THE CITY OF UMHLATHUZE incorporates the towns of Richards Bay, Empangeni, Ezikhaweni, Ngwelizane, Vulindlela a nd Nseleni. For more information contact UMHLATHUZE TOURISM Tel: 035 907 5018 Fax: 035-907 5444 Email: sipho.mchunu@umhlathuze.gov.za
EMPANGENI Situated in the heart of sugar cane country, Empangeni is the centre of agriculture and commerce. A visit to the local museum offers an insight into the fascinating history of early sugar pioneers, who opened the first mill in 1911. The ENSELENI NATURE RESERVE, home to a variety of small mammals and birdlife, offers self-guided nature walks. Every modern convenience is found here, including shopping centres, a casino, various restaurants and excellent accommodation facilities. KWABULAWAYO – King’s Shaka’s homestead, is just 20 minute drive from Empangeni and is of prime importance in Zulu culture and history. A visit to THULA THULA EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE offers visitors an exceptional game viewing experience of elephants, leopard, rhino and buck. The 4500 ha private game reserve, situated only 45 minutes from Richards Bay and less than a 2 hour drive from Durban, is the oldest private game reserve in Kwazulu Natal. The late Lawrence Anthony, well known author of the ‘Elephant Whisperer’, and his wife Françoise Malby-Anthony established the reserve as a unique eco-safari destination and wildlife sanctuary. If you are looking for accommodation in Empangeni then RAPTORS REST and YELLOWWOODS BED & BREAKFAST offer luxury en suite rooms, and can be recommended.
RICHARDS BAY This thriving business centre and bustling port is a coastal paradise, surrounded by wetlands and freshwater lakes.
Richards Bay has a number of attractions including the picturesque TUZI GAZI WATERFRONT - with its small craft marina, restaurants and shops – is a popular playground for water sport enthusiasts. Modern shopping facilities, excellent hotels, safe swimming beaches and added attractions such as an abundance of wildlife, whale watching, excellent golf courses and over 300 species of birds, make for a vibrant tourist destination. Accommodation options include BLUE MARLIN, ISIBAYA GUEST HOUSE and UMHAMBI LODGE with en suite rooms ranging from standard to delux. A township tour offers visitors a unique cultural experience where you can discover how the old and new Africa have combined. Under the personal supervision of an accredited guides - visit NSELENI, EZIKHAWENI and VULINDLELA and experience the vibe of the African township life, where locals gather to exchange news and views and storytellers recall past events in history over a traditional shisinyama or meat braai at a local tavern. Visit the traditional court, presided over by the Inkosi (traditional leader) of the tribal authority or consult with the Inyanga (traditional healer).
MTUNZINI Mtunzini’s name is derived from the Zulu word emthunzini, which means ‘a place in the shade’. It is ideally located near a natural tidal lagoon with sun drenched beaches fringed by tranquil dune forests. The village was declared a Conservancy in 1995. The 1000 hectare Umlalazi Nature Reserve makes this area a veritable haven for those wishing to ‘get away’ from the hustle and bustle of city life and a range of accommodation establishments and restaurants are available. There are more than 300 recorded species of bird in the area, amongst which is the rare Palmnut Vulture. The annual migration of
butterflies brings the surrounding bush to spectacular life. Mtunzini is a fisherman’s paradise but other leisure activities also include a challenging round on the 18-hole golf course, fishing, waterskiing, tennis, bowls and horse riding.
ESHOWE The charming town of Eshowe is a treasure trove of history, culture and natural beauty set amongst undulating hills in the heart of the Zululand Birding Route. The town also has a long association with the Zulu kings of the past. King Cetshwayo was born here and the kwaBulawayo homestead of the legendary King Shaka is located nearby. The DLINZA FOREST AERIAL BOARDWALK is the first of its kind in South Africa and visitors literally ‘walk through the tree tops’, for 127m along a secure elevated walkway through the indigenous tree canopy. Birdwatchers can spot more than 65 species such as the rare Spotted Thrush, Delegorgue’s Pigeon, Narina Trogon and many more. While in the area visit NGOYE FOREST with its large array of rare trees and one of only two places in Africa where you can spot both the Green and Woodwards Barbet. A popular watering hole at the GEORGE HOTEL is part of the Zululand Brew Route. SHAKALAND is an exceptional cultural village located near Eshowe. The VUKANI ZULU CULTURAL MUSEUM houses a collection of art, based on traditional Zulu culture and handcrafts. FORT NONGQAYI, built in 1883, the Zululand Historical Museum provide exhibits reflecting the cross-cultural history of Zululand. For more info about Eshowe and Mtunzini contact: Umlalazi Tourism Tel: 035 473 3474 / Fax: 035 474 4733 E-mail: ronel@umlalazi.org.za
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