Pack up your troubles in KwaZulu-Natal, here's some good news for independent travellers of all ages. Four backpacker lodges in KwaZulu-Natal have combined to form Zungeza. Zungeza's aim is to help travellers move around the province in comfort while enjoying the best it has to offer.
Traditionally, Zulus enjoy visiting family and friends and when they do travel around from one place to another they call it "to zungeza".
The Zungeza backpacker lodges offer accommodation, services and expert advice in Durban (Gibela Backpackers Lodge), the Drakensberg Mountains (Inkosana Lodge & Trekking), Elephant Coast (Isinkwe Backpackers Bush Camp), and South Coast (Southbroom Travellers Lodge).
- Gibela is designed to provide you with a comfortable stay in Durban. This stylish and tranquil lodge is owned and managed by a former guide.
Travellers will receive good insider tips and travel recommendations, as well as superior comfort, in a relaxing atmosphere. Conveniently located in Morningside, it's within walking distance to Florida Road, where there are restaurants, cocktail bars, clubs and coffee shops galore.
Gibela is a 4-star backpacker lodge graded by the South African Grading Council and winner of the 2008 South African Tourism Welcome Awards - Backpacking.
- Inkosana Lodge, also 4-star, has won a number of accommodation awards. It is situated in the central area of the Drakensberg Mountains and is run by Edmund Salomons, an experienced mountaineer.
The Drakensberg range reaches its highest points of some 3 300m in this area. There are walks to suit all levels. Whatever you do, you will experience lovely views, birds, wildflowers, cascading streams and majestic yellowwood forests.
The main peaks in this valley are Champagne Castle and Cathkin Peak. The Champagne valley is home to the Drakensberg Boys Choir and excellent arts and crafts. There is a bakery as well as restaurants and shops.
- Isinkwe is an explorer's bush camp with a strong wildlife theme, located within indigenous sand forest. This is an excellent base from which to discover several famous wildlife destinations in the Elephant Coast Tourism Region. The camp abounds with birdlife and other small animals.
Accommodation options include a self-catering tree cabin, en-suite double rooms, dorms and camping. The swimming pool has a great sundeck, with the African bush just beyond.
Meals are served from inside the Africa Bush Junction entertainment area. The reception offers friendly service and information on the activities in the surrounding area. Internet and e-mail facilities are available, as well as a laundry service.
Activities include safaris and daytrips to Hluhluwe-uMfolozi Park and Greater Isimangaliso Wetlands Park, Zulu cultural experiences, guided nature trails, craft markets, visiting a cheetah project.
- Southbroom Travellers Lodge is the place for you if you're looking for relaxation. A fully equipped small traveller's lodge, this backpacker accommodation is more like a guest house, offering clean and tidy accommodation.
Enjoy free tea or filter coffee and a light breakfast on the patio adjacent the swimming pool, then take a leisurely stroll down to the beach
This is a great destination for independent travellers to the KZN South Coast. Local knowledge ensures that you will get the best advice on things to do and places to see.
The Southbroom section of the South Coast abounds with beautiful stretches of unspoilt beaches, which offer excellent swimming, sunbathing, surfing and coastline walks.
The beach and restaurants are within walking distance from the Lodge. Golf enthusiasts can choose from nine first-class 18-hole golf courses along the South Coast, with Southbroom and San Lameer just five minutes away.
Other activities to enjoy are deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, surfing, dolphin and whale watching, sardine runs, horse riding on the beach, hiking in nature reserves and activities through Wild 5 Extreme Adventures at Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.
- For more information, call Zungeza on 031-303-6291 or visit www.visitkwazulunatal.co.za