Going wild in South Africa

For those who have visited South Africa before you will know how amazingly hospitable it is. Offering great restaurants showcasing superb local food and wine, a wide variety of activity and adventure, as well as spectacular scenery, wildlife galore and a beautiful range of accommodation. For something a little different on your South Africa trip, you should consider taking time out to visit Kwazulu natal – ‘Place of the Zulu’.

Although there is minimal jetlag heading to South Africa, I would recommend starting off at Ghost Mountain, a beautiful tranquil retreat surrounded by stunning scenery and sugar plantations where you can appreciate the true beauty of the area. They offer a unique water cruise that is available on the lake here, be sure to look out for those crocs and hippos.

I know a safari is often high on the wish list and there are some fabulous ones to choose from in this area. Thanda Safari Lodge has beautifully laid out lodges and the views are just incredible. Some guests I spoke to mentioned that they had elephants drinking out of their private swimming pool only that morning, what an amazing memory to go home with! Rhino Ridge is another great property with simply breath-taking accommodation, think fire pits in the centre of the room, big soaking tubs by the floor to ceiling window to admire the view. Perched high up the mountainside, the public areas of the lounge, dining area and swimming pool all offer unbelievable views overlooking the bush landscape below. I always recommend having a couple of nights to not only enjoy the safari but to have time to relax and enjoy the amazing accommodation and all it has to offer. This is a time to really enjoy the most beautiful of landscapes, there is something truly special about being out in the remote wilderness and getting to reflect on the experiences of the day.

If a family run, more rustic experience is more in keeping with what you are looking for Makakatana is the place to go up in the St Lucia Wetlands. With the most beautiful outdoor bathrooms and lovely viewing areas. This area of the country is well known for its boat safaris with the largest population of hippos. I would recommend staying up late and taking advantage of the opportunity to sit out by the pool and watch the hippos come in from the lakes to feed. One minute the water is flat and still and the next under the moonlight you can make out these giant animals appearing one by one until the lake is filled with what looks like giant rocks. It is a sight to behold and quite simply magical, I sat for hours just watching them and listening to them eat against the silence of the night. I would highly recommend combining this lodge with a more traditional land-based safari to get an all rounded wildlife experience whilst you are in this part of South Africa.

National Park drives are quite different to private game reserves and each offer something unique which is something to bear in mind when planning your safari experience as this will have massive impact on your overall experience. I have been to a variety of safari lodges now and each time I have had a completely different experience. From herds of elephants with their babies near, seeing hippos both in and out of the water and rhinos almost within touching distance. I would always recommend trying either a variety of game lodges or a minimum of three nights in one place to make sure you can enjoy the diversity of wildlife and make the most of the unique opportunity to relax in the most beautiful surroundings.

The Battlefields should also be on everyone’s list whilst in this area. The spectacular Fugitives’ Drift property, a 5000-acre Natural Heritage Site, overlooks both Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift. They take you on awe-inspiring battlefield tours, leaving one with a deep and tangible insight into some of the most moving of South Africa’s battlefields. The guides are extremely passionate and knowledgeable, and their enthusiasm is infectious, you cannot help but be in awe of their re-counters of what happened, giving both sides of the stories. This whole area is steeped in so much history and I would recommend stopping by The Nelson Mandela capture sight.

Whilst over in this part of South Africa staying in Durban would not complete without a visit to the Oyster Box, even if you don’t make a stay here, I would recommend popping in for afternoon tea or their famous Indian buffet. It has a beautiful beachfront location with views over the pool to the lighthouse on the edge of the Indian Ocean. A great way to wind up an amazing South African trip!