ADVENTURE TOURS
17. Karkloof Canopy Tours www.karkloofcanopytour.co.za The canopy tour involves traversing from one platform to another along a steel cable suspended up to 30m above the forest floor. The scenery and birdlife is spectacular and professional guides provide interesting facts about the forest ecology during the tour.
18. Bay Cruises Durban Bay - http://www.boatingworld.co.za/charter_boats.htm Durban Charter Association is situated in the Durban Harbour, the biggest harbor in Africa. They offer a wide variety of charter boats to suit every need and pocket.
19. uShaka Marine World www.ushakamarineworld.co.za Located in the centre of uShaka Marine World is Sea World, comprising a saltwater aquarium with indoor and outdoor exhibits. The iconic cargo ship wreck, the dolphin stadium, the seal stadium and penguin rookery all form an exciting aquatic display.
20. Hot Air Ballooning www.hotairballooningsa.co.za Enjoy a trip at sunrise and view the earth from a different angle.
21. Zululand EcoAdventure Tours www.eshowe.com Learn about the Zulu culture from expert tour guides.
22. Sodwana diving www.sodwanadiving.co.za Sodwana Bay is considered to be the premier dive site and is the only tropical dive site in South Africa. The reefs are believed to be the southern most coral reefs in the world and have a wide diversity of attractions
PLACES OF INTEREST
23. Shakaland - www.shakaland.com Feel the pulsating rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa as you re-live the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus, in this authentic re-creation of the Great Kraal overlooking the Phobane Lake.
24. Pietermaritzburg City Hall www.pmbtourism.co.za The magnificent city hall stands proud in the city centre and invites tourists to admire the beautiful stained glass windows, domes and majestic 47 metre high clock tower.
25. Tatham Art Gallery www.tatham.org.za The Tatham Art Gallery, one of the major art museums in South Africa, dates back to 1903. Situated in Pietermaritzburg opposite the City Hall
it houses some famous paintings.
26. Rosetta Stone of Rock Art http://www.kznwildlife.com/site/ecotourism/accommodation/allaccommodation/Kamberg/RockArtCentre.html These exquisite paintings decipher the mythology, ritual, and beliefs of the San. A guided walk takes you through the magnificent foothills of the Drakensberg.
27. Hluhluwe-Imfolosi Park http://www.kznwildlife.com/site/ecotourism/accommodation/allaccommodation/Hluhluwe/index.html Established in 1895 and set in the heart of Zululand this magnificent game reserve is where the Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted. The first conservation laws were put in place here. Game viewing is the prime attraction, with viewing hides overlooking waterholes, enabling visitors to see animals at close range.
28. Kosi Bay - http://www.kzn.org.za/index php?cityhome+673 Home to the Tsonga people and their primitive, yet ingenious, traditional fish traps, Kosi Bay's unique eco-system and vast wildlife is rapidly becoming the favourite place of modern-day Elephant Coast or Maputaland explorers.
29. Thembi Elephant Park www.tembe.co.za Tembe Elephant Park covers the area that was once known as ‘The Ivory Route'. For many years this ancient route linked the ivory traders of Mozambique and Zululand. It is where the largest elephants in Africa – and the world - roamed. Today, over 220 of these gentle giants remain and thrive in their ancestral homeland.
30. River Bird Park www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za See how spectacular macaws and elegant flamingos as well as rare birds live and breed. A viewing window allows you to follow the activity in the baby room, where chicks are reared by loving foster-parents.
31. Durban City Hall - http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/discover/the_arts/architecture/5727?searchterm=city%20hall The building is a notable example of Edwardian neo-Baroque architecture. Sculptures on the main pediment represent Britannia, Unity and Patriotism. There are three blocks behind the facade designed for the municipal chambers, the art gallery, the library and the auditorium.
32. eThekweni Art Gallery - http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/discover/museums/dag The Gallery has a comprehensive collection of artworks from Europe, the East and Africa, dating from the 15th century to the present. Constantly rotating displays from its permanent collection as well as travelling exhibitions of contemporary and historic pictures and artefacts create an exciting visit.
GARDENS 33. Makaranga - www.makaranga.com The gardens boast an impressive art collection and guests can wander the wheelchair friendly pathways through the garden to admire the Shona and Italian sculptures set amongst the Camellias, Magnolias and Rhododendrons. The Japanese garden features original stone carvings from Japan.
34. Durban Botanical Garden http://www.durban.gov.za/durban/discover/outdoors_and_sport/parks/dbn_bo tanic_gardens/plant_collections/intro?searchterm=botanical%20gardens Orchids, Palms and Cycads are the main collections of the Gardens. The cycad collection is currently ranked among the top ten botanical garden cycad collections in the world.
MUSEUMS
35. Durban Museums - www.durban.world-guides.com/durban_museums.html Durban's rich history is more than adequately preserved in the city's museums. They document every aspect of Durban's heritage, from colonial and military life to its seafaring role as a busy port.
36. Killy Campbell Museum http://campbell.ukzn.ac.za The Campbell Collections are housed in a neo-Cape Dutch style house, Muckleneuk, formerly the home of Natal sugar farmer and politician Sir Marshall Campbell. The collections hold major resources for research into the history and culture of southern Africa and KwaZulu-Natal..
37. Pietermaritzburg Museum www.nmsa.org.za The Natal Museum is full of interesting things, from elephants to birds to Zulu pottery and San rock art. With 8 Natural History and as many as 10 Cultural History galleries, a visit to the Natal Museum is a great way to spend a day.
38. Siege Museum Ladysmith www.routes.co.za/kn/ladysmith/index.html The Siege Museum exhibits artefacts and history from the Battle of Ladysmith. The building in which the museum is housed was built as a marketplace in 1884. There are about 60,000 documents related to the Siege and Boer War in the museum.
39. Talana Museum - www.talana.co.za The museum comprises 17 buildings, dedicated to subjects as diverse as war and agriculture, mining, industry and domestic life.
40. Durban Natural History Museum www.saasta.ac.za/africanorigins/explore13.shtml The Durban Natural Science Museum is about the Earth, its history, and life on earth, both past and present. There are many superb exhibits relevant to African origins. The Hall of Earth Sciences Gallery is dominated by a life-sized reconstruction of the extinct dinosaur Tyrannosaurus Rex.
BATTLES
41. Battle of Blood River - One of the most dramatic war memorials in South Africa. On 16th of December 1838, approximately 800 Boers and Attendants led by Andries Pretorius, defeated the main Zulu Army. The Boers used a laager of 64 wagons, replicated by this memorial today.
42. Battle of Talana - First battle in the Boer War – 20th of October 1899. The British side defeated by effective Boer artillery and rifle fire on Talana Hill.
Major-General William Penn-Symons mortally wounded on British side.
43. Umgungundlovu - On the 6th of February 1838 at this site Zulu King Dingaan ordered the murder of Piet Retief and his 70 followers. Boer reprisals led to the Battle of Blood River.
Interprative centre and memorial present today.
44. Isandlwana - At this eerie Sphinx-shaped hill on the 22nd of January 1879; the mighty Zulu Army smashed the central British Column. Considered one of the greatest defeats the British Army suffered at the hand of a native army.
45. Rorke's Drift - Here, on the 22nd/23rd January 1879, 139 British soldiers (35 of whom were hospital patients) hold out against 4000 Zulu Warriors. This remarkable defence immortalised in the movie “Zulu”, saw the award of 11 V.C's and 5 DCM's.
46. Hlobane - This impressive mountain surrounded by cliffs saw Wood's northern Column soundly defeated by abaQulusi Zulus on 28th March 1879. On the British side, 216 lives were lost, 5 VC's awarded. Inaccessible – summit only accessible by 4x4 or on foot.
47. Ulundi - Final battle in Anglo-Zulu War on 4th July 1879. 5500 trained British soldiers formed a square and smashed the already demoralised Zulu army. Zulu losses 1500; British losses 12. Memorial and graveyard on the site today.
48. Majuba - February 1881 – Pivotal battle in first South African War of Independence. British force under General Colley soundly thrashed by Boer Commandos under General Joubert. Views from summit well worth the steep walk.
49. Spioenkop - 24th of January 1900. Bloodiest day in the Boer war (1899-1902). British force under General Buller defeated by Boer forces under General Louis Botha. Simultaneously involved in this famous Boer War battle were Winston Churchill, Mahatma Ghandi and Louis Botha. Easily accessible site with explanation boards, and local guides available.
50. Ladysmith - Besieged by Boers during “Black Week”- December 1899, along with Kimberley and Mafikeng. Attempts to relieve the siege cost the British dearly, leading to battles at Tugela Heights, Colenso, Vaalkrantz and Spioenkop. Field-Marshall Roberts lost his son, Freddie, who was trying to save the British guns from Boer hands at Colenso. Guide essential to make sense of this area.
51. Nkandla Forest - Beautiful, remote, hilly, forested region. Nearby lies the grave of Zulu King Cetewayo (died 8th of February1884). At Mome Gorge, Bhambatha Rebellion ruthlessly crushed by Natal Militia in 1906. Fantastic bird-watching area.
52. Prince Imperial death - During the Anglo Zulu War, the only child of the Napoleon III and Empress Eugenie was ambushed and killed by Zulus on the 1st of June 1879. The body was shipped to England and buried in Farnborough Abbey. Effectively end of Napoleonic dynasty.
MONUMENTS
53. Mandela's capture 1963, the South African police forced the train carrying Nelson Mandela to stop between Howick and Lions River. Mandela was tried and sentenced to imprisonment on Robben Island. A monument marks the site on R103 today.
54. Churchill's capture December 1899 – At this site near Frere on R103, Boer forces derailed the train carrying Winston Churchill (a journalist). As POW he escaped from Pretoria to Lourenco Marques, caught a ship to Durban and returned to the front.
AREAS OF NATURAL BEAUTY
55. Howick Falls - http://www.countryroads.co.za/content/howick-falls.html Near the small town of Howick the Umgeni river plunges 300ft over the Howick Falls. Many people have been swept over the Howick Falls, especially in the pioneer days of the province, as some settlers thought the easiest place to cross the river was just above the waterfall.
56. Valley of 1000 hills www.1000hills.kzn.org.za The Valley of 1000 Hills has unspoilt nature, wildlife and magnificent scenery just half an hour's drive from the centre of Durban. The area is named after the thousands of hills which tumble down to the mighty Umgeni River, which flows from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Indian Ocean.
57. Giants Castle - http://www.kznwildlife.com/site/conservation/wildlife/birding/birding_Hotspots/GiantsCastle/index.html Historic Giant's Castle Game Reserve, home of the eland and the majestic bearded vulture, lies in a World Heritage Site. Visit the Main Caves Museum for a fascinating insight into the past lifestyle of the San people. The renowned vulture restaurant is open in winter for visitors to watch bearded vultures and other endangered species feeding.
58. Mt Aux Sources and Royal Natal National Park - http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/royal-natal-national-park.html Mont-aux-Sources is a mountain block, forming one of the highest and most spectacular portions of the Drakensberg. It includes the Sentinel, a wall of 1,000 vertical feet. The mountain is also the source for three major rivers (hence the name Mont-aux-Sources). Tugela Falls is a series of five cascades which tumbles nearly 3000 feet over the east wall. The mountain is part of the Royal Natal National Park, which has a well developed system of marked trails.
59. Sani Pass - http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/sani-pass.html The Sani Pass is a spectacular mountain road that is a well-known entry point into Lesotho. It is the gateway to the ‘Roof of Africa' scenic route. A 4X4 vehicle is necessary for this road.
60. St Lucia Wetland www.advantagetours.co.za The 332 000 hectare Park contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700 year old fishing traditions, most of South Africa's remaining swamp forests, Africa's largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25 000 year-old coastal dunes – among the highest in the world. The name iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this unique place.
61. Beachwood Mangroves http://www.kznwildlife.com/site/ecotourism/destinations/beaches/BeachwoodMangroves/ The reserve consists of mangrove swamp forests and important estuarine habitat at the mouth of the Umgeni River in Durban. Plant and animal life in the mangrove forest can be viewed on a trail through this ecosystem.
62. Cape Vidal - http://www.kznparks.com/accommodation/cape_vidal_kwazulunatal.aspx Renowned for its sport fishing and snorkeling, this scenic coastal camp is situated on the north of the Eastern Shores area of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Wildlife, especially birds are abundant and self-guided trails enable visitors to see some of the surrounding wetlands and Lake Bhangazi.
63. Cathedral Peak – Didima Gorge http://www.kznwildlife.com/site/ecotourism/activities/camping/Cathedral/RockArtCentre.html Nature lovers can explore the extensive grasslands and mountain forest patches and observe a variety of bird and animal species. The Didima San art interpretive centre provides fascinating insights into the art and culture of the San. 64. Battle Cave - http://www.kznwildlife.com/site/ecotourism/activities/climbing/Injisuthi /index.html Injisuthi is in the northern section of the Giant's Castle area of the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. Visitors may undertake many interesting walks into the Mdedelo Wilderness Area, as well as a guided walk to the Battle Cave, famous for its bushman rock art.
65. Thukela Falls - http://www.drakensberg-tourism.com/tugela-falls.html A trail to the foot of the Tugela Falls starts at Royal Natal National Park. The easy seven kilometre gradient up the Tugela gorge winds though indigenous forests. The last part of the hike to the Tugela Falls is a boulder hop. A little chain ladder takes you over the final stretch from where you have a stunning view of the falls rushing down the Amphitheater in a series of five spectacular cascades.
66. Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk http://www.zbr.co.za/boardwalk/ Unique in Southern Africa is the Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk, situated in an indigenous forest within the urban environment of Eshowe. Built of natural timber, the Aerial Boardwalk takes you 125m through the indigenous coastal scarp forest at a height of 10m above the forest floor, just below the canopy.
67. Ongoye Forest http://www.zbr.co.za/sz/ongoye.htm The forest lies about 150km north of Durban, between Mtunzini, Eshowe and Empangeni. It is a large remnant patch of coastal forest which lies along a ridge of hills overlooking the Indian Ocean. This beautiful forest is interspersed with patches of rolling grasslands between granite outcrops. Ongoye Forest is the only place to see
Woodwards' Barbet in Southern Africa.
68. Ndumo Game Reserve http://www.places.co.za/html/8654.html The Ndumo Game Reserve situated in northeastern Zululand, on the Mozambique border, is one of the most interesting and most attractive in South Africa. It lies on the flood plain of the Pongola River, an expanse of wetland with tropical and subtropical habitats. It is primarily famous for its birdlife.
69. Sodwana Bay - http://www.countryroads.co.za/content/sodwana-bay.html Sodwana Bay is renowned for its sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. Sodwana Bay lies adjacent to Africa's southern-most coral reefs. In summer loggerhead and leatherback turtles come to nest on the beaches. A five kilometer self-guided trail is available for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts.
RESTAURANTS
70. Just Lavender - PMB 033 342 6425 A delightful coffee shop and interior décor shop just off the highway. Phone for directions.
71. 9th Ave - Durban 031 312 9134 Run by husband Carly Goncalves and wife Frances this multi award winning restaurant serves food that is outstanding with presentation and flavour in mind.
72. Harveys - Durban 031 312 5706 www.harveysrestaurant.co.za A flamboyant space, stylish and lush. Dishes are grouped by price, all plates served as platters of four portions for group sampling. The menus change monthly and feature French inspired food with a twist.
73. Sprigs - Kloof 031 764 6031 An exciting buffet table (by weight) operates every lunch time and a breakfast menu is supplemented with amazing specials.
The restaurant includes a well stock deli and cookery school.
74. Whistling Duck – Nottingham Rd 033 266 6346 A good place to stop for delicious coffee and a snack located at Gowrie Village in Nottingham Road. It includes a deli and takeaway.
75. Umami – Ballito 032 525 4615 www.umami.co.za The food is a fusion of Eastern, Mediterranean and European. The menu changes seasonally and Talya's flair for innovative tastes is very evident.
76. Bel Punto - Ballito 031 568 2407 Owned by Italians this modern, casual chic restaurant is family run using authentic Italian ingredients. It also specialises in seafood, steaks, poultry and game.
AIRPORTS
77. Durban International - Durban
78. Oribi - PMB
79. King Shaka – Umhloti complete July 2010
PEOPLE OF INTEREST
Kingsley Holgate - www.kingsleyholgate.co.za Kingsley Holgate is a modern day African Explorer in the tradition of the first Victorian adventurers. In the past decade he's led multiple expeditions throughout the continent travelling by foot, canoe, bicycle, inflatable raft, dhow and Land Rover. He has followed in the footsteps of his hero David Livingstone. He is famous for distributing thousands of mosquito nets throughout his travels in Africa.
Alan Paton http://paton.ukzn.ac.za/background780.aspx Alan Paton is the famed author of Cry, the beloved country and was also a founding member of the Liberal Party of South Africa. He continued to write novels and poetry throughout his life, but he also wrote extensively on matters of a political nature.
Albert Luthuli - http://www.prominentpeople.co.za/luthuli-albert.aspx Albert John Mvumbi Luthuli, a Zulu-speaking member of South Africa, was born in Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) in 1898, where his father was employed as a missionary and interpreter. In 1960 he became the first African to be awarded the Nobel peace prize for his efforts in pursuing a non-violent campaign against racial discrimination in South Africa. In 1963 he published his autobiography Let My People Go.
Mahatma Gandhi http://www.mkgandhi.org/ Mahatma Ghandi, one of the most well known figures in India's struggle for independence from Britain came to South Africa in 1893 and became involved in politics in both Natal and the Transvaal. He extended his stay until 1914 when he returned to India.
Shaka - http://www.sahistory.org.za/pages/people/bios/zulu-shaka.htm Shaka was a great Zulu king and conqueror. He lived in a region populated by many independent Nguni chiefdoms. During his brief reign many chiefdoms were brought together in a Zulu kingdom.
TOURS
Old Canvas Expeditions www.oldcanvasexpeditions.com Tel: +27 (0)33 239 5227 They run some of the best safaris and expeditions Southern Africa has to offer. They are uniquely positioned to add amazing value to your vacation, holiday or safari.
Tour guides include:
Roger and Pat de la Harpe They are perhaps the most well known photographers and authors in Southern Africa, with 20 books to their name. They also run Africa Imagery image bank and have been conducting photographic safaris for a number of years with great success.
Andre de la Rosa She has been painting for as long as she can remember and is now sharing her skills with those who want to learn to paint.
Gerald Davie He has been a consulting geologist for over 20 years and has worked in Europe, Africa and the Middle East on a host of different projects. South Africa has some of the finest geology in the world and you will visit dinosaur sites, lavas, fossilised deserts and dinosaur habitats.
Frans Prins He has been studying and recording the history and art of the San for a number of years and is a consultant to the World Heritage Site and a number of other scientific bodies.
Dr Dave and Sally Johnson They are birding (and tree) experts, and are well qualified, having been the official ornithologists for the then Natal Parks Board. Visit some of South Africa's top birding locations, including the World Heritage Site of Isimangaliso/St Lucia Wetland area. This site is the largest wetland area in Africa and is alive with birds and wildlife.
Megan Harker She runs a highly successful cooking school in Durban and with these skills and her knowledge of the corporate world is the ideal person to run cooking safari workshops.
OTHER TOURS
BIRD TOURS
Malcolm Gemmel – Creighton Tel: +27 (0)82 789 5000 http://www.kznbirding.co.za/guides.htm Malcolm Gemmell is well-known in southern KwaZulu-Natal as a specialist bird tour guide who has an intimate knowledge of the local fauna and flora and conducts many and varied tours in the mist-belt, uplands and alpine regions of KwaZulu-Natal.
Crane Foundation – Giants Castle http://www.kzncrane.co.za/about.htm The Crane Foundation encourages the awareness of and interest in cranes and their habitat including research & monitoring.
Bird board walk www.zbr.co.za/boardwalk Built of natural timber, the Aerial Boardwalk takes you 125m through the indigenous coastal scarp forest at a height of 10m above the forest floor,
just below the canopy.
FLOWER TOURS
Elsa Pooley - http://www.baasa.co.za/Artist_EPooley.html Tel: +27 (0)82 487 5385 Elsa Pooley is a self taught botanical artist and writer who spent 20 years in the game reserves of Maputaland where she explored the flora of the region. She has pursued her passion for indigenous plants through collecting, researching, writing, painting and gardening with them. She has written field guides to Trees and Wild Flowers of KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensberg.
Inhle Orchids Hennie and Daleen Steyn Tel: +27 (0)83 228 2413
GUIDING AND TRANSFERS
Ron Gold www.stonehavenlodge.co.za Tel: +27 (0)83 556 4068 Ron is an expert in the indigenous peoples of KZN as well as the battlefields.
Stef Steyn Tel: +27 (0)33 330 4293 Stef is an expert in the fauna and flora of the Drakensberg.
Town & Country www.townandcountrytours.co.za Tel: +27 (0)31 764 1386 Sue Partridge can provide transfers between the properties and to airports.
Sue Armstrong Tel: +(0)33 267 7218 Sue tailor makes your day out to suit your needs. She is an expert in the local people as well as places of interest, gardens and stud farms.
Reggie Purbrick www.reggiepurbrick.co.za Tel: +27 (0)82 432 7311 Reggie specialises in berg, bush, battlefields and beach tours as well as schools and groups. He can also assist with transfers to and from areas in KZN
FESTIVALS
The Duzi - January - www.dusi.org.za A canoe race between PMB and Durban particularly grueling.
The Midmar Mile - February www.midmarmile.co.za The Midmar Mile is in its 36th year and has attracted over 17000 entries over the last few years. For 2009, the race has an official application to set a new World Record for the Guinness Book of Records.
Splashy Fen Music festival - Easter www.splashyfen.co.za South Africa's longest-running and most renowned annual music festival, Splashy Fen has evolved into the ultimate outdoor experience for music and nature lovers alike.
Art in the Park - May www.african-artists.co.za/Art in The Park.htm An art exhibition that just keeps on breaking sales records. It clearly has what it takes to count among the country's most prestigious outdoor art-selling exhibitions.
The Comrades Marathon - May www.comrades.com Road race between Pietermaritzburg and Durban is 89Km long and one of the toughest in the World. The race alternates each year -
an up run and a down run.
Sardine run - May-July www.sardinerun.net The Sardine Run is a unique event. The ‘run' or migration of sardines begins in the cool waters south of the African Continent, where the tiny fish form into large swirling shoals of sardines in their thousands. The sardines then head north east in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, massing into what we call the Greatest Shoal on Earth.
Diwali - October www.durban.gov.za/durban/government/munadmin/media/press/165/view The Festival of Diwali is the highlight of the Hindu religious calendar which symbolizes the return of the most prominent Indian deity, Lord Rama from exile. Indian history recounts how thousands of worshippers lit lamps to celebrate his return hence the reference to Diwali as the Festival of Lights.
Turtle breeding - Oct-Mar http://sacoast.uwc.ac.za/education/resources/envirofacts/marineturtles.htm Turtles spend most of their lives at sea, but must return to land to lay their eggs. Turtles are often highly migratory - nesting beaches may be up to 3 500 km from their feeding grounds. Marine turtles mate in the waters off the nesting beach, after which the female comes ashore, usually in summer and at night to lay her eggs.
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