Welcome to the Zulu Kingdom, KwaZulu-Natal

ZULU KINGDOM GETAWAYS MAKE IT TO THE TOP TEN IN AFRICA

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal is proud that several of the province’s accommodation providers have been rated among the best in Africa in the Getaway magazine’s inaugural Top 10 Getaway Places awards.

Highover Wildlife Sanctuary on the scenic Hella Hella route between Richmond and Donnybrook was named the best self- catering outlet, and Ntshondwe at the Ithala Game Reserve the best rest camp. Runners up were Granny Mouse, in the Midlands, in the best Country Inn category and Pumula Beach Hotel on the South Coast in the best holiday hotel.

Phindile Makwakwa, Tourism KwaZulu-Natal’s GM: PR and Communication said: ‘we are thrilled with these awards as they reinforce KZN’s attraction as a must-visit holiday destination. KZN is already South Africa’s number one domestic destination and we have embarked on a campaign to increase arrivals from the African market.

“Recent statistics released by South African Tourism show that the African and Middle East market contributed R36.7 billion to the economy out of R53.4 billion spent by foreign tourists in the country.

“TKZN therefore takes the African market very seriously and we aim to ensure there is greater focus on this market,” she said adding that the Zulu Kingdom offered a number of unique tourism attractions including adventure, outdoor and cultural experiences.

TKZN continues to encourage all service providers to strive for service excellence, as it is through excellence that visitors leave the province satisfied and come back for more.

Highover Wildlife Sanctuary, which straddles the Mkomazi River, enjoys natural heritage status because of its scenic beauty as well as rare and endangered plant and animal species,

Accommodation includes a lodge that offers the visitor an up-market place to stay, in a very special atmosphere. It sleeps 10 people, is fully equipped, and boasts a unique outdoor bathroom with a spectacular view of the kaHeleHele Kop. It has its own private boma and spacious lapa.

Ntshondwe, the main camp of Ithala Game Reserve, is also winner of three consecutive AA Travel Guides & SAA Resort of the Year Awards. The camp is ingeniously camouflaged against a plateau at the foot of the cliffs of the Ngotshe Mountain.

Its 39 thatched self-catering chalets blend into a lush setting of acacias, wild figs, cabbage trees and other indigenous flora. They offer a variety of two and six beds. Some of the chalets have been designed for disabled people, while others are geared for tour groups and conference delegates.

Granny Mouse Country House, nestled in the heart of the picturesque KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, is perfectly positioned to explore both the Midlands Meander and the surrounding area.

Situated on 52 acres, on an outcrop overlooking natural bush and the rapids of the Lions River, Granny Mouse offers an abundance of wildlife, in particular an extensive birding list with over 200 species.

With golf courses, the Battlefields, fly-fishing and birding on the doorstep, this country retreat is the perfect country venue for a weekend getaway, weddings, conferences or a honeymoon getaway.

Magnificently situated directly on a protected beach renowned for its vast stretches of open sand and serene fishing spots, Pumula Beach Hotel is charming and personal. It aims for the highest levels of service, excellent cuisine and comfortable accommodation.

Tourism KwaZulu-Natal also congratulates Fordoun Spa in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands for winning the national title as Top Destination Spa at the Professional Beauty Spa Award held recently in Johannesburg.

“Importantly, the award not only reflects true service excellence and a memorable spa experience but also ensures that staff are well managed, training takes place and there is a solid marketing campaign,” said Ms Makwakwa.

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