KZN: A Photographic Historical Record

Tourist Attractions and Accomodation

Hluhluwe Game Reserve is the oldest reserve in KZN and is home to the big five and many more species. The reserve has a varied geography from the hills where the Hilltop Camp is situated, down to the lower levels of the Hluhluwe river. This album has images of some of the flora, fauna, and accommodation which includes Hilltop and some of the bush camps for smaller parties. Hluhluwe is the northern reserve making up the combines Umfolosi - Hluhluwe Park.

The Umgeni ValleyNature Reserve is to the north east of Howick and comprises upper grasslands inhabited with antelope, and the lower Umgeni River valley below the Howick falls. The Reserve is owned and controlled by WESSA and has an environmental education centre, chalets and lodges. The reserve has many antelope and an abundance of birdlife and is traversable by car and designated walking trails.

Ithala Game Reserve was established in 1972 totalling 29653 ha from previously farmed land. The reserve is particularly interesting due to the diversity of its natural resources. There is montane forest in the upper reaches to bushveldt down on the banks of the Pongola River, that runs through the reserve. Elephant have recently been introduced alongside the many other mammals and birds that make this such an interesting reserve. There are several bush camps and the main Ntshondwe (pointed/ peaks) camp with either self catering facilities or access to the camp restaurant. This album has selected images of some of the flora, fauna and facilities. The reserve can be accessed by air or by vehicle and is near Louwsberg.

Koronga Valley Guest Farm, on the southern outskirts of Ixopo, is a resort that caters for a wide variety of visitors who either want some peace and quiet, want to explore the area, or are involved in sporting events and outings. The Guest farm has basic but clean facilities, with a pub and restaurant. This album features the buildings, accommodation, flora, and the original cottage built in the mid 1900's.

Situated within the Pongola Game Reserve South in Northern Zululand; 350 km north of Durban, 450 km south east of Johannesburg and 270km south of the Kruger National Park. Nkwazi is set on a hillside overlooking the Pongola River as it lazily meanders towards the Pongolapoort Dam and is the perfect place to combine the excitement of Tiger fishing and game viewing with the tranquillity of the bush and panoramic views. The reserve caters for the discerning nature lover offering game drives, boat cruises, and guided walks. The lodge accommodates 30 guests in 11 twin en-suite thatched chalets, and two family chalets consisting of a living area, 2 bedrooms with twin beds and en suite bathrooms. All chalets have air conditioning, mini bar fridges and tea & coffee facilities. Cuisine is typically South African with a variety of venison dishes prepared and presented in the boma or open plan dining area overlooking the river. We do have a fully licenced bar at Nkwazi. Please take note that the bar, dining area, sitting area and swimming pools are open to the general public. The location allows conference delegates the perfect combination of work and play. GENERAL ACTIVITIES Activities are subject to availability. Please enquire at the office. Activities on offer are: Game Drives Guided Walks Boat Cruises Fish Eagle Safari Boat Fishing Boat Hire Note : Extracted from the Lodge' s web site.

Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse set in the foothills of the majestic Drakensberg Mountains ( a World Heritage site). Aside from a must for the romantic and Gourmet "specialist" , the setting of this country lodge is a photographer's dream. The Lodge, which is owned and operated by Richard and Mouse Poynton has the old farmhouse as it's core accomodation, and is set in well manicured gardens, overlooking a tranquil lake. The interior decor and memorabilia provide some sense of the pioneer and colonial era. This album has images of this well known and respected establishment.

Glengarry Holiday Farm lies at the upper end of the Kamberg Valley, in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains. The Farm has a variety of accomodation and camping with views towards the mountains. Facilities include golf, bowls, swimming pool, fishing, functions rooms and has a collection of farm animals. The Farm has a lot to offer all ages and is close to Highmoor and other Drakensberg attractions.

This gallery has images of Kamberg Nature Reserve, HIghmoor, and images of the Loteni road. These reserves are based in the Drakensburg Mountains which is a World Heritage site. The Kamberg Nature Reserve has many mountain trails like Obathwa Falls and Gladstone's Nose trails, the old Trout Hatchery & Dams and a Rock Art Centre commemorating the Bushman art. There is self catering accommodation in both Highmoor and the Kamberg Nature reserve run by Ezemvelo Wild Life.

What began its life as a mushroom farm has evolved into a contemporary artisanal environment. The farm has undergone several changes over the last three decades, but it is within the last few years that The Old Mushroom Farm has really taken shape. Ex-mushroom farmer, architect and artist Nic Crooks has transformed the property into a unique architectural experience. Two rows of converted growing tunnels are now an exciting lifestyle destination, home to shopping boutiques, an event space, bistro, gym and coffee shops. TOMF offers plenty for outdoor activities including a running trail, kids play area, and community food garden. Forming part of The Old Mushroom is 11 Karkloof, self-catering accommodation, The houses that were once accommodation for staff, are now guest houses for urban escapees and outdoor enthusiasts. Information taken directly from the Mushroom Farm site : 11 Karkloof road Howick - 0604701218

Kearsney Manor is situated on the original sugar estate built by Sir Liege Hulett in the 1880's. The colonial manor also housed the original Kearsney College now based at Botha's Hill near Hillcrest. The Manor now is an accommodation establishment with 15 bedrooms and is adjacent to the stone chapel and graveyard that is the final resting place for amongst others many of the Hulett and Balcolm families. This album features the Manor interior and exterior, outbuildings and also images of some of the Estate Houses on the original Hulett Estate farm houses, Kirklyvale, Sibton Hall and Melrose House, which are now privately owned. There is also images of the well that supplied the workers on the Kearsney Estate in the late 1800's when tea was grown on the estates before the introduction of sugar. A separate album features the nearby stone chapel and graves associated with the chapel. Also included here are images of the Kearsney Baptist Church and the graves associated with this farm Church.

Kosi Bay Forest Lodge lies to the east of the village of Mangusi along a sandy 4*4 road. The privately owned lodge is part of the iSibindi Group of lodges. The lodge has a main reception where meals are provided and service tent style thatched rooms with full facilities. There is a well sited pool overlooking a lake and where sunsets are the highlight of the day. There are many activities that may be carried out and include canoeing on the lake channels amongst the Raffia Palms, which are the breeding ground for the rare palm Nut Vulture. Boat trips from the Kosi Bay jetty up the four lakes is possible and snorkeling is provided. The ancient system of fishing using fish traps is a highlight and the local fishermen still use these methods. This area was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000 and is part of the Grater St Lucia Wetland Park, managed by iSimangaliso. (Meaning 'place of miracles"). The Kosi system consists of four lakes running into each other with the mouth just south of the Mozambique border. The Kosi system is 11000 hectares in extent.

Platrand Lodge is located to the east of Wagon Hill, the famous site of battles during the siege of Ladysmith. The Lodge has 54 rooms, The Hunters Lodge and caters for weddings, conferences and functions. It also has direct access to the Wagon Hill and Caesars Camp Boer War sites on the hill. S;28 35.014 E:29 44.424

The Ladysmith Royal Hotel has a long history and strong associations with the towns siege. Many high profile personalities visited this hotel like Leander Starr Jameson and Melton Prior during the war. Dr Stark was killed outside the hotel door by a Boer Long Tom Shell on 19 November 1899. The site is marked on the hotel veranda. The hotel is over the road from the NGK Church and close walking distance from the old town hall, now incorporating the siege museum. The hotel caters for travelers and for weddings and conferences.

Ukhutula is the farm bordered on the west by the Umgeni River. The farm is a nature reserve and game farm with small antelope and many bird species. The reserve has about six self catering units and a capture centre which also doubles as an education centre. This album also has images of the Albert Falls Dam wall.

Lythwood Lodge is a four star boutique hotel in the KZN Midlands with facilities ranging from executive suits to self catering units. The Lodge specializes as a wedding destination and for conferences. The Lodge is close to the small village of Lidgetton on the Meander Route.

This album features the Mkuze Game Reserve, home to the big five and False Bay which is on the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia, a World Heritage site. The album gives a taste of what can be expected in the camps and of course the wild life that can be encountered in the park. Both reserves are situated in the north east of KZN about 3 hors drive from Durban. Both entities have camping and self catering facilities.

Set on 935 hectares of farmlands , Sierra Ranch's history dates as far back as 1900, when it was a single story outpost known as The Grove. It has since established itself as a getaway destination for families, friends and couples. "The magic of Sierra Resort is its wide open spaces, dinner bed and breakfast packages, delicious home-cooking and a host of activities to keep all members of the family actively involved." The resort was gutted by fire in 1988 but subsequently rebuilt. Contact: 033-2631076

Nagle Dam, on the Umgeni River, to the north of Cato Ridge lies in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. The Dam was constructed and opened on 19 April 1950 by the Administrator Denis Shepstone. The dam which lies in the 3500 Msinsi Nature Reserve was built to primarily supply water to the Durban & Pinetown area. An interesting feature of the dam is the diversionary spillway, which is designed to prevent mud laden flood waters entering the dam and causing it to silt up. The dam capacity is 39 million cubic metres, a surface area of 156 hectares, and the mass concrete wall is 44.3m in height and 393m long. The diversionary weir is in the upper reaches of the dam with a system of floodgates for the flood release. The dam surrounds is controlled by Umsinsi Resorts who offer self catering lodges and camping facilities. This album has images of this site and also of the Table Mountain Catholic Mission which is at the upper reaches of the dam outside the reserve.

The 10117 hectare Ndumo Game Reserve in northern KZN is a bird lovers paradise with the extensive pans and riverine trees (giant Figs and Acacia), providing an ideal habitat. The large game species are not easily found and this has been exacerbated by poaching and drought. There are self catering and camping facilities in a well cared for area. The facilities all have communal ablutions and entertainment area. A swimming pool adds a necessary facility in the hot summers. There are a number of beautiful drives, one being along the riverine forest and another to the picnic site overlooking the Usuthu River. Most birders spend many hours in the hides overlooking the vast pans.

New Germany Nature Reserve lies to the east of Pinetown and adjacent to the industrial area of New Germany. The reserve which is in hilly country has a visitors centre, walk through aviary and short trails through the grassland and riverine forest. The album also has elevated views of the Pinetown CBD and New Germany.

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KZN: A Photographic Historical Record