Take a butterflies and spears roadtrip into Zululand

If you feel like getting out of town for a bit, why not go on a mini road trip to explore the top five, must-see spots in the Umlalazi municipality, Zululand.

Before you hit the road, remember to take cash, suncream, hats,  binoculars and a sense of adventure.

1. Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk

A birder’s paradise, Dlinza Forest is a green haven in Eshowe and is well known for its 150-metre-long walkway, which lets you stroll through the treetops.

The boardwalk ends with a 20-metre-high tower giving you a breath-taking view of the vast forest.

Where: Eshowe – only about an hour drive from Ballito.

Entry: R40 per person.

Times: 6am till 6pm.

Contact: 035 474 4029

2. Fort Nongqayi Museum

Polish up your history with a visit to the museum at Fort Nongqayi which was the home of the Zululand Native Police.

The Fort was built in 1883 and offers a lot to learn from and to see, so take your time here and enjoy the tour offered by their guides who are filled with knowledge on this historical place.

It is worth noting that Adam’s Outpost Restaurant & Tea Garden opposite the Fort, serves really good food with an unbeatable view of the Fort.

Where: 5 Nongqai Road, Eshowe

Times: Monday-Friday – 7.30am till 4pm and weekends from 9am till 4pm.

Contact: 035 474 2281/ 5274

3. Butterfly Dome

During your visit at Fort Nongqayi, remember to go past the Butterfly Dome.

While you are in the dome, relax and enjoy the atmosphere as indigenous butterflies fly all around you.

Learn how butterflies breed and remember to look for the Emperor Swallowtail, the largest butterfly in the country.

They also have a shop in the village with locally made art for sale.

Where: Eshowe, at the Fort Nongqayi Museum (on the edge of Dlinza Forest).

Entry: R35 per person

Times: Monday-Friday – 7.30am till 4pm and weekends from 9am till 4pm.

Contact: 035 474 2281

4. Umlalazi Nature Reserve

Stretching from the mouth of the Mlalazi River to the Amatikulu Nature Reserve, the Umlalazi Nature Reserve offers 42 kilometres of pristine, natural coastline.

This is the perfect place for swimming and hiking and has a variety of trails available ranging from the 15 minute Mangrove Forest to more extensive 8 kilometre hike to the Mlalazi River mouth.

The Umlalazi Nature Reserve at Mtunzini has the rare distinction of offering two unique and unusual attractions – the Palm Nut Vulture, one of the rarest birds of prey in South Africa and the Raffia Palm which is the largest palm in the world.

Where: Mtunzini, off the N2 between Ballito and Richard’s Bay.

Entry: R30 per person (no entry fee required if you have a Rhino card).

Times: 5am till 10pm

Contact: 033 845 1000

5. KwaBulawayo Cultural Centre

Feel the beat of the drum, taste traditional Zulu cuisine and watch Zulu dancing at its best.

Get a good dose of Zulu culture at the KwaBulawayo Cultural Centre, Eshowe, which is where King Shaka established his military headquarters.

Where: Eshowe

Times: 9am till 5pm.

Entry: R80 per person includes a guided tour and cultural dance. You can also book for a buffet traditional meal at R175 per person.

Contact: 083 533 9183 (Phone beforehand to make sure a guide is available.)