Durban - September is Tourism Month and this year the National Department of Tourism will celebrate Tourism and Water – Protecting our Common Future, as identified by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation.
Tourism Month was launched nationally on August 27 and will culminate in World Tourism Day celebrations on September 27.
This Tourism Month, get out with friends and family to explore the many “water’s edge” activities at KwaZulu-Natal dam resorts, game and nature reserves. They’re a good playground for outdoor enthusiasts, adventure-seekers and nature lovers.
Not far from city centres, the resorts provide opportunities for game drives, nature trails, bird watching, canoeing, mountain biking and fishing.
Visit and contribute to the conservation of water. For more information on the following, visit www.msinsi.co.za and www.kznwildlife.com
Albert Falls Dam and Game Reserve
This reserve, on the Albert Falls Amble, is a wonderful spot for birders, anglers, game viewers and water sports enthusiasts.
Visitors to one of the largest dams in the province can enjoy water-skiing, sailing, canoeing, nature trails, fishing, bird-watching and game viewing.
There are fully equipped self-catering rondavels and chalets set in the Notuli Game Park.
The six-bed Notuli cottage is a great getaway for families. It has spectacular views of the dam with the Karkloof mountains in the background.
Along the shoreline are well appointed campsites. Game to be seen include rhino, eland, blesbok, giraffe, warthog, zebra and birdlife (280 species).
Conference facilities are also available.
HazeLmere Dam and Resort
Hazelmere is a good place for water sports, fishing, camping and caravanning. An outing at the shady picnic sites will reward you with sightings of zebra, impala and many birds.
Caravans and camping are allowed, with shaded or open grass sites, electric points and hot and cold water ablutions.
Luxury accommodation is available at Lakeside and Forest lodges, set in secluded woodland overlooking Hazelmere Dam. Both are fully equipped.
The dam is stocked with many species of fish. Fishing permits and boat registration are required and can be secured at the gate. A kiosk supplies braai packs, drinks and snacks.
Inanda Dam and Resort
This resort is at the Inanda Dam in the Valley of a Thousand Hills. It offers recreational boating and is well-known for bass fishing with the annual Inanda Bass Classic fishing tournament attracting hundreds of anglers each year.
It’s a great venue for canoeing and a compulsory overnight stop for the famous Dusi Canoe Marathon.
Camping and picnic sites set on the water’s edge afford magnificent views of the surrounding hills.
Only 45 minutes from Durban, Inanda Dam is a popular place to enjoy jet-skiing, power-boating, yachting, fishing and even game viewing.
Picnicking and camping facilities, with fully serviced ablutions, are available.
Accommodation is in the form of caravanning and camping.
Nagle Dam and Game Reserve
Nestled in the Valley of a Thousand Hills, Nagle Dam has tranquil picnic and fishing spots, with the options of canoeing, nature trails and game viewing.
Luxury accommodation is available at the 12-bed Nagle Lodge and six-bed Msinsi Lodge, while a fully equipped and catered conference centre is also available.
There’s a variety of birds, zebra and antelope and as the dam is well stocked, fishing is a favourite pastime here.
All forms of wind and paddle-driven craft are permitted on the dam and bass fishermen can use sneaker motors.
Picnic sites and braai facilities provide a good setting for a relaxing day out and the warm water hatchery offers interesting tours, though booking is essential.
Shongweni Dam and Game Reserve
Just 30 minutes from Durban, this dam offers water sports, fishing and game drives. From awe-inspiring cliffs and waterfalls to lush forests, the reserve is home to rhino, buffalo, giraffe, waterbuck, wildebeest, warthog and a variety of birds.
The reserve is an excellent venue for overnight camping, game drives, fishing, picnics, nature trails and a variety of non-motorised water sports.
Activities include canoeing, sailing, trailing, rock-climbing and game viewing.
Luxury accommodation is available at the eight-bed Mkangoma Bush Lodge and there are tents on stilts at the water’s edge. Conference facilities are also available.
Shongweni is a National Heritage site. - Sunday Tribune