way though the multitude of fabulous
eateries in the city. End the night at the newly developed waterfront, a spot to
watch ships enter and exit the harbour.
Banana Backpackers and Durban Beach hostel are centrally located while Tekweni Backpackers is located in Morningside. All the lodges can give excellent information regarding the Durban scene and tours to the surrounds.
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Quatlamba, a barrier of upward pointing spears, is the Zulu
name for the craggy pinnacles that form the most spectacular section of the
Great Escarpment, Southern Africa’s watershed.
No less apt is the Dutch
derived, Drakensberg, meaning “mountain of the dragon”, for the foreboding,
jagged peaks seem a natural domain for these fabled creatures.
The Natal
Drakensberg, the highest mountains in South Africa and noted for their
magnificent buttresses and peaks and the numerous trials which traverse the
lower slopes, have a magnetic attraction for mountaineers and trailists. Here,
the summer heat is tempered by altitude, and the cold winters cap the peaks in
snow.
Crisp, clear days at an altitude of 1389m above sea level in
the richly grassed hills watched over by the imposing heights of Giants Castle
(part of the Drakensberg) lies Mziki Backpackers (‘reedbuck' in Zulu).
Set on
a working farm this is the place for those that want to experience the great
outdoors.
The lodge is a cluster of century old stone cottages with no
electricity. Paraffin lamps, log fires and wood stoves make for a pioneering
rustic atmosphere.
The wide range of activities e.g. micro liting, hiking,
mountain biking, tubing provide opportunities to meet and view the local wild
life such as otter and small buck.
Further north you reach Winterton - A centre of farming in the
Drakensberg foothills, approaching the Cathedral peak and Champagne Castle area.
Along the R600 nearing Champagne Castle is Inkosana Lodge. Run
by Edmond who knows the area like the back of his hand, this lodge truly can be
toasted with champagne.
Ed has planted over 2000 indigenous trees in his garden.
The spectacular mountains rising all around, the garden and a large Koi pond
make for a little bit of heaven on earth.
One of those rare places where
nature's beauty and releasing your creativity in Ed's fabric painting studio
proves a soul restoring experiences.
(Halfway between Johannesburg and Durban)
This halfway stop village is the home of Riverview Country Inn. Take a break en-route to mellow out at their great fireplace, pig out at the wonderful pub & restaurant or catch a ride to the nearby Royal Natal National Park.
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- South
Africa’s holiday playground
The South Coast is South Africa's sub-tropical playground famous for its surfing, starting just outside of Durban and continues southward for 160 kms down to the Umtamvuna River mouth. The weather ranges from warm to hot and the sea is warm year round (20°C - 25°C) making it ideal for a great variety of beach and sea sports Waves are found year round and good conditions may last all day. Along the coastline a 2 km ribbon of green sub-tropical forest hugs the shore. The coastal forest reaches down to a shoreline where the blue Indian Ocean tumbles white surf onto golden brown beaches.
Children in this area grow up on surfboards, believe that a good diet means swallowing equal proportion of sea and sand, and try to convince their parents that since the earth has 6 times as much water as dry land, it is obvious that the good Lord meant them to surf 6 times as much as they do schoolwork. Also taking advantage of the warmer waters of the Mozambique current which caresses this coast line are the Humpback and Southern Right whales that migrate from the Antarctic.
The region has some 50 estuaries, the highest number and density of estuaries on the KwaZulu Natal Coast. Yet most of the coast line can be traversed on foot which makes beach hikes a fascinating experience of crossing rivers and exploring the natural tidal pools.
In the rock pools many colourful anemones, starfish and small fish can be found. This beautiful scenery has been the inspiration for the large number of golf courses. For those who tire of the sun, sand and surf, they can take an excursion to the Crocodile farms. Of course you can whiz along the N2 and by pass the essence of the South Coast, but you would be well advised to take the old road which hugs the sea route and experience this unique coast line.
Backpacker lodge owners/managers will give you comprehensive information on all the activities available and also introduce you to the most laid back lifestyle you'll ever have the pleasure of experiencing.
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Travelling south past Durban International Airport one notices the beach
towns and villages become smaller, quainter and more laid back. All of them
overlook fine beaches. The first is the holiday resort of Amanzimtoti with its
"Bay Watch" type activities of bronze life savers, beauty and surfing
contests.
Next is the friendly village of Warner Beach (Angle Rock Backpackers) which
is near enough to Durban to enjoy the bright lights, yet far enough away to
experience the rush of racing dolphins down the surf line or strolling the quiet
sub-tropical beach at sunset.
Here the more experienced surfers find the waves
can be conducive to super radical and expressive surfing.
Scuba diving enthusiasts must definitely check out Umkomaas Backpackers. They
are the oldest PADI diving school in South Africa and have the best diving
equipment including underwater vehicles. Their courses are amongst the cheapest
available and they also have all the equipment that you will need.
The world renowned Aliwal shoal was rated by Jacques-Yves Cousteau as one of the top 10 scuba diving sites in the world. Here you can dive amongst the placid Ragged Tooth sharks and admire these magnificent animals at close quarters.
A gruelling canoe marathon is held each year on the deep inland section of the Umkomaas river. Along the lower section the more social paddler has time to admire the awesome scenery of the gorge.
Continuing south one is surrounded by lush rolling sugarcane fields interspersed with craft shops selling their beautiful beadwork, grass baskets and clay pots.
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(one hour south of Durban)
Umtentweni (The Spot Backpackers) with its long swath of fine sand offers
surfers fun and enjoyable consistent waves throughout the year. These have to be
well negotiated if you don't want to come up gasping for air or coughing out
water and sand after falling prey to spectacular wipe outs.
Oribi gorge is great for hiking. The 170metre waterfall provides an adrenalin
pumping 110metre abseil.
At sunset you can take a tour to the top to watch the
sun dip over the horizon while enjoying a cold beer.
Shelley Beach comes as a surprise with its large modern shopping complex of
fine shops, restaurants and cinemas.
Protea Banks is known as one of the top
shark dive sites in the world. It is also an excellent scuba diving spot. An edu-venture trip in an official
rubber duckie takes you out to get a close up view
of the harmless whale sharks and dolphins.
Margate (Margate Backpackers) boasts its own Olympic size swimming pool.
Within close range there are five protected and safe bathing beaches with
professional life guards, tidal pool, a lagoon with paddle boats, and good surf
point breaks.
A little further is Uvongo Beach famous for its spectacular view of the waterfall as the Ivungu river plunges 23m down into one of the deepest lagoons in South Africa.
The scenic route passing through the Umtamvuna Valley (Vuna Valley Backpackers) combines the charm of long empty beaches and unforgettable views. The tranquil region is heavily populated by the vervet monkeys and an amazing number of birds and small buck. This is a popular destination for nature lovers. Among the flora and fauna of this charming pastoral landscape it is an ideal place to get away from it all. Horse trails, which benefit the local population, include canoe trips. And one should pay a visit to the planetarium and the petrified forest whilst in the area.
This section of the Backpacking Route is well serviced by the Baz Bus. You can choose to make your way from Johannesburg via the Drakensberg to Durban or go via Swaziland, Zululand and then on to Durban. Durban does have an International airport with direct flights. This Route is well serviced by transport and tour operators. Almost all transport is door to door.
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