Often overlooked by international visitors to South Africa, the province of Kwazulu-Natal is one of the country's best kept secrets with its unspoilt beaches, majestic mountains, game rich wildlife reserves and various historical sites. When it comes to great places to stay, there are a variety of amazing accommodation options to choose from in Kwazulu-Natal, so to help you make the right decision for your holiday, we've got our South Africa specialists to suggest some of their very favourites.
The Oyster Box Hotel
A near-perfect beach location right on the edge of the Indian Ocean, the Oyster Box is a classically-influenced hotel that offers luxury and comfort in great style, and yet is just a five minute walk from the boutiques, restaurants and bars of Umhlanga village, an affluent seaside town north of Durban. Each of the 86 rooms is the last word in comfort, but choose one with an ocean view so that you can enjoy being lulled to sleep by the sound of the waves. By day, enjoy everything the beach and sea has to offer including snorkelling, fishing and surfing, and by night luxuriate in the hotel’s restaurants and bars. The hotel also caters exceptionally well for families with its family rooms and children's club that is available to kids between the ages of 4-12.
Fugitives’ Drift
Fugitives' Drift is the first, and arguably, still the best lodge in the Zulu battlefields. The main building of the lodge is stuffed with artefacts and memorabilia – it is like staying in a museum. Each morning and afternoon excursions are offered to the famous battlefields of Isandlwana & Rorke’s Drift , where skilled guides bring the past to life. Spacious cottages, each with a private veranda, are located at either the Lodge or the Guest House, where there are swimming pools with views across the Buffalo River Gorge.
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is the ideal base from which to explore the province's world renowned Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park, which is home to the Big 5 including the largest population in the world of the highly endangered white rhino. The lodge, built in 2015, is designed in a contemporary style with overtones of organic forms utilising natural finishes and materials. 22 well appointed, air-conditioned rooms nestle on a ridge, each with their own private deck giving expansive and uninterrupted views of the reserve.
Cleopatra Mountain Farm House
Tucked away in the foothills of the province's majestic Drakensberg Mountains, Cleopatra Mountain Farm House is a luxury five-star lodge that is ideal for those looking for somewhere remote and romantic. The uniquely decorated 11-roomed hideaway is gourmet heaven with a different seven course menu on offer each night and even a three course breakfast!
Thonga Beach Lodge
Set in a coastal dune forest with glorious views of the beach and luxurious accommodation, Thonga Beach Lodge's spacious and airy suites all have private balconies and views over the ocean or the forest. A myriad of activities are available including snorkelling, world-class scuba-diving and swimming, sometimes with dolphins and whale sharks. The lodge is also close to Lake Sibaya, South Africa’s largest freshwater lake and part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park. Here, boat trips can be taken and superb bird watching enjoyed.
If you are interested in visiting any of the properties mentioned in the blog then get in touch with our experts by calling 020 7843 3500 or emailing info@africatravel.co.uk and they can help you plan your dream Kwazulu-Natal holiday