WWW - What, Where & When Oct-Nov 2019 by Lyn G

NOT FOR SALE

#DoKZN Safari & Adventure

View mag online:

www.zulu.org.za www.whatwherewhen.co.za & www.azalea.co.za #GottaLuvKZN

CONTENTS Issue 94

CONTENTS Welcome.................................................2 Oct-Nov Highlights............................4 A Whale of a time...............................6 Family Fun & Adventure....................7 Thula Thula.............................................9 DO KZN Adventure.......................... 11 MSC Summer Season...................... 18 Spotlight on Entertainment.......... 21 Durban.................................................. 22 Pietermaritzburg / Midlands......... 29 Battlefields.......................................... 32 North Coast........................................ 34 Drakensberg........................................ 36 South Coast........................................ 38 Elephant Coast................................... 41 Zululand............................................... 43

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS PRODUCTION, DESIGN & LAYOUT LOGO GRAPHICS +27(0)31-564 3425 Email: lyn@azalea.co.za

EDITORIAL TEAM: Tessa Buhrmann Events: Tessa Buhrmann Entertainment: William Charlton-Perkins To advertise your events please send dates and information to: tessa@responsibletraveller.co.za

COVER: Safari image at uMfolozi Big 5 Game Reserve © Mantis

PHOTOGRAPHY: Tessa Buhrman, South Coast Tourism PUBLISHER / ADVERTISING Jenny Du Preez +27(0)31-564 9069 Email: jen@azalea.co.za, Web: www.azalea.co.za PRINTING: Paarl Media

View WWW - What, Where & When on www.whatwherewhen.co.za & www.azalea.co.za or visit Tourism KwaZulu-Natal’s website www.zulu.org.za

TKZN is not responsible for the advertising content in WWW. Advertising remains entirely at the discretion of the publishers. WWW is published by Logo Graphics. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of its contents, neither the editor nor the publisher can be held responsible for any omissions or errors: or for any misfortune, injury or damages which may arise therefrom.

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

SANIBONANI and Welcome to the Exceptional Zulu Kingdom We have just wrapped up one of the most exciting months on the tourism calendar, Tourism Month. This year, we celebrated under the theme “Tourism and Jobs: A better future for all” with the aim to

PHINDILE MAKWAKWA Acting CEO of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal VIEW OUR BROCHURES ONLINE:

Accommodation Guide

Explore the East3Route

KZN Tourist Map

KZN Travel Guide

Meetings Industry Guide

Tourism Tattler

Travellers Tips

Wedding Planner

Battlefields

Drakensberg

North Coast

PMB & Midlands

through job creation.

aggressive “Do KZN” campaign to ensure that KZN

This year, KwaZulu-Natal was selected to the official host province for the National Tourism Day Celebrations, which were held at the Mandela Capture Site. Minister of Tourism as well as the

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

remains top of mind to consumers looking for a summer holiday package. We do believe that all our interventions will take us back to the number one domestic tourism spot.

MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and

We continue to promote our KZN APP; the KZN

Environmental Affairs in the province Nomusa

Travel Guide. The APP is available for free on iStore

Dube-Ncube, highlighted some of the impact

and Google Play and it assists travellers with

tourism has had in the South African economy. In

all the information they will need to navigate

KZN, Tourism sustains over 60 000 direct jobs and

through the province with ease, whether they are

more than 120 000 indirect jobs and contributed

looking for accommodation, restaurants, tourism

over R21bn in the KZN economy in 2018.

attractions and beach spots.

Throughout the month, we hosted a number of

We can safely say that we are expecting an

media familiarization trips to expose members of

exciting and profitable festive season that will see

the media to some of our unique tourism gems,

throngs of holidaymakers enjoying our coastline

which has resulted in enormous media exposure

and beach activities across the province.

for the province.

We are confident that our trade and citizens are

We also collaborated with South African Tourism

ready to welcome our visitors with the warmth

at the SA Travel Week, which allowed South

and hospitality for which the province of KZN is

Africans to buy their next dream holiday at a

renowned.

fraction of the price during the week of the 23rd to promote local travel amongst all South Africans.

We urge you to continue to follow us on all our social networks, Facebook (KZNTourism), Instagram(@tourismkzn_official),Twitter(@Tourism

We are also looking forward to October, where we

KZN), YouTube (KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority)

will once again host the Tourism Lilizela Awards

and Pintrest (KZN Tourism), to stay updated on

which aims to celebrate the “Best of the best” in

all our upcoming events. Drop us a line and tell

the our sector. We are confident that once again,

us about your exceptional holiday in the Zulu

KwaZulu-Natal will have an astounding presence

Kingdom, and join us in conversation by following

in the National awards and be celebrated amongst

#GottaLuvKZN

the best in the country. We are very proud of what our tourism sector partners have achieved over

Our partnership with British Airways has proven of international tourists heading to the Zulu

Zululand

a button.

season, we will be rolling out an even more

to be successful as we continue to see a stream

Elephant Coast

book their next holiday to KZN on just a click of

economies and creating better lives for people

visitors keep coming to our shores. South Coast

campaign that will allow potential travellers to

As we look forward to the December holiday

the years. It is through their excellent service that Durban

have collaborated with Expedia on a very exciting

highlight the role tourism has in strengthening

to the 29th. This is part of our ongoing campaign ZULU KINGDOM DESTINATION BROCHURES:

more international arrivals to the province. We

Kingdom. However, we are not sitting comfortably, we continue to explore other avenues to draw

We wait with open arms to welcome you to the Zulu Kingdom.

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

OCT-NOV HIGHLIGHTS 7 to 12 October POETRY AFRICA Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre 20 October TSOGO SUN AMASHOVA DURBAN CLASSIC (CYCLE RACE) Pietermaritzburg to Durban. www.shova.co.za 6 October THE PARLOTONES Sugar Rush Park, Ballito www.ballitobeat.co.za

2 November 12:00 UMLAZI JAZZ FESTIVAL King Zwelithini Stadium. (Book via Computicket) 3 November 12:30 OLD MUTUAL MUSIC AT THE LAKE FEATURING LADY ZAMAR & BLACK MOTION â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Durban Botanic Gardens, John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road. (031 322 4021 or www.webtickets.co.za)

23 October - 31 December PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR Suncoast Barnyard Tel: 031 940 0500

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

8 November PJ POWERS - JOURNEY WITH FRIENDS with Tigger Reunert and Drakondale Girls Choir at Drakondale Girls Choir School. Tel: 083 777 3002

OCT-NOV HIGHLIGHTS 18 to 24 November PIETER DIRK UYS Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre (Book at Computicket). 24 November 12TH SABC CROWN GOSPEL MUSIC AWARDS Durban ICC. (081 846 1824)

29 November UMHLATHUZE MUSIC FESTIVAL (Lira with a live band) – Umhlathuze Central Sports Complex, Richards Bay. Tel: Sihle Mveyane – 061 437 4528

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

NO DOUBT, THE BEST WAY TO VIEW WHALES AND DOLPHINS UP CLOSE IS FROM A BOAT THE ISLE OF CAPRI CRUISES offers an exhilarating 2 hour cruise into the ocean on their boat “Bafana”, to view one of the world’s most magnificent mammals, the Humpback Whale! The trip takes you into the Indian Ocean and close to the Mozambican current to encounter them at close range. All trips have friendly and fully qualified whale tour guides on board, to share their vast knowledge of the ocean and its creatures with you. Every year, from June to November, whales can frequently be seen off the KwaZulu-Natal coast on their migratory route, from the Southern Oceans to the warmer tropical waters for mating and giving birth, and on their return, heading for the nutrient rich waters of Antarctica. By law, you are not allowed to approach within 300m from a whale, unless you are aboard a boat permitted by the Department of Marine and Coastal Management. Permit holders are all members of the South African Boat-Based Whale Watching Association and as such are required to adhere to a strict code of conduct and to undergo training. The Isle of Capri Cruises boasts one of two whale watching permits awarded in Durban.

We also offer: • Hourly Harbour Cruises from 10am - 4pm (conditions apply) • Sea Cruises at 12.30pm and 2.30pm • Educational School Trips • Boat Rides • Party Cruises • Fishing

FOR AN UNSURPASSED WHALE WATCHING OPPORTUNITY OR BOAT RIDE, MAKE YOUR BOOKING TODAY! 14 - 18 Boatman Road, Wilson’s Wharf Tel: 031 305 3099 | Cell: 082 851 4787 | info@isleofcapri.co.za | www.isleofcapri.co.za 6

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

THULA THULA VOLUNTEERS ACADEMY DO YOU LIKE THE BUSH? ARE YOU A FAN OF CONSERVATION? Would you like to learn more about nature? Do you want to “get your hands dirty” and make the difference? Is your aim to give something back to conservation? Then we welcome you to the Thula Thula Volunteers Academy! The home of the Elephant Whisperer and An Elephant in My Kitchen, paradise to the most unique elephant family, two hand-raised orphaned rhinos, an abundance of antelope, giraffe, hyena, a hippo family, many other animals and a vast array of birds. Yet it is a paradise under threat. Poachers have declared war onto the African wildlife, be it for the “pot” or to harm our rhino to murder them for their horns and ill-believe. Invasive plants and species need to be cleared as they threaten indigenous plants. And our local communities need to be educated about the importance of conservation, and at times simply need a hand from us in their day to day lives. At the Thula Thula Volunteer Academy you slip into the role of an Assistant Conservation Manager and assist our dedicated and passionate rangers with every role in African conservation and nature preservation. This bestselling book is available in all bookstores in SA. For other countries availability, please check the website: www. AnElephantInMyKitchen.com IF YOU LOVED LAWRENCE’S THE ELEPHANT WHISPERER, OR JUST WANT TO SPEND TIME WITH SOME VERY SPECIAL ANIMALS, THEN YOU WON’T WANT TO MISS THIS SPARKLING BOOK.

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

THULA THULA PRIVATE GAME RESERVE www.thulathula.com info@thulathula.com +27(0)73 2668577 or +27(0)82 2599732

THULA THULA Celebrating the 20th Anniversary We are celebrating the 20th Anniversary, as on the 25th of August 1999 a very special herd arrived. This is how our life changing adventure began, where Lawrence and I embarked into a series of endless challenges, totally unprepared to welcome these seven magnificent creatures, those “rogue and problem elephants” as we were told...An apparently impossible task to keep these elephants at Thula Thula and that they should be shot... Today, twenty years later, this herd has become our family. They are 29 elephants that have the power to create a true spiritual experience for all the humans who cross their paths at Thula Thula. A beautiful story which shows that Trust can be earned between species. The magnificent seven on their arrival at Thula Thula 20 years ago: Nana, Frankie, Numzane, Mandla, Marula, Nandi and Mabula. 24 hours after their arrival at Thula Thula, tragedy struck: The herd had escaped from their enclosure, the BOMA, where they were supposed to stay for a few days to get accustomed to their new environment.. After a week search, and a few dramatic situations, the herd was found in Umfolosi Game Reserve, darted and returned to their new home, Thula Thula. The return of the escape artists to the BOMA. Lawrence getting some feeds for them in the bush, and having a chat with them in the BOMA, keeping a 24/7 watch on them so that they would not escape again. They HAD to get used to their new home. If they escaped again, they would be shot. Lawrence created a unique relationship with the matriarch, Nana.

awaited us with a baby elephant, the first one landing in my kitchen, baby Thula. And the close bond between Lawrence and Numzane, the great bull who became orphaned before his arrival at Thula Thula. Both part of the many emotional stories we witnessed during these years with the herd. Below a photo of Numzane who raided our stock room at the back of our house, having fun splashing the food all over the yard. Two days after Lawrence passed away on the 4th of March 2012, the family arrived in a solemn procession, coming to pay their respects. “ In order to interpret elephant behavior, you must simply analyse it from a human point of view and that way, you will usually end up close to the truth, something the scientists have yet to learn. Scientists seem to have an arrogant mental block about attributing to animals human aspects of behavior, particularly in terms of emotions.” David Sheldrick The family returned to the house for three years on a row, same day, same time... KEEPING THE DREAM ALIVE

A spiritual encounter that was the foundation for the survival of this special herd, qualified as “rogue and problem elephants”

The legacy carries on with more adventures, challenges, tragedies but also successful rescues as Baby Tom, the baby elephant in my kitchen. And Baby Vusi, the incredible rescue from sure death of a baby elephant caught in a snare.

The herd settled down and a few adventures

Both are now playful happy teenagers, both saved

10 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

by the actions of a great Thula Thula Team, all sharing the same vision and passion for our wildlife conservation. TODAY A HAPPILY GROWING HERD OF 29 ELEPHANTS Growing a bit too fast... We have now reached our maximum capacity in terms of habitat for our special elephant family, and had to implement a reversible male elephant contraception program a few years ago to allow controlled breeding. The expansion of the game reserve will soon become a much awaited reality. Hopefully we shall be able to announce the good news about this massive expansion project in our next newsletter. It has been a longer process than anticipated as this project involves quite a lot of administrative procedures, a very accurate business plan which will be beneficial for all parties of the local communities for the lease of their land. Our special herd will be able to enjoy much needed bigger space and renewed happy family life with new births. A BIG THANK YOU to so many of you for your support in this gigantic task of our land expansion. Thank you for your generosity and for being part of the future of Thula Thula.

DO KZN ADVENTURE GET YOUR HEART PUMPING WITH ACTION-PACKED ACTIVITIES More than just sunshine and golden beaches, the Zulu Kingdom is the ultimate travellerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s destination. To find out more about the exceptional experiences you can enjoy in KZN, go to

WWW.ZULU.ORG.ZA

#DoKZNSafari&Adventure |

| E&OE. Ts & Cs APPLY

Ithala Trade Centre: +27 (0) 31 366 7500, King Shaka Airport Office: +27 (0) 32 436 0013, V&A Cape Town Office: +27 (0) 21 418 1684, Johannesburg Office: +27 (0) 11 390 1000 Customer Care: 0860 101 099, uShaka Marine World: +27 (0) 31 816 6600, Email: info@zulu.org.za www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 11

Zulu Kingdom. Exceptional

TKZN #DoKZN Safari & Adventure

Traditionally when one thinks of a safari, one thinks Big Five, but according to Google, a safari is an ‘expedition to observe or hunt animals in their natural habitat’. Thankfully most of us have moved beyond the need for hunting animals and choose rather to observe them (from terrestrial wildlife to birds and marine creatures) in their natural habitat… with the experience often requiring varying degrees of adventure. KwaZulu-Natal with its warm Indian Ocean and beautiful beaches, its wideopen spaces and natural bush and its lofty Drakensberg Mountains, deserves to be called South Africa’s #Safari & Adventure capital. Scuba diving at Sodwana © iSimangaliso Wetland Park

With a coastline that stretches some 580km in length from the Mozambique border near Kosi Bay in the North to the Mtamvuma estuary which borders the Eastern Cape in the south, visitors to KZN are blessed with abundant opportunities to observe marine creatures in their natural environment. From a young age kids, and adults, will enjoy EXPLORING THE TIDAL POOLS found on the rocky shores of the North and South coast. Home to seaweed, mussels, barnacles, crabs, small fish, sea urchins and sometimes starfish, kids will while away the hours with net in hand hoping to catch an elusive fish as it darts from crevice to crevice. Take this exploring to another level with a night safari – Tidal Tao in Ballito offer night walks along the rocky shores of Shaka’s Rock Beach, where under UV light the incredible world of coral and zoanthids comes to life. Tidal Tao Zoanthids on night walk - © Tidal Tao

Grab your SNORKELLING gear and discover the wonders of the ocean. The KZN coast’s warm ocean ensures an abundance of sea-life on the subtropical reefs, from Rocky Bay on the South Coast, Vetch’s Pier and the Umdloti Pools in Durban to the Salt Rock tidal pool on the North Coast. Further north is Sodwana Bay, with over 1200 species of fish and great snorkelling year-round and ‘the aquarium’ located near the mouth of the Kosi lake system. KZN is a popular SCUBA DIVING destination with the reefs of Raggie Cave and Shark Alley in Aliwal Shoal being particularly rewarding for sightings of ragged tooth, tiger and hammerhead sharks. Sodwana Bay is home to the southern-most coral reefs in Africa, with each reef named by its distance from the launching site at Jenner Point. Two Mile Reef is diveable in most weather and suitable for beginners, advanced divers will enjoy the depths of Five-Mile Reef whilst Seven Mile Reef is one of Sodwana Bay’s most popular dive sites and voted as one of the Top 10 dive sites in the world. WATCHING DOLPHINS is a fun experience, and they can often be seen surfing the waves along the whole stretch of KZN’s coastline, but specialised boat trips are on offer for those wishing to have a closer look. The brave will enjoy the adrenalin rush of SHARK-CAGE DIVING where they can see sharks in their natural habitat off Aliwal Shoal. WHALE WATCHING is another popular marine activity with these huge, yet majestic creatures being viewed from viewing platforms or high points on the shore, or for the ultimate thrill, seeing them

up-close by boat generally between the months of June and November. Be sure to use a licenced boat-based whale watching operator such as Advantage Charters in Richards Bay and St Lucia. Another once-ina-lifetime experience is Turtle heading back to the ocean to go TURTLE TRACKING © Rocktail Beach Camp in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles come to shore between late October and mid-January to lay their eggs – watching them heave their heavy bodies up the beach, dig the nest and then lay their eggs is an incredibly moving experience. Approximately 45 days after laying the hatchlings emerge from their nest and scurry along the sand to the sea – only about one on 1000 sea turtle hatchlings will make it to adulthood.

Mtunzini birding © Daphne Untiedt

Mangroves are a specialised species of plant occurring along the sheltered edges of estuaries and are home to a variety of bird species as well as mangrove crabs and mudskippers. The MANGROVE FOREST WALKS along the boardwalks of Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve and uMhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve in Durban and uMlalazi Nature Reserve in Mtunzini offer a great opportunity to explore this habitat up-close. Watch fiddler crabs scurry around with the single large claw, mudskippers skipping through the mud and look out for the elusive

To find out more about the exceptional experiences you can enjoy in KZN, go to www.zulu.org.za 12 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

but brilliantly coloured mangrove kingfisher. BIRDING is another very popular activity in KZN and sees both local and international birders arriving with binoculars in hand to tick off their latest sighting on their personal birding list. With forest, grassland, wetland, bushveld, mountains, estuarine, coastline and open ocean habitats, KZN is southern Africa’s most diverse area for birding. Be sure to make use of a local birding guide as they generally know the ‘secret spots’ and can often mimic the bird calls which makes the experience more rewarding.

leopard as well as chameleons, owls and nightjars. A night drives is something you can only do through a licensed operator, such as Shakabarker Tours in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and with KZN Wildlife in Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park. Most private game reserves, such as uMfolozi Big Five Game Reserve offer a late afternoon game drive that stops for sundowners and then proceeds as a night drives.

Game drive at Phinda

Walking safari © Phinda Private Game Reserve

KZN offers an extensive network of nature reserves and game parks ensuring an abundance of flora and fauna to delight the visitor – from several hundred bird species, many species of antelope, hippo, cheetah, giraffe to the Big Five...lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. And when it comes to viewing big game the first and easiest option is on a GAME DRIVE. This can either be on an open game viewing vehicle with a game ranger or as a self-drive in your own motor vehicle when in a KZN Wildlife Park such as the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park and Ithala Game Reserve in Zululand and in uMkhuze Game Reserve the Eastern and Western Shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. All you need to do is pick up a map at the entrance, work out a manageable route and start looking. Game ranger with a piece of buffalo thorn

Another thrilling experience is to go on a GAME WALK in the bush in the company of a qualified ranger – not only is the thrill of anticipation heightened, but the senses are on overdrive! Some game reserves offer rhino tracking safaris where one first searches for their tracks from a vehicle and then on foot to find the rhino – the best experience is when one has the privilege of seeing these magnificent endangered species without them even knowing you where there. But whether you’re tracking rhino or just experiencing the bush in all its intricacies from the delicately ‘stitched’ nests of the tailor ants to trying out a bush toothbrush made from the chewed ends of the Magic Gaurri (Euclea divinorum) it’s a memorable experience. Another way of experiencing wildlife in the bush is on a HORSE-RIDING SAFARI, the benefit of viewing game by horseback is that you can get much closer to the game without them being skittish, such as in Pakamisa Private Game Reserve in Zululand and with Bhangazi Horse Safaris in iSimangaliso Wetland Park where one has the pleasure of riding on the beach as well as in the bush. Out-rides in the Drakensberg enable one to appreciate the fauna and flora o the region in valleys that are inaccessible by vehicle. Horse riding safari © Pakamisa

The experience on an open game viewing vehicle is definitely the better option as all the senses become engaged and you have the added benefit of the experienced eyes of the tracker and the wealth of knowledge of the game ranger, not just about the big game, but also about the little critters and the trees and plants. Learn about the significance of certain plants in Zulu culture, their medicinal uses and their importance in traditional ceremonies and religion, such as that of the buffalo thorn (Ziziphus mucronata), which is used by family members to retrieve the spirit of the deceased from where he died; that the fruit of the sausage tree (Kigelia Africana) is hung at the top of a home to stop lightening; that the Tamboti (Spirostachys Africana) and wild camphor tree (Tarchonanthus camphoratus) are rubbed together to create a powder that is used as a perfume and that the fruit of the snake (Solanum panduriforme) can be used for snake bite. Going on a NIGHT DRIVE offers the possibility of seeing nocturnal animals that are rarely seen during the day such as hyenas, aardvark, porcupine and

No matter what means of safari you choose, whether it be ocean, coastal, forest or bush, keep your mind open to seeing the less seen, the creatures and critters that are often overlooked in preference for the obvious, the Big Five, the whales, sharks and the ‘big tick’ birds. There is no truer word when it comes to going on safari than those uttered by Aristotle ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’. Enjoy doing KZN #Safari and #Adventure

KwaZulu-Natal, the place to be… the place to #DoKZNHeritage

| E&OE. Ts & Cs APPLY www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 13

Only 2 hours from Durban and 45 minutes from Richards Bay. Experience the best Safari and finest cuisine at the oldest Private Game Reserve in Zululand.

EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE, SAFARI LODGE, LUXURY TENTED CAMP AND CONFERENCE CENTRE Elephant Safari Lodge - Luxury, stylish dÃ©cor and gourmet cuisine. In airconditioned chalets. Luxury Tented Camp - Authentic African bush experience. Conference Centre - Up to 25 delegates. DAY VISITORS WELCOME FOR GAME DRIVE AND LUNCH Visit our website www.thulathula.com for special package on offer, or call us on 073 266 8577 / 082 259 9732 or email us on info@thulathula.com

14 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 15

16 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 17

IT’S THE SEASON FOR SUMMER WITH MSC CRUISES With the summer cruise season just around the corner, book your tickets and pack your bags for fabulous fun in the sun with MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately-owned cruise company! Arriving on 17 November 2019 for the 2019-20 Southern Africa Summer Season, MSC Orchestra will cruise the popular Mozambique, South African Coastal and Namibian itineraries, before returning to Europe on 18 April 2020. The exceptionally popular Durban-Mozambique itineraries will again include Pomene and/or Portuguese Island stops over a variety of dates and including three-, four- and five-night options. Experience ocean breezes, sun and fun as you laze around the pool, take in the vistas of the endless blue ocean and enjoy the variety of dining options and onboard activities – from taking in a movie, taking dance lessons and then dancing the night away. All this is just a prelude to time spent lazing on tropical white beaches and dipping into the clear warm ocean. Your MSC South Africa cruise welcomes you to Mozambique, a beach destination just waiting to be discovered. During your MSC Cruises holiday you can disembark in the picturesque Pomene Bay where a beautiful bay and an extraordinary lagoon awaits. The lagoon, part of the Pomene Nature Reserve, is a protected marine area that is set between the blue Indian Ocean and the mangrove forests. A MSC Cruises excursion to this sun-kissed place offers you the opportunity to relax with long walks or horseback riding on the beach, snorkelling in this underwater paradise and exploring the surrounding nature with the help of a guide, immersing yourself in lush leafy vegetation, with an abundance of different species, or watch the sunset while lying on the fine sand of Pomene Bay. Another African paradise stop is Portuguese Island, a protected marine reserve with white sandy beaches

18 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

and warm water. MSC Cruises has made upgrades to the island that include a wooden dining room, an excursion centre and a VIP area with sun loungers and bar service as well as paddle boards, sea kayaks and other activities. Options for the day include lounging around on the beach, walking around the island, or opting for an excursion to either Inhaca Island or snorkelling at Santa Maria. Or just browse the vibrant colourful local market with its choice of sarongs, beach clothes, wooden curios and other trinkets and get to mingle to the locals. Another popular cruise is from Cape Town to the West Coast to Namibia’s Walvis Bay, where activities include dining on homegrown oysters, and taking excursions to see whales, flamingos and pelicans, going quad-biking or sandboarding on one of the sand dunes or trips into the desert landscapes or to explore the harbour town of Swakopmund. MSC Cruises plans to grow its offerings to South Africans for the 2020/2021 Summer Cruise Season with the addition of a second ship – adding capacity for 50,000 additional cruise passengers. From December 2020 to March 2021, MSC Musica would be home-ported in Durban, with MSC Opera in Cape Town. MSC Opera can host 2,500 people and will offer 22 cruises next season alongside the MSC Musica, which accommodates 3,200 guests, will offer 40 cruises. Ross Volk, the managing director for MSC Cruises South Africa, said, “Our decision to increase the number of ships for the South African cruise season in 2020/2021 is due to the significant growth in demand we have seen in our guest numbers over the past few years as more South Africans are realising that a cruise is an affordable, convenient and exciting holiday option. This has knock-on benefits for the tourism sector for each of the cities we cruise to, particularly Durban, as most of our cruises depart from this port. These benefits are of

course enhanced by increased passenger volumes”. MSC Cruises was recently honoured by the KZN government at the KZN Investment Awards ceremony by being awarded the Certificate of Recognition for positive contribution to the tourism, shipping and logistics sectors of the region for its investment and commitment to the province. “MSC Cruises is honoured to be recognised by the KZN government in this way,” says Ross Volk, “as a company, we are committed to seeing tourism flourish in this country, as we know it is a key component of job creation and economic prosperity for South Africa.” An important element of a flourishing tourism sector for the KZN province is the construction of the new Durban port terminal that MSC Cruises has been involved in. As part of the KwaZulu Cruise Terminal Consortium (KTC), MSC Cruises has invested over R200 million in this project. The multiuser, state-of-the-art terminal, with a Zulu design will be iconic for Durban, and will substantially boost tourism numbers, create thousands of jobs and lead to supplier development. “This multi-user terminal will make Durban an even more desirable destination for cruise ships from all over the world,” explained Volk. He said, “All the partners in the initiative will shortly sign off the final design of the terminal and ground-breaking is scheduled to begin in November this year,” he said. “The design phase took a little longer than we anticipated, but it was vital that we got this right as we want the Durban Cruise Terminal to be an iconic destination. We hope the new port will be operational by January 2021.”

“The benefit of that is R5 billion in salaries coming back to South Africa,” Volk said. “Again, with all these factors, MSC is trying very hard to ensure that South Africa remains an incredible place to do business and as a tourism destination and supporter of job creation.” In addition to crew placement, the new academy aimed to provide training that was relevant to the cruise sector, as well as technicians, welders, boilermakers and maintenance and repair personnel for the container and cargo sector. Students would be required to do theoretical training and also serve on either a cruise or container vessel on any of MSC’s vessels globally to gain hands-on experience and expertise while studying towards their chosen area of interest. MSC Cruises said it was committed to investing in African tourism. “This investment has included infrastructure development in Mozambique – a popular cruising destination for South Africans – and continued collaboration with the Namibian government, as Walvis Bay is one of the ports that MSC Cruises sails to. There are also knock-on benefits for the tourist industries in the destinations that MSC Cruises sails to, which have been enhanced by increased passenger volumes.” www.msccruises.co.za

MSC Cruises is also committing to increasing job opportunities for South Africans. In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, the company will be opening its Shosholoza Ocean Academy in November 2019, which will provide free three-month training courses for young South Africans who qualify through MSC Cruises’ medical requirements. Those who successfully complete the course will be eligible to be employed on MSC Cruises’ ships across the world. MSC Cruises plans to get 3 000 to 5 000 new placements from South Africa over the next five years, which will bring around R5 billion in salaries back to South Africa. MSC said in a statement recently that Captain Salvatore Sarno, the chairperson of MSC SA, said, “It is part of our company’s long-term vision to support the president’s call for job creation by creating 5 000 more jobs within five years.” Talking about the new academy, Volk said: “What MSC is going to do is take young South Africans who are going to qualify through the medical and the other requirements and we will train them for free in a three-month course and put them on board MSC ships around the globe.” MSC is adding 17 new ships as it invests into its fleet it had invested in for over the next 10 years, which would need an average of 2 000 crew members. It would add up to between 30 000 to and 35 000 new crew and MSC plans to get 3 000 to 5 000 new placements from South Africa from now until 2024.

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 19

WORLD CLASS GRILL ROOM ALL ABOUT FOOD, WINE, CIGARS & VIBE

PLANNING AN EVENT? Working closely with our clients, we endeavour to ensure that an event surpasses expectations, while delivering a great deal of service and excellent food. We enjoy what we do, and take pride in sharing this with our guests.

THE VENUE

HAVANA GRILL is a world class grill room and an ultimate destination for the meat and seafood lover.

All cigars are imported from Cuba, and all non-smoking areas are well ventilated and completely unaffected by the smoking.

Situated at Suncoast on Durban’s Golden Mile, Havana Grill overlooks the popular Suncoast Beach and boasts magnificent views.

Launched in 2003 Havana Grill has established its reputation as one of the iconic dining options in the Greater Durban area.

We are in the vicinity of main highways making it a ten minute drive to local shopping centres. For those wishing to find local accommodation, the Suncoast Hotel & Towers adjoins the casino complex and there are a variety of hotels along the beachfront. Havana Grill is all about Food, Wine, Cigars and Vibe. We use only South African grain fed super beef, which is aged for a minimum of 21 days. The extensive Wine List features a variety of South African wines and we regularly visit estates to select the best vintages available.

A GRILL REVOLUTION Opening Times: We are open 7 days a week. Monday to Saturday: 12.00pm – 22.00pm Sunday: 12.00pm – 20:00pm Tel: +27 64 757 1141 Email: events@havanagrill.co.za www.havanagrill.co.za

Reservations can either be made in the restaurant for general seating; alternatively the private dining room can be reserved exclusively. Rather than charge a venue hire we work on a minimum spend for the individual venue to be used privately. We assist with events ranging from an intimate birthday party for 10 guests, to corporate dinner for 180 guests or a cocktail function for 200 guests. Our managers will offer assistance from start to finish to ensure your event runs smoothly.

THE MENUS We will assist you with the right menu for your event. Our various menus cater for different budgets and tastes; ranging from snacks, to three course menus along with our excellent a la carte menu. Our aim is to ensure that you receive the best quality food, drink & service at all times.

THE BUDGET We understand that events have budgets that must be considered and so will individually design your function to meet your requirements.

AWARD WINNING & STYLISH DINING IN THE UMHLANGA VILLAGE Little Havana is a contemporary and stylish, award-wining Steak House set above our Pintxada Restaurant in Granada Square in Umhlanga Village. Voted as the Best Steakhouse in South Africa by Wolftrap in 2015, you can expect world class grills and seafood served with the very best of local South African wines. Expect a splash of Cuba, a dash of plantations and a slice of KwaZulu-Natal colonialism. This is where South Africans celebrate birthdays, men propose, business people cut deals and families love to eat together. We are proud of our own in-house butchery where Little Havana’s free-range hormone-free meats are processed and aged.

Cell: +27 81 393 8205 / Tel: +27 31 561 7589 / Email: info@littlehavana.co.za Granada Square, 16 Chartwell Drive, Umhlanga Rocks / www.littlehavana.co.za 20 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

Opening Times: We are open 7 days a week. Lunch Hours: 12.00pm – 5.00pm (last order at 2.30pm) Dinner: 6.00pm to close (last order at 10.00pm)

full programme can be viewed on the website http:// poetryafrica.ukzn.ac.za/. Tickets are R60 for adults and R40 for pensioners and students and can be purchased through Computicket.

The red-letter event on Durban’s theatre scene this season is KickstArt’s deliciously sophisticated staging of Noel Coward’s classic, PRIVATE LIVES, playing at the Elizabeth Sneddon theatre from 24 October until 3 November. Amanda and Elyot used to be married. Now they are divorced. And starting life again with newer, younger, nicer spouses. They both decide to go to France for their honeymoons. To a lovely hotel in Nice. Unfortunately, they choose the same lovely hotel in Nice… In adjacent suites with a-joining balconies… The moon is full, the air is balmy, and the sweet night air is full of music… What could possibly go wrong? This wicked, stylish and sparkling comedy of very bad manners will delight adult audiences with its witty repartee, hilarious situations and outrageous characters. With gorgeous period costumes by fashion designer Terrence Bray, and atmospheric sets by Greg King, this theatrical delight starring Clare Mortimer, Steven Stead, Jessica Sole and Iain Robinson, is directed by Steven Stead and Mervyn McMurtry. Tickets through Computicket. This year’s 23rd edition of POETRY AFRICA in Durban, running from 7 to 12 October, features a host of local and sixteen international poets, at various venues and schools around Durban, with Opening Night and evening sessions at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre. The six-day programme will feature interactions and engagements with poets through performances, readings and book-launches with a number of poets featured each evening. Once again the festival includes the ever-popular DURBAN SLAM JAM COMPETITION and the festival finale, which showcases all the poets in the festival. The daytime programme includes a mashup of workshops, talks, discussions competitions, open mic opportunities, as well as visits to schools. The

Comic icon PIETER DIRK UYS brings his latest show, #HeTwo to KZN for performances in Pietermartizburg at the Hexagon from 14 to 16 November (Book at Webtickets) and in Durban at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre from 18 to 24 November (Book at Computicket). Expect the usual mayhem and more as the man of many guises morphs into Tannie Evita (“Uys dons false eyelashes and presidents listen...” L.A.TIMES).

the rising young Berlin-based, American conductor, Roderick Cox; and the distinguished South African maestro, Conrad van Alphen.

The season’s guest roster boasts an exceptional line-up of new talent, including violinist Avigail Bushakevitz; pianists Dmitry Shishkin and Megan Geoffrey Prins; British trumpet virtuoso Mathilda Lloyd; and leading choristers from Clermont Community Choir, SA Singers, Durban Symphonic Choir, and Joyful Sounds. For programme and booking details, visit https://kznphil.org.za/. For info of shows at The Playhouse Company in Durban’s CBD, visit https://playhousecompany.com

A highlight on this season’s classical music beat, watch out for a stellar chamber music event presented by Friends of Music at the Jewish Centre, KE Masinga Road on 16 October. Simply titled PIANO QUARTET, this features pianist Andrew Warburton, violinists Violeta Osorhean and Ralitza Macheva; violist David Snaith, and cellist Aristide du Plessis, in performances of Shostakovich’s Piano Quintet in G minor; Brahms’s Piano Quartet no. 1 in G minor; and the world premiere of local composer Warren Bessey’s “Variations of a Queen” for String Quartet. Tickets available at door and safe parking provided for this event, which starts a 7.30pm.

Finally, the popular Rhumbelow chain of venues and Durban, Kloof and Pietermaritzburg has a wealth of entertainment on offer over the next two months. A random selection of comedy, revues and supper theatre titles includes among many others: NOT FAMOUS; FAWLTY FLOWERS; HOT AUGUST NIGHT; a Fleetwood Mac tribute, THE CHAIN; a LEONARD COHEN tribute; and many more. For details of the robust full line-up of enticing shows in store for you this October and November, visit www.therhumbelow.wordpress.com or log onto https:///events.durbantheatre.com/ or email roland@stansell.co.za.

Also note the KZN PHILHARMONIC’S star-studded four concert series of Spring Season concerts runs in the Durban City Hall every Thursday between 31 October and 21 November, each starting at 7.30pm. The season sees the welcome return to the KZNPO’s podium of German maestro Wolfram Christ for the opening programme. He will be followed by popular Israeli-American conductor, Daniel Boico; www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 21

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

DURBAN A warm Durban welcome to all local and international cyclists taking the long ride in the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic which sees thousands of cyclists starting their 105km cycle from Pietermaritzburg to Durban. Be sure to find time to enjoy Durban’s vast stretches of golden sands, warm Indian Ocean and extensive beach promenade – perfect for a ‘cool down’ after a lengthy cycle! Or just skip the exercise altogether and spend your time in Durban’s wealth of natural spaces. An obvious place to start is on the Durban beachfront where you can stretch those legs with a jog on the promenade, flex those arms in the warm Indian Ocean, watch the seagulls as they ferret out scraps of food on the sand or don the snorkel and fins and head off Vetch’s Pier for a spot of snorkelling. Other popular snorkelling spots in Durban are the rock pools along Umhlanga’s beach and the Umdloti tidal pools. If you’re pressed for time, or the weather is against you, then opt for uShaka Marine World’s Snorkel Lagoon which will leave you exhilarated from the splendour of KZN’s aquatic creatures - and if you’re feeling brave, or just want to experience the magnificence of one of the ocean’s top predators, then a shark cage dive is for you. Or head out to sea for an ocean safari to look for dolphins, whales and pelagic birds. Prefer to keep your feet on solid ground? Then walk beneath the towering trees of the Durban Botanic Gardens, stop and ponder man’s negative impact on species as you gaze upon the original Wood’s cycad (Encephalartos woodii) that was transported here from the Ngoye forest in Zululand – a species that is now extinct in the wild. North of the uMngeni River is the delightful Beachwood Mangroves Nature Reserve with its red, white and black mangroves, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, kingfishers and a host of other birds. Walk the well-marked paths and boardwalks of the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve and discover vervet monkeys, small antelope, and a variety of birds and butterflies. And south of the harbour

DID YOU KNOW? is Durban’s oldest nature reserve, the Bluff Nature Reserve which comprises a wetland, lake and forest area. The Krantzkloof Nature Reserve in Kloof is a treasure trove for birders with more than 253 species recorded, including the Narina trogan, Knysna turaco and African crowned eagle, who have several nesting sites in the Kloof Gorge. Keen to see some bigger game whilst in the area? Head out to Phezulu Safari Park for a 4X4 game drive where you can see impala, blesbok, zebra and giraffe as well as a variety of bird species. Its location within the Valley of 1000 Hills offers spectacular views – stop on-route for coffee or a meal and breathe in the splendour of your surroundings. The nearby Tala Game Reserve offers more than 380 bird species, and plenty of big game, including kudu, hippo, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, eland and rhino. For a complete Big Five experience there are several tour operators that offer day trips into the expansive uMfolozi Hluhluwe Park and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

For more info check out the website www.durbanexperience.co.za www- -WHAT, WHAT,WHERE WHERE&&WHEN WHENOct-Nov Oct-Nov2019 2019 22 22 www

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 23

DURBAN STREET MAP AND TOURIST INFORMATION & SERVICES STREET NAME CHANGES NEW NAME.................................FORMER NAME Anton Lembede..........................Smith St Archie Gumede..........................Old Fort Place Bertha Mkhize.............................Victoria St Bertha Mkhize.............................Victoria St Braam Fischer..............................Ordinance Rd Charlotte Maxeke......................Beatrice St Che Guevara................................Moore Rd Chris Ntuli....................................Old Dutch Rd David Webster.............................Leopold St Denis Hurley................................Queen St Dorothy Nyembe.......................Gardiner St Dr Goonam..................................Prince Edward Dr Langalibalele Dube..............Winder St Dr Pixley Kaseme.......................West St Dr Yusuf Dadoo...........................Grey St Dullah Omar................................Masonic Grove Esther Roberts.............................Frere Rd Felix Dlamini................................Brickfield Rd Florence Nzama.........................Prince Alfred Ingcuce..........................................Albert St Isaiah Ntshangase.....................Walter Gilbert Joe Slovo.......................................Field St John Zikhali..................................Sydenham Joseph Nduli................................Russell St Julius Nyerere..............................Warwick Av K E Masinga.................................Old Fort Rd Khuzimpi Shezi...........................Williams Road King Dinuzulu (North).............Berea Rd (North) King Dinuzulu (South)..............Berea Rd (South) Lena Ahrens.................................Manning Rd Lilian Ngoyi..................................Windermere M L Sultan....................................Centenary Magwaza Maphalala.................Gale St Mahatma Gandhi......................Point Rd Margaret Mncadi........................Victoria Embankment Masabalala Yengwa...................NMR Masobiya Mdluli.........................Fisher St Mathews Meyiwa......................First Av & Stamfordhill Maud Mfusi..................................St Georges Monty Naicker............................Pine St O R Tambo....................................Marine Parade Peter Mokaba..............................North Ridge & Ridge Rd Problem Mkhize..........................Cowey Road & .........................................................Edith Benson RD Naidu......................................Stanley Copley Samora Machel...........................Aliwal Street Sandile Thusi................................Argyle Rd Smiso Nkwanyana.....................Goble Rd Stephen Dlamini........................Essenwood Sylvester Ntuli............................Brickhill Road • Parks & Gardens Durban Botanic Gardens..............031-309 1170 AIRPORT King Shaka International ACSA Help desk...........................032-436 6758 ACSA Info.....................................032-436 6585 Flight Info.....................................032 436 6000 24 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

Isle of Capri

ATTRACTIONS Suncoast.......................................031-328 3000 uShaka...........................................031-328 8000 Sibaya.............................................031-538 2000 • Museums Durban Natural Science Museum City Hall, Smith Street.............031-311 2256 Open daily: 08:30 -16:00; Sun 11:00 - 16:00 Kwa Muhle Museum ................031-311 2223 130 Ordnance Road; Open Mon - Sat • Parks & Gardens Durban Botanic Gardens............031-309 1170 Guide tours available Mitchell Park................................031-312 2318 • Natal Sharks Board.................031-566 0400 • Umgeni Bird Park....................031-579 4600 • Snake Park.................................073-156 9606 Minitown......................................031-33 7892 CONSULATES & EMBASSIES Argentina.................................................012 430 3527 Australia...................................................012 423 6000 Austria......................................................012 452 9155 Belgian......................................................011 912 9600

British........................................................012 421 7500 Botswana.................................................011 403 3748 Canada......................................................012 422 2300 Chile..........................................................031 564 0743 China.........................................................031 563 4534 Denmark..................................................031 267 8410 Eswatini....................................................012 344 1910 France.......................................................012 425 1600 Germany..................................................031 266 3920 Greece.......................................................086 188 8828 India...........................................................031 332 7020 Lesotho.....................................................031 307 2323 Mauritius..................................................031 207 9370 Mozambique...........................................031 303 7130 Netherlands............................................012 425 4500 New Zealand..........................................012 435 9000 Norway.....................................................012 364 3700 Pakistan....................................................012 362 4072 Paraguay..................................................012 347 1047 Portugal....................................................031 312 4854 Seychelles................................................012 348 0270 Spain..........................................................012 460 0123 Sweden.....................................................012 426 6400 United States of America...................031 305 7600

MEDICAL SERVICES City-med Services.....................031-309 1378 Ambulance...................................10177 • Hospitals Addington ...................................031-327 2000 Entabeni - South Ridge ..........031-204 1300 Parklands - Hopelands.............031-208 8181 St Augustines ..............................031-268 5000 Westville, Spine Rd....................031-265 0911 Umhlanga.....................................031-560 5500 • Medical Centres....................... North Beach ...............................031-332 6060 Gateway /Umhlanga................031-566 2777 Dental Centre .............................031-304 3000 Dental Emergency.....................031-564 2152 POLICE Flying Squad................................10111 SAPS ..............................................031-325 4259 Metro Police/Traffic..................031-306 4422 TAXI Eagle Taxis....................................031-337 8333 Lighthouse Cabs.........................083-440 8650 Mozzies..........................................031-263 0467 Umhlanga Rocks Taxi/ U-Cabs...........................................031-561 1846 Zippy Cabs...................................031-202 7067 HOT AIR BALLOONING Hot Air Ballooning KZN...........083 446 9423

TOURIST INFORMATION For Tourist Information visit Tourism KwaZulu-Natal Shop A1, Treasure World, Ushaka Marine World 1 King Shaka Avenue, Durban...........031 – 816 6600 TOURISM KWAZULU-NATAL (TKZN) Ithala Trade Centre, 29 Canal Quay (signal) Road, Point, Durban.........................................031 – 366 7500 DURBAN TOURISM Head Office 90 Florida Road.....................................031-322 4164 Airport Office.........................................031 322 6046 uShaka Office.........................................031 337 8099 Green Hub Office.................................031 303 8476 Beach Information Office..................031 322 4205 Gateway Office.....................................031 514 0572 Inanda Office.........................................031 519 2555 ThousandHills Tourism........................031 777 1874 Sapphire Coast Tourism......................031 903 7498 Umhlanga Tourism...............................031 561 4257 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 25

WHERE TO SHOP & WHAT TO DO MARKETS & SHOPPING The I t Market (031 582 8242 or www.iheartmarket.blogspot.com) features local foodies and designers on the first Saturday of every month, 09:00-14:00, on the Imbizo Lawns, Moses Mabhida Stadium. There’s music, food and crafts at Musgrave Centre’s Roof Top Night Market (031 277 8420) which takes place in the parking lot, Level 5, on the first Friday of the month from 17:00 to 21:30. The Musgrave Market (Melissa 073 625 6725) is wheelchair and animal friendly, and takes place every Saturday from 09:00-15:00 at Berea Park. Attractions include craft and fashion stalls, food stalls, fresh produce stalls and a kiddies’ entertainment area. Antiques, food, fine art, books, fashion, music and more can be found at The Stables Lifestyle Market (031 312 3058), a family and pet-friendly environment situated at Jacko Jackson Drive, next to King’s Park. Opens Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 18:00-22:00, Sundays & public holidays 10:00-17:00. The Victoria Street Market (031 306 4021), Durban’s original Indian market, is situated in Berta Mkhize Street and opens daily to sell everything from brass ornaments, curios and clothing to fish, spices and music. The Amphitheatre Craft Market (031 301 3200) is open every Sunday 09:0016:00 on Durban Beachfront, with the focus on curios and textiles.

EVERLASTING WHOLESALE Secure parking CASH & CARRY & environment We are an importer, wholesaler and retailer who stock a wide range of beads, beading tools and accessories, fashion jewellery, cosmetics, bags, gifts, stationery, toys, household & party items. 35 Monty Naicker Street (Pine Street), Durban Tel: 031-368 2161, Fax: 031-332 0564, Email: everlasting01@telkomsa.net Shop 1C Southway Mall, 27 Titren Rd, Rossburgh, Tel: 031-465 2813 Shop 17, Arbour Crossing, 2 Oppenheimer Road, Umbogintwini, Tel: 031-904 5410 Follow us on facebook on Everlasting Products cc and check out our website on www.everlastingproducts.co.za 26 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

Located behind Greyville Racecourse, First Avenue, the Greyville Car Boot & Second Hand Clothing Market (083 300 2999) takes place on a Sunday between 05:00 and 15:00. The African Art Centre (031 312 3804), which has recently moved to the Phansi Museum, Roberts House, 500 Esther Roberts Road in Glenwood, nurtures and promotes the work of original artists and craftspeople, and showcases a variety of high quality fine art, Zulu beadwork, ceramics and baskets. Every purchase made provides income and employment for more than 600 artists and crafters currently supported by the Centre.

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN DURBAN - OCT-NOV Every Wednesday Underground Comedy – The Winston Pub, 9 Clark Road, Umbilo. (031 201 2652) Every Thursday 18:00 ‘Open Stage’ for aspiring musicians and artists in and around Durban – The Winston Pub, 9 Clark Road. (031 201 2652) 2-4 Oct DUT Fashion Show – The Station Urban Event Space. 2-4 Oct 08:00 IMESA Conference – Durban ICC. (031 360 1005) 3 Oct 16:30 ‘First Thursdays Market’ with more than 45 upmarket pop-up stalls, kids’ zone, live entertainment, art showcase and delicious food served on-the-go from Republik, Stretta, XinYuan and Mythos restaurants – The Colony, 50 Old Main Road, Hillcrest. 4 Oct 17:00-22:00 Kloof Street Food Feast is a plasticfree event with more than 30 different food stalls ranging from Chinese and Shisa Nyama to Burgers and Shwarmas, not to mention Gluhwein and a true Mozam-style R&R bar – Kloof Country Club, 26 Victory Road. 4&5 Oct 20:00 ‘Hot August Night: The Music of Neil Diamond’ featuring Barry Thomson and The Reals – Rhumbelow Theatre, Northlands, 50 Margaret Maytom Avenue. (Tickets via Computicket) 5 Oct 12:00 Durban Cheese and Wine Festival with unlimited complimentary wine, the tastiest cheeses, charcuterie and artisanal breads, live music, food stalls and specialty coffee – Chris Saunders Park, Umhlanga. (Webtickets) 5 Oct 12:00-23:59 Umlazi Gin Fest hosted by NUZ Township Tourism showcases an amazing selection of gin brands, food by celebrity chefs and the best entertainment line-up – Umlazi MegaCity. 5 Oct 11:00-18:00 Hoptober Fest Craft Experience with more than 20 local and national breweries and distilleries, street food and craft stalls, as well as live entertainment from local artists and a kids’ area – Jonsson King’s Park, Jacko Jackson Drive. (www.quicket.co.za) 5 Oct 18:00-23:00 The Crafter Party: Official Hoptober Fest After Party – S43, That Brewing Company, 43 Station Drive, Morningside. 5 Oct Shusha’s Bang Two is hosted by Cindy Makhathini & Lwazi Shusha – Tate’s Kasi Grill. 6 Oct 09:30 Photo Fair Africa – Camp Orchards, Inanda Road, Hillcrest. 6 Oct & 3 Nov 10:00-15:00 Durban Book Fair – Mitchell Park, 10 Ferndale Avenue, Morningside. 7-9 Oct Annual Cigfaro Conference – Durban ICC. (011 394 0879) 8-10 Oct 09:00 The World Conference On Drowning Prevention – Durban ICC. (031 312 9251) 11 Oct Darren Maule & Friends – Durban ICC. (Book at Computicket) 12 Oct 18:00-21:00 Makaranga Moonlight Picnic – Preorder a picnic basket (unfortunately no BYO). Makaranga Garden Lodge, Kloof. (031 764 6616) 12 Oct 12:00 RoseFest Durban coincides with the

anniversary of Shekhinah’s debut album ‘Rosegold’ – King’s Park Stadium Outer Fields. (Webtickets) 12 Oct 18:00 ‘Spaghetti & Jazz’ presented by Spiga and Black City Records is an evening featuring the quintessential sound and taste of Durban, with Gloire Mapenzi and the Black City Band – Alliance Française, 22 Sutton Crescent. (Webtickets) 12 Oct 19:00-23:30 Tiger’s Milk Suncoast Launch Party with live music by MiCasa – Shop LR020, Suncoast Casino. 12 Oct 13:30 ‘An Evening of Inspiration: Story Time with Zain Bhikha’ marks the 15th anniversary of Islamic Relief in South Africa and features a line-up of artists which includes Zain Bhikha, joined by comedians Omar Regan (USA) and Ali Official (UK) – The Crescent, Umhlanga Ridge. (031 566 2887) 12 Oct-4 Nov Diwali India Shopping Festival – Moses Mabhida Stadium. 13 Oct 14:00 Jamin’ the Park promises a great family-friendly Sunday afternoon in the country, with performances by the John Ellis Trio (Tree 63) and Serrotone (Spoonfeedas & Cubic Inch), who between them have more than 15 SA radio hits and more in the USA, and have performed alongside the likes of Bryan Adams, Ronan Keating, Metallica, Muse, Collective Soul and more – The Durban Shongweni Club. (082 789 1976 or Webtickets) 15-16 Oct 09:00 8th Annual African Ports & Rail Evolution – Durban ICC. 16 Oct 19:30 Friends of Music Recital: Andrew Warburton Quartet – Durban Jewish Centre. (Tickets at door) 17 Oct 19:00-22:00 Whiskey Tasting Experience – Makaranga Garden Lodge. 21-23 Oct 07:00 6th South African Young Water Professionals Biennial Conference – Durban ICC. (031 303 9852) 25&26 Oct 20:00 Halloween Weekend – Origin Nightclub. (Book via Computicket) 25-26 Oct Talloula Christmas Showcase – 61 Old Main Road, Botha’s Hill. (031 777 1586) 26&27 Oct 11:30-21:30 Durban Sushi & Wine Festival offers the best fresh sushi, prawns, seafood, veg and vegan sushi and dessert, live music and DJs – Alliance Café, 22 Sutton Crescent. (www.quicket.co.za) 27 Oct 10:00-21:00 The Chilla Nathi Cookout Experience promises excellent food, fashion, art, wine and craft beer, mixed with great music – King’s Park Outer Fields, Jacko Jackson Drive, Stamford Hill. (Webtickets) 27 Oct 10:00-16:30 Butlers Christmas Market – 24 Old Main Road, Hillcrest. 27-30 Oct 09:00 SITA Gov Tech Conference – Durban ICC. (012 482 2392) 1 Nov 18:00 Live DVD Recording of Andile Mbili – The Station Urban Event Space. (Book at Computicket) 2 Nov 12:00 Umlazi Jazz Festival – King Zwelithini Stadium. (Book via Computicket)

3 Nov 12:30 Old Mutual Music at the Lake featuring Lady Zamar & Black Motion – Durban Botanic Gardens, John Zikhale (Sydenham) Road. (031 322 4021 or www.webtickets.co.za) 8-10 Nov 14:00-19:00 Makaranga Christmas Faire – Makaranga Garden Lodge, Kloof. (031 764 6616) 9-10 Nov 09:00 The Hair and Beauty Extravaganza – Durban Exhibition Centre. (Webtickets) 16 Nov 14:00 5th INK Hop Festival – Princess Magogo Stadium. (Book with Computicket) 16 Nov 17:00 SA Singers’ 20 Anniversary Celebration with the premiere of The Crucifixion, composed and orchestrated by Nqobile Nkonzo – Durban City Hall, Anton Lembede Street. (Webtickets) 24 Nov 12th SABC Crown Gospel Music Awards – Durban ICC. (081 846 1824) 30 Nov 20:00 Blacks Only Comedy Weekend showcases some of the country’s best comedians, including David Kau – The Globe at Suncoast. (Computicket) 30 Nov 08:00-15:00 Christmas Market in the Meadow – Inanda Road, Hillcrest.

SPORT HIGHLIGHTS 2, 6, 13, 16, 20, 23, 25 & 30 Oct Horseracing at Greyville Racecourse. (031 314 1500) 3 Oct Cricket: 2019/20 CSA 3-Day Provincial Cup: KwaZulu-Natal vs South Western Districts – Kingsmead Cricket Stadium. (Book via Ticketpro) 6 Oct Cricket: 2019/20 CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge: KwaZulu-Natal vs South Western Districts – Kingsmead Cricket Stadium. (Book via Ticketpro) 13 Oct 07:00 FNB Durban 10km Citysurf Run – Athlone Drive, Blue Lagoon. (087 012 5044) 16-18 Oct Golf: Senior SA Strokeplay Champs – Durban Country Club. 20 Oct 07:00-20:00 Tsogo Sun Amashova is an annual mass participation cycling event attracting more than 10 000 cyclists nationally and following a route between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, with distances of 35km, 65km and 106km. 24 Oct 18:00 Insikerator Time Trial Leauge #9: 4km Ladies & 8km Men’s – Sydenham Sports Club. 26 Oct 15:00 Absa Premiership Soccer League: Golden Arrows vs Polokwane City – Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium 27 Oct 07:00-12:00 Tinman Triathlon 2019 Event #4 – Durban Suncoast beach. 1, 3, 6, 10, 13, 17, 24 & 29 Nov Horseracing at Greyville Racecourse. (031 314 1500) 6 Nov 19:30 AmaZulu FC vs Stellenbosch FC – King Zwelithini Stadium. 9 Nov 20:15 AmaZulu FC vs Chippa United – King Zwelithini Stadium. 10 Nov 16:00 Golden Arrows vs Mamelodi Sundowns FC – Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium 21 Nov Cricket: 2019/20 CSA 3-Day Provincial Cup: KwaZulu-Natal vs North West – Kingsmead Cricket Stadium. (Book via Ticketpro) 23 Nov 1860 Challenge 10km & 5km Run/Walk – King’s Park Athletics Stadium. (083 783 6363) 24 Nov Cricket: 2019/20 CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge: KwaZulu-Natal vs North West – Kingsmead Cricket Stadium. (Book via Ticketpro) 30 Nov 16:00-21:00 UV Foam Glow 4k promises fun for the whole family with UV foam, UV paint, UV splash paint glow accessories and a 4km route that will have you running, dancing or skipping – Giba Gorge MTB Park. (031 769 1527) 30 Nov 09:00 Daily News Santa Run powered by The Hub is KZN’s freshest Christmas-themed 5km experience, taking participants in and around the Kings Park precinct, through various fun activities such as inflatables, tunnels of lights, and more – Jonsson King’s Park Stadium. (www.thesantarun.co.za) www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 27

WELCOME TO

Umhlanga You and your family are invited to enjoy a laidback holiday along Umhlangaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fabulous stretch of coastline. Experience our village vibe and fine dining at an array of delicious eateries Find your best adventure in Umhlanga which offers plenty to do. Ocean enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers will be in their element. Surfing, deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, kiteboarding and microlight flips are all available. Shopping Centres, like Gateway, the best tour operators, nature trails, nearby golf courses and Sibaya Casino, are just some of the key attractions on offer. KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board offers a dynamic audiovisual presentation that has a powerful combination of aerials, slow pans, tight closeups and superb imagery. The show is highly educational, providing information on subjects such as the sensory biology of sharks and their role as top predators in the marine environment. The show is followed by a shark dissection where you can see the internal anatomy of one of the oceanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most feared predators. Something to look forward to is the annual SUMMER CARNIVAL taking place between 14-23 December. You and the kids can take part in loads of family fun and entertainment activities on offer daily at beach events (Details in our next edition)

For all info please bookmark www.umhlangatourism.co.za Tel: 031 561 4257

28 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

PIETERMARITZBURG

MIDLANDS

The Pietermaritzburg Midlands region offers visitors a wonderful blend of history, culture, craft and nature. It’s an area where farmland, rolling hills and country lanes come to life as quaint coffee shops, morning markets and a wealth of creative studios where everything from lifesize bronze sculptures and wrought iron homeware to intricate glass beads are fashioned with care. There are numerous ‘shop till you drop’ opportunities to take home the perfect hand-woven rug, wrought iron candlesticks or designer pottery teapot. And in between, enjoy nature’s bounty in the forests, along bubbling streams and rolling hillsides. Midmar Dam, located within the Midmar Nature Reserve, is a popular spot along the Midlands Meander and offers a variety of water sports, from boating and water-skiing to swimming and fishing. The Resort is also a popular spot for camping, hiking, mountain bike riding and even game viewing – with its rolling grasslands home to various game species such as, red hartebeest, black wildebeest, zebra, blesbok, reedbuck and oribi. The mist-belt indigenous forests, grasslands and wetlands of the Karkloof Nature Reserve are a significantly biodiverse area with several endemic species of flora and fauna, including the Karkloof Blue Butterfly and a sub-species of the crested guinea fowl. Most of the Reserve is privately owned with limited access, however a Karkloof Canopy Tour offers a unique perspective to this pristine forest that has you whizzing past towering trees, cliff faces dotted with orchids and over a pristine forest floor… adrenalin junkies will certainly enjoy the rush!

DID YOU KNOW? pursuit, go fly fishing in what is considered some of the best trout fishing waters in South Africa. Or haul out the binoculars and see how many of the ‘specials’ you can tick on the Midlands Birding Route – these include all three of the country’s crane species, the rare blue swallow, mangrove kingfisher and the southern bald ibis. If all this activity leaves you feeling weary, then book some ‘me time’ surrounded by the fragrance of lavender and lemon grass at a glorious Midlands spa! The Pietermaritzburg City Hall, rebuilt in 1895 after fire ravaged the original building, is said to be the largest brick building in the southern hemisphere - and is the starting point of the Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic 2019. This, the oldest road classic cycle race in South Africa sees thousands of cyclists starting their 105km cycle to Durban. Not into cycling? Then take a walk through the Pietermaritzburg’s historical centre and enjoy the architecture and history of the town, as well as its wonderful museums and art galleries.

Other adventure activities in the region include memorable mountain biking and 4x4 trails through forests and hills or abseiling down the 107m drop down of the Howick Falls. Get wet as you go tubing or kayaking down the Dusi River or white water rafting on the magnificent Umkomaas River, said to be second only to the mighty Zambezi. For a more leisurely

For more info check out the website www.midlands.kzn.org.za www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 29

30 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

MIDLANDS MAP & TOURISM OFFICES HUCTO - Howick-Umngeni Community Tourism Organisation Tel: 033-330 2355 Cell: 0829327549 E-mail: howickinfo@gmail.com MSUNDUZI PIETERMARITZBURG TOURISM ASSOCIATION Tel: 033 345 1348 E-mail: events@pmbtourism.co.za MIDLANDS TOURISM ORG Tel: 033 330 2355 E-mail: tour.ed32@gmail.com

MIDLANDS MEANDER ASSOCIATION Tel: 033 330 8195 E-mail: info@midlandsmeander.co.za NOTTINGHAM ROAD TOURISM AND INFORMATION CENTRE Tel: 033 266 6308 E-mail:notts@bundunet.com ZULU MPHOPHOMENI TOURISM EXPERIENCE Tel: 082 228 2044 E-mail: frank@zmte.co.za

THE MIDLANDS AMBLE Tel: 082 300 0147 E-mail: erskines@vodamail.co.za

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN IN THE MIDLANDS OCT-NOV Every Saturday 06H00 - 10H00 Pietermaritzburg Farmer’s Market – Alexandra Park behind Harry Gwala Stadium. Tel: Mike Paulton on 082 886 0687 07H00 – 10H00 Karkloof Farmers’ Market – 26km from Howick off the Karkloof Road. Access gained off the D507. Tel: Andrea 082 820 8986 09H00 – 14H00 Craft Market – City Hall. Contact Michell Wilter. Tel: 033 396 2807 08H00 – Hilton parkrun – Grace College, Hilton Email: will@humbletill.com Every second Saturday 09H00 - 13H00 Jesmond Dene Craft & Farmer’s Market – 204 Murray Rd, Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg jesmonddenemarket@gmail.com / Tel: 072 822 6950 Every Sunday The Midlands Country Market – Peters Gate Herbal Centre, Lidgetton. Tel: 076 412 1320 Every Saturday & Sunday Wine Tasting. Different wines every weekend – Meander Fine Wines. Piggly Wiggly Farm Stall. R102 Dargle Every Sat. Sun. & Public Holiday Albert Falls Miniature Railway – The Horse Shoe, Albert Falls 10h00 – 17h00 Tel: Rob 082 343 9686. First Thursday of every month Kilgobbin Forest Walk – Dargle (09h00 – 11h00) Tel: Barend Booysen - 082 787 0797 First Sunday of every month Boston Forest Walk – Boston (09h00 – 11h00) Tel: Carol Segal - 083 450 6792 Notties Country Craft Market – Nottingham Road First Wednesday of every month Gartmore Farm Walk – Karkloof (09h00 – 12h00) Tel: Robyn McGillivray - 082 802 8949 First Friday of every month Milestone Forest Walk – Balgowan (09h00 – 11h00) Tel: Marilyn Revesz - 082 427 3365 Second Tuesday of every month Mpophomeni Hills Walk – Mpophomeni (09h00 –

11h00). Tel: Penz Malinga - 071 450 9320 Third Sunday of every month Curry’s Post Conservancy Walk – Curry’s Post (09h00 – 11h00) Tel: Sarah Allen - 076 578 2941 Third Thursday of every month Fort Nottingham Reserve – Lion’s Bush (09h00 – 11h00) Tel: Roy Tabernor - 082 487 0922 Last Tuesday of every month Symmonds Stream Walk – Howick (09h00 – 11h00) Tel: Pam Haynes - 083 456 9202 Last Sunday of every month Beacon Hill Walk – Howick (09h00 to 11h00) Tel: Eve Hughes - 082 872 4333 Every Saturday & Sunday in December Christmas Gifts Exhibition – St John’s Village Lifestyle Centre, Karkloof Rd, Howick Tel: 033 3304118 5 October PMB Food Festival – Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg. Tel: 033 395 8000 6 October Rave Rhino Family Fun Run & Ride – Tala Private Game Reserve. www.roag.co.za Karkloof Club Trail Run – Karkloof Mountain Bike Club, Karkloof. Tel: 082 791 7069 6-9 October Benny Bushwacker, A Comedy of Conservation – starring Ben Voss – The Hexagon Theatre, Golf Rd, UKZN Campus, Pietermaritzburg www.webtickets.co.za 11 October Hilton Comedy Festival – Featuring Jem Atkins & Barry Hilton – Grace College, HIlton www.gracecollege.co.za/events 13 October The Swinging Sixties - Dave Monks & Mario – Rhumbelow Theatre, Allan Wilson Shellhole, Pietermaritzburg. Tel: 082 499 8636 20 October Tsogo Sun Amashova Durban Classic (Cycle Race) –

Pietermaritzburg to Durban www.shova.co.za 26 October Cascades Music & Comedy Festival – Cascades Lifestyle Centre, Pietermaritzberg Tel: 033 347 1486 Brenda Mtambo (An intimate night of music) – Golden Horse Casino, Pietermaritzburg Tel: 033 395 8000 27 October Don’t Worry Be Happy – The Gee Jays – Rhumbelow Theatre, Allan Wilson Shellhole, Pietermaritzburg Tel: 082 499 8636 3 November Summer Series – Aloe Wildlife (Trail running) – Aloe Wildlife Estate, Camperdown www.kzntrailrunning.co.za 8 November PJ Powers - Journey with Friends with Tigger Reunert and Drakondale Girls Choir at Drakondale Girls Choir School Tel: 083 777 3002 9 November HCF Food & Craft Market – Hilton Christian Fellowship, Hilton College Rd, Hilton Email: hcfcraftmarket@gmai.com 10 November Save Supermarket Orion 10km Run/Walk – Save Hyper, Pietermaritzburg Tel: Ajith Deena – 083 659 2732 17 November Greater Edendale 10km Run/Walk – FNB Wadley Stadium, Edendale, Pietermaritzburg Tel: Thami Vilakazi – 083 413 9827 24 November Hot August Night – The Music of Neil Diamond – Rhumbelow Theatre, Allan Wilson Shellhole, Pietermaritzburg Tel: 082 499 8636 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 31

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

BATTLEFIELDS The Battlefields region offers picturesque landscapes with rolling plains, rocky hills, undulating valleys and a concentration of historical battle sites. Rock strewn hills and fields littered with graveyards and the remains of fortifications are memorials to the battles that took place over numerous years shaping both South African and British history. With more recorded battlefields than anywhere else in Africa, this is the place to discover another facet of the Zulu Kingdom’s past. But a visit to this fascinating region is so much more than just battlefields. There are opportunities for adventure, from white water rafting and mountain biking, to less strenuous activities like game viewing or a round of golf – the beautiful 18-hole golf course at Vulintaba Country Estate in Newcastle is in the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains. A number of towns in the region have nature on their doorsteps… Vryheid has the Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve, which is home to a number of endemic bird species, including the blue cane, ground woodpecker and olive bush-shrike - in addition to great birding and incredible scenery, the Reserve offers a one-day hiking trail that passes several gun points dating back to the Anglo-Boer War. And Utrecht, a ‘town within a game park’, nestling in a corner of the Balele mountains offering outdoor activities such as hiking, horse trails and trout fishing – both on dams and on the Bivane River. Don’t miss the chance of ‘ticking’ one of the nearly 400 species of bird that have been identified along the Amajuba Birding Meander and is particularly rewarding for species where ‘grassveld meets the berg’. Significant birdwatching destinations within the region include: Seekoeivlei at Memel, a Ramsar site; the Wakkerstroom district; Moorfield and the Vangervlei (an IBA and Natural Heritage site); Bushveld habitats around Utrecht and Rorke’s Drift; high-altitude habitats through Normandien, Muller’s and Botha’s passes; the Newcastle Sewerage works and the Chelmsford Dam. Some of the special birds of the area include the ground woodpecker, blue korhaan, Botha’s and Rudd’s lark, all three cranes, buff-streaked chat, mountain chat, bush blackcap, yellow-breasted pipit, pale-crowned cisticola, the black egret,

DID YOU KNOW? all five of the harriers, both sparrow-hawks, and most of the kestrels. This region is fortunate to be able to offer a Big Five experience that doesn’t require malaria medication at the Nambiti Game Reserve near Ladysmith. With its varied0biodiversity – from rolling grasslands and wetlands to riverine bush and thornveld, and 45 species of game, including cheetah, giraffe, hippo, hyena, impala, eland and zebra in addition to the lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo of the Big Five it offers thrilling game viewing. Keen birders will enjoy the challenge of ticking Nambiti’s specials: lappet-faced vulture, Amur falcon, banded martin, red-backed shrike and the African quail finch. In addition to this, the Reserve’s luxurious lodges are ideal for exploring the nearby Anglo-Boer War memorial sites, with gravesites of soldiers that had been killed in the Battle of Elandslaagte in October 1899 on the reserve itself.

For more info check out the website www.battlefields.kzn.org.za 32 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

BATTLEFIELDS TOURISM OFFICES Utrecht Museum Tel: 034 331 3249 E-mail: utrechtmuseum@jenny.co.za UTRECHT

UMZINYATHI DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY Tel: 034 219 1500 E-mail: tourism@umzinyathi.gov.za Msinga Office Tel: 033 493 0761 E-mail: buthelezim@msinga.gov.sa BATTLEFIELDS ROUTE Tel: 082 802 1643 route@battlefields.org.za DUNDEE TOURISM Tel: 034 212 2121x2262 E-mail: info@tourdundee.co.za GREYTOWN MUSEUM Tel: 033 413 9124 LADYSMITH TOURISM Tel: 036 637 2992 E-mail: info@ladysmith.co.za

AMAJUBA DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY Tel: 034 329 7200; E-mail:tourism@amajuba.gov.za Newcastle Office Tel: 034 315 3318; E-mail: info@newcastle.co.za

UTRECHT TOURISM Gerhardt Smook (Vise-Chairperson) Cell:082 856 2973 Email: gerhardt@nuwebegin.org Marissa Venter (Secretary); Cell: 082 782 7552 Email: oppieplaas@live.co.za

OCT-NOV EVENTS Every Saturday Park Run - Grey Goose Game Lodge, Newcastle Tel: Tanja Parkinson – 034 315 3221 6 October Social Market – Osizweni Experience – Khazin’s Butchery & Shisanyama, Osizweni, Newcastle Tel: SMN Events – 061 436 1717 24-27 October Bike & Battle (MTB) – Rorkes Drift Hotel, Rorkes Drift. Email: info@detourtrails.co.za 26-27 October Bivane MTB & Trail Challenge – Bivane Dam, Near Vryheid/Louwsberg. www.bivanedam.co.za 02 November Siyanda Maphumulo (Comedy Experience) – Newcastle Farmer’s Hall, Newcastle Show Grounds, Newcastle. Book at Computicket 16 November Doek On Fleek Strictly women only lifestyle event and women’s movement that seeks to empower and unite women. Scrapyard Lounge, Newcastle. http://www.doekonfleek.org Book at Computicket 23 November Deep in House (music event) – The Village Walk Inn, Madadeni, Newcastle Tel: 072 134 4468

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 33

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

NORTH COAST The KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast is an unspoilt natural environment with a lush sub-tropical coastline and warm waters, stretching from Zimbali to the mighty Thukela River. This is the playground of bottlenose dolphins, which frolic in the waters close to shore and are visible all year round. The North Coast shoreline offers a perfect combination of golden beaches and sheltered coves for the definitive beach pleasure – sun, surf, fishing, horseback beach rides or snorkelling.

The Dolphin Coast shoreline offers a perfect combination of golden beaches and sheltered coves for the definitive beach pleasure – sun, surf, fishing, horseback beach rides or snorkelling… see a bottlenose dolphin for the first time; taste the spicy foodstuffs of the large Indian community that has made this region home; touch the fine detail of hand crafted art; smell the subtle fragrance of lemon grass as you relax at a spa; hear the sounds of sea gulls as you stroll along the beach. Explore pristine estuaries and hike the coastal forests of the region’s nature reserves or get adventurous and go quad biking through the sugar cane fields or take a flip along the magnificent coastline by microlight, looking out for whales in season and dolphins surfing in the waves. Scuba divers can view a wide variety of marine life on one of the regions popular diving spots - Sheffield Reef, Big Bream Reef and Lemon Fish reef, as well as on three artificial reefs created by the offshore. The KZN North Coast has some of the richest waters in the world for deep-sea fishing and keen anglers will have the opportunity to try their luck for snoek, Cape salmon, dorado and swordfish – and it’s not just the fishing experience that will excite, the launch into the ocean through the waves is sure to get the adrenalin pumping. Whales, dolphins, turtles and marine birds may also be sighted on a fishing trip. The less adventurous will enjoy going on a snorkelling safari with Tidal Tao where you get to explore one of the southern-most shallow water coral on the planet. You have the opportunity of seeing a wide variety of fish including damselfish, butterfly

DID YOU KNOW? fish and parrotfish, underwater forests of sea sponges and corals and even nudibranchs (a type of sea slug), Moray Eels, and a variety of coral species. In addition to offering a great beach experience, the Zinkwazi Lagoon offers birders a great opportunity to tick off a variety of aquatic and riverine species black crake, goliath, purple and green-backed herons, African finfoot as the mangrove kingfisher. The coastal forest surrounding the lagoon yields one of the highest north coast specials for birders including African wattleeye, green twinspot, green pigeon, pygmy kingfisher and scalythroated honeyguide. Canoes are available to explore the extensive habitats surrounding this estuarine system. Find yourself a local BirdLife South Africa guide and head to the Gumbi Trails along the uThukela River for possible sightings of the African emerald cuckoo, crowned eagles and lanner falcons, both of whom nest in the cliffs.

For more info check out the website www.dolphincoast.kzn.org.za 34 www -- WHAT, WHAT, WHERE WHERE & & WHEN WHEN Oct-Nov Oct-Nov 2019 2019 34 www

NORTH COAST TOURISM OFFICES North Coast Tourism Offices SANGWENI TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Tel: 072 437 5183 Email: sphelelen@kwadukuza.gov.za KWADUKUZA TOURISM Tel/Fax: 032-437 5021/5183 Email: sphelelen@kwadukuza.gov.za

ENTERPRISE ILEMBE Tel: +27(0)32 946 1256 Fax: +27(0)32 946 3515 eMail: info@enterpriseilembe.co.za

OCT-NOV EVENTS Daily Microlight flights in Ballito - Ballito Microlight School. Bookings essential Tel: 082 659 5550 Take the kids to Flag Farm Animal Farm (Ballito) - Daily from 09H00 to 16H30. Every Saturday Sugar Rush Saturday Market – Sugar Rush Park, Ballito. Email: gill@sugarrush.co.za Monthly on second Saturday of each month Farmers Market – The Litchi Orchard, Seaforth Avenue, Salt Rock, Umhlali. Tel: 032 525 5118 Monthly on last Friday of each month Night Market – The Litchi Orchard, Seaforth Avenue, Salt Rock, Umhlali. Tel: 032 525 5118 6 October Marriot Ballito Beats – The Parlotones – Sugar Rush Park, Ballito. www.ballitobeats.co.za 13 October Coastal Series – Blythedale (Trail Running) – Blythedale Coastal Estate www.kzntrailrunning.co.za / Tel: 082 791 7069 30 October – 1 November Christmas Country Fair – Collisheen Estate. Tel: 032 815 1107 1 November TriTanium (multi-discipline stage race) – Sugar Rush Park, Ballito. Email: race@TriTanium.co.za 28 November – 6 December Matric Dance Rage –Ballito. Tel: 011 326 3961 / Email: info@ragefestival.co.za

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 35

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

UKHAHLAMBA

DRAKENSBERG Named ‘Ukhahlamba’ by the Zulu people and ‘The Dragon Mountain’ by the Dutch Voortrekkers. The awe-inspiring Drakensberg Mountains, with their massive cliffs towering over grasslands, riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests, fresh mountain streams and cascading waterfalls, form an enormous barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho. In combining sheer natural beauty with a wealth of biological diversity, this 243 000-hectare mountainous region known the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park well deserves its international status as a World Heritage Site. These mountains offer the visitor a wide range of experiences, from adrenalin pumping rock-climbing routes (for the experienced and well-equipped only) to abseiling, kloofing and white-water rafting. A gentler, more leisurely option would be to enjoy one of the many hiking routes on both lower and upper slopes - watch out for the 290 species of birds, 48 species of mammals, or the rare varieties of plant-life. There are many marked trails - from short ambles through indigenous fern forests to more strenuous full day hikes traversing rivers and hillsides to full-on over-night adventuring. Although accidents are rare, be sure to complete the Mountain Rescue Register. Part of each entry fee goes towards the invaluable emergency search and rescue service provided by volunteers of the Mountain Club of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal Section. The lower slopes of these mountains were once teeming with herds of eland, prized game for the San, the original inhabitants of this region. Some 350 years ago they were displaced by African tribes and the arrival of early European settlers, but evidence of their reverence of the eland can still be seen as rock art in numerous cave and overhang sites between Royal Natal National Park in the north and Bushman’s Nek in the south. Visit to the Kamberg Rock Art Centre for a guided four-km hike up to the Game Pass Shelter to view the incredibly well-preserved San paintings depicting their way of life. Enjoy the wildflowers and diverse grasses on-route, fill your water-bottle from the mountain stream, look out for eland, bushbuck and gazing skywards one might be lucky and spot a Lammergeier, the endangered bearded vulture. Specials for birders in this region are the Drakensberg Siskin and the Drakensberg (orange-breasted) rockjumper.

DID YOU KNOW? The mist-belt forests and grasslands of this region is where you’re likely to spot the endangered Cape parrot, orange ground thrush and blue swallow - the Matswaru Forest Trail and boardwalk, an initiative of the SappiWWF TreeRoutes partnership, is a series of arterial trails that lead through and around the forest, incorporating a number of lookout jetties, picnic decks and viewpoints that allow one access to all aspects of the forest, including the canopy. Other birds whose calls will pepper the trees include the bush blackcap, white-starred robin, narina trogon, grey cuckooshrike, the African crowned eagle and yellow-throated woodland warbler, and if you’re very quiet you might see bush pig, mongoose or the little antelope species that roam the forest floor. With the abundance of excellent trout waters, both well stocked dams and pristine stretches of river, the Drakensberg offers some of the best fly-fishing opportunities in South Africa. The many crystal-clear rivers and dams in the higher reaches are regular favourites with the serious and skilled fly-fishermen as well as the growing number of recently initiated fanatics who embrace this most challenging and personally satisfying of angling pursuits.

For more info check out the website www.drakensberg.kzn.org.za 36 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

DRAKENSBERG TOURISM OFFICES CENTRAL BERG CENTRAL DRAKENSBERG INFO & BOOKING CENTRE Tel: 036 488 1207 cdta@futurenet.co.za DRAKENSBERG TOURISM ASSOCIATION Tel: 036 448 1557 info@drakensberg.org.za OKHAHLAMBA DRAKENSBERG TOURISM Tel: 036 448 1296/448 1244 info@drakensberg.org.za SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG SOUTHERN DRAKENSBERG TOURISM Tel: 033 701 1471 Email: info@drakensberg.org www.drakensberg.org ALL AREAS - KZN WILDLIFE Tel: 033 845 1011 MOUNTAIN CLUB OF SOUTH AFRICA KZN SECTION Tel: 082 990 5877 mcsakzn@mcsa.org.za KWASANI TOURISM Tel: 033 701 1471 Email: info@drakensberg.org, tourism@kwasani.co.za

Helicopter flights and charters around the Drakensberg Mountains

We cater for tourist, engagements, weddings, conferences, photo shoots & more. Cell: +27 (0) 83 652 7493 E-mail: info@bergflying.co.za

OCT-NOV EVENTS Every Wednesday Drakensberg Boys Choir – Live in Concert – Drakensberg Boys Choir School, Dragon Peaks, KZN Central Drakensberg Tel: 036 468 1012 / Tickets – www.dbc. nutickets.co.za Every Saturday Drakensberg Parkrun – Cannibal’s Cave parkrun at Amazizi Village, Northern Drakensberg & Winterton parkrun starting at The Waffle Hut, Central Drakensberg www.parkrun.co.za 4-6 October Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush Descent (MTB) – Border Post Oliviershoek Pass, Northern Drakensberg. www.bergandbush.co.za / Email: Jani Maritz – jani@bergandbush.co.za 8-10 October Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush The Great Midweek (MTB) - Border Post Oliviershoek Pass, Northern Drakensberg 12 October Glencairn Trail Run – Glencairn Farm, Himeville, Southern Drakensberg. Tamika 072 946 2452 12-13 October Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush 2 Day (MTB) – Emseni Camp, Winterton, Central Drakensberg 5-14 October Grindrod Bank Berg & Bush (MTB) - Northern Drakensberg 11-13 October Glencairn Trail Run – Glencairn Farm, Sani Pass Rd, Southern Drakensberg www.glencairntrailrun.co.za 1-3 November Encounter East Griqualand Trail Run & MTB Ride – Cedarberg Guest Farm, Cedarville, Southern Drakensberg. www.encountereg.co.za Tel: Louise Simpson – 073 464 2440 Ultra X Challenge (triathlon) – Champagne Sports Resort, Central Drakensberg Tel: Lee Hughes – 072 611 1767 Dumbe Trail Run 2019 – Drakensberg Mountain Retreat, Northern Drakensberg www.dumbetrailrun.co.za / Tel: 076 485 5158 2 November Winterton KZN ‘innistraat’ Street Festival – Springfield Road, Winterton, Central Drakensberg. Tel: Annali - 082 548 9910 2-3 November Cayley Trail Warrior #4 – Cayley Mountain Resort, Central Drakensberg www.traiadventure.co.za / Tel: Shane– 082 332 9552 23 November Sani Stagger Endurance Race (Trail Run) – Premier Resort, Sani Pass, Southern Drakensberg www.sanistagger.co.za / Email: info@sanistagger.co.za / Tel: Spurgeon Flemington – 082 329 7737

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 37

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

SOUTH COAST The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, with its golden beaches, warm Indian Ocean, sub-tropical forests and rolling hills, offers much excitement for the adventurous traveller - with outdoor pursuits ranging from mountain biking and gorge swings to shark diving and ocean safaris. But rest assured there is plenty to keep the less adventurous busy… such as a round of golf at one of the 11 top golf courses, seasonal whale watching, game viewing, birding and a variety of beach activities. This tropical paradise is home to eleven of South Africa’s finest golf courses – nine eighteen- and two nine-hole golf courses, each offering both the serious and leisure golfer a variety of golfing challenges. Ten of the eleven are situated along a stunning 120 kilometre stretch of coastline with tropical vegetation and the warm Indian Ocean as the backdrop. And for nature lovers, the many of these golf courses offer more than just a great round of golf. The San Lameer Country Club golf course is a delight to the resident wildlife with its impenetrable bush and abundance of water. There are more than 50 different varieties of indigenous trees – including eight endangered species, 208 bird species and at least six buck species to be found on this 190-hectare estate. The conservation programme includes the protection of a rare mangrove swamp that boasts such rare vegetation as freshwater mangroves, snake lilies and wild frangipani - a delight for nature lovers and birders alike. With habitats including coastal forest, wetland, grassland and woodland it’s not surprising that the South Coast is a birding hotspot. Go hiking or mountain-biking in the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, which conserves plants found nowhere else in the world, or go birding - 400 bird species have been counted along this coastline. To make the most of your birding trip, be sure to use a local Birdlife SA accredited guide. Explore the regions indigenous forests, coastal plains, hillsides and gorges, and for an added adrenalin rush, head to the Oribi Gorge where you can experience the World’s highest gorge swing, and Africa’s longest zip-line. Include a morning of game viewing in the Lake Eland Game Reserve where visitors can view a variety of wildlife including giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and a variety of antelope from the comfort of their vehicles. Hop out at the view site and walk the 80metre suspension bridge, returning the scenic way to

DID YOU KNOW?

enjoy the variety of flora along the way. Or try sea kayaking or surf rafting, hit the dirt on a mountain bike, get ‘up close’ to a shark in a shark cage dive or ride the waves on an early morning ocean excursion keeping a look out for streamlined and magnificent dolphins. Scuba diving is a popular activity on the South Coast with excellent deep-sea diving areas at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. Aliwal Shoal is popular with its abundance of soft corals, sponges, and hiding places, all of which have combined to attract over 1200 species of fish, as well as turtles, rays, sharks and whales. The reefs location is on the inner edge of the warm Mozambique current which allows for often excellent visibility. The Cathedral area of the reef is one of the more spectacular dives. Its inhabitants include the Ragged Tooth Shark, Loggerhead Turtle and Ribbon Tailed Rays. For the more daring diver the reef sports a landmark of international importance - Raggie Cave - one of three locations on the reef famed for its shark diving; the other two being Cathedral and Shark Gully. From July to December the Shoal is the congregation point for Ragged Tooth Sharks, where up to 60 sharks have been encountered at any one time.

For more info check out the website www.tourismsouthcoast.co.za 38 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 39

TOURISM OFFICES

UGU SOUTH COAST TOURISM Head Office: Tel: 039 682 7944 Website: www.tourismsouthcoast.co.za Regional Information Office | Tel: 039 315 5168 Margate Tel: 039 312 2322 E-mail: margate@tourismsouthcoast.co.za Shelly Beach Tel: 039 315 7069/315 5168 E-mail: shellycentre@tourismsouthcoast.co.za Scottburgh Tel: 039 976 1364 E-mail: scottburgh@tourismsouthcoast.co.za

Pearly Shells is ideally situated within walking distance of the Scottburgh main beach where there is safe bathing, a tidal pool, super tube and mini golf course, and we are reasonably close to shopping centres and restaurants.

Accommodation consists of one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well as 4 spacious PENTHOUSES on the top floor which have spectacular views of the sea and surrounds. Guest can enjoy our lovely blue swimming pool, braai area and Leisure Room. The Leisure Room offers table tennis, a pool table, games and a large screen TV just right for non-beach days and sporting events. For our younger guests under the age of 12 years there is a jungle gym and swings. There is so much to see and do along the South Coast and roads are well maintained.

Te l : 0 3 9 - 9 7 6 2 0 6 5 | F a x : 0 3 9 - 9 7 8 1 1 6 2 180 Williamson Street, Scottburgh E-mail: pearly.shells@eastcoast.co.za Website: www.pearly-shells.co.za S30˚16’53.22” E30˚45’19.764”

40 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN - OCT-NOV Daily Surf Workshops & Lessons – Pumula Surf Camp & Surf School Tel: 078 444 7130 Every Tuesday and Thursday 5km Trail run/Walk – Silver Beach, Port Edward at 17:00 Contact Clayton Bekker - Tel: 082 332 5032 Every Saturday Uvongo Park Run – 5km route, St Michaels Beach at 08:00 www.parkrun.co.za Umdoni Park Run – Umdoni Park, Pennington www.parkrun.co.za / Tel: Gail Keevy – 079 182 6371 Scottburgh Flea Market – Corner Arbuthnot & Williamson Street Tel: Mike – 082 932 5986 Every Saturday & Sunday Uvongo Flea Market – Uvongo Tel: Andre van Zyl – 083 459 8982 Every 2nd Saturday Monthly Natural History Talks – Croc World Conservation Centre, Scottburgh Tel: 039 976 1103 Nolean 5 October KZNRRC (Motor Sport) – Dezzi Raceway, District Road D440, Shelly Beach Tel: Elisna Barnard - 039 685 4100 18 October Umdoni Team Challenge – Umdoni Park Golf Club. Tel: Rynardt Crous – 039 975 1320

26-27 October Doug Watson Memorial Classic (Bowls) – Margate Bowling Club Tel: Davey – 082 893 2558 27 October Wild Coast Golf Tournament (4BBB) – Wild Coast Resort. Tel: Annette Thorold – 082 443 9624 9 November KZNRRC (Motor Sport) – Dezzi Raceway, District Road D440, Shelly Beach Tel: Elisna Barnard - 039 685 4100 18 November Year End Ladies Golf Tournament (4BBB) – Wild Coast Resort Tel: Annette Thorold – 082 443 9624 22 November Umdoni Team Challenge – Umdoni Park Golf Club. Tel: Rynardt Crous – 039 975 1320 24 November Year End Golf Tournament (4BBB) – Wild Coast Resort Tel: Annette Thorold – 082 443 9624 26 November Rotary Club of Hibiscus Coast Annual Charity Golf Day – Margate Country Club Tel: Angus McLachlan – 039 317 1504 30 November KZN Drag Racing – Dezzi Raceway, District Road D440, Shelly Beach Tel: Elisna Barnard - 039 685 4100

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING IN THE 2020 SOUTHERN EXPLORER? With a targeted distribution of 60 000 copies annually and a free website listing, the Southern Explorer Pubication is the best value for money advertising spend on the South Coast of KZN! The Southern Explorer Route Guide is the exclusive Tourism Publication providing an innovative platform for Ugu-South Coast Tourism members to market their establishments both locally and nationally. Contact Jen Du Preez for more information on lyn@azalea.co.za or call 082 952 8969.

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

ELEPHANT COAST Located within the Elephant Coast region is the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa’s first proclaimed World Heritage Site, which together with Mozambique been protecting Africa’s first trans-frontier marine conservation area since 2009. It is an unspoilt area blessed with dense evergreen forests; lush ferns and wild orchids; wild date and Lala palms; swamp forests, mountainous sand dunes, thick coastal forest, pristine beaches as well as lakes and ocean. This region offers many opportunities for close encounters with Africa’s incredible wildlife. During the summer months, generally from November to end February, a few selected operators in the Maputaland Marine Reserve, on the Northern KwaZulu-Natal coastline, offer guests the privilege of a turtle tracking experience – watch in awe as these giants of the sea emerge from the Indian Ocean to come ashore to lay their eggs in carefully prepared nests, often on the exact beach that they themselves hatched from. Whale watching is popular between the months of May and November, when humpback whales make their way north from their Antarctic feeding grounds, heading for the sea channels between Mozambique and Madagascar. Here they give birth to their calves, only leaving when the babies have developed enough thick blubber to withstand the icy temperatures down south. Another fun activity is a cruise up and down the St Lucia estuary where you’ll almost certainly spot hippos and crocodiles, admire the mangrove trees, see iridescent malachite kingfishers hawking for tiny tilapia fish, and almost certainly hear the wild call of an African fish eagle. Try game viewing on horseback on the beach and in the bush in Eastern Shores section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park and hopefully get to see zebra, wildebeest, bushbuck, warthog, duiker and impala while riding. In addition to rewarding game drives and birding from the numerous hides, activities in the Eastern Shores area include swimming and snorkelling on Cape Vidal beach, and exploring the rocky shores of Mission Rocks at low tide. The lesser known Western Shores area of Lake St Lucia offers great opportunities to herds of waterbuck, wildebeest, buffalo, giraffe and elephant. The uMkhuze section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is renowned for its game-viewing hides and is exceptionally rewarding for birding, especially in the summer months when migrants arrive. Sodwana Bay, which is popular with both the

DID YOU KNOW? diving fraternity as well as big game anglers, has had approximately 1200 fish species identified here. The Kosi Bay lake system and is a pristine tropical paradise of crystal-clear water, marshland, swamp and coastal forests that is home to about 250 species of bird, whilst Hippo and crocodile bask in and around the lakes. The Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park is home to many species of antelope as well as large populations of elephant, buffalo and giraffe, the endangered rhino and predators such as the lion, cheetah and the elusive leopard. Ndumo Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Park in the far north near the Swaziland border also offer rewarding game viewing, with Tembe being home to some great tuskers and Ndumo boasting the greatest variety of bird species of any protected wildlife area in Southern Africa, with bird lists including many tropical East African species – the South African summer is the ideal time to see some rare visitors.

For more info check out the website www.elephantcoast.kzn.org.za www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 41

ELEPHANT COAST TOURISM OFFICES UMKHANYAKUDE TOURISM (ELEPHANT COAST) Tel: 035 562 0966 email : info@awf.co.za MTUBATUBA TOURISM (MTUBA ST LUCIA) Colin Riley 082 492 0932 / Sipho Msweli HLUHLUWE TOURISM (HLUHLUWE BIG 5) Tel: 035 562 0353 email: info@awf.co.za UMHLABUYALINGANACORAL COAST (SODWANA TO KOSI BAY) Tel 074 103 0955 Email: info@coralcoast.co.za JOZINI TOURIM (LEBOMBO) Tel: 082 216 5744 email: tourism@jozini.org.za

OCT-NOV EVENTS Daily Zamimpilo Community Market (fresh produce & craft market) – daily, on N2 between Mtubatuba and Hluhluwe. Tel: 076 436 6990 St Lucia Market (curios and fresh produce) – daily, Mckenzie Street, St Lucia Siyabonga Arts & Craft Market – daily, on the R618 just before the bridge over the St Lucia Estuary, St Lucia Daily - Weather permitting Whale and dolphin watching - with legal permit holders only with Advantage Cruiser from Durban, St Lucia, Sodwana Bay or Richards Bay. www.advantagetours.co.za Every weekday, Saturday & Sunday peak season 10h00 and 12h00. Advantage Cruiser. Two-hour boat cruise on Lake St Lucia to see hippo, crocs and a variety of birdlife from up close. Contact: 035 590 1259, 035 590 1180 Sunday mornings (out of peak season) 10h00 and 12h00. Advantage Cruiser. Two-hour boat cruise on Lake St Lucia to see hippo, crocs and a variety of birdlife from up close. 23-27 October The iKhulu Trail Run (100km 3 days) – Gugulesizwe Dive Camp, Maputaland Email: mike@therunningcompany.co.za 26 October The Mkuze Bike & Barrel Festival 2019 – Mkuze Country Club, uMkhuze. Tel: 035 573 1441

That special touch and friendly staff will let you come again.

Conveniently situated 600m from the N2 opposite the Golf Course. The elegantly furnished rooms, lounge area, spacious garden and secure parking, are ideally suited for business executives and tourists seeking a safe and relaxing environment.

68 Hans Strydom, Pongola | 083 608 7689 info@elegantlodgepongola.co.za | www.elegantlodgepongola.co.za 42 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

WHAT, WHERE & WHEN

ZULULAND Zululand is where visitors can experience vibrant Zulu culture, walk through lush indigenous forests and experience Africa’s magnificent wildlife up close… and take a dip in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. This is summer in Zululand, where you feel the warm embrace of Africa’s sun and are welcomed with exuberance and wide smiles by the local people. Where hiking and nature trails abound, birding and game viewing opportunities are never far out of reach.

Immerse yourself in nature in the Amatikulu Nature Reserve which offers opportunities to canoe and fish in the estuaries, spot wonderful birdlife and a variety of small game in the coastal lowland forest and unspoilt grasslands and stroll along the beautiful beach. The adventurous will enjoy the 4x4 trail, either the conventional way or on a mountain bike - nothing like cycling amongst giraffe and zebra with croaking cisticolas and plainback pipits in the background. Birding enthusiasts will enjoy spending time in the lush mangrove swamps and forests of Mtunzini and the Umlalazi Nature Reserve where, in the company of a local birding guide you’ll be able to tick some specials of the region, from the Palmnut vulture that feeds on the fruit of the Kosi palms to the little known mangrove kingfisher, African finfoot and Green Malkoha. If you’re planning on being in the region on the weekend of the 18th to 20th October be sure to book for the 15th Annual Birding Weekend with informative presentations by birding expert Dr Hugh Chittenden, as well as outings to Ngoye Forest and Umlalazi Nature Reserve. Take the scenic route inland to your game reserve experience and be sure to allow time to stop in at Emakhosini, the traditional burial ground of Zulu Kings, aptly known as the Valley of the Kings; uMgungundlovu, the royal palace of Zulu king Dingaan and the KwaZulu Cultural Museum and King Cetshwayo’s royal settlement at Ondini (near Ulundi) which was razed to the ground after the final battle of the Anglo-Zulu War – these visits

DID YOU KNOW? will add a historical and cultural element to your KZN safari experience. Zululand offers an extensive network of nature reserves and game parks ensuring an abundance of flora and fauna to delight the visitor – from several hundred bird species, many species of antelope, hippo, cheetah, giraffe to the Big Five...lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Experience the vast open spaces and abundant wildlife in KZN Wildlife’s Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park on a guided game walk, atop an open game viewing or by self-driving in your own vehicle (purchase a map on entry). The roads are well-marked and there are several viewing hides overlooking waterholes enabling visitors to view game at close range. Should you wish to stay in the bush overnight, then book into Mpila bush camp or Hilltop Resort. There are several private game reserves in the region offering guests an authentic luxury safari experience such as the uMfolozi Big Five Game Reserve, located on a ridge overlooking the White Mfolozi River, Amakhosi Safari Lodge on the banks of the Mkuze River.

For more info check out the website www.zululand.kzn.org.za www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019 43

ZULULAND TOURISM OFFICES

OCT-NOV EVENTS

ULUNDI TOURISM Tel: 072 748 4250 | Fax: 035 874 5831 VRYHEID TOURISM Abaqulusi Local Council E-mail: information@abaqulusi.gov.za Tel: 034 982 2133 X2229 | Fax: 034 982 3497 NONGOMA TOURISM Nongoma Local Council Tel: 035 831 7517 | Fax: 035 831 3153 Cell: 079 936 5163 UPHONGOLO TOURISM Tel: 034 413 1223 | Fax: 034 413 1706 | Cell: 084 728 8974 E-mail: senzokk@webmail.co.za KING CETSWAYO DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY P/Bag x 1025, Richards Bay 3900 Tel: 035 799 2500 | Fax: 035 7898176 E-mail: tourism@uthungulu.co.za Website: www.uthungulu.org.za UMHLATHUZE TOURISM Richards Bay/Empangeni Tel: 035 907 5018 | Fax: 035 907 5000 E-mail: rbtour@uthungulu.co.za ZULULAND DISTRICT MUNICIPALITY Tel: 035 870 1130 | 035 874 5500 E-mail: ztourism@zululand.org.za www.zululandtourism.org.za PAULPIETERSBURG TOURISM Edumbe Local Council Tel: 034 995 1650 X229 | Fax: 034 995 1192

UMLALAZI TOURISM Eshowe/Mtunzini Tel: 035 473 3474 | Fax: 035 474 4733 E-mail: ronel@umlalazi.org.za Website: www.umlalazi.org.za | www.visitzululand.co.za MTHONJANENI TOURISM ASSOCIATION Melmoth Tel: 035 450 7572 | Fax: 035 450 7572

A REAL ZULU EXPERIENCE Tour rural Zululand from Eshowe with a Zulu guide in your own vehicle. Visit schools, crèches and orphanages and meet ordinary Zulu people in the countryside and townships. Visit a market, sangomas, beaders, potters and nyangas concocting medicines. Daily: 10 to 3 pm. Zulu Village Tour (R595 pp) Zulu Village Tour with Homestay (R795 pp) Weekend Ceremonies: 12 to 5 pm Zulu weddings, Sangoma Healing, (Sun.) Coming of Age. (Sat.) (R595 pp). Starting Venue: Sugar Hill Manor Guesthouse. Also Accommodation: R600 Single. R750 Double. Discounts for group Tours.

5 October Hotrod Events – ZCBF Showgrounds, Richards Bay. Tel: Michelle 082 327 3231 12 October RBCS Mountain Bike & Trail Run – 70 Disa Dives, Veld & Vlei, Richards Bay Register online at www.msem.co.za 16-28 October Shembe Festival – Near Eshowe Tel: Graham Chennels – 060 665 8833 18-19 October Richards Bay Global Leadership Summit 2019 – Outlook Church, Birdswood, Richards Bay. Tel: 035 7861968 19 October Grantleigh Music Festival – Grantleigh School, Kwambonambi. 082 777 4816 St Catherine’s Rhino Walk & Colourfest Empangeni – St Catherine’s School, 13 Higgs Rd, Fairview, Empangeni 035 772 3041 18-20 October Mtunzini Conservancy 15th Annual Birding Weekend – Mtunzini and surrounds Tel: Daphne Untied – 081 270 3064 30 October Night Run Series – Zululand Multi Sports Club, Richards Bay 2019 3Nation MTB Boutique Race – Pongola, Jozini, Ponta do Oura. Tel: 082 853 6476 1-3 November Somkhanda Challenge (MTB) – Somkhanda Community Game Reserve www.wildseries.co.za 27 November Night Run Series – Zululand Multi Sports Club, Richards Bay 29 November Umhlathuze Music Festival (Lira with a live band) – Umhlathuze Central Sports Complex, Richards Bay. Tel: Sihle Mveyane – 061 437 4528 30 November Art in the Shade Mtunzini – Mtunzini Email: elize@1kzntv.co.za

The Fort Nongqayi Museum Village - ESHOWE

(est. 1995)

Fort Nongqayi Museum Village comprises: ZULULAND HISTORICAL MUSEUM: Housed in Fort Nongqa (1883) VUKANI ZULU CULTURAL MUSEUM: Internationally famous collection of over 3000 items. T: 035 474 5274 ADAMS OUTPOST RESTAURANT: Delicious meals in an original settlers home. Weddings, functions, tour groups, a-la-carte. T: 035 474 1787

HAIRY CANARY CURIO SHOP: Selling local and traditional Zulu craft and curios. T: 035 474 0067. ZULULAND MISSION MUSEUM CHAPEL: Housing early Norwegian missionary history. Ceremonies, conferences, exhibitions & concerts. KZN PAPERMAKING AND CRAFT PACKAGING: A community project making handmade paper products from sugarcane.

FORT NONGQAYI MUSEUM VILLAGE has a workshop area, exhibition rooms and small amphitheatre for entertainment or outdoor music. Picnic and Birdwatching in the lan Garland Memorial Aboretum or walk the Mpushini Waterfall Trail. General enquiries: 035 474 2281, Fax: 035 474 4976 Email: zhm@umlalazi.org.za, www.eshowemuseums.org.za.

36 Pearson Ave, Eshowe | Tel: 035 474 2894 | Cell 060 665 8833 Email info@eshowe.com | Website: www.eshowe.com 44 www - WHAT, WHERE & WHEN Oct-Nov 2019

OPENING HOURS: Mon - Fri: 07h30 - 16h00, Sat & Sun: 09h00- 16h00, Public Holidays: 10h00- 16h00 G.P.S: S 28° 54’ E 31° 26’ 862” | Nominal entrance fee includes guide. Bookings essential for groups and tours.