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Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge

Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Days 1 - 4: Nambiti Private Game Reserve

Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge Location Map

If you want to be seduced by the romance of Africa, and see lion, elephant, leopard, buffalo and rhino up close in the sanctuary of a 10,000 hectare private game reserve, but also you want to experience understated luxury - then it is time you reserved your place at Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge.

A stay here will ensure you leave more relaxed and enriched than when you arrived.

The Nambiti Big 5 Game Reserve is 23 km east of Ladysmith in the extraordinarily beautiful and geographically diverse KwaZulu-Natal region. Daily game drives - one in the morning and one in the afternoon - depart from the lodge to get you close to Nambiti's nature and wildlife. Your extremely knowledgeable guide will plan a personal safari that takes into account your particular interests and requirements.

The reserve is also close to the famous battlefields of the Anglo-Boer War and various other historic sites, and is also not far from the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, making this the perfect stop over en-route to or from these other South African holiday highlights.

The 5* Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge offers intimate and luxurious accommodation. There are 8 luxury suites and one honeymoon suite, and each suite has a private viewing deck and an interior featuring a contemporary eclectic mix of local African design.

The main lodge's dining and lounge areas provide panoramic views of rolling hills and savannah by day, and thousands of stars in the clear night sky. There is also a pool deck with sun loungers around a refreshing swimming pool.

The spa offers a range of relaxing treatments for your 'downtime' in between game drives.

Example Details For Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge

Nights: 4 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x Family Suite
Includes: Brunch, high tea and dinner daily; tea/coffee; snacks; the Rhino Conservation Levy; and 2 game drives per day are included.

Please Note: As the animals are wild, it is not possible to guarantee what you will see during your safari.

 
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Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge Location.

Address

Nambiti Hills Private Game Lodge,Off the D46, Nambiti Game Reserve

Directions

From Johannesburg: Take the N3 heading south towards Durban. After van Reenen’s Pass take the Ladysmith Toll off-ramp. Take the R103 towards Ladysmith. Travel following the N11 towards Newcastle. Take the D45 - right (+/ - 7 km after the last traffic light as you leave Ladysmith) - this is a dirt road. At the T-junction turn right onto the D46. Continue for about 4 km until you reach a staffed gate house on the left signposted Nambiti.

From Durban: Take the N3 heading north towards Johannesburg, go past Mooi River Toll. Take Bergville/Ladysmith glide off. Turn right towards Colenso/LadySmith. Travel past Colenso. Go through Ladysmith following the N11, towards Newcastle. Take D45 - right (+/- 7 km after the last traffic light as you leave Ladysmith) - this is a dirt road. At the T-junction turn right into the D46. Continue for about 4 km until you reach a staffed gate house on the left signposted Nambiti.

From Drakensberg / Natal Midlands / Mooi River : Take the N3 heading north towards Johannesburg and follow the directions from Durban as above.

From Spionkop: Take the R600, following the road for around 19 km before turning right onto the N11, and taking directions to Ladysmith. Continue on the N11 and follow the directions above.

PLEASE NOTE: The gates open at 06:00 and close at 18:00.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 13:00 on the day of arrival. If possible, aim to arrive at the lodge around this time, but if you don't think you can arrive by this time, you should aim to arrive by 15:00 at the very latest, or else you may miss the afternoon drive.

Rooms must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children aged 6 years and older are welcome.

All suites have a private veranda, king or twin beds with a mosquito net, indoor shower, extra large stone bath, hair dryer, air conditioning unit (conversion to heater), fully stocked mini bar, wireless internet, tea/coffee making facilities, and an intercom to the office for emergencies and external phone lines. The Honeymoon Suite has the same facilities but also has an outdoor shower.

Morning/afternoon game drives are taken in the company of an experienced ranger in an open 4x4 Land Rover.

The Zolile Spa offers a relaxing range of treatments (additional cost).

The lodge has a swimming pool and a boma.

Additional off-site activities that can be arranged include Battlefield tours, fly-fishing, scenic flights and tours of local historical sites. More information and rates on request.

Travelling time to Durban is approximately 3 hours (240 km).

Travelling time to Johannesburg is approximately 4 hours (340 km).

The area is malaria free so there is no need for malaria medication during your stay at Nambiti Hills.

MasterCard, Diners Club, American Express and Visa cards are accepted.

Kosi Forest Lodge

St Lucia Wetland Park

Days 5 - 7: St Lucia Wetland Park

Kosi Forest Lodge Location Map

Kosi Forest Lodge is located in a private nature reserve in a tranquil sand forest alongside one of the lakes in the Kosi Lakes system, an unspoilt wilderness area which forms part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (also now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park), an internationally recognised World Heritage Site.

The 11,000 hectare, 30 km long nature reserve is a tropical paradise of crystal clear water, marshland, swamp and coastal forests that is home to about 250 species of bird. Activities here include guided canoeing on the lakes, walks through the ancient Raffia Forest, boat trips to explore the unique system of lakes and channels where you may spot hippo, crocodile, and rare birds like the Pels Fishing Owl and Palm Nut Vulture, and exceptional snorkelling in the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Another additional activity is to join a 4x4 excursion to Kosi Bay Mouth to view ancient Thonga Fish Traps.

A massive Zulu Podberry tree is the focal point of the main lodge with the lounge, dining room and bar all opening onto a large wooden deck around the tree.

Kosi Forest Lodge takes full advantage of Maputuland's sultry weather with most meals served alfresco - on the deck or under large Albizia trees. Candles light the area at night giving it a warm, romantic ambience reminiscent of wild African adventures of long ago.

The rooms are constructed of wood, thatch and canvas, each positioned to give total privacy. They are comfortably furnished with mosquito nets and fans. A unique feature of each room is the romantic outside boma bathroom with bath and shower set in soft white sand under the forest canopy.

There are also 2 family rooms which consist of 2 bedrooms connected by an outdoor passage of approximately 2 metres long.

A swimming pool, built into the deck at the lake's edge is a wonderful way to spend a few relaxing hours in the sunshine, while watching hippos and flamingoes in the lake.

Example Details For Kosi Forest Lodge

Nights: 3 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x Family Room
Includes: All meals; tea/coffee; a guided canoe trip, guided walk in the Raffia Forest, the Isibindi Foundation Levy; and the Conservation fee are included.

Children under the age of 8 years are not permitted on canoeing trips and children under the age of 4 are not permitted on boat trips on the lake.

 
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Kosi Forest Lodge Location.

Directions

From Johannesburg (Recommended Route): Head to Piet Retief on the N2, pass through Pongola and proceed south towards Hluhluwe (approximately 113 km from Pongola).  Turn left into the town of Hluhluwe. Proceed through the town until you reach the last roundabout.  Turn left towards Mbazwana/Sodwana Bay and proceed for 0.7 km and turn right again towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwana.  Shortly after turning right you will cross over a railway line.  Proceed for 87 km bypassing Mbazwana on your right.  Proceed straight through the roundabouts following the signs to 'Coastal Forest Reserve'. Proceed for 46 km after Mbazwana (passing the Mseleni turn-off) and turn right at the roundabout signposted Kosi Bay/KwaNgwanase. 

From Johannesburg (Alternative Route): Head to Piet Retief and  Pongola on the N2 and proceed south towards Mkuze.  Approximately 45 km from Pongola and 10 km before Mkuze turn left towards Jozini.  On leaving Jozini take a left turn towards the 'Coastal Forest Reserve and KwaNgwanase' (signposted), ensuring that you are proceeding over the Pongola dam wall.  After 45 km at a T-junction turn right towards KwaNgwanase.  Proceed for another 47 km past Tembe Elephant Park towards the town of Manguzi (KwaNgwanase). Please note that this route often has cattle wandering across it, some of the signs have fallen down and so caution and slower driving speeds are necessary.  Also particularly around the area of Tembe Elephant Park, the road has quite a few large potholes which have caused damage to some cars.  Although this route may appear shorter in distance, it takes almost as much time as the Hluhluwe Recommended Route above, but without all the hazards!

From Durban: Proceed on the N2 North out of Durban bypassing Richards Bay, Empangeni and Mtubatuba and head towards the town of Hluhluwe. Turn off the N2 towards Hluhluwe, proceeding through the town until you reach the last roundabout, and turn left towards Mbazwana/Sodwana Bay. Proceed for 0.7 km and turn right again towards Sodwana Bay/Mbazwana.  Shortly after turning right you will cross over a railway line.  Proceed for 87 km bypassing Mbazwana on your right.  Proceed straight through the roundabouts following the signs to 'Coastal Forest Reserve'. Proceed for 46 km after Mbazwana (passing the Mseleni turn-off) and turn right at the roundabout signposted Kosi Bay/KwaNgwanase.

ALL GUESTS NOW FOLLOW THESE DIRECTIONS:

For non 4x4 guests: drive into KwaNgwanase/Manguzi, through the town and near the end, look out for the Total Garage on your left-hand side. On your arrival here, you will be met by a Kosi representative and taken to a secure car park where you leave your car.  You will then be transferred to the lodge which takes approximately 25 minutes.  Please note that there are 2 transfers per day: midday and 16:00. These transfers have to be pre-booked when confirming your stay.  Please note that there will be an extra charge per person per transfer (payable to the lodge) for all late/early arrivals and departures. If guests are running late/early it is of the utmost importance to contact the lodge and notify them asap by calling +27 (0) 87 808 5151 or +27 (0) 82 873 8874.

4x4 guests: you can drive yourselves to the lodge. Just before the town of KwaNgwanase/Manguzi, turn right onto the D1843 which is marked by a small green signpost and a police station sign (a police badge emblem) - both signs are quite small so do watch carefully for them.  Follow this road as it bends right and just before the police station turn left onto a gravel road and follow the signs straight through to Kosi Forest Lodge (approximately 9 km).

 

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from midday on the day of arrival for guests arriving in their own 4x4. Please advise Travel Butlers if you would like to arrive at the lodge in time for lunch.

Please note that for non 4x4 vehicles, there are scheduled transfers to the lodge at 12:00 or 16:00 - please confirm with Travel Butlers which time you will require as these need to be pre-booked.

All rooms must please be vacated by 10:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

All the rooms are en-suite with an outside bath/boma and indoor/outdoor showers. They also include a private deck, tea/coffee making facilities, 24/7 electricity, mosquito nets, a wall mounted fan and a safe.

The main lodge consists of the lounge, dining room, bar and deck area. There is also a swimming pool.

There is Wi-Fi in the main lounge area, but it can be slow and intermittent due to satellite connection. There is limited mobile phone coverage.

Activities include guided canoeing trips, boat trips, Raffia forest walks, day trips to Kosi Bay mouth (additional cost), snorkelling, fishing, turtle tracking (15 November-15 January, additional cost) and birdwatching.

All credit cards are accepted. No debit cards.

There is a limited laundry service (additional cost).

A babysitting service is also available - 24 hours notice required (additional cost).

Your rate includes a contribution towards the Isibindi Foundation, which does significant work in the impoverished communities living alongside this protected area, as well as supporting conservation initiatives too within the area. The lodge can arrange on request a free tour to view the projects they are supporting in the neighbouring communities.


Bush Walks / Walking Safaris

Children under the age of 8 years are not permitted on canoeing trips and children under the age of 4 are not permitted on boat trips on the lake.

Southern Sun Elangeni

Durban

Days 8 - 12: Durban

Southern Sun Elangeni Location Map

With over 320 days of sunshine per year, Durban is a holidaymakers paradise. The 6 km 'Golden Mile' of beaches are packed with sun worshippers throughout the year, while the warm waters of the Indian Ocean entice swimmers, surfers and other water sport and diving enthusiasts.

For those looking for attractions away from the sand and sea, Durban offers a bustling cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, museums, live music and theatre. Durban is also home to the largest population of Indian descendents in South Africa, so it is not surprising, therefore, that the city is renowned for its aromatic spice markets and delicious curries - reputed to be some of the best in the world outside of India itself.

Some of the best diving in South Africa can be found at Aliwal Shoal, just 50 km south of Durban. Aliwal is voted as being one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.  Besides being able to dive and swim alongside the many tropical fish species and loggerhead turtles, the major attraction at Aliwal is the ragged tooth shark, or 'Raggy' as it is fondly known within the local dive community.  From July to November the ragged tooth sharks visit Aliwal Shoal in their annual migration from the Cape to the St Lucia Marine Reserve, and the docile nature of this species means that divers can get extremely close to the sharks without the need for a diving cage.

One of Durban's premier hotels, the Southern Sun Elangeni has breathtaking views of Durban's Golden Mile and warm Indian Ocean.

All the 734 air-conditioned rooms have sea views, and are furnished in a modern style. There are also 3 outdoor pools (one of which is heated), beauty salons, a spa and a gymnasium.

The hotel is home to several of Durban's most exciting restaurants and bars. Guests are presented with a wide range of dining options, from generous buffets to traditional Japanese and exotic curries. Visitors looking to experience glamour and stunning views of the Indian Ocean and vibrant cocktails head to Sky, the hotel's exclusive Durban venue at the top of the Maharani Tower.

Example Details For Southern Sun Elangeni

Nights: 5 Nights
Adults: 2 Children: 2
Room: 1 x Family Room
Includes: Breakfast is included.
 
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Southern Sun Elangeni Location.

Address

Southern Sun Elangeni,63 Snell Parade, North Beach, Durban

Directions

From King Shaka International Airport: drive towards the Outer Ring Road towards Durban. Drive through the Toll Road and join up with the N2. Follow the N2 until you reach the Umdloti Link/ Jabu Ngcobo Dr turnoff. Turn left at the turnoff and drive towards the Leo Boyd Highway and turn right onto the M4 towards Durban.

This will take you past the Sibaya Casino off-ramp. Keep travelling past Umhlanga Rocks turn-off, past La Lucia Mall turnoff. Continue past Durban Virginia Airport the Riverside Road turnoff and the Durban Country Club. The M4 becomes the Ruth First.

At the set of traffic lights, turn left into Sandile Thusi Road (Argyle Road). Turn right at the next set of traffic lights into Sylvester Ntuli Road (Brickhill Road). At the next set of traffic lights, turn left into Somtseu Road and continue over the next set of traffic lights and turn right into Snell Parade.

Go around the roundabout and Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is on the right-hand side before the next roundabout.

Check In / Check Out

Rooms may be occupied from 14:00 on the day of arrival and must please be vacated by 11:00 on the day of departure for the convenience of arriving guests. There is an express check-in / check-out service available. Early check-in and late check-out is available on request.

General Information For Guests

Children of any age are welcome.

The rooms are all en-suite and include a TV with DSTV and selected channels, air conditioning, hair dryer, tea/coffee making facilities, a mini bar (stocked on request) and a safe.

There is complimentary Wi-Fi in all the rooms and throughout the hotel.

Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani is home to 5 distinctive venues offering a diverse menu including award-winning steaks, classic cocktails to craft beer, cafe culture and an exceptional buffet.

There are 3 swimming pools, a spa, hair salon, and 2 gyms. Other hotel facilities include 24 hour room service, concierge services, gift shop/newsstand, coffee shop, curio shop, laundry/valet, turndown service, wake-up calls, guest relations desk, doctor/dentist on call, and a hospitality lounge.

Both the Maharani Tower and Elangeni Tower feature a quiet area with an internet connected PC and printer should you need this service.

Pool towels are available at the concierge desk.

There is covered parking, which is charged at a daily rate - available on request.

Accepted credit cards for any additional items on your room bill are American Express, Diners/Carte Blanche, JCV, MasterCard and Visa.

The distance from the airport to the hotel is approximately 16 km.

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