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.

Teremok, situated in Umhlanga Rocks on the coast in South Africa and nestled amongst the palm and giant milkwood trees, has been meticulously transformed into a luxurious haven. Personalised service and attention to detail create the ultimate experience in luxury accommodation

All 8 suites are unique in design, layout and feel with small subtleties such as individual scent, mood-music and evening confectionary, creating an enchanting atmosphere. Prestigiously positioned on Marine Drive, just 1 km from the ever-popular Umhlanga Rocks village, Teremok provides a serene, home-away-from-home experience. Teremok also has a gym, pool and spa facility offering a wide range of treatments.

Address

Teremok,49 Marine Drive, Umhlanga Rocks

Directions

From King Shaka International Airport (also known as La Mercy Airport) : Take the N2 southbound. Take Exit 182 for the M41 to Umhlanga and Mount Edgecombe. At the traffic lights at the top of the off-ramp, turn right onto the M41 to Umhlanga. 1 km later, take the off-ramp for the M12 to Umhlanga Rocks Drive and Umhlanga Ridge.

At the traffic lights at the top of the off-ramp turn left into Umhlanga Rocks Drive. Proceed 800m along Umhlanga Rocks Drive past Umhlanga Hospital until you reach the 2nd roundabout and take the 3rd exit which takes you into Umhlanga Rocks.

At the 3rd set of traffic lights (just over the bridge over the M4 from Durban), turn right (at Buxtons Village/Steers) into Ridge Road. At the first intersection, turn left into Ocean Way and follow it to the bottom, following the road right into Marine Drive. Travel 800m along Marine Drive where you will find Teremok Lodge on your right hand side.

Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge is situated on the western boundary of Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve - the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. The only private lodge in the reserve, guests staying here can enjoy an exceptional safari experience within the heart of Big 5 territory. Established to protect the previously endangered white rhino, now numbering over 1,000, the Park is a triumph of conservation efforts. As well as rhino, the Park is home to cheetah, wild dog, elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, and many species of antelope and other plains game including giraffe and zebra. There have also been over 300 bird species recorded.

Twice daily game drives are conducted to explore the magnificent hills and valleys of the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Nothing is predictable in the bush, therefore each safari offers a potentially new and unique experience. Your guide will share their wealth of bush experience which involves the identifications of animals, trees, grasses, insects and birds. The medicinal uses of plants and local folk lore is also discussed as well as looking for the ever fascinating Big 5. Bush walks can also be arranged (additional cost).

The lodge offers luxury safari accommodation with a choice of 4 room types: two Honeymoon Villas nestled in the indigenous bush with private plunge pools overlooking the reserve; eight glamorous Luxury Bush Villas with deep baths separated from the bedrooms by open fireplaces; four Safari Rooms with showers opening out onto the bushveld; and two Safari Family Suites ideal for families travelling with children. All rooms are positioned to take advantage of the spectacular views and offer guests the utmost privacy and comfort. The modern, high-end decor is softened by four-poster beds dressed in crisp white linen.

Guests wanting to indulge themselves can make use of the beautiful spa facilities, and a full range of spa and beauty therapies are offered by a team of dedicated professionals. Other activities that can be enjoyed (also at an additional cost) include gorge walks, Zulu cultural visits, and even an overnight homestay at an authentic Zulu homestead.

Directions

If you have any problems en-route, please call the lodge on +27 (0) 71 331 8656 or their Emergency/After Hours Number is +27 (0) 60 972 4810. It is NOT advisable to use GPS, but please refer to these directions instead.

Due to ongoing roadworks on the R618 between the N2 and Nyalazi Gate, we recommend that guests use
Memorial Gate to enter the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.

From King Shaka International Airport to Memorial Gate (due to roadworks on R618): Follow the exit signs out of the airport and head north on the N2 in the direction of eMhloti/KwaDukuza/Richards Bay. Follow the N2 for 229 kms to the Hluhluwe/Sodwana Bay offramp. Take the Hluhluwe/Sodwana Bay offramp to your left. At the stop sign turn left on the P453 towards Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Proceed for 12.9 km until you reach Memorial Gate. Please check in at the Park Office and present them with your Reservation Number. Please keep any paper work that they hand you as you will require this on exiting the Park.

It is 28.6 km from Memorial Gate to Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge. Follow the signs to Hilltop Camp (12.2 km). Pass route markers 17, 19 and 18.  At route marker 28 keep left and DO NOT take the road up to Hilltop Camp. At route marker 12 keep left. At route marker 7 turn right onto a gravel road. Continue on this road for 4.4 km past route  marker 6 where you will pass the road to Thiyeni hide. Shortly afterwards you will see a sign on the right saying Rhino Ridge. Turn right and follow the signs up to the lodge. On arrival at the lodge please drive down the cobbled driveway and park at the lodge entrance.

From Swaziland/N2 North: Follow the N2 to KwaZulu-Natal. Turn right onto P453/R22. Continue to follow P453 and then enter the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park at the Memorial Gate and follow the directions as above.

Do not get out of your car until you reach the lodge. You may see some wildlife on your way - if you do, slow down and maintain a good distance. Do not drive off-road in any circumstances. Please drive with care in the Park as not only are there wild animals but the road is in poor condition with several potholes.

From King Shaka International Airport to Nyalazi Gate (if roadworks have cleared): Follow the exit signs out of the airport and head north on the N2 Toll Road in the direction of Emhloti/KwaDakuza (formerly Stanger) towards Empangeni/Eshowe/Richards Bay. Please ensure you have cash for toll fees or a credit card.

After 184 km take exit 375 toward Mtubatuba/St Lucia/Nongoma.  Turn left onto the R618 and travel for 24 km. Turn left at the sign for Hlulhuwe-Imfolozi Park. Please check in at the Park Office and present them with your Reservation Number. Please keep any paper work that they hand you as you will require this on exiting the Park.

There are then 2 routes through the Park to the lodge – the first is the preferred route which is slightly longer (31 km).

At the T junction turn right at the sign which shows Rhino Ridge 31 km. Continue past signs 1 (14.8 km), 2 (0.9 km) and 3 (4.1 km) - continue to Junction 7 (1 km) and turn left (this is a dirt road). Continue on this road for 4.4 km past Junction 6 where you will pass the road to Thiyeni hide. Shortly after this junction you will see a sign for Rhino Ridge. Turn right and follow the signs up to the lodge. On arrival at the lodge please drive down the cobbled driveway and park at the entrance.

Alternative route through the Park (22 km) - At the T-junction turn right at the sign which shows Rhino Ridge 31 km. Drive 14.8 km to Junction 1 and turn left at the sign to Rhino Ridge. Continue for 3.2 km. At the next junction turn right at the sign to Rhino Ridge and continue for 3.6 km. At Junction 4 the road forks - keep left. Continue for 2.8 km to Junction 5 and turn left at the sign for Rhino Ridge. Go up the hill and after about 400 metres you will see a sign to the left for the lodge. Turn left at this sign and follow the signs to the lodge. On arrival at the lodge please drive down the cobbled driveway and park at the entrance.

The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal offer an incredible insight into the history of South Africa, and the best way to really appreciate this bloody and fiercely-fought history is to stay here and go on one of the mesmerising and theatrical tours of the key areas.

Fugitives' Drift, in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields, offers such tours that will move you to tears and stay in your memory forever. The morning tour to Isandlwana takes in the battlefield, where a contingent of 2,500 British soldiers were over-run and defeated within a few short hours by twenty thousand Zulu warriors. The afternoon tour to Rorke's Drift firstly visits the small museum, and then gives a theatrical account of the bravery of the 136 British soldiers who defended the mission station against over 4,000 Zulus and saved injured and dying comrades from the burning hospital.

Fugitives' Drift boasts 2 'camps' - The Lodge and The Guest House - set just 600m apart and offering a high standard of en-suite accommodation.

The Lodge is situated on the site of the original Rattray homestead, and the spacious, luxury en-suite suites here each have a private verandah with views over the plains flanking the Buffalo River Gorge. Another feature of the Lodge is the beautiful, shady, and well established garden, which is home to many birds and the most spectacular large swimming pool, which is set on a secluded spur on the lip of the Buffalo River gorge.

The Guest House consists of 6 twin rooms, each with a private verandah offering sweeping views of the surrounding battlefields. The Guest House also has a charming sitting and dining room, an outside eating area, and a sparkling pool that overlooks the indigenous bushveld.

Address

Fugitives' Drift,Rorke's Drift, Isandlwana / Rorke's Drift

Directions

Please do NOT make use of a GPS. It will take you on a circuitous route.

Please also note the gate at the entrance to the property is locked at 18:00. Please advise the lodge if you are likely to arrive later than this time, and they will make arrangements and keep the gate open.

From Johannesburg: Take the N3 towards Durban. Just before the Wilge Toll Plaza take the Villiers turn-off (R103) and head towards Warden. Take the R34 to Vrede, Memel and Newcastle. Go through Newcastle, turn right onto the Ladysmith road (N11). After 16 km take the R621 to Dannhauser, Hattingspruit and Dundee. In Dundee, take the R33 to Greytown. After 14 km turn left to Rorke's Drift, drive for 29 km. Go beyond Rorke's Drift for 2 km, turn left onto D31 signposted Fugitive's Drift. Go along this road for 7 km through the black gate until you see the Guest House and the Lodge.

From Durban: Take the N3 to Pietermaritzburg. Take the R33 to Greytown (we suggest you refuel in Greytown), and then follow signs to Tugela Ferry / Dundee. Continue along this road through Keate’s Drift, Tugela Ferry and Pomeroy. 10 km after Pomeroy take the turn-off to the right, signposted Elandskraal. At Elandskraal (which consists of a church and a trading store), turn left to Rorke's Drift. Go for about 14 km, and before you get to Rorke's Drift, turn right onto the D31. Follow directions above.

From Durban: SCENIC ROUTE VIA ESHOWE AND ISANDLWANA (best route from Umhlanga/ airport) From the airport / Umhlanga, head North on the N2. Leave the N2 following signs for GINGINDLOVU. Drive through Gingindlovu towards ESHOWE. Drive past Eshowe and proceed on the R66 for MELMOTH (where you can refuel). Turn left after Melmoth for BABANANGO/NQUTU on the R68, and after 20.9 km’s turn right onto the R68 for Babanango (signposted to Babanango Valley). In Babanango, turn left at the crossroads (with Sunrise Café on your right). After 40km, turn left for ISANDLWANA, onto a dirt road. Drive past the battlefield, and after 9km turn left for RORKE’S DRIFT on the D30. Drive 9km to the t-junction and turn left, driving past the battlefield. After 3km, turn left for Fugitives’ Drift on the D31.

From Hluhluwe: From Empangeni take the R34 to Melmoth, then the R68 to Babanango and Nqutu. 40 km from Babanango, take the turn-off to the left, marked Isandlwana. Follow this road past the Isandlwana battlefield, then turn left onto the D30 and follow signs to Rorke's Drift. Turn left at the T-junction to Rorke's Drift. Go 2 km past Rorke's Drift, turn left into the D31, and follow directions above.

From Eswatini: Depart Eswatini via the Houtkop/Emhlathini border post and follow the signs to Piet Retief. In Piet Retief, turn left to join the R33 heading south and continue on through Paulspietersburg, Vryheid and head towards Dundee. 5 km before Dundee turn left onto R68 signposted Nqutu. After roughly 25-30 km, turn right onto a dirt road, signed to Rorke's Drift (and Fugitives' Drift). Drive for 7 km until you reach a T-junction and turn left to Rorke’s Drift. Continue straight for about 10 km. Pass the Rorke's Drift battlefield on your left (you will see a gate with Shiyane written on it) and continue straight for another 2 km until you see a left-hand turn onto the D31, signed Fugitives’ Drift. Go along this road for 7 km through the big black gate until you see signs for the Lodge and Guest House on the right.

Please note that the Fugitives’ Drift gate is locked at 6pm. If you think you are going to be later than this, please let the lodge know by phoning: 034 271 8051 / 072 273 6795 (Whatsapp) - Fugitive  Drift Lodge

Montusi Mountain Lodge offers genuine hospitality in the tranquillity of one of the most beautiful settings in Southern Africa. Space, comfort and peace are what you will find when you treat yourself to the natural splendour and peaceful, romantic ambiance of this Drakensberg haven.

Situated in the Kwazulu-Natal Drakensberg, halfway between Johannesburg and Durban, Montusi is one of the few destinations with a panoramic vista of the Drakensberg's most famous feature, the Amphitheatre escarpment.

The scenery is breathtakingly beautiful, and nature lovers will enjoy the many hiking and walking trails available for all levels of ability. There are easier walks through lush meadows and across clear streams, or more strenuous hikes up and across rugged mountain terrain.

In addition there are countless other activities including bird watching, horse riding and trout fishing (on a 'catch and release' basis). Golfers can visit the 9-hole Amphitheatre Golf Course at Hlalanathi just 8 km away. The lodge also has a tennis court and racquets/balls can be collected from the main reception for any budding Wimbledon champions in the making.

The main lodge consists of a large and beautifully thatched main lodge with reception, dining room, terrace, bar, lounge and massage room.

The swimming pool looks out at the escarpment and the surrounding rocks have provided inspiration for this unusual and beautifully crafted pool which makes it the guest's favourite place in summer.

The intimate restaurant (with a log fireplace) is renowned for sumptuous local cuisine with innovative menus.

The 16 individual free-standing suites offer guests privacy, are uniquely decorated with stunning views of the Amphitheatre Mountain. Suites have one or two bedrooms with a en-suite bathroom (bath and walk-in shower), a lounge, patio, gas operated fireplace and tea/coffee making facility.

Along side each suite there is a private covered carport for one vehicle.

Address

Montusi Mountain Lodge,Royal Natal Area, Royal Natal

Directions

From Johannesburg: Follow the N3 to Harrismith, turn towards Bethlehem on the N5, travel 4km, turn left onto the R712, travel 8 km, turn left again onto the R74 toward Bergville. Travel 28 km, down the Oliviershoek pass, as the pass levels out, turn right towards the Northern Drakensberg. Follow signs to Alpine Heath and Montusi.

From Durban: Follow the N3 past Estcourt Ultra City. Turn left onto the R74. Travel through Winterton and Bergville. 30 km after Bergville, turn left towards the Northern Drakensberg. Follow signs to Alpine Heath and Montusi.