Destinations to visit in NKZN this Easter

A holiday away from home and the pressures of hosting family is always fun.

Instead of heading to the busy shores of Durban or the bright lights and fast-paced lifestyle of Johannesburg, why not opt for a leisurely break around our beautiful Northern KwaZulu-Natal this Easter?

Here are a few family-friendly destinations you can enjoy:

1. Ntshingwayo (Chelmsford) Dam

Situated on the Ngagane River in Northern Natal, this is the third largest dam in KZN and offers a tranquil stretch of water suitable for all water sports.
Angling is a popular activity, with good catches of carp and scalies reported regularly.
The reserve offers good game viewing opportunities, with large herds of springbok, blesbok and red hartebeest, as well as one of the most viable population of Oribi in the province.
Visitors are able to walk or cycle within the game park, as there are no dangerous animals.

2. Ncandu Falls

Ncandu Falls, which is 30m high, is in the Ncandu State Forest Nature Reserve, about 32km from Newcastle, on the northern Drakensberg escarpment and is maintained by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.
The reserve is the second-largest indigenous forest in KZN and home to three species of yellowwood and the white stinkwood, which grows to an impressive height. There are plenty of trails for nature lovers, as well as braai and picnic facilitiess. Accommodation is available nearby.

3. Moreson Ranch and Lion Park

Enjoy the excitement and thrill of Mother Nature at this beautiful outdoor ranch, situated near Vrede.
Guests can look forward to a variety of attractions, including hiking trails, sightseeing and a massive indoor pool. The ranch’s greatest attraction, however, is its lions and lions cubs.

4. The Drakensberg

This majestic range of mountains lies in the KZN province and stretches over 200km, to form a natural border between Lesotho and KZN.
Apart from its famous mountain peaks (Giant’s Castle, Cathedral Peak, Mont-Aux-Sources) the Drakensberg has incredible waterfalls, rock pools, mountain streams, caves and crisp air, which draws visitors both locally and internationally.
It also has over 600 examples of San rock paintings, innumerable hiking trails, canopy tours, white water rafting, abseiling, local art and craft stalls and dozens of leisure accommodation options for the whole family to enjoy.

5. Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve

This is situated 35kms from Ladysmith and 14km from Winterton. Spioenkop mountain stands sentry over thorn savannah and water where visitors will be drawn in by panoramas that stretch from hot valley bushveld, across cool water to the Drakensberg Mountains, often covered in snow in winter.
Steeped in Anglo-Boer War history, the reserve boasts a rich selection of wildlife including giraffe and a variety of bushveld antelope.
The dam offers opportunities for a variety of water sports and the northern section of the reserve is a designated hunting area.

6. Natal Spa Hot Springs and Leisure Resort

This is situated on the road between Vryheid and Paulpietersburg on the Battlefields Route.
Set in the scenery of the Bivane River, the resort offers an outdoor pool with water slides and two spa baths, as well as various other outdoor activities. Activities include a sauna, a plunge pool, two steam rooms, a hydrobath and a fully equipped fitness centre.

7. Nambiti Private Game Lodge

This reserve of 8 900 ha is situated near Ladysmith.
It boasts the attraction of the Big 5, as well as bird spotting.
It is also close to the renowned KZN battlefields, a major attraction in this region.

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Email: Reveshni Douglas (Editor) at reveshni@caxton.co.za

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