|
Set in the heart of Zululand, the oldest game reserve in Africa where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws, where today the “big five” of African legend stalk the verdant savannah. Established in 1895 game viewing is the prime attraction. Viewing hides overlook pans and waterholes enabling visitors to see animals at close range.
HLUHLUWE GAME RESERVE
Set in the heart of Zululand, the oldest game reserve in Africa where Zulu kings such as Dingiswayo and Shaka hunted and put in place the first conservation laws, where today the “big five” of African legend stalk the verdant savannah. Established in 1895 game viewing is the prime attraction. Viewing hides overlook pans and waterholes enabling visitors to see animals at close range.
As the home of Operation Rhino in the 1950s and 60s, the Park became world renowned for its white rhino conservation. Other areas of focus for which Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park is famed include wilderness trails which originated in Imfolozi in the 1950s and its renowned Game Capture unit recently upgraded into the Centenary Capture Centre, a bench mark for animal capture and sustainable utilisation throughout Africa.
The Park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. Hluhluwe is characterised by hilly topography,and this northern section of the park is noted for its wide variety of both bird and animal life. Apart from game-viewing drives, there are two 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.
There is a 40 seater boat on Hluhluwe dam which takes visitors on guided trips twice a day. The trips are conducted by an experienced community guide and visitors can see an excellent range of birds and animals within the park while the Zulu culture is covered in the community areas outside.
EXPERIENCE THE SPLENDOUR OF THE DRAKENSBERG
■ Visit the famous Drakensberg Boys’ Choir School. Concerts every Wednesday at 15h30 during school terms.
■ Take a hike ranging from 1 hour to 8 hours from any of the NCS areas; Monks Cowl, Royal Natal and Cathedral Peak.
■ Take a guided hike from Cathedral Peak with visits to the Bushman painting sites. Guides are available on a first come first serve basis and dependant on guides being available. Advance bookings can be made.
■ Visit the Bushman Cave museum at Giants Castle or take a guided hike to the Battle Caves at Injasuti where you will find 750 paintings depicting a battle between two warring clans.
■ Eager Bird-watchers can venture to the Lammergeyer Hide at Giants Castle, which is set high on a cliff and if in luck the endangered Lammergeyer or bearded vulture can be observed.
■ A hide tour at Giants Castle, which gives Birdwatches a close up view, is extremely popular. Bookings to be made in advance.
■ Play golf at any one of the tour Golf courses ranging from the Central to the Northern Berg.
■ Visit the Eskom Hydro Electric Scheme at Jagersrust in the Northern Berg. Bookings to be made in advance.
■ Enjoy a leisurely and scenic drive through Spioenkop Dam and Nature Reserve and view a variety of game, including Rhino and Giraffe.
■ Look back at a bygone era and take a trip to the well-known Spioenkop Battlefields. Take a self-guided trail and view the graves, monuments and trenches or book a guide.
■ Take a scenic drive up Mike pass at Cathedral peak. Weather permitting of course.
■ Well worth a visit, the small Winterton Museum situated in Church St. You will find fascinating displays of fauna and flora of the Berg, as well as exhibits on the history of the area, bushman paintings etc.
■ Go for tea/coffee at one of the many tea gardens and visit the vast and beautiful array of arts and crafts venues en route.
■ Horse riding, trout fishing and mountain biking are offered at most Resorts.
■ Take a leisurely sunset cruise on the Bellpark Dam and enjoy magnificent views of the Berg while sipping on a variety of cocktails.
■ Something for the whole family -Thandani Craft village in the Northern Berg offers craftwork, woodwork, Zulu dancing, choir singing and refreshments.
SIBAYA: ZULU FIRE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Circles of Fire Tour (A Zulu Village Encounter). Here visitors will experience an interactive interplay of nature, culture and wildlife. Circles of Fire is authenticated by the “Biyela” people, a branch of the Royal Zulu House who are hosts and co-owners of the village. A fine art gallery, tavern and restaurant complete the Circles of Fire encounter. The climax of the visit takes place in the ‘Great Hut’ where the focus is on dramatic depictions of historic events infused with animal mythology and given a thrilling, up-close visceral edge with dynamic dance routines and vivid props.
The village’s facilities also include: Cultural shows : a broad range of various Southern African cultures., Traditional Zulu Dancing, Story telling, Spear-making and throwing, Nyanga / Sangoma, An art gallery: - displaying paintings, sculpture and other original art works, There is a themed Zulu restaurant called the Sondela Tavern with serves contemporary Zulu culture with a classic touch. Zulu Fire Cultural guided tour includes: The untold story of the Biyela clan and the ‘Circle of Fire’, a courtship scene; spear – making, beer – making, carving and pottery; visit a Nyanga and Sangoma; play Zulu sports and games. The Zulu Fire Village is open 7 days per week from 11am- 8pm.
HIGHLIGHTS - RICHARDS BAY & SURROUNDS
• BEACHES: The warm Indian Ocean beaches are ideal for swimming, surfing, yachting and kayaking.Alkantstrand and Newark Beaches are protected by lifeguard and shark-nets. Facilities at the beaches include picnic / braai sites, a super tube, putt-putt course, craft market, restaurant and kiosk.
• DOLPHIN VIEWING PLATFORM: Situated at the end of the North Breakwater Pier at Alkantstrand Beach, this specially erected platform allows visitors to view the Humpback Dolphins that frequent the Richards Bay coastline.
• ENSELENI NATURE RESERVE: Situated 15 minutes drive from Richards Bay on the N2 towards Empangeni. Entrance to the reserve is free & visitors are welcome to enjoy the picnic / braai sites and self guided nature walks. The Nkonkoni Trail is 7km and The Mvubu Trail is 3km in length. A variety of small mammals and an abundance of bird life can be seen. A conference / activity centre is available to educational groups and other interested parties.
• REPTILE CITY: Situated along the banks of the Mzingazi River. Reptile City offers visitors a close up look at cunning crocodiles, slithering snakes and other intriguing reptiles. Visitors can also enjoy a relaxing stroll through the mangrove swamps along a wooden boardwalk.
• DAYSPRING FARMYARD: Situated 20 minutes drive from Richards Bay along the N2 towards Empangeni on a sugar cane farm. This animal-petting farm allows children to interact with farmyard animals whilst parents relax in the Tea Garden. They also cater for kiddie's birthday parties.
• UMFOLOZI BIRD PARK: Situated 20Km North of Richards Bay, engulfed in a tranquil, scenic environment with its spectacular variety of birds, boasting over 40 species ranging from parrots to guinea fowl. There are pony rides for the children and a restaurant and pub on the premises.
• TUSK UMFOLOZI CASINO: Situated in Empangeni. Facilities include 300 slot machines, 10 gaming tables, a fun video arcade, cocktail bars and Nandi's Restaurant.
|
