Kwazulu
Natal
Portfolio offers a variety of accommodation from fine country houses, hotels, private game reserves and game lodges, guest houses, country inns, villas and apartments, self-contained cottages and farm stays. Whether you are on safari, or planning a honeymoon, traveling with the family or seeking a romantic weekend away or simply traveling South Africa, the choices are endless with over 900 accommodation establishments to choose from country wide. . Whether you are seeking a golfing holiday, eco-safari or cultural experience, the Portfolio Collection has it all.
Rich in tribal history and home to the proud Zulu nation, KwaZulu Natal offers a complete experience from the "berg to beaches, bushveld to battlefields". Travel from the spectacular Drakensberg to the golden beaches of the warm Indian Ocean; from the world-famous game reserves of Hluhluwe and Umfolozi where the white rhino was saved from extinction, to the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke's Drift where the glorious battles of the Zulu Empire were fought between the British and the Zulu's. Visit tribal villages, which offer a glimpse into Zulu culture and traditions. Numerous coastal resorts between Durban and the Wild Coast offer beautiful beaches, ideal for surfing, snorkelling, fishing, swimming and diving. KwaZulu Natal is the largest producer of sugar in South Africa, with fields of sugar cane stretching from north to south. To the north, the Elephant Coast (Maputaland) and St Lucia, a World Heritage Site, are home to Big Five game reserves and lodges where elephant, lion, rhino, buffalo and leopard may be spotted. Whales and dolphins are sighted off the coast and in the north, the beaches attract rare and endangered turtles, which lay their eggs in the warm golden sands. A major attraction is the more than 60 superb golf courses particularly along the North and South Coast. These include the famous Zimbali, Selbourne and Umdoni golf courses, as well as the Links course at Prince's Grant near Stanger. Portfolio offers over 140 charming inns, hotels and delightful bed and breakfast homes throughout this province.
Hluhluwe, St Lucia and the Elephant Coast (Maputaland)
Hluhluwe - Visit Ilala Weavers where some of the larger baskets take several years to weave, and traditional Zulu beadwork is made. Enjoy a delicious light lunch alfresco, at nearby Savanna Restaurant.
Mkuze - Be enthralled as Umxoxi Myeni (whose name means "story teller" in Zulu) tells the tale of traditional Zulu culture from birth to death, and walk with him to kraals, visit a Sangoma (traditional healer) and a medicinal garden.
St Lucia - Sample crocodile kebabs at The Zulu and I in the crocodile centre. Wander through the centrally located fruit and craft market in the main road. A new boardwalk, built in the dunes, has whale watching towers and specially constructed bird hides. Excellent seasonal whale watching, where up to 50 whales have been spotted at one time. Kayak on Lake St Lucia and have close encounters with hippo and crocodile. Not for the fainthearted!
Lower North Coast
Umdloti Beach - Hot spot on the North Coast, the best rock cod at Trattoria La Casa Nostra, also pizzas and pastas.
Umhlanga Rocks - Enjoy the unspoilt coastal bush and lagoon, take a leisurely walk through the Hawaan Forest, which has been proposed as a National Botanical garden. Excellent birdlife
The Sardine Run is a phenomenon, which takes place on the North and South Coast during June, July and August when thousands of sardines in large shoals appear and often beach followed by dolphins and game fish to the delight of the locals.
South Coast
Home to some of the finest golf courses in South Africa, the South Coast is a golfing mecca.
Pennington - Umdoni Park Golf Course is one of the best-kept secrets of the South Coast, set in a lush nature reserve with spectacular sea views.
Port Edward - Zanner Pottery has a range of hand-painted earthenware, view their work in the studio garden. On your way north, some two kilometres out of Port Edward, stop at The Cowshed for a light lunch or homemade carrot cake.
Scottburgh - Fresh fish at the beachfront Lemnos Greek bistro, including fresh sardines when the sardine run is on!
Near Ixopo, inland from Scottburgh is King's Grant originally establishments as a mission station for German Trappist monks and guests may enjoy a charming meal or overnight at this delightful spot, which includes the gem of a chapel, ideal for weddings and honeymoons. |
