Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife Visitor Guide

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife introduces our guests to an exciting world of natural splendour. Situated within 120 protected areas, KZN’s premier destinations enjoy a huge and diverse accommodation por�olio offering 1350 camping and caravanning sites and 52 resorts with accommodation ranging from lodges, cottages, chalets, rondavels, bush lodges and bush camps, log cabins and tented camps.

Our diverse protected areas and natural sanctuaries allow you to explore unique wildlife areas, as well as numerous cultural, historical, wetlands, alpine and marine treasures, including magnificent mountain ranges, big-game bushveld

and verdant savannah, rivers and lakes, beaches, coastal pools and off-shore coral reefs.

Our guests can satisfy their every desire for discovery, adventure or relaxation in some of Africa’s most exciting and scenic natural surroundings.

Connect with your loved ones

and join us on a journey exploring the majestic Drakensberg. With so many trails to choose from, all situated in one World Heritage Site ... Waiting is not living?

Discover the joy

of the open air strap on your hiking boots and have an adventure, or se�le into a comfortable chair outside with the spread of the mountains before you ...

Didima Resort

Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

Didima lies within the Cathedral Peak in the north of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. It is a four-hour drive from Durban and five hours from Johannesburg via the N3.

It is set in the Drakensberg foothills, offering magnificent views onto the towering peaks of the ‘Berg, and is surrounded by scenically beautiful grasslands, streams, waterfalls and craggy cliffs.

The Cathedral Peak area is a hiker’s paradise, offering routes ranging from a few hours to several days of walking, hiking, camping and adventure.

Weddings and Conferencing

The conference centre offers a sweeping view of the Drakensberg peaks through its strategically placed panoramic windows, providing a most scenic venue for weddings, corporate functions and conferences.

Dining experience

Unique to Didima Resort

Didima celebrates the now-lost culture of the San people and captures an element of their oneness with nature.

The style and layout follow a symbolic expression of the San (or Bushmen) culture and way of life.

Accommodation

The Resort features 61 two-bed chalets which are uniquely styled to symbolise the cave-dwellings of the San people who lived in these mountains for thousands of years. In addition, there are two four-bed chalets with two bedrooms, en-suite facilities, a lounge, dining room and a fully equipped kitchen and one six-bed chalet with three bedrooms each, en-suite facilities, a lounge, dining room and a fully equipped kitchen. All accommodation offers DSTV and cozy fireplaces.

Didima Resort provides guests with a wonderfully tranquil 100 seated fine dining restaurant aptly called the Elands View Bar and Restaurant. We offer full a la carte/buffet breakfasts, a la carte terrace lunches as well as a comprehensive dinner menu.

Activities

Tennis court Swimming pool

Hiking trails Mountaineering Guided hiking trails

Self guided hiking trails Wheelchair friendly trail Cathedral Peak wine root

Services

Mountain biking Swimming

Trout fishing Rock art Horse riding Helicopter flights Golf and tennis

Chalets serviced daily; fully licenced restaurant and bar; hiking tour guides; DSTV (limited); office facilities; including internet; cell phone reception; shop stocking curios, safari clothing, firewood, hiking maps and basic supplies.

Giant’s Castle Resort

Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

Offering vast silence

when even the sighing of the wind ceases, Giant’s Castle provides a feast of beau�ful mountain scenery, sparkling clear streams, solitude and comfortable accommoda�on ...

Giant’s Castle is situated in the central part of the MalotiDrakensberg Park World Heritage Site, about a six-hour drive from Johannesburg via the N3 and about three hours from Durban.

Giant’s Castle, dubbed “the Flower of the Drakensberg” due to its impressively rich floral diversity, rolling grasslands, crags and cliffs, lies in the “Little ‘Berg”, with Giant’s Castle Resort overlooking the Bushman’s River. It offers much for the outdoor enthusiast as well as those searching for the tranquillity of natural surroundings.

A network of mapped trails spreads along the river, into the foothills and into the high ’Berg itself, providing endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts, photographers, amateur botanists and hikers to immerse themselves in tranquil solitude. Spring is a particularly special time of the year, with many of the seasonal grassland plants in bloom. Here one can often see the indigenous agapanthus dusting the veld with a blue haze, or the yellow/orange bloom of the red-hot poker, amongst many others. The Bushman’s River offers the fly-fisherman an opportunity to outwit the wily and elusive rainbow and brown trout.

Accommodation

Accommodation varies from two to six beds selfcatering, fully self-contained chalets. Each of the units are equipped with DSTV (limited bouquet) and a fireplace, ideal for cosy evenings with a glass of wine.

The Rock Lodge, a uniquely positioned 6-bed unit with its sweeping mountain views, is also an ideal venue for intimate functions or weddings.

Dining Experience

Izimbali Restaurant provides buffet or a la carte meals which can be enjoyed on the deck overlooking the Bushman’s River.

Activities

Exclusive vulture hide (pre-booking is essential)

Historical sites

Rock art sites

Mountaineering Hiking / walking trails

Game viewing

Trout fishing

Services

Ice climbing

Mountain huts Picnicking

Mountain biking

Seasonal rock fountain Champaign pools

Unique to Giant’s Castle Resort

The world renowned Main Caves Museum provides a fascinating glimpse into the world of the San people (or Bushmen) who lived in these valleys historically and left a priceless legacy of rock art.

The world-renowned Vulture Hide offers the birdenthusiast and photographer a unique opportunity to view and photograph various raptors and vultures, such as the critically endangered Bearded vulture, the endandered Cape vulture and Verreaux’s eagle that occur in the region and use this supplementary feeding site.

The well-established gardens of the Resort attract many of the bird ‘specials’ of the area, providing great opportunities for the avid bird-watcher.

Chalets are serviced daily, DSTV (limited); office facilities; cell phone reception; child-minding service; shop with basic foodstuffs, safari clothing, curios, firewood and hiking maps; Izimbali Restaurant.

Grab your camera,

lace up your hiking boots and go walking or se�le into a comfortable deckchair in the sun with a good book. The mountains are unbeatable whether you are hiking or relaxing! ...

Thendele Resort

Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

Thendele Resort lies in the Royal Natal section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. It is a four-hour drive from either Durban or Johannesburg via the N3.

Thendele is situated in a way that gives visitors breathtaking views of the world famous and iconic Amphitheatre, a sheer basalt mountain wall about 1 000 m high and some five km long, deep in the Drakensberg. It’s about 3000 m above sea level.

Unique to Thendele Resort

Thendele Resort, one of the most beautiful, popular and scenic resorts, has the distinction of being the closest of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife resorts to the high Drakensberg escarpment.

The resort nestles below colourful sandstone cliffs close to forests of rare yellowwood trees and stretches of Protea savanna. It provides easy and quick access to some of the most splendid mountain hikes, trails and scenic se�ngs in Africa. It is located close to the foot of the massive and iconic Amphitheatre flanked by the Sentinel and the Eastern Buttress.

The ribbon-like Tugela Falls, headwaters of KwaZuluNatal’s biggest river, is the highest waterfall in the world, and is a stunning backdrop to any picnic

Accommodation

Accommodation is in a variety of comfortable 2-, 4- and 6-bed, fully-equipped, self-catering chalets, each with its own fireplace.

Mahai campsite and Rugged Glen campsite offers alternative accommodation for outdoor lovers.

Activities

Hiking Climbing Trout fishing Swimming Curios Picnicking

Services

Ice climbing Horse riding at Rugged Glen

Accommodation serviced daily; Hiking / walking tour guides; DSTV (limited); Office facilities; Cell phone reception (Vodacom, Cell C); Shop with basic supplies.

Tugela Falls image supplied by drakensberghikers.co.za

Pack your walking

shoes, s�cks, binoculars, swimming costume and camping gear - here you will have phoneless freedom, and have an abundance of peace and quiet...

Injisuthi Resort

Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

Location

Injisuthi lies in the central part of the MalotiDrakensberg Park World Heritage Site and is a four-hour drive from Durban and six hours from Johannesburg on the N3.

Cradled between the Injisuthi and Cowl Fork Rivers at the head of the Injisuthi Valley, the resort is surrounded by spectacular scenery dominated by Cathkin Peak, Monks Cowl and Champagne Valley.

The Mdedelo Wilderness Area immediately north of the resort is a unique, wild and remote mountain wilderness without any direct human impact.

This spectacular mountain landscape has many rock shelters containing the largest and most concentrated group of San rock art in Africa south of the Sahara. These paintings were created by the San people over a period of at least 4 000 years and are of outstanding quality. The paintings depict aspects of the everyday and spiritual life of these vanished people.

Unique to Injisuthi Resort

Battle Caves, with its wide sandstone overhang, is one of the best-preserved San rock art sites in southern Africa. Guided walks are available to the cave daily (advance bookings essential).

Injisuthi is the starting point of several extensive hiking trails leading across the mountains northwards to Cathedral Peak and south to Giant’s Castle.

Accommodation

Injisuthi offers a variety of comfortable accommodation. Each unit is fully-equipped with kitchen, bathroom and a fireplace for those chilly evenings. Barbeque facilities are also provided.

A camping ground with hot and cold water ablution facilities accommodates a total of 120 people.

There are several caves available for use by overnight hikers.

Activities

Historical sites

Rock art site

Hiking trails Game viewing Trout fishing Ice climbing

Services

Bird watching Picnicking Mountain biking Swimming

Accommodation units are serviced daily; communal lounge with DSTV (limited); guided walks to Battle Caves; shop offering basic foodstuffs; curios; firewood and hiking maps; use of land-line telephone facility at a nominal charge (there is no cell phone signal).

Take an easy stroll

in the early morning sunrise and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the mountains around you ...

Kamberg Resort

Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

Kamberg Nature Reserve, with its picturesque resort, lies in the central part of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. It is a three-hour drive from Durban and a six-hour drive from Johannesburg via the N3. Kamberg is easily reached through Mooi River via Rosetta or from No�ngham Road via Rosetta.

The surrounding landscape is rich in San (or Bushmen) history, with San raiding parties using the hills and valleys to hide cattle taken from settlers who had appropriated their land to the point where the San were no longer able to sustain themselves through their tradition hunter-gatherer lifestyle.

The beautiful Mooi River runs through the nature reserve, adding significantly to the Kamberg experience by adding fly-fishing to the list of activities. Kamberg offers a satisfying sense of peace and quiet, combining with a feeling of being completely away from it all.

Unique to Kamberg Resort

Proclaimed in 1951, the reserve derives its name from a nearby mountain shaped like a rooster’s comb. (In Afrikaans “die haan se kam”).

The Rock Art Centre gives a fascinating insight into the unique lifestyle and beliefs of the San (or Bushmen) people who once lived amongst the hills and valleys of the Drakensberg.

Game Pass Shelter, rich with highly significant San rock art was instrumental in enabling researches to decipher the meanings of many of the San polychromatic images

Accommodation

Kamberg Resort has comfortable fully self-contained chalets each with its own fireplace, small kitchen and bathroom.

Activities

Walking trails

Bird/game viewing

Guided rock art walks

Services

Picnicking

Trout fishing

Chalets are serviced daily; DSTV (limited); cell phone reception; shop offering basic foodstuffs and firewood; trout-fishing equipment available for hire.

Lotheni Resort

Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

Lotheni is situated in a remote and secluded part of the southern section of the Maloti-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site. It can be reached from the N3 via No�ngham Road, and is a 3-hour drive from Durban and 6 hours from Johannesburg.

Lying as it does, deep in the scenic Drakensberg range, Lotheni and its picturesque resort is well known for its exquisite scenery and tranquil atmosphere. It overlooks the clear, tumbling waters of the Lotheni River which provides several attractions for visitors.

Unique to Lotheni Resort

The name “Lotheni” means “in the ashes” and comes from the burnt appearance of the shale found in this river valley.

The Settler’s Museum, the original homestead of the Root family that settled in the Lotheni Valley in the late 1800s, provides a fascinating look back in time. Several relics linked to the history of the area are preserved in the museum.

Accommodation

Accommodation consists of chalets, cottages and campsites. All chalets and cottages are fully-equipped with bathroom, kitchen and a fireplace.The rustic Simes Cottage is situated beside a small trout dam stocked for the exclusive use of Simes Cottage guests.

Activities

Services

Chalets are serviced daily; Limited cell phone reception; Fishing licences for sale; Shop with basic supplies

The accommodation is clean and comfortable; the experiences vivid. Treat yourself to a wild experience in a KZN bushveld game reserve, only a few hours drive from Durban or Johannesburg.

Feel the thrill of game sightings, smell the new dawn, be part of wild Africa ...

The wildness

of one of Africa’s oldest game reserves is as far away as the door of your chalet. Comfortable living with the Big Five comes naturally here ...

Hilltop Resort

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Location

Hilltop Resort is the pride of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The Resort is situated on the edge of a forested hill and offers fine views of the surrounding countryside. It is a three-hour drive north from Durban via the N2.

Unique to Hilltop Resort

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is a premier, “Big Five” park; home to lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo and rhino. Its rich plant-life, grasslands and forests support a wide variety of other game animals.

The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park lies in the heart of “old Zululand” and is rich in history dating back to the early Iron Age and the hey-day of the Zulu Kingdom of King Shaka. The Park contains many historic sites.

This fascinating game reserve covers 96 000 ha and is comprised of the Hluhluwe and iMfolozi Game Reserves. The Corridor Game Reserve, established in 1989, links the two older parks.

Hilltop holds the distinction of being the oldest tourist resort in KwaZulu-Natal, and provides a wide variety of accommodation

Accommodation

Hilltop Resort offers a variety of accommodation, ranging from the exclusive eight-bedded fully self-contained Mtwazi Lodge nestled under a large sycamore fig tree in its own secluded garden; 20 comfortable, value-formoney twin-bed rondavels with communal ablutions and kitchens; 7 two-bedded and 20 four-bedded fully self-contained chalets with spacious bedrooms, wide verandas and fully equipped kitchenettes. Tour groups make extensive use of the 20 two-bedded chalets, furnished with a bar fridge and tea/coffee facilities.

Dining Experience

The Mpunyane Restaurant and Uzavolo Bar and Lounge is a fully licenced restaurant and bar.

Activities Services

Guided walks

Guided night drives using spotlights

Self-guided and guided auto trails Swimming pool

Game-viewing hide

Picnic site

Morning, mid-morning and afternoon guided game drives

Chalets are serviced daily;office facilities including internet access; cell phone reception; Uzavolo Bar & Mpunyane Restaurant; curios, safari clothing; basic foodstuffs; children’s playground; DSTV (limited).

Mpila Resort

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Nothing beats

the smell of a new day in the iMfolozi bush except the scent of another dawn where the only twi�er should be the chorus of birds ...

Location

Mpila Resort lies at the heart of one of Africa’s oldest game reserves- the iMfolozi section of the HluhluweiMfolozi Park, and is an easy three-hour drive from Durban.

Mpila is situated on a high ridge commanding magnificent views over the iMfolozi wilderness, an area steeped in history going back to the Iron Age and the great days of the Zulu Kingdom.

iMfolozi, along with Hluhluwe Game Reserve and the St Lucia Game Reserve, were established in 1895 and are thus amongst the oldest game reserves in the world, and are the oldest game reserves in Africa. Hluhluwe and iMfolozi were combined with the Corridor Game Reserve in 1989 to form the 96 000 ha Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

It contains the legendary “Big Five” and is the genetic home of the white rhino. The wide range of habitats in the Park support 80 species of mammals and over 300 species of birds, making it a game viewing and birdwatching paradise.

Operation Rhino has its roots in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Initiated in the 1960s, the project aims at spreading rhinos from the Park to other protected areas and privately owned land in order to promote an increase in the population of these iconic and threatened animals.

Unique to Mpila Resort

Mpila is also the starting point for the world-renowned guided iMfolozi Wilderness Trails, begun in 1959, which take visitors on foot through the 25 000 ha iMfolozi Wilderness Area.

The Centenary Centre, an easy drive from Mpila, provides guided access to the Game Capture Complex (during capture season), as well as presenting the visitor with an interpretation centre on game capture, a community-run craft market and refreshment kiosk.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Mpila is in a variety of fully serviced self-catering chalets, as well as comfortable safari-style tents each with its own bathroom, kitchen and dining area connected via a board walk. All units have barbeque facilities. The private eight-bedded, fully self-contained Masinda Lodge offers magnificent views of the bushveld and rocky ridges to the south of the reserve.

Activities

Night game drives

Guided walks

Morning drives are available on request Picnicking

Guided game walks

Services

Wilderness trails Game viewing Bird watching Self-guided auto trails

Curio shop with basic foodstuffs and safari clothing; cooks available in the bush lodges; barbeque facilities; professional field guides; units are serviced daily; cell phone reception (Limited).

Nselweni Bush Lodge

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Nothing can beat

a glowing sunset over the Black Mfolozi River enjoyed from the deck of this unique bush lodge. Tucked away amongst dense riverine forest, the only twi�ers or tweets you will hear come from the many birds around you.

Nselweni Bush Lodge is a three-hour drive from Durban along the N2 north. This lodge is an exciting and unusual departure from the usual style of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife bush lodges.

Nselweni nestles on a loop of the Black Mfolozi River in one of Africa’s oldest game reserves established in 1895the iMfolozi section of the 96 000 ha Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, genetic home of the world’s white rhino.

This lodge, a trendy blend of modern architecture and bushveld experience, provides accommodation in eight, 2-bed self-catering units, and is an excellent venue for small, catered, corporate bush-conferences.

Nselweni is set in a stand of mature and shady uMthambothi trees and has an almost magical air of peace and tranquillity. Looking out over the reed beds and sand banks of the Black Mfolozi River, you are bound to enjoy this perfect getaway.

Unique to Nselweni Bush Lodge

Nselweni Bush Lodge has innovative and uniquely different accommodation. It was built as a joint venture between Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the ten communities living around the border of the Park. Staying at Nselweni provides a direct benefit to these rural communities.

The Lodge has wheelchair-friendly walkways and access.

Nselweni is an ideal small conference facility. Catering can be provided by prior arrangement.

Guided walks led by professionally trained guides can be arranged through the reception office at nearby Mpila Resort.

Nselweni is an excellent example of “green tourism” in that it uses solar energy to generate electricity, while the decks were built of a novel form of recycled, compressed plastic.

Activities

Game viewing and bird watching Evening game drives

Game walks

Services

Units are serviced daily; a cook is available for groups and conferences; barbeque facilities; guided walks; game drives.

Ntshondwe Resort

Ithala Game Reserve

In the quiet dawn

of each new bushveld day, a fresh adventure awaits you. Come! Take up the challenge! ...

Ntshondwe Resort is located near the hamlet of Louwsburg in northern KwaZulu-Natal. It is a five-hour drive from both Durban and Johannesburg. Ithala is home to some of Africa’s premier game species such as elephant, buffalo and leopard, as well as both black and white rhino. The abundant giraffe is the icon for the game reserve.

Providing great seasonal variety, the landscape of Ithala is alive with warthog in spring, while year round, stately giraffe sway their way through the acacia thickets. In summer masses of red “Pride of De Kaap” flowers add a wonderful splash of colour. Several rivers rise in or near Ithala, winding their way to the Pongola River. These rivers are most attractive, with pools, cataracts and gorges flanked by dense thickets of riverine forest. Most routes to Ithala pass through the historically rich Anglo-Zulu War and Anglo-Boer War battlefield areas of the province.

Accommodation

Ntshondwe offers a variety of comfortable self-catering and non-self-catering chalets as well as two secluded bush camps. The exclusive and completely private 6-bed self-catering Ntshondwe Lodge, offers superb views of the Ithala plains from its deck, which also has a small splash pool.

Conference Facility

Ntshondwe’s spacious, thatched conference centre has a main auditorium seating 120 delegates in cinema style and two break away rooms, each seating 18 people. Facilities include projector, an integrated sound system, versatile automatic lighting, excellent acoustics and air-conditioning. There is also a rustic functions area adjacent to the restaurant/reception building ideal for post conference socialising. Special functions such as weddings can be arranged.

There is a 1200 metre, tarred airstrip inside Ithala suitable for light aircraft.

Dining Experience

The reception complex offers the fully licenced Kraal Restaurant and Phuzani Bar as well as the Guinea Fowl coffee shop.

Activities

Swimming pool

Self-guided auto trails

Guided walks

Self-guided walks

Guided game drives

Unique to Ntshondwe Resort

A feature of Ithala Game Reserve, and strikingly visible from Ntshondwe, is its geological and ecological diversity. This diversity has created a place of great, but rugged beauty, with 300 million year old rock formations. Ntshondwe’s thatched buildings nestle on a plateau at the foot of the towering Ngotshe Mountain with its richly coloured sandstone bands and towering spires of jagged dolerite. The grounds of Ntshondwe are rich in acacia trees, wild figs and cabbage trees interspersed with massive boulders that peeled off the Ngotshe Mountain high above the resort. The area abounds in the rabbit-sized rock hyrax or “dassie” and their barking call is a common feature of the resort. The swimming pool at Ntshondwe is built around a massive boulder that plummeted off the Ngotshe Mountain hundreds of years ago..

Services

Conference centre Game viewing

Birding

Chalets are serviced daily; fully-equipped conference centre; curio shop (stocked with foodstuffs); coffee shop; fully licensed restaurant and bar; open viewing deck.

Ndumo Resort

Northern Zululand, KwaZulu-Natal

Bountiful

Ndumo Game Reserve, situated in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal, lies on the Mozambique border between the Tembe Elephant Park and Swaziland. The Usutu River marks this boundary, while the Pongola River flows through the Reserve to its confluence with the Usutu.

Guided game walks are available for those who wish to experience the magic of the Ndumo bush first hand.

Ndumo has a fantastic variety of insect life sufficient to keep the amateur entomologist happy for many days, while “tree spotters” will find the game reserve equally fascinating and rewarding.

There are discrete observation hides at the Nyamithi and Bhanzi Pans, as well as a viewing tower giving a panoramic outlook across the game reserve.

Accommodation

Ndumo Resort is set amongst spreading marula trees, and offers comfortable, 10 two-bed and 2 four-bed full self-contained air-conditioned chalets and a campsite with electrical plug points and a communal ablution block

Activities

Bird watching Game drives Guided walks

Unique to Ndumo Resort

Ndumo is probably best known for its prolific bird life, with 430 species recorded — the highest in South Africa.

Ndumo, at 10 000 ha, is a fairly small protected area and is a mosaic of many beautiful pans fringed by thick stands of distinctive fever trees, wetlands, reed beds, acacia savannah and sand forest.

The pans, the biggest of which are the Nyamithi and Bhanzi Pans, are home to large numbers of crocodiles and hippos. Their shores teem with wading birds small and large, while flocks of stately pelicans flap by.

Ndumo Game Reserve has an astonishing range of aquatic bird life, which includes Pel’s fishing owl, and a host of different waders, kingfishers, pelicans, herons and the bird that produces the iconic sound of Africa- the African fish eagle. Ndumo also has healthy populations of black and white rhino, nyala, hippo, crocodile, as well as the rare red duiker and shy suni antelope.

Visitors may drive through the game reserve in their own vehicles or take a guided game drive led by a professional guide.

Specialist birding walks are led by knowledgeable guides who are expert at finding the more elusive bird species missing from an avid birder’s personal check list.

Game/bird observation hides

Services

Self-guided drives Picnicking Swimming pool Game viewing

Chalets serviced daily; professional field guides; DSTV (limited); cell phone reception; barbeque facilities.

A glimpse of the wind

rippling through the grasslands is a sight to be remembered ...

Chelmsford Resort

Location

Chelmsford Nature Reserve, lies 23 km from Newcastle in northern KwaZulu-Natal, just off the N11 between Newcastle and Ladysmith. It is a three-hour drive from Johannesburg.

Chelmsford Nature Reserve surrounds the Ntshingwayo Dam, which lies on the iNgagane River and is the third largest dam in KwaZulu-Natal.

The surrounding grasslands and acacia veld are the playground of several large game, including wildebeest, hartebeest, springbok, and blesbok.

The Reserve makes a wonderful day’s outing for those taking a break from the Battlefields route, or for those who want to enjoy the freedom of the great outdoors and the excitement of windsurfing, canoeing and jetskiing.

Unique to Chelmsford Resort

Ntshingwayo Dam is a renowned fishing destination, with carp, barbel and scaly being the most popular fish caught.

The Reserve is well stocked with various game species and has the only population of springbok in Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s protected areas and also holds one of the largest population of the rare and endangered oribi antelope in the province.

Over 200 different species of birds occur in the Reserve, including flamingos, owls, three species of korhaan, a variety of water birds, and two species of lark.

Accommodation

There are eight 5 bedded, fully equipped self-catering chalets situated along the water’s edge. Leokop and Sandford campsites, both provided with plug points, each campsite accommodates 144 people. Camping is only permitted on allocated sites.

Activities

Angling Sailing Power boating Jet-skiing Game viewing Bird watching Swimming

Services

Waterskiing Cycling Camping Kite-surfing Canoeing Picnicking

Chalets are serviced daily; chalets are fully equipped; DSTV; cell phone reception; campsites with electricity; hot- and cold water ablutions; braai/barbecue facilities; shop with basics

A sail bellied

by a fresh breeze, a �ght line with a figh�ng fish on it, or even just a deck chair in the quiet evening sunlight - all within easy reach of the city - and seeming to be a world away ...

Midmar Resort is situated on the shores of the Midmar Dam within the Midmar Nature Reserve close to the town of Howick in KwaZulu-Natal. It is one of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s smaller protected areas and is about a one and half hour drive from Durban and five hours from Johannesburg via the N3.

Midmar Resort is situated within easy reach of most other KwaZulu-Natal Midlands attractions, such as the wellknown and popular Midlands Meander.

The game park is stocked with a variety of game species such as red hartebeest, black wildebeest, zebra, blesbok, reedbuck and oribi.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Midmar Resort ranges from fullyequipped, comfortable chalets, to campsites set along the water’s edge, all with barbeque facilities. All chalets are equiped with DSTV.

Restaurant and Conference facility

A conference venue ideal for wedding and conferences, and a stunning restaurant offering an a-la-carte as well as a carvery menu is also available to guests and can be booked directly.

Activities

Unique to Midmar Resort

Midmar is the premier destination in KwaZulu-Natal for a wide range of water sports, camping and related activities.

The Midmar Nature Reserve conserves rolling grasslands that support herds of various antelope and many bird species.

Midmar enjoys a tranquil and peaceful se�ng ideal for a relaxing getaway from the bustle of the bigger cities.

Midmar Resort’s wide lawns and scenic se�ng provides an ideal venue for weddings and similar events.

Chalets

Feel the soft beach sand beneath

your feet,

Watch the breaking waves crashing onto the shore, Feel the ocean spray lightly brushing your face Listen to the ocean, as it soothes your soul Connect with your loved ones.

Umlalazi Resort

KwaZulu-Natal North Coast

A grand collection

of peaceful experiences. The tranquillity of the lagoon, quietly watching water birds going about their business; the s�llness of a forest walk with the roar and rush of the open beach at the end - and perhaps a fish on the end of your line?

Umlalazi Nature Reserve and Resort lies adjacent to the picturesque town of Mtunzini, about an hour and a half drive from Durban via the N2.

Unique to Umlalazi Resort

Situated between the town of Mtunzini and Umlalazi Nature Reserve is the fascinating Rafia Palm Monument with its population of the rare Palmnut Vulture. The Raffia Palm is the largest palm in the world, while Umlalazi is home to a colony of Palmnut Vulture, one of the rarest birds of prey in South Africa.

Established in 1948 the Resort nestles amongst stable dunes covered in thick coastal dune forest.

Umlalazi offers a walking trail through the extensive mangrove swamps lining the banks of the Mlalazi River. The attentive walker may see colourful fiddler crabs and mudskipper fish scuttling around the mudflats at low tides.

The Umlalazi swamps, home to several species of mangroves trees, are one of the best examples of a healthy mangrove swamp in South Africa.

Accommodation

Umlalazi resort offers comfortable fully self-contained, self-catering log cabins hidden amongst coastal dune forest, within easy reach of the beach and lagoon.

There are two campsites at Umlalazi. Inkwazi campsite offers 36 sites, and Indaba campsite offers 14. Both are five to ten minutes’ walk from the beach. All campsites have plug points and are serviced by ablutions facilities with hot and cold water.

Activities

Trails

rafting

Services

Drop

cares

Oribi Gorge Resort

KwaZulu-Natal South Coast

Location

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is situated some 25 km inland from Port Shepstone on the Hibiscus Coast in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most spectacular natural se�ngs.

This small protected area lies snugly at the head of the magnificent uMzimkulwana River gorge, lined with dense coastal bush and forests.

Carved out of ancient sandstone over millions of years, Oribi Gorge provides breath-taking views making it a photographer’s and nature lover’s paradise.

Oribi Gorge has many smaller wildlife species including reedbuck, duiker, caracal, serval, jackal, otter, mongoose, and the rare samango monkey. Visitors have occasionally sighted leopard.

It is a magnificent birding destination and is rated as one of the top birding spots in KwaZulu-Natal, with more than 250 grassland, woodland and forest species recorded.

Accommodation

Oribi Gorge Resort offers fully-equipped, comfortable, self-contained self-catering chalets as well as a campsite suitable for both caravans and tents.

Activities

Unique to Oribi Gorge Resort

Oribi Gorge was formed over millions of years as the uMzimkulwana River gradually cut its way deep into a sandstone band creating sheer cliffs and a breathtakingly beautiful landscape. The gorge has remained virtually untouched by man and has over 500 plant species alone. The surrounding plateau is comprised mainly of grasslands with scattered trees, some protea woodland and much semi-deciduous forest.

Picnicking

Zipline (Lake Eland) Daywalks Suspense Bridge Bird/game viewing.

Services

Fuel available (4 km from reserve), curio shop with basic amenities, television, swimming pool, chalets are serviced daily, cell phone reception, self-guided trails.

A Convergence of Business and

Adventure

Conference Centres

A conference in a natural environment, away from the distractions of urban life, encourages delegates to focus on matters at hand.

During breaks from the proceedings, delegates benefit from the peaceful atmosphere and natural surroundings. The innovative thinking that comes from such a blend will enhance your corporate performance.

All have comfortable accommodation and excellent catering, peace and quiet, clean air, stunning scenery and access to various species of wildlife.

Didima Resort Conference Centre

Cathedral Peak Malo�-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site

Nestled within the Cathedral Peak, Didima resort is an easy four-hour drive from Durban and five hours drive from Johannesburg via the N3.

The conference centre offers an auditorium and a wedding venue that can accommodate up to 140 guests in a cinema style; lecture style- 60 guests, banquet style- 120 guests; single u-shape- 50 guests and boardroom style70 guests. There is a spacious reception area for serving refreshments.

Ntshondwe Conference Centre

Ithala Game Reserve

A five hour journey from both Johannesburg and Durban, along the historical route of KwaZulu-Natal’s legendary Battlefields, Ntshondwe Resort offers a conference centre superbly incorporated within an authentic African game reserve.

The main auditorium, ideal for conferences and weddings can accommodate up to 120 guests in cinema style; lecture style- 80 guests; banquet style- 100 guests; single u-shape - 34 guests; double u-shape - 45 guests and boardroom style - 30 guests.

There are two breakaway rooms which can take up 30 guests in cinema style and 18 guests in both boardroom and lecture style.

State of the Art Equipment

This includes a multi-media projector with XGA resolution (1024 x 768), DVD player and video cassette, recorder, touch screen control panel (wireless), multi-computer input selector, high quality audio system, wireless microphones and internet access.

Hilltop Conference Centre

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park

Within a three hour drive from Durban, Hilltop is the Pride of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, one of South Africa’s Premier “Big 5” Game Reserves. Hilltop offers an intimate executive size conference centre ideal for small groups accommodating up to 40 guests in rectangular

Midmar Conference Centre

Midmar Conference Centre offers a spatial conference room that can accommodate up to 150 delegates. The room includes water and DSTV. Electronics such as projectors and sound systems are charged separately. Sta-

Wilderness Trails

Wilderness Trails

Experience the magic of a walking trail in the iMfolozi bush in the heart of one of Africa’s oldest game reserves, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. You can sense the presence of a grazing rhino, hear and feel the night air throb to the roar of lions intruding over the crackle of your campfire, and experience the bush at a very personal level.

Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife offers trails over weekends or longer which are designed to meet your time constraints while still allowing you to benefit fully from the experience. Folks who have done a trail come back for more, while first-timers will thrill to the sights, sounds and smells of the iMfolozi bush as never before. Guests are encouraged to leave watches and cell phones behind to experience greater freedom from time and deadline constraints.

Conducted by armed and experienced guides who will add to your experience and knowledge, the iMfolozi Wilderness Trails can be a life-changing experience.

Primitive Trail

This is a more primitive wilderness trail, aimed at the outdoors enthusiast who would like to combine a wilderness experience with backpacking and sleeping out under the stars. The ethos of the trail aims to facilitate an experience of living basically, with minimum sophistication in equipment and food.

All four nights are spent out in the bush. Camping follows a very strict ‘minimum impact - no trace’ ethic, in line with wilderness principles. The trail is fully catered - all equipment, bedding and food are provided.

Water is collected from springs or rivers in the wilderness area, and bathing is done in the river wherever possible. A very important part of the trail is spending time alone on watch at the fire at night.

Primitive trails are run from early February to late November and take a minimum of six trailists at any time.

The Base Camp Trail

All three nights are spent at Mndindini Trail camp where trailists are housed in 3m x 3m tents with two beds to a tent. Two days will be spent walking in the Wilderness Area. Guests depart after breakfast, carrying only a daypack containing their personal effects, water and lunch.

The trail party will cover and approximate distance of between 7- 14 km per day so a reasonable level of fitness is required. River crossings are sometimes necessary during the walks. The daily routine is dependent on the time of year, the guide’s style of trail and the overall fitness of the group.

Base Camp trails are run from early February to midDecember, and take a minimum of four trailists at any one time.

Wilderness Trails

The Short Wilderness Trail

(2 nights / 3 days)

This trail starts and ends at iMpila Resort. This trail is fully catered, and all food (and guests’ trail bags) are transported into the wilderness trails camp on donkeys, but trailists will be expected to carry a daypack containing their personal affects, water and lunch.

The distance walked on the first day is approximately 7 km. The average distance covered on the second and third days can be up to 15 km, but is flexible depending on various factors.

Short Wilderness trails are run from early February to early December, and depart on Fridays and Sundays, and take a minimum of four trailists at any one time.

Extended Short Wilderness Trail

(3 nights / 4 days)

This trail starts and ends at iMpila Resort. This trail is fully catered, and all food will be transported into the wilderness trails camp on donkeys. Trailists walk the approximate 7 km into the Wilderness Satellite Camp where they will spend the following three nights in dome tents, sleeping two mattresses per tent. Trailists walk back to the Mdindini Base Camp on the fourth day, carrying only their personal affects and lunch. The average distance covered on the second and third days can be up to 15 km, but is flexible depending on various factors. This trail is by no means an endurance test, but a fair level of fitness will ensure greater enjoyment.

Extended Short Wilderness trails are run from Mid-February to early December, and depart on Tuesdays, and take a minimum of four trailists at any one time

Explorer Trail

(4 nights/5 days)

The Explorer Trail combines the best of two great trails; the most comfortable ‘Base Camp’ trail and the adventurous ‘Primitive’ trail. This trail is aimed at outdoor enthusiasts who want to combine a wilderness experience with backpacking and sleeping under the stars. Small camps are set up at night, with trailists sleeping under the stars around a small fire after enjoying a meal prepared by the trail guide and an assistant.

A lightweight rain shelter is provided in case of bad weather. Walking distances are not excessive as all necessary equipment is carried. Backpacks are on occasion left at the campsite and day walks are then taken to explore the wilderness area.

Explorer trails are conducted from mid-February to the end of November and take a minimum of 4 trailists.