A group of lodges have teamed up to help budget travellers make the most of exploring South Africa’s diverse Zulu Kingdom, while staying in comfort.
Four backpacker lodges in different corners of KwaZulu-Natal have combined to form ZUNGEZA – a Zulu word meaning to travel around and visit family and friends.Zungeza offers accommodation and expert advice in Durban, the Drakensberg Mountains, the Elephant Coast and the South Coast.
By visiting these four destinations, the adventurous, alternative traveler will explore The Zulu Kingdom and experience the best of what the province has to offer.
Durban is a city abuzz with colonial, Indian and Zulu cultures. Situated half way along KwaZulu-Natal's coastline, it offers magnificent beaches for both the sun-seeker and kite-surfer.
To the north of Durban the vast savannas open up to the bush of the Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Park (Big 5 Game Reserve) and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park (World Heritage site). This uninterrupted stretch of conserved coastline up to the border of Mozambique is known as the Elephant Coast.
The area to the south of Durban is known as the South Coast, a popular destination well known for its diving sites, blue flag beaches and golfing.
Inland is the capital, Pietermaritzburg, leading into the rolling hills of the Natal Midlands and The Battlefields, where historic Anglo-Boer and Zulu battles took place. In the West, bordering Lesotho and The Free State is the breathtaking Drakensberg range of mountains, reaching 3400m - a hiker's paradise.
The climate in KZN is legendary, a perpetual summer on the coast with warm dry winters and occasional summer rain, occurring in short sharp showers. In the ‘Berg, as the mountain range is called by locals, the summers are warm to hot with occasional rain. Winters can be cold at night with warm, dry hiking days. Occasional cold fronts bring a day or so of snow on the high mountains.
The four lodges that make up ZUNGEZA are:
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Durban - Gibela Backpackers Lodge
You're about to discover a contemporary-style backpackers, designed to provide you with a comfortable stay in the most cross–cultural city in South Africa. This stylish and tranquil lodge is owned and managed by a former guide and keen traveler. Fellow travelers will receive good insider tips and travel recommendations, as well as superior comfort, in a wonderfully relaxing atmosphere.
Gibela Backpackers Lodge is conveniently located in the safe, residential area of Morningside. Gibela is within walking distance to the center of Durban’s entertainment life, Florida Road, where there are restaurants, cocktail bars, clubs and coffee shops galore. Only a few steps from Gibela's front gate there is a grocery store, auto-teller machine and post office. Guests can walk to the Botanical Gardens, Golden Mile Beaches, currency exchange and famous brand surf-gear factory shops. We are on both inner city transport networks, which link you to the museums, cinemas, Indian Market and Juma Mosque, in less than a 10-minute bus ride from the hostel. We appreciate the importance of clean facilities; we ensure that everything is spotless. The hostel is a non-smoking establishment.
Durban is a special place. We at Gibela want to help to share the experience of our city’s mixed cultural heritage and make sure your stay in our “Kingdom” is an enjoyable and memorable experience.
4 STAR BACKPACKER LODGE - graded by the South African Grading Council.
WINNER of the 2008 South African Tourism Welcome Awards – Backpacking -
Drakesberg – Inkosana Lodge
This 4 star establishment has won a number of accommodation awards. It is situated in the central area of the Drakensberg Mountains, KwaZulu-Natal, and is run by Edmund Salomons an experienced mountaineer. It is 41/2 hours from Johannesburg and 21/2 hours from Durban.
The Drakensberg range reaches its highest points of some 3300m in this area. There are walks to suit all levels, from leisurely strolls to challenging peaks; fit and experienced walkers can do these in one day. Whatever you do, you will experience lovely views, birds, wild flowers, cascading streams and majestic yellowwood forests. Advice on overnight hiking is available.
The climate is fairly mild with warm to hot summer days. In winter days are warm and sunny with cold nights. The springs are warm and dry. Rain occurs in summer with odd showers. In winter an occasional front may add a sprinkle of snow to the peaks.
The main peaks in this valley are Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak. Over areas such as Royal Natal, Cathedral Peak, Injisuthi and Giants Castle are within driving distance for a day. This also applies to the Battlefield regions.
The Champagne valley is also home to the Drakensberg Boys Choir and excellent arts and crafts. There is a bakery as well as restaurants and shops. You may also relax in the beautiful gardens at Inkosana lodge. -
Elephant Coast – Isinkwe Backpackers Bush Camp
Elephant Coast Isinkwe is an explorer’s bush camp with a strong wildlife theme, located within indigenous sand forest. On arrival you are welcomed to a tranquil hide-away, shaded by trees. This is an excellent base from which to discover several famous and unspoiled wildlife destinations in the Elephant Coast Tourism Region. The camp abounds with birdlife and other small animals.
Accommodation options include:
- Self-catering Tree Cabin
- En-suite Double/Twin Rooms
- Double/Twin Rooms with communal bathrooms
- Dormitories
- Camping
Tasty meals are served from the open –air canteen, next to the swimming pool and entertainment area: the “Africa Bush Junction”. Breakfast and dinner are freshly prepared daily.
The reception offers friendly service and information on the activities in the surrounding area. Internet and e-mail facilities are available, as well as a laundry service.
Activities include:- Safaris and daytrips to Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Park and Greater Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.
- Zulu cultural experiences
- Guided nature trails
- Visits to craft markets
- Viewing a cheetah project
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South Coat - Southbroom Travellers Lodge
Looking for peaceful and relaxed atmosphere away from the crowds? Tired of waiting and sharing facilities with others? If so then Southbroom Travellers Lodge is the place for you.
We are a fully equipped small traveller’s lodge, backpacker accommodation that is more like a Guest House, offering clean and tidy accommodation for total relaxation and a hassle free beach break.Enjoy free tea or filter coffee and a light breakfast on the patio adjacent the swimming pool, then take a leisurely stroll down to the beach
We are the perfect destination for independent travellers to the KZN South Coast. We will make sure you make the most of your stay in our beautiful coastal village and its surrounds. Our local knowledge ensures that you will get the best advice on things to do and places to see.
The Southbroom section of the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast abounds with beautiful stretches of unspoilt beaches which offer excellent swimming, sunbathing, surfing and coastline walks. Its two tidal pools further ensure that the needs of every beachcomber are satisfied.
The beach and restaurants are walking distance from the Lodge. Golf enthusiasts can choose from nine first-class 18 hole golf courses along the South Coast, with Southbroom and San Lameer just 5 min away.
Other activities to enjoy are deep sea fishing, scuba diving, surfing, dolphin and whale watching, sardine run, horse riding on the beach, hiking in nature reserves and activities through Wild 5 Extreme Adventures at Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.
For more information visit www.visitkwazulunatal.co.za
Article posted on Southern Africa Direct, Tuesday Jan 13 2009 at 15:48
http://www.southernafricadirect.com/news/entries/2009-01-13/backpacking-south-africas-zulu-kingdom.html
