When grey or windy weather thwart beach plans in Durban, visiting a nature reserve is our favorite outdoor activity. There must be about 10 nature reserves dotted within under an hour’s drive from central Durban. One grey day on our last Durban trip we chose to revisit the Kenneth Stainbank Nature reserve in Yellowwood Park, sort of between the Bluff …
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Shapes of Africa – Sea fresh food at a magical backpackers
Long ago I had a vivid recurring dream, in it I discovered a previously unknown room, filled with dazzling treasure in my Grandmother’s house. Last night had the same feel as that dream. A few times a year I visit family in Durban and Umdloti. Much loved favourites like the Bush Tavern in Umdloti are experienced with ritual comfort and satisfaction. On a previous …
Read More »The Junction Bistro – Food and fun for the family in Nottingham Road
Leaving Natal on the freeway is too harsh an exit from a holiday in Durban, we prefer to adjust gradually, exiting via the Midlands Meander, stopping to revisit favourite places and discover new delights. On our last trip we stopped for lunch at The Junction Bistro in Nottingham road for the first time. The food was lovely and good value. …
Read More »Zulu Nyala Lodge
This December we used a Daddy’s Deal to visit Zulu Nyala Lodge. First impressions do set the tone in most instances. Before reaching our room we saw Nyala on the pathways in the natural gardens. The lady at reception was warm and welcoming as we subsequently found all the staff to be. There is not a lot to do around …
Read More »The Wine Cellar Rosetta – Wine and the best flavoured coffees
When driving through Rosetta in the Natal Midlands there is one place where we always have to stop. There is no choice in the matter. That place is The Wine Cellar. The cosy wine cellar housing special wines has magnetic allure, however this is not the reason why we must stop. When we have space in the car and time …
Read More »Zandspruit Padstal
On the trip between Joburg and Durban we stopped at Zandspruit Padstal (about 50km from Harrismith on the N3) for a leg stretch. As a rule we try to avoid the busy chain food outlets at petrol stations which are overpriced and have zero appeal. Stopping at a Padstal we feel that the holiday has begun before reaching our destination. …
Read More »Homeward bound?
There’s an ache in my sternum as we drive out of Durban. Each road familiar, mapped in my psyche. No specific memories occupy my mind but flashes of impressions associated with each place, passing like trees seen from the car window, intangible in my visions periphery. Fleeting emotions and reminders that this is where I belong. Subliminal, wordless poetry, striking …
Read More »Natal Spa – Ulitmate kids getaway
We chose Natal Spa as the place to celebrate our 8th wedding anniversary. The resort is set in the rolling hills of northern KZN with many huge boulders which house families of dassies, and apart from the scenery the hot spring pools are the main attraction. I’m still surprised that in all my years of living in Durban, I never …
Read More »Ithala Game reserve
Our previous visit to Ithala was 7 years ago as newly weds, that time we stayed in a tent at a camp site and I have special memories of the experience. This time we stayed in a cottage at Ntshondwe resort. Ithala Game Reserve is 75km from Vryheid in the battlefields area of Northern Natal. It hosts 4 of the …
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