This fairly small and remote piece of South Africa is definitely one of the most loved and cherished places by all that have travelled there.  Our SA18, South Africa Scenic Route, SAa17, South Africa Rainbow Route and JJa14, Walking South Africa all travel through this rich cultural and environmental region. Below I will give you a few tantalising facts about this intriguing region.

Between the years 1816 and 1828 “Shaka” was the feared and respected Monarch of the Zulu Kingdom. His legacy played a very influential role in the history of South Africa with his revolutionary role in changing military tactics, however he has also come under scrutiny for the brutality in which this was often carried out. Many a debate has come about over his way in which he changed the Zulu culture which had a dramatic effect on all the local and European cultures in South Africa.

On our JJa14 we spend two nights in Zululand, staying in the small town of Dundee where battles were fought between the Zulus, British and Boer – this one is definitely for the history buffs.

Moving slightly north to iSimangaliso Wetland Park (declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999), on the 27 November 2000, the Coelacanth was re discovered just off the coast of Sodwana Bay. The Coelacanth is a critically endangered fish that was thought to have gone extinct in the Late Cretaceous period, in other words it is literally known as a “living fossil”.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park has incredible biodiversity and rich ecosystems. In this relatively small area you can find coral reefs, subtropical dune forest, savannahs’ and wetlands. Apart from all the smaller creatures, it is possible to see elephant, leopard, the endangered black and white rhino’s, various whales, dolphins, leatherback and loggerhead turtles. The park is also home to about 1 200 Nile crocodiles and 800 hippo’s and after a 44 year absence, in December 2013 lions were re-introduced back into the park.

On the SA18 and SAa17 tours we stay in Mkuzi Game Reserve spending our time on game drives. KwaZulu Natal is one of the last refuges for the threatened rhino populations. We have a game drive in search of these ancient creatures and stop waterholes to watch game come down to drink.

On the JJa14 tour, we not only enjoy a morning game drive in Mkuzi but also take leisurely walk in False Bay through the coastal forest.

As you can see, this intriguing area will captivate the hearts of all that travel here. Our guides are packed with knowledge can’t wait to reveal this magnificent region to you.

- Brett Smith