Kwa Zulu Natal self drive South Africa vacation

Planet

There is an opportunity to visit a large number of national parks and reserves: The Royal Natal National Park, The Battlefields of Isandlawana and Rourke’s Drift, the world famous Phinda Private game reserve as well as the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, now internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site.

If the season is correct you can observe the leather head turtles laying their eggs and also hatching when you stay at Thonga beach. The time of year for this is November to March.

Phinda Private Game Reserve is run and managed by &Beyond who are world leaders in animal conservation and they work in conjunction with Ezemvelo KZN-wildlife to secure the future of the endangered Black Rhino. Phinda itself is spearheading the reintroduction of this elusive giant.

People

The property you will stay at for safari is one that has been accredited by Fair Trade and Tourism South Africa (FTTSA). FTTSA awards this status to qualifying guest houses as a way of signifying their commitment to Fair Trade criteria including fair wages and working conditions, fair purchasing, fair operations, equitable distribution of benefits and respect for human rights, culture and environment. By electing to stay at an FTTSA-certified establishment, tourists are assured that their travel benefits local communities and economies, and that the business is operated ethically and in a socially and environmentally responsible manner.

All the other recommended accommodation are all locally owned and employ local staff who are learning the hospitality industry providing them with qualifications for the future. Because they are owner-run the passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for the local area is vast and the staff will sit with you helping you plan your days so you get the most out of this amazing country.

The locals rely on tourism to sustain their economy so staying in local run and sometimes community owned properties is a must. Thonga Beach Resort is owned by the local community from Mabibi and has been set up to preserve this fragile and beautiful environment.

Isibindi Zulu Lodge is also run by the local Zulu community giving you a real insight into their lives and enabling them to carry on their traditions which are an integral part of their culture.

For every booking made we will make a donation to our chosen South African charity Uthando. They are a registered non-profit organisation founded in 2007 the organisation raises funds for a broad range of community based projects which support the most vulnerable sectors of society in some of the most destitute areas of the city.