Top 10 holiday destinations in Northern KZN

With the holidays finally upon us, we all want to relax and escape the realities of life by visiting extraordinary destinations, which are fun for the whole family.

We have compiled a list of the top 10 holiday destinations in Northern KwaZulu-Natal that Newcastillians can enjoy this festive season.

LEISURE DESTINATIONS CLOSE TO HOME…

1. Chelmsford/Ntshingwayo Dam

Situated on the Ngagane River in Northern Natal, Chelmsford/Ntshingwayo is the third largest dam in KwaZulu-Natal and offers a tranquil stretch of water suitable for all water sports especially water skiing.

Angling is a popular activity with good catches of carp and scalies reported regularly. The reserve offers good game viewing opportunities and there are large herds of springbok, blesbok and red hartebeeste as well as one of the most viable population of Oribi in the Province.

Visitors are free to walk or cycle anywhere within the game park as there are no dangerous animals.

2. Ncandu Falls

Ncandu Falls can be found in the Ncandu State Forest Nature Reserve, in a valley about 32 km from Newcastle, on the northern Drakensberg escarpment.

Maintained by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the waterfall is about 30m high and considered part of Chelmsford Dam, which is 40km away.

The area is a magnet for daredevils who wish to dive off a cliff into the water.  There are also braai and picnic areas.

The reserve is the second-largest indigenous forest in KwaZulu-Natal and home to three species of yellowwood and the white stinkwood, which grows to an impressive height.

Many trails take you past sandstone cliffs and the waterfall. Birds that can be spotted include Olive Woodpecker, Heuglin’s Robin, Bush Blackcap, African Wood Owl and Bush Blackcap, as well as the elusive Cape Parrot.  You can also take boardwalks for a stunning view from the roof of the forest.

Accommodation is available nearby, at Chelmsford Dam and in Newcastle.

3. Schuilklip Game Farm

Experience various South-African wildlife species and find out just how close you can get to nature on 2000 hectares of wild undulating grasslands.

Schuilklip offers excellent family breakaways and wildlife experiences in a rustic but tranquil way. The farm is tucked away in a valley between the Amajuba Mountains.

The beauty and variety of the gold and green grasslands offers a wide range of game species namely Gemsbok, Waterbuck, Eland, Zebras, Black Wildebeest, Blesbuck, Oribi, Red Hartebeest, Springbuck, Impala, Reedbuck, Mountain Reedbuck, Warthog and Ostriches.

Activities include game-viewing, birding, fishing and swimming in the dam or rock pools along the river.

FOR THOSE WILLING TO TRAVEL A BIT…

4. The Drakensberg

A majestic range of mountains, which lies in the KwaZulu-Natal province and stretches over 200 kilometres, forming a natural border between Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal, are known simply as ‘the dragon mountain’ or Drakensberg.

Apart from its famous mountain peaks; Giants Castle, Cathedral Peak, Mont-Aux-Sources, the entire Drakensberg is riddled with incredible waterfalls, rock pools, mountain streams, caves and  crisp mountain air, that draws both visitors to South Africa and locals alike.

Within the Drakensberg of KwaZulu Natal lies the 243 000 hectare mountain region that is also a world heritage site, known as Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.

Not only does it boast some of the most incredible scenic beauty, but it also has over 600 examples of San rock paintings in caves around the park.

The Drakensberg has innumerable hiking trails, horse trails, canopy tours, white water rafting, abseiling, local arts and crafts stalls and so much more entertainment for the whole family.

 

5. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park lies in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, where ancient trails lead through the thornveld and along the mighty rivers of Africa’s oldest established wilderness area.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora.

Renowned for its rich and diverse wildlife, the park teems with a wide variety of fascinating species including elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, leopard, blue wildebeest, giraffe, cheetah, hyena, and warthog and over 300 bird species.

Apart from game-viewing drives, there are self-guided auto trails which provide information on both the management and natural history of the reserve.

Guided walks are also available, particularly rewarding in the early morning and late afternoon.

 

6. St Lucia

St Lucia is about 240 kilometres from Durban in northern KwaZulu-Natal, and forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.  Its estuary has one of the highest concentrations of hippos and crocodiles in southern Africa.

What also makes this area magnificent is the park is South Africa’s first World Heritage Site and includes nine per cent of the country’s coastline.

Be sure to have your camera ready – not just for the beautiful beaches, lush coastal forests, dunes, savannas, wetlands, sunsets over the lake or even the leatherback turtles laying eggs, but also the extensive game and birdlife and fascinating scenery.

Here are 10 places to visit and things to do while you’re there:

1. Cruise on the St Lucia Estuary
2. iSimangaliso Wetland Park
3. St Lucia Crocodile Centre
4. Isiphaphalazi Butterfly House
5. Chané Cheese Farm and Lodge
6. Veyane Cultural Village
7. Cape Vidal
8. Kayak on the estuary
9. Horse riding withBhangazi Horse Safaris
10. iGwalagwala Trail

 

7. Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Nambiti Private Game Reserve is set in KwaZulu-Natal on 22 000 magnificent acres near the town of Ladysmith.   It is also close to the renowned KZN battlefields, a major attraction of this region.

This reserve boasts the attractions of the Big 5, the only one in the area to do so, and Nambiti’s biodiversity, ensures a thrilling and unprecedented diversity of game and birding sightings.

 

8. Spioenkop Nature Reserve

Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve is situated 35 km from Ladysmith and 14 km from Winterton.

Spioenkop mountain stands sentry over thorn savannah and water where visitors can see panoramas that stretch from hot valley bushveld, across cool water to the Drakensberg Mountains often covered in snow in the winter.

Steeped in Anglo Boer War history, the reserve boasts a rich selection of wildlife including white rhinoceros, giraffe and a variety of plains and bushveld antelope.

The abundance and diversity of species assures visitors a rewarding game experience.

The dam offers opportunities for a variety of water-sports and the northern section of the reserve is a designated hunting area.

9. Ithala Game Reserve

Ithala is one of the youngest game parks in South Africa located within the rugged, mountainous thornveld of northern KwaZulu-Natal.

Ithala Game Reserve’s astonishing geological diversity boasts some of the oldest rock formations in the entire world, dating back 3 000 million years making the reserve a game viewers paradise.

The reserve’s multitude of habitats host a spectacular array of wildlife species that must be experienced.

 

10. Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort

Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs & Leisure Resort is famed for its hot mineral waters and is situated on the road between Vryheid and Paulpietersburg on the Battlefields Route.