This tour was hosted by Tourism KwaZulu Natal and South Africa Airways.

After being met at Durban airport we were taken to Umhlanga, a suburb of Durban, to the Beverly Hills Hotel for lunch and a tour of the hotel. A beautiful 5 star property right on the beach and very popular with local and international guests.

This was on route to Shakaland, a traditional Zulu homestead and hotel, made famous by the films Shaka Zulu and John Ross. An amazing experience where we were able to get a better understanding of the Zulu Nation and their beliefs. Our stay that night was in traditional round huts, although I hasten to add they all had ‘mod cons’. Whilst staying at Shakaland we saw demonstrations of their dancing and handycrafts and general way of life.

The next day we made our way to Pakamisa Paradise near Pongola, by way of Ghost Mountain were we had lunch and a chance to see over the hotel. Pakamisa is a game lodge high in the mountains, although they do not have the ‘big five’ it was none the less impressive. Sundowners were taken higher up the mountain where we were able to watch the sunset, followed by a sumptuous dinner at the hotel. A property ideal for those wanting a rest, do some painting, horse riding or just enjoying your private verandah as the rooms were very impressive and the views stunning.

Sorry to leave, the next day we collected our packed lunch and started our three hour journey to Isandlwana - where on the 22nd January 1879 the Zulu’s won a famous victory over the British. Also the spot where Zulu was filmed. Isandlwana Lodge overlooks the battlefields and has a resident Historian who is more than happy to tell you about what really happened in the Anglo-Zulu Wars. The Isandlwana Lodge is built into the escarpment just below where the Zulu commander gave his orders from. Made from indigenous woods the Lodge has been sympathetically built to merge in with its surroundings. It only has 12 rooms but is beautifully laid out an idea spot for those interested in the Anglo/Zulu/Boer Wars as Rorke’s Drift is only 15 minutes away.

After our visit to the Battlefields we made our way to Durban via Mooi River where we stopped for lunch at The Lord of the Manor Hotel, set in what looked liked a very English countryside. A lovely property ideal as a stop if you are touring the area, set in acres of land with its own pool, it is also an ideal place to relax and recuperate.

We arrived into Durban late afternoon to the Royal Hotel, as the name suggests a hotel that has been visited over the years by many heads of state, including our own Queen. An older style hotel where the public rooms have been well looked after but many of the bedrooms are in need of refurbishment. Durban does have a very high petty crime rate and tourists are warned not go out alone, and take taxis wherever they go, which seems very good advice.

One of our reasons for visiting KwaZulu Natal at this time of the year was to visit Indaba, Africa’s biggest travel show where people from all over Africa and the world converge for a few frenzied days showing who goes where and who does what. This part of South Africa is trying very hard to encourage tourists.

KwaZulu Natal is an area of outstanding beauty with the Drakensberg Mountains to its west and Zululand and its many game parks to the east. An ideal destination for those who want to visit the Battlefields, go game watching; as many parks have ‘the big five’, see the scenery or just laze by the beach. An ideal extension if you have already done the western part of South Africa, Cape Town and the Garden Route. The main roads are in very good condition and with very little traffic makes for enjoyable driving.

I really loved the area and hope to go back when I have more time.