Zululand & Maputaland
Camping © @linda.ness.pix
© Zululand & Maputaland
Covering about a quarter of KwaZulu Natal, the region known as Zululand / Maputaland draws it's lifeblood from the network of waterways and rivers that etch their way from the towering peaks of the KwaZulu Natal Drakensberg Mountains on the south western boundary, across the heart of Zululand to the shores of the Indian Ocean. In the north east the Zululand / Maputoland region is bordered by Mozambique and Swaziland.
The largest Zululand river is the Tugela River. In it's long, winding journey from the Drakensberg Mountains to the Indian Ocean, the Tugela River leads the traveller through a destination set apart by the Majestic Drakensberg Mountains, the Big Five found in the world renown Zululand game reserves of Umfolozi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Phinda Game Reserve, Mkuze Game Reserve, Itala Game Reserve and the internationally famous Wetlands of Lake St Lucia (a world heritage site)
Zululand / Maputaland Culture
Witness Zulu Dancing and a traditional Zulu healer communing with the spirits.
Visit an authentic Zulu village and overnight in a traditional beehive hut and learn how this proud nation and it's culture is still much a part of life in Zululand (Maputaland) today.
Many Zulu families earn their living by performing Zulu dancing, making and marketing beautiful baskets, carvings and intricate Zulu bead work - these are sold at roadside stalls. Zulu cultural villages offer visitors the opportunity to experience the authentic culture of the Zulu people, their customs and the Zulu way of life. This is Zululand (Maputaland) the home of The Zulu - The people of heaven.
Zululand / Maputaland activities and Zululand Birdlife
For the energetic there are hiking trails and wilderness rides on horseback as well as snorkling, scuba diving some of the best coral reefs in Africa. In addition, bird trails, canoe safaris and off road adventures for the 4x4 enthusiasts are popular Zululand activities. More than 400 species of bird have been recorded including the rare Pel's fishing owl. It is also home to South Africa's only breeding population of pinkbacked pelicans.
Near to Tembe Elephant Park and only about 2kms from the Mozambique border, in the north eastern corner of KwaZulu-Natal, lies Kosi Bay, one of nature's last frontiers. It is in fact an estuary, combining a chain of lakes, marshes and swamp forests that stretch for 18kms. Teeming with fish, it is popular for surf angling, fly-fishing and boat fishing. There is abundant birdlife and it is home to the rare Palm Nut Vulture and breeding place of the Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. Palm Nut Vultures are spotted more frequently in the town of Mtunzini.
Zululand / Maputaland wildlife
Imagine the thrill of game viewing the big 5 (lion, leopard, buffalo, elephant and rhino) from an open safari vehicle.
In addition, you can opt for self-drive visits or guided tours to the numerous Zululand game reserves, world heritage sites and wildlife attractions.
The oldest inhabitants of Zululand are reed buck, bush buck, nyala, impala, water buck, grey duiker, red duiker, warthog, kudu and blue wildebees.
Due to the strong conservation ethics, Zululand / Maputaland is home to the worlds largest concentration of white rhino. One of the most exciting achievements has been to save the white rhino and black rhino from extinction. Elephant, giraffe and zebra abound throughout Zululand whilst the reintroduction of lion has resulted in a healthy lion population in Umfolozt Game Reserve. The occasional cheetah can also be spotted.
Further north, smaller game reserves can be found. These include the Pongola Game Reserve, sanctuary to a large variety of wildlife species which include giraffe, hyena, leopard and buffalo, to name but a few. On the border of Mozambique lies Ndumo Game Reserve where rhino, giraffe, warthog, zebra, kudu, nyala and impala are found. Adjacent to this is the Tembe Elephant Park. As the name suggests, this park is home to a herd of elephants that originated from Mozambique. These Zululand elephants were left to freely migrate back and forth over the border. However, due to poaching, they have since been fenced in at the Tembe Elephant Park.
The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, where thousands of migrating flamingos flock, and one of nature's marvels, totals half the estuary area in South Africa. A visit to this land of Zululand lakes, dunes, pelicans crocodiles and hippos is an experience to be cherished forever. At Sodwana Bay, Cape Vidal, Kosi Bay and Lake Sibaya, angling, fishing and scuba diving are the main attractions.
Here five ecosystems - ranging through rivers, lakes, freshwater pans, mangrove forests, reed and sedge swamps, water grasslands, coastal dunes and rocky barrier reefs - are proving to be a compelling draw card for those who yearn for the real African experience. To the west of Lake St Lucia, lies False Bay unique for its abundance of marine fossils and ammonites.
Zululand / Maputaland accommodation
Accommodation in Zululand / Maputaland varies from luxury game lodges to rustic tree top hideaways and tented beach camps and from Zulu beehive huts to beachfront cottages. And whilst the type of Zululand accommodation might differ, the Zululand hospitality you receive is always warm and friendly.
Zululand Accommodation in Zulu cultural beehive huts has proven to be a favourite amongst foreign tourists. Although the appearance of the beehive hut accommodation seems to be rustic (from the outside) some Zululand lodges are 4 and 5 star graded and pretty luxurious. Bushlands Game Lodge focuses much attention on giving their guests the ultimate Zulu cultural experience. The author has personally stayed at Bushlands Game lodge and rate it as one of her favourite Zululand hotels / Zululand game lodges.
Lake Sibaya accommodation - The actual Lake Sibaya is not located on the beach, but is a popular inland destination. Accommodation at Thonga Bush Lodge which is on the Zululand dunes and only a few km from Lake Sibaya is a favourite and certainly worth investigating. Thonga Bush Lodge forms a part of The Isibindi Hotel stable.
Bask in the therapeutic atmosphere and enjoy the comforts of well appointed Zululand hotels and cosy Zululand bush lodges. Zululand resorts offer a wealth of activities. Wilderness trails, bush camps, exclusive game lodges, game drives and hunting safaris offer visitors a close and unforgettable encounter with nature.
Zululand / Maputaland is a unique experience - Discover it for yourself.
- St Lucia
- Hluhluwe
- Richards Bay
- Mtunzini
- Pongola
- Eshowe
- Kosi Bay
- Sodwana Bay
- Mkuze
- Lake Jozini / Pongolapoort Dam
Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs Resort Caravan Park
Caravan or Camping Accommodation in Paulpietersburg
Zululand & Maputaland
We offer 10 caravan stands, all with water and electricity and braai facilities on the stand. There are 3 sets of ablution and kitchen blocks at each end of the grounds that are serviced throughout the day. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Sugar Hill Manor Guesthouse
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Eshowe
Zululand & Maputaland
The moment you arrive at the Sugar Hill Manor Guesthouse in Eshowe you will feel welcome and at home. Set in a large, 100-year-old Victorian home with magnificent country views. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Shengeza Lake Lodge
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Kosi Bay
Zululand & Maputaland
Situated in north eastern Kwa Zulu Natal on the shores of Lake Shengeza bordering Isimagaliso Wetland Park/Kosi Lakes. The natural beauty of the surroundings make for an unforgettable experience. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Janet's Ukuthula Bed & Breakfast
Guest House Accommodation in Mtubatuba
Zululand & Maputaland
For overseas tourist our chalets are ideal providing a welcomed "Home from Home" resting place. We book the usual Game Reserve and beach excursions and could fill your holidays with exciting African experiences to remember (beach umbrellas, mats, ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Oppi Koppi Lodge
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Pongola
Zululand & Maputaland
Oppie Koppie is the name of the lodge with fully serviced self-catering chalets. This luxury lodge boasts five bedrooms, all ensuite with air-conditioning and excellent views from the koppie upon which it is built. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Chase Guest House
Bed & Breakfast Accommodation in Eshowe
Zululand & Maputaland
Chase Guest House is a traditional sugar farm homestead in a beautiful garden bordering Eshowe, offering country hospitality, healthy breakfasts and personal service. Relax in two spacious, up-market well-appointed double garden cottages …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ezulwini Game Lodge
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Hluhluwe
Zululand & Maputaland
Comfortable overnight facilities are available at Ezulwini Lodge, and there are choices between either one of six self-catering units detailed under the Rates section below. Breakfast and dinner are being served in a central kitchen-lapa. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
St Lucia Wilds
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in St Lucia
Zululand & Maputaland
We are located in the main street, on the lake side, away from the busy noisy town centre, still within walking distance to shops etc. Accommodations are set in a natural tranquil garden. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Little Eden St Lucia
Self Catering Apartment, Flatlet Accommodation in St Lucia
Zululand & Maputaland
Little Eden St Lucia Self Catering Accommodation is a 4 STAR, AA HIGHLY RECOMMENDED quality assured establishment who offers up market and tastefully decorated self catering apartments, nestled onto the verge of the first South Africa World Heritage Site …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Penbi Game Ranch
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Vryheid
Zululand & Maputaland
Come and relax in luxury at one of the few undiscovered gems of Northern KwaZulu Natal. Conveniently situated 30km north of Vryheid and only 3km from the tarred Vryheid/Paulpietersburg main road. Penbi Game Ranch will reward you with a unique ... …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Ndumo Game Reserve
Holiday Resort Accommodation in Ndumo Game Reserve
Zululand & Maputaland
Ndumo Game Reserve is situated in Maputaland near Tembe Elephant Park on the Mozambique border. The Usuthu River forms its northern boundary, and the Pongola River flows through the reserve to its confluence with the Usuthu River. The reserve is 10 117 ha …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Via Cassiandra Complex Unit 3
Self Catering House, Cottage, Chalet Accommodation in Richards Bay
Zululand & Maputaland
Via Cassiandra 3 is a luxury fully air-conditioned, secured unit situated in near the Boardwalk Shopping Mall & Bay Hospital. Only 5 minutes drive from harbour, Alkant Beach & Richardsbay Ski-boat club. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Gooderson DumaZulu Lodge
Game Reserve And Bush Lodge Accommodation in Hluhluwe
Zululand & Maputaland
Guests can enjoy an unrivalled ethnic experience by staying in DumaZulu Lodge which consists of ethnic units resembling the different tribes of Southern Africa on the exterior while the interior is modern and tastefully decorated in ethnic fabrics …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Gooderson Natal Spa Hot Springs Resort & Self Catering
Holiday Resort Accommodation in Paulpietersburg
Zululand & Maputaland
Facilities in the hotel include an airy dining room and terrace offering lovely views of the garden and pool areas. Buffet breakfasts and dinners as well as a la carte dinners are served …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
Pongola Country Lodge
Wheelchair Friendly Accommodation in Pongola
Zululand & Maputaland
Accommodation comprises of 64 upmarket, spacious en-suite bedrooms all individually decorated in a stylish fashion of its own. All rooms are air-conditioned, equipped with a colour TV with DStv-channels and a modern telephone system. …see more for bookings / enquiries and info.
