NATAL

KwaZulu-Natal's extraordinary scenic diversity includes wilderness, sandy beaches, the majestic Drakensberg Mountains, and the farmlands, towns and hills of the Midlands. Highlights are hiking in the Drakensberg, beaching, scuba diving, the Midlands Meander, the Valley of a Thousand Hills, scenic drives, trout fishing, deep sea fishing, the Hiuhluwe Umfolozi and Phinda Game Reserves, tribal dancing, the ethnicity of Zululand and the battlefields of Rorke's Drift and lsandlwana.

Fugitives' Drift Lodge
Fugitives' Drift Lodge is in the heart of the Anglo - Zulu battlefields on a 4000 acre private Game and Nature Reserve along the Buffalo River about 260 kms from Durban. The lodge offers charming accommodation for 16 guests and hosts Nicky and David Rattray (raconteur supreme) and their guides give a fascinating account of the battles. lsandlwana is Britain's most famous colonial defeat at the hands of the Zulus, and Rorke's Drift is one of the greatest victories against overwhelming odds, with 11 Victoria Crosses awarded, the most ever won in a single action. Highly recommended.

Three Tree Hill
Three Tree Hill is situated between Ladysmith and Bergville at Spionkop overlooking the nature reserve with majestic views towards the Drakensberg. Individual rooms accommodate 12 guests and the activities concentrate on the Natal Campaign of the Anglo Boer War (Nov 1899 - Feb 1900) including The Battle of Spionkop, The Siege of Ladysmith and the Battle at Caesar's Camp and Wagon Hill. An excellent combination with Fugitive's Drift Lodge.

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse
Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse is situated in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains in the beautiful Kamberg Valley. Its stunning location and the peace and tranquillity it offers, with trout fishing, walking trails, swimming in crystal clear mountain streams with rock pools and waterfalls, make it the perfect hideaway. Richard and Mouse Poynton accommodate 12 guests in luxury rooms and pride themselves on their culinary skills and seasonal fresh farm produce.

Palms Guest House
Palms Guest House is a bed and breakfast in Durban's Berea and is perfect base if one has to overnight. It has 5 well-appointed rooms and is within walking distance of popular restaurants and shops.

Zimbali Lodge and Country Club
Zimbali Lodge and Country Club is located in a forest surrounded by a championship 18 hole Tom Weiskopf golf course, 42km north of Durban and is Sun International's first "boutique hotel". It has 76 rooms, each with its own balcony facing the lagoon and sea.

Phinda Resource Reserve
Phinda Resource Reserve is situated in Northern Natal and within its private 17,000 hectares, 7 distinct ecosystems are found; from palm savannah and montane bushveld; to rare sand forest and dense thornveld - each with its own typical fauna and flora, rich in animal, bird, reptile, plant and marine life. Phinda offers a choice of accommodation at four lodges Mountain Lodge (40 guests), Forest Lodge (32 guests), Rock Lodge (12 guests) and Vlei Lodge (12 guests). Activities include day and night game drives, walks with professional guides, river cruises, canoeing, swimming, snorkelling, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, picnics or just lazing on the unspoilt and empty beaches.

Zulu Safaris
Zulu Safaris offer guided tours of the Natal Drakensberg, Battlefields and National Game Parks, providing access to the many excellent Natal Parks Board accommodation facilities, on a private basis. Great value and first class personal attention.

Other options include Quarters, The Oyster Box, The Beverley Hills Hotel, Old Halliwell, Old Rearsby, Dargle Farm B&B, Champagne Castle Hotel, Cathedral Peak Hotel, Penny Farthing, Ndumo, Kosi Forest Lodge, Rocktail Bay Lodge, Shayamoya.