So you’re in the mood to get out of the big city (well, biggish city) and go somewhere to unwind and relax… Here are our favourite getaway spots in KZN for some natural beauty, rest and relaxation.
The Midlands
Only an hour out of town but a million miles from the hustle and bustle of real life lies the KwaZulu Natal Midlands… Home to rolling hills, beautiful views and the Midlands Meander, a simply delightful drive that takes you past and to all kinds of local artists, crafters, shops and restaurants. If you’re looking for piles of charm and delicious country treats, be sure to spend a day meandering around the Midlands. And when you’re ready to rest your weary head, there are any number of charming farmhouses, country lodges or B&Bs to make you feel as if you’ve stepped into a hidden nook of England… Just with better scenery!
The Drakensberg
What would a childhood (or adulthood!) in Durban be without weekends away in the ‘Berg? From Underberg, the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, to the ‘Berg proper (around Cathedral Peak), this whole area is the ideal place to get away from it all. Crisp, perfect mornings year-round, tubing down the river in summer and hiking in the freezing air in winter, horse-riding, log fires, endless mountain views. These are the things that memories are made of.
The North Coast
For a beach getaway – in summer or winter, seeing as winter is actually Durban’s secret season of perfect weather – the North Coast has so much to offer. From Umhlanga to Umdloti, Shaka’s Rock and Salt Rock, there are all kinds of towns and villages to choose from, all boasting the same thing: warm ocean and white sand – the perfect beach holiday ingredients. If your idea of a holiday involves ice-cream, a little sunburn, sand between your toes and a whole lot of splashing in rock pools and surf, then the North Coast is your best bet.
These are just a few of our favourite places to relax and unwind in KwaZulu Natal – where are your best getaway spots?
Words: Bridget McNulty
