Top staycation activities for Zululanders these holidays

LOOKING for a getaway close to home, but don’t want to travel far or break the budget? It sounds like you’re in need of a staycation!

We are spoilt for choice in Zululand, with our natural splendour and wildlife right on our doorstep, so why not go and explore what nature has to offer?

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Hiking
· Enseleni Nature Reserve
Situated midway between Richards Bay and Empangeni along the N2, this reserve offers two trails, both just under 5km. It is open Monday to Sunday from 7am to 5pm. Entrance fees are R50 for adults and R25 for children under 12 years.

· Mtunzini’s uMlalazi Nature Reserve
Choose from several trails, including the moderate 4.2km Siyaya trail or the longer 8.7km Mtunzini river and beach trail. It is open from 5am to 10pm. Day visit costs R60 for adults and R30 for kids. Tip: Pack snacks, refreshments, sunscreen and a hat.

Snorkelling
· Cape Vidal at iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Take a drive to Cape Vidal just outside St Lucia. Take a dip in the ocean and marvel at the underwater snorkelling spectacle in this protected bay. There are strong currents, however, so be advised to snorkel 1 hour prior to and 1 hour after low tide. You will need a swimming costume, mask and snorkel, fins and sunblock. Entrance costs R60.

Game viewing
· Eastern Shores
Beyond snorkelling at Cape Vidal, enjoy game viewing of elephants, rhino, buffalo, crocodile and hippo, among others, in the Eastern Shores of Lake St Lucia, en route to the beach at Vidal. This makes both opportunities perfectly attainable in one day.
· Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Home to the Big 5 – elephant, buffalo, leopard, lion and rhino, this Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife reserve is 60km inland from St Lucia. Entrance costs R120 for adults and R60 for children.

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