Taking the kids on holiday can be a trying and exhausting contest of wills but with Zululand's clean and safe environment, its great outdoor activities, miles of empty beaches and varied cultural encounters the whole family can relax and explore this wonderful natural playground with its infinite opportunities to make new discoveries.
Here you have the freedom to roam, be noisy, get back to nature and have an authentic experience because Zululand is for real!
Fishing
Fishing For Your SupperKids love to be near water while on holiday and Zululand has plenty of it. The Siyaya Coastal Park is more than 40kms of unspoilt and undeveloped coastline and incorporates two nature reserves - Umlalazi Nature Reserve and Amatikulu Nature Reserve - with their protected lagoons, mangrove forests and endless beach. |
They are a sanctuary for creatures great and small and kids love exploring the mangroves which are alive with red-clawed fiddler crabs sitting patiently in muddy trenches, waiting to wage war against each other over the leaves that fall from the mangrove trees. Ogling this spectacle are the mudskippers - tiny fish with frog-like eyes that can hop across mudbanks and look like miniature ETs on steroids. |
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Aerial Boardwalk
Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk
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Visiting Dlinza Forest in Eshowe is a popular school outing and as the most accessible forest in Zululand (it is literally in the middle of the town) it provides the easiest venue to introduce children to nature. Their first few steps on the Aerial Boardwalk take them immediately into the enchanting world of the forest which up till now they had only imagined. The first viewing platform is an arm's length from a giant African plum tree covered in orchids and often filled with colourful turacoes feasting on its fruits. |
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Environmental Education
Environmental Education
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Tucked into the coastal forest south of Umlalazi Nature Reserve is the Twinstreams Environmental Education Centre which has been hosting school groups for more than 50 years. Started by local conservationist, Dr Ian Garland, and now managed by the Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA), the Centre - which is set in a beautiful rehabilitated forest - is the ideal location to introduce young people to the importance of conservation. It has easy access to a range of natural habitats as well as fun activities such as canoeing, team-building and swimming in the sea. The Centre has accommodation for 60 people ranging from timber chalets to dormitory lofts and double-bunk cabins. Contact: 035 340 2511. |
Twinstreams Environmental Education Centre has been introducing young and old to the joys of our wonderful natural heritage for over 50 years |
Cultural Villages
Cultural Villages
| Cultural villages have played an important part in teaching South Africans about the traditions and customs of their fellow citizens and Zululand has two of the oldest and most popular in the country Shakaland and Simunye Zulu Lodge. Shakaland in the Nkawleni Valley is close to Shaka's military capital at KwaBulawayo and offers daily programmes in an enormous village built originally as a film set for the epic TV series Shaka Zulu. |
Kids visiting the Fort Nongqayi Museum Village in Eshowe always gasp with disbelief when they hear the story of John Dunn and his 48 Zulu wives. |
Beaches
The Beach
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There is almost always a beach in one's favourite memories of childhood holidays and Zululand has the best beaches for a family holiday. Not only is the seawater along the Zululand coast the warmest in the country but its mild sub-tropical climate makes swimming possible all year round. The beach at Mtunzini goes on for miles and its safe environment makes it a favourite beach for surfing, swimming, strolling and fishing. Just remember to wear lots of sun block. |
A beached mermaid is just one of the wonderful discoveries you could make while beachcombing and exploring along the Zululand coast. |