La Vita Restaurant

La Vita restaurant has had a reputation as being one of the most upmarket and expensive eateries in Pietermaritzburg for a while now. Situated in the popular and well-known Invesco Centre just a few kilometres from the CBD, La Vita specialises in Italian cuisine and has an extensive selection of pizza, pasta, seafood and meat dishes to cater for almost any palate. Curious sounding offerings such as Drunk Duck and Raunchy Rabbit are guaranteed to arouse interest and even Guineafowl is available for those wanting to try something new.

Italian cuisine has a rich heritage, having traceable roots as far back as the fourth century BC. La Vita strives to maintain this heritage by using only imported ingredients, giving the food an authentic and unmistakable Italian flavour. My mom and I experienced this authenticity first hand when we had supper at La Vita recently, an experience we’ll certainly remember for some time.

With so many options and combinations to choose from we were somewhat befuddled but with a little help from our waiter, Musa, we were able to place our orders. I selected the Polla Limone (a whole free range spring chicken, prepared in a wood-fired pizza oven and sprinkled with fresh garlic, fresh lemon and a medley of fresh herbs), which came with the option of vegetables, rice, chips or baked potato.

It was rather good and after applying a liberal amount of freshly squeezed lemon juice, the taste and flavour of the dish improved even more. I selected the option of vegetables (I am trying to eat as healthily as possible these days) to accompany the meal which, to be honest, could have been better prepared. Nevertheless the Polla Limone still represented value for money at R89 because it was well-cooked, well-presented and came in a rather sizable portion.

For starters my mom had the Roly Poly Pork (succulent pieces of pork glazed in honey and lemon) which she described as “succulent and tasty.” Not wanting to just take her word for it, I requested a “little taste” and boy was I glad I did so. The Roly Poly Pork was delicious, almost heavenly in fact and well worth R45.

At this point I was beginning to realise that talk of La Vita being “expensive and over-priced” were unfounded. It most certainly is not cheap, but by the same token cannot be described as expensive considering what I have encountered at similar establishments in Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands.

For her main course my mom ordered the Baked Polo (strips of Ostrich swathed in a delicious sauce and resting on a scrumptious potato bake), which she described as an “excellent” dish. Curious, I once again requested a “little taste” and was most impressed. I had never eaten Ostrich before and was quite surprised to find the meat tender and flavoursome. Truth be told I actually preferred the Baked Polo to the Polla Limone, it was that good.

With no room for dessert we requested the bill and began to reflect on the evening’s events. My mom was thoroughly impressed with her experience at La Vita. She loved the food and the vibrant atmosphere and would definitely recommend the restaurant to her family and friends, some of whom have a distinct love of Italian Cuisine.

I, too, was pretty impressed with this restaurant. The food was brilliant in every aspect, the atmosphere very uplifting and the service prompt and professional. With a packed restaurant and dozens of patrons to attend to Musa did not make a single mistake while serving us and his product knowledge was truly impressive.

Owner Shaun Beatt certainly has a winning combination in the form of La Vita and his adjacent Bangkok Wok franchise, which specializes in traditional Thai cuisine. Besides offering fantastic food and superb service, La Vita also boasts an extensive wine list, which features over 90 great tasting wines. Restaurant manager Tim Lander is always on hand to assist patrons in pairing their favourite dish with a wine to match and there’s even a range of certified organic wines available for those who would prefer this option.

La Vita is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 11h30 to 15h00 and again from 17h00 to 22h00. On Sundays the restaurant will be open from 11h30 to 15h00 and again from 17h00to 20h30. So for truly fine Italian dining at surprisingly affordable prices look no further than La Vita, arguably the best Italian restaurant in Pietermaritzburg.

Contact details:

Telephone: +27 (0)33 342‑0024
Physical address: Shop 10, Invesco Centre, Corner Sanctuary and Armitage Road, Pietermaritzburg

For a detailed review of the Bangkok Wok restaurant at the Invesco Centre, please refer to an earlier posting entitled ‘The Bangkok Wok – Add some spice to your life’

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Essence Cafe

Location plays a critical role in the success of any restaurant and Essence Café is most certainly well situated at Wetherlys Centre, probably the most upmarket location in the Pietermaritzburg CBD. On the day of my visit there were a number of luxury cars, including BMW’s, Mercedes Benz’s, Audi’s and even a Porsche gracing the centre’s parking bays – unmistakable proof that this venue is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best meeting places for local business people.

Owner Martin Maltby named the restaurant ‘Essence’ because he believes the word encompasses the ‘soul’ of the business: “Good food, good friends and excellence,” and he certainly has devised a comprehensive menu that caters for just about everyone. From health breakfasts such as jungle oats to tasty offerings like crumpet stacks, pancakes, French toast, freshly baked croissants, Welsh rarebit and omelettes to name but a few, the early morning cuisine certainly sounded wonderful but having arrived just after one in the afternoon, the lunch menu was what I was most interested in.

A wide selection of open sandwiches, wraps, bagels, tramezzinis, salads and gourmet burgers cater for a variety of palates while ‘healthier options’ include the Sweet Chilli Fillet, Lemone Calamari, Rolled Chicken, Whai-Thai Curry and Pot Pie among other delectable dishes. With so many options and combinations to choose from deciding on what to have took some time, but I eventually selected the pot pie (R60) with a chicken filling and a phyllo pastry crust.

Although the portion was a little on the small side I thoroughly enjoyed the meal. It was truly delicious and expertly presented and the side salad that accompanied the dish was one of the most tasty I have ever had – no doubt attributed to the superb coriander and olive oil dressing.

For dessert I devoured a half portion of chocolate cake (R12) which admittedly was rather rich but by the same token, irresistibly good. Further dessert options included carrot cake, lemon meringue, chocolate brownies and a number of other mouth watering offerings that even the most disciplined diners would find hard to resist.

Seldom have I been as impressed with a meal as with what was served up to me at Essence Café. The quality of the ingredients and the care taken in the preparation of my dish was of a very high standard as was the service I received, although I have to say that my waiter could have been a little more enthusiastic at times.

Besides the great food, Essence Café also offers patrons an opportunity to relax and enjoy their meal while browsing through a wide selection of magazines or surfing the net on a wireless network. A number of books are also on sale at the café adding another dimension to the venue and giving it that extra appeal to potential customers.

So if you are looking to enjoy a scrumptious meal or an award winning cappuccino in a relaxing yet stimulating environment look no further than Essence Café. It’s the perfect spot to recharge your batteries or ponder your next business move and even if your favourite dish isn’t on the menu Martin will make sure that it’s made for you – provided the ingredients are available that is.

Essence Café is open from Monday’s to Friday’s from 7am to 5pm and on Saturday’s and Sunday’s from 8am to 2pm. However, the restaurant is also open for evening functions by prior arrangement.

Contact details:

Telephone: +27 (0)33 342‑9215
Physical address: 120 Victoria Rd, Wetherlys Centre, Pietermaritzburg

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I ♥ Kamberg

Hi, I’m Gerhard from Qambathi Mountain Lodge in Kamberg.

Kamberg IS BEST KNOWN FOR its Bushman Rock Art, fly-fishing and breathtaking mountain scenery.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Highmoor or on one of our game drives with Giant’s Castle in the background. The views are really something special with Mount Eskirne and Mount Cleopatra very dominant everywhere you look.

THE BEST nature PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN by just driving around Kamberg. There are so many treed lanes, wild flowers, cloud shapes and Berg views for that perfect picture.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the trout dams or at the Bushman Rock art which is the best preserved in the country.

I ♥ Kamberg

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO take a hike through our natural forest or up the mountain.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO read a book around the log fire in the lodge or sit on the chill deck and watch the weather play out.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS during the summer months, BECAUSE of the beautiful scenery and also during the winter months for those glorious mid-winter days and night time log fires.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS under the trees in the garden — there are always plenty of birds around.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST taking a picnic in the forest, next to the river or trying one of the many Midlands restaurants.

I ♥ Kamberg

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Firkin's at Nottingham Road for some German cuisine or the lamb curry at Rawdons Hotel.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM our kitchen!

MY FAVOURITE Midlands SPOT IS Abingdon Wines for wine tasting and a superb mezze platter.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY the Notties Hotel.

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO The Knackered Swan at the Kamberg Store with John and Joe.

Kamberg’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the secluded and underdeveloped beauty of the valley.

I ♥ Kamberg

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS to take a game drive up the mountain and enjoy a snack platter while enjoying the views with a glass of wine.

FOR SOME CULTURE, I LIKE TO GO TO one of the many concert evenings on in the Midlands.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO sit in the river at the waterfall in our natural forest on the reserve.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY hot air ballooning on offer in the valley.

MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS up Highmoor where fantastic views and waterfalls are to be seen.

MY FAVOURITE wine SHOP IS Abingdon Wines.

I ♥ Kamberg

IF YOU'RE HERE IN May, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the annual Kamberg Trout Festival or Glengarry Mountain Bike Challenge.

MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS The Knackered Swan. CHECK OUT THE Bushman Rock Art Centre at Kamberg Nature Reserve.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS taking a hike to the top of the Plato at Highmoor — enjoy the waterfalls, dams and stunning views. You can also take a horse ride at Drakensberg Excursions with Heidi and Patrick.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS going fly-fishing at Brackenburn Dams in the valley with Attie and Avol.

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO take a helicopter flip around the Drakensberg.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the number of stars visible on a clear evening.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support the local community school feeding programme.

Other: On offer in the valley is Bushman Rock Art, fly-fishing, nine-hole golf, horse riding, hot air ballooning, game drives and hikes. Kamberg is situated in close proximity to all the offerings of The Midlands Meander.

I ♥ Kamberg BECAUSE of the beautiful nature, being secluded and friendly people.

Qambathi Mountain Lodge

Qambathi Mountain Lodge

Looking for something different in the Drakensberg, visit Qambathi Mountain Lodge, situated on Qambathi Mountain Reserve, in the beautiful Kamberg Valley. The lodge is situated at the foot of the mountain in a spectacular garden and with magnificent views. Original art forms an integral part of the exclusive handmade furniture and decor used, setting new standards in the Midlands and Drakensberg.

Visit Qambathi Mountain Lodge
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Rawdons Hotel: +27 (0)33 267 7370
Abingdon Wines: +27 (0)33 234 4335

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I ♥ Mkuze

Hi, I’m Nicky Kinnell from Leopard Mountain Game Lodge in Mkuze.

Mkuze IS BEST KNOWN FOR Game Reserves and Conservation. The village of Mkuze is a mere 18km’s from the entrance gate to the Mkuze Reserve, in the shadow of the Ubombo Mountains.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the reserve — the bird and animal life is spectacular. There are also over 700 plant species

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO go bird watching — with the species we have in this area I will more than likely spot something special.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO indulge in a massage.

I ♥ Mkuze

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS spring, BECAUSE the weather is not at its hottest (and it can get really hot) and the baby antelope have been born.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS a picnic in the game reserve. What a great way to start the day!

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS the Mkuze Country Club, TRY THE superb food.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM the One Stop Garage — you can't beat their pies!

MY FAVOURITE game viewing SPOT IS the Zululand Rhino Reserve.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY the country club.

I ♥ Mkuze

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the country club. You will more than likely hear an interesting story, or two.

Mkuze’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS is the Zululand Rhino Reserve. The reserve, a partnership between the World Wildlife Fund and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife was created in 1995 to create a haven for the black rhino.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS to go bird-watching.

FOR SOME CULTURE, I LIKE TO join a community tour. A great way to give back and to learn about the community.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO I like to take a trip to the pans and read my book under the huge fig trees. There are two pans, Nhlonhlela and Nsumo and they are home to hippo, crocs, ducks, geese and pelicans!

I ♥ Mkuze

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY Big 5 Walking Safaris.

MY FAVOURITE WALK IS a Big 5 Guided Walk with Zululand Walking Safaris.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS to the Mkuze Game Reserve — see how many animals you can spot in an hour!

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS picnicking in the reserves.

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO fly along the coast line.

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS camping at Mabibi.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I do collections for the local school we are involved with.

I ♥ Mkuze BECAUSE we are central to many Big 5 reserves, amazing beaches for snorkelling and diving close by, we have cultural villages, extreme sports, Big 5 walks, an amazing bird count ... and this all comes with fantastic weather!

Leopard Mountain Game Lodge

Leopard Mountain, a multiple award game lodge is set in the 23 000 hectare Zululand Rhino Reserve. Located between Hluhluwe and Mkuze Game Reserves it is within easy reach of Ndumo, Kosi Bay, Sodwana, Lake Sibaya and the St Lucia wetlands. Enjoy total peace and tranquility and warm friendly hospitality at our exceptionally beautiful lodge which has the most spectacular views in Zululand from the river meandering below to the distant Lebombo Mountains.

Visit Leopard Mountain Game Lodge
View Rates or make a Booking

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Karkloof Canopy Tour

The Karkloof Canopy Tour is probably the most well-known outdoor activity in the Natal Midlands, attracting people from all walks of life in search of the adventure of a lifetime. Situated amidst the beauty and greenery of the majestic Karkloof Valley, the tour involves traversing from one wooden platform to another along a pair of steel cables (with a two ton breaking strain) suspended high above the forest floor.

Those in the industry refer to this traversing as ‘zip lining’ because this is exactly what takes place as participants ‘zip’ along the cables at speeds of up to 80km/h. The Karkloof Canopy Tour has its roots in the balmy rainforests of Costa Rica where adventurous biologists, eager to record the diversity of animal life found at the canopy level of the forests, devised a system of cables and platforms that enabled them to explore this previously inaccessible ecosystem.

This new development soon heralded the onset of a breathtaking eco-tourism activity that not only allowed people access to the upper realm of a rainforest, but raised awareness of the many challenges that these endangered ecosystems face. Certainly there couldn’t be a more appropriate venue for the tour than the picturesque Karkloof Valley –home to some of the most spectacular scenery KwaZulu-Natal has to offer.

After arriving at The Karkloof Canopy Tour office I made my way to the assembly area where I, along with the rest of my tour party, received a customary safety briefing followed by the compulsory signing of an indemnity form. After being kitted out with a variety of equipment, which included harnesses, helmets and a pair of thick safety gloves, we boarded a Landcruiser and were driven to the starting point of our adventure.

Having a natural, almost primal fear of heights, I knew that traversing between the various platforms was going to present a tough challenge. In fact, I already knew that going ‘solo’ was likely to be impossible and it was for that reason that I requested a ‘tandem’ adventure where I would be accompanied by a trained guide at all times.

There are seven platforms and eight ‘foefi’ slides in all and after arriving at the first platform, our guides explained some basic techniques of the trade. In a nutshell these techniques involve pulling down gently on the cable to slow down and lifting your legs as you approach a platform so as to ensure a safe landing.

The first cable was quite short (about 30m) and basically constituted a practice run. Entrusting all braking manoeuvres to my guide (a standard procedure for the tandem adventure) I took the plunge and was soon whizzing along the cable. After reaching the second platform without a hitch I began to relax a little although I was still quite nervous considering the challenges that lay ahead.

But this merely proved to be the calm before the storm when I realised the second slide was a 170m monster with the valley floor seemingly thousands of feet below. If I had been a little scared before embarking on this adventure I was now absolutely terrified. With or without a guide it was now clear that just completing the tour was going to be a monumental challenge.

Somehow I summoned the courage to proceed and soon both my guide and I were traversing what seemed to be the entire expanse of the valley. Within seconds we were approaching the third platform but then what I had been dreading the most happened, my guide braked too early leaving both of us suspended in mid air still metres short of the third platform.

Too shocked to do anything I remained as calm as possible while my guide wriggled past me and skilfully hoisted me (along with the help of a colleague) onto the platform. While I was assured that this manoeuvre was all in a day’s work for the guides, I was still gripped by fear as my trembling legs could attest to.

After a couple of deep breathes and a silent prayer I was ready to proceed with my ‘Tarzan and Jane’ adventure although by now I was seriously beginning to wonder if I had bitten off more than I could chew. My fears proved to be unfounded though as I quickly grew accustomed to zipping along the cables, which is a tremendously exhilarating experience.

Soon we had come to the end of our adventure and while making the short walk back to the office I began to reflect on my experience. Billed as a ‘unique eco experience’ given the fact that guides are instructed to provide interesting facts about the forest ecology during the adventure, the Karkloof Canopy Tour is actually tailored more for out and out thrill seekers and adrenaline junkies than nature lovers.

My reasoning for this is that there is hardly any time to appreciate the beauty of nature while tearing along a steel cable at 80km/h. Your adrenaline is pumping so much that all your senses are heightened to such an extent that it becomes impossible to concentrate on individual aspects of your surroundings.

Only once you have reached a platform and have had time to gather your breath is it possible to take in the beauty that surrounds you. However, there’s a constant feeling of being rushed as you mentally prepare yourself for the next ‘dash between the tree tops’ and our guides, as friendly as they were, did not really mention much about the area’s flora and fauna.

Back at the office we were treated to a light lunch of juice, sandwiches and salad which was included in the tour price of R450 per person. For R150 extra you can request a CD containing photos (taken by the guides) of the outing.

If it’s purely thrills that you’re after then The Karkloof Canopy Tour is most certainly worth the money given the guaranteed adrenaline rush, but if you are a quite and cautious sort or if you have a genuine fear of heights, then this adventure could prove to be rather daunting. It’s also quite taxing on the body (whether you choose the ‘tandem’ option or not) requiring a fairly strong core to lift heavy legs as you shoot between the tree tops.

While I certainly don’t regret embarking on this activity given the thrills I experienced, I’m not sure if I’d do it again. It’s an adventure that’s not for the faint hearted and although all precautions are taken to ensure the safety of participants, the signing of an indemnity form means that there must be an element of risk involved, however small.

Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)33 330 3415
Address: Karkloof Valley, Kwazulu-Natal Midlands

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Rawdons Estate

Situated in the heart of the Midlands Meander and only a five minute drive from the N3 highway is Rawdon’s Estate, probably one of the oldest hospitality establishments on the Midlands. The first thing that struck me about Rawdon’s was its unique, old world charm.

Closely resembling an English country estate of a bygone era the establishment is furnished with a variety of prize antiques that create an atmosphere of class and sophistication. Walking through its numerous hallways and investigating its many nooks and crannies was an absolute delight and I especially enjoyed the countless, animated framed sketches that adorned the walls.

Although Rawdon’s is most famous for its pub, The Boars Head, where visitors from far and wide come to enjoy a pint (or two) of their favourite brew, it’s also home to a first class restaurant as I discovered when I dropped in for lunch recently.

After perusing through the menu I was tempted to request an offering of roast beef, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding (R65) but I decided to select the de-boned Berg trout, known to be a speciality and a signature dish of the Midlands, instead. Although I found the taste a little unusual I rather liked the trout (R68) which also came with a hearty helping of vegetables and a garnish of your choice. My friend Mary-Anne, who had accompanied me for the afternoon along with my mom, also had the trout. She, too, enjoyed the dish although she did feel that had she applied less of her lemon and herb butter garnish (I opted for the garlic butter), she would have enjoyed it even more.

Considering this fish already has a rather unique flavour of its own, the key to a superb tasting trout seems to be the application of as little garnish as possible. However, since this was the first time either of us had eaten trout, we weren’t aware of quite how to proceed resulting in the rather over zealous application of our respective garnishes. Oh well, as they say you live and learn in this life and I’m pretty sure that both of us will keep this in mind next time we order trout.

My mom, who had a Greek salad (R32) as a starter, opted for the roast beef, roast potatoes and Yorkshire pudding (which also came with a helping of vegetables) for her main course. She had nothing but good things to say about the meal, remarking that the beef was “exceptionally tender”, the potatoes “crispy and very tasty”, the Yorkshire pudding “light and fluffy”, and the veggies “nice and crunchy”.

After lunch Mary-Anne and I decided to take a leisurely stroll along Rawdons’ neatly manicured lawns. We soon ended up exploring further and were most impressed by the beautiful lake that teemed with various types of birdlife. It was certainly one of the most tranquil settings I had encountered during my travels around the Midlands and the perfect remedy to calm jangled nerves.

I really enjoyed my visit to Rawdon’s. The food was tasty and affordable, the service top notch, the atmosphere very relaxed and the hospitality first class thanks largely to the personal touch applied by senior manager George who has worked at the establishment for 52 years.

George is probably one of the friendliest souls a person is ever likely to meet and his welcoming attitude and hospitable nature made us all feel right at home. He is a credit both to Rawdon’s and the hospitality industry in general and I’m sure it won’t be long before I return to experience the good old fashioned service this popular Midlands venue has became famous for.

Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 266 6044
Physical address: Nottingham Road, Natal Midlands (off R103), KwaZulu Natal
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Gunther's

I’ve never been to Switzerland, but I got the chance to experience just a taste of what that might be like when I visited Gunther’s on the Midlands Meander recently. Gunther’s is not really a restaurant in the traditional sense, serving only light meals of German / Swiss sausages washed down with your favourite draft or glass of wine, but even without a formal menu it certainly is a venue that has a lot to offer.

The secret to its success is the hands on approach adopted by owner Gunther Janz, a man who clearly has a passion for the hospitality industry and a love for traditional German / Swiss cuisine. Born in Switzerland, Gunther moved to South Africa at a young age and quickly fell in love with its stunning, natural beauty. He decided to stay and, together with his wife Carmen, established Gunther’s some years ago.

Billed as ‘a little piece of Switzerland in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands’ Gunther could not have picked a more beautiful spot for his beloved creation. Situated high on a hill overlooking the perennially majestic Caversham Valley, Gunther’s resembles a setting straight out of the pages of an international travel catalogue and in the winter months, where snowfall is common in the Midlands, it certainly must be an awesome sight to behold.

Gunther’s even sports a pair of huge St Bernard’s, aptly named Hansel and Gretel, which make their home on the establishment’s lush, green lawns. The huge hounds are obviously very used to people as they hardly made an effort to greet us as we strode towards the ‘restaurants’ entrance, but they still made for quite an attraction and if I had the money and the space I’d probably consider getting myself one of these gentle giants. There is just something so adorable about them.

Upon learning that a menu wasn’t available, I asked Gunther what he had to offer. Ever the gentleman, he encouraged me and the rest of my lunch party to make our way to the serving counter where we sampled some of the fine German / Swiss sausages that were on offer.

After careful consideration I selected the Schueblig sausage (R55), a herb flavoured pork and beef combination that is a firm favourite in the north east of Switzerland. Served with a helping of fried onions and a large, crispy roll it was truly delicious.

Seldom have I enjoyed a better meal for that kind of money and it soon became apparent that when it comes to sausages, Gunther is certainly a man who knows his stuff. My friend Craig, who had accompanied me and my good friend Mary-Anne for the afternoon along with his wife Tandy and their four children, also opted for the Schueblig sausage and was similarly impressed with his findings.

His only quibble was that the meal was a tad pricy (a view with which I most certainly cannot concur given my findings on the Midlands during the course of this past year) and that the venue was ‘not family orientated’ given the lack of a jumping castle or a jungle gym to keep the kids busy.

Mary-Anne decided that a Bratwurst sausage (R55) would be more to her liking and she certainly wasn’t disappointed with her choice, giving it the thumbs up in every department. In addition to enjoying her meal she liked the “relaxed and friendly atmosphere” and stated that a return visit was “an absolute must.”

Tandy also opted for the Bratwurst sausage and expressed similar sentiments regarding both her meal and the venue itself. “The sausage was very tasty and I really liked the potato although I didn’t care much for the Sauerkraut (a R17.50 side order which we shared among the four of us). All in all it was an enjoyable experience and I would definitely come back given the unusual cuisine and friendly atmosphere,” she remarked.

After settling my bill and bidding Gunther farewell, I had plenty of time to reflect on my experiences and can most certainly concur that Gunther’s is indeed a venue well worth a visit. The service was first class, the atmosphere relaxed, the scenery most beautiful, the cuisine tasty (albeit a little unusual) and the hospitality some of the best you’re ever likely to encounter on the Midlands. My only reservation though is that Gunther’s is not a venue for vegetarians given the lack of options available for non meat eaters.

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)83 600‑0923
Physical address: Caversham Cottage, Caversham Valley, Kwazulu-Natal Midlands

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La Popote Restaurant

The quaint little village of Hilton in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is a pleasure to visit no matter what time of the year. The crisp, clean air is always refreshing and with a number of quality eateries to choose from, you are almost always guaranteed to find the perfect venue to tickle your taste buds.

La Popote Restaurant, situated amidst the beauty and tranquillity of Sue Tarr’s Summerhouse, is without a doubt one of the best eateries in the area as I found out when some friends and I popped in for Sunday lunch recently. Although more of a tea garden than a restaurant, La Popote offers a range of cuisine catering for most palates.

To ensure variety the menu changes regularly and upon learning that all meals, desserts and drinks are prepared on site I promptly ordered a home made ginger ale (R18). It was exceptionally refreshing, not to sweet yet full of flavour and just what I needed to quench my thirst.

I opted for the Bobotie (a local dish consisting of spiced minced meat baked with an egg-based topping) as a main course which was served in a mug and came with a helping of salad and vegetables. Although the presentation was rather unusual, I really enjoyed the dish. It was rather tasty, not over spicy (although it did have a bit of a zing to it) and hit the spot perfectly. The veggies were delicious too, and the salad tasty and crispy.

My mom also had the Bobotie and was equally impressed with her findings, remarking that the mince was “fine and tender making for a truly fantastic meal.” Not only was the Bobotie top notch in terms of quality and taste, it was also reasonably affordable. Dining out these days is generally quite an expensive undertaking but the good news is that this dish costs just R60 – not too shabby when you consider what that will buy you at a similar establishment.

Peta-Anne selected the savoury cheesecake which consisted of spinach, mushroom, onion and blue cheese accompanied by a helping of avocado salad. Although most definitely a dish I would not have chosen given my dislike for blue cheese, we all have our preferences and Peta-Anne really loved the dish, remarking that it was “delicious, not too salty and tastefully presented.”

While there’s no doubt that she really enjoyed her savoury cheesecake, I noticed that Peta-Anne’s portion was rather small. Had it been more substantial I would have given it a thumbs up in terms of value for money, but at R55 it most certainly wasn’t cheap. For that kind of money I would have expected a bigger portion, after all country cafés are known for offering larger portions than that of their city counterparts.

Mary-Anne opted for the parmesan and lemon chicken, a rather unusual combination to say the least but certainly an interesting one. She was most impressed with her dish, describing the chicken as “succulent” and the vegetables as being “full of flavour and rather tasty.” On this occasion the portion was thankfully more than adequate equating to a value for money meal that would be pretty hard to beat just about anywhere.

For dessert both Mary-Anne and I had the carrot cake (R25), which was outrageously delicious and exceptionally well-presented. I especially enjoyed the way my plate was drizzled with a ‘snow like’ decoration which spoke volumes for the exceptional care La Popote take in presenting their meals.

My mom decided that the chocolate fondant cake with berry coulis (R25) would be more to her liking and judging by her comments it certainly proved to be a good choice. She described it as “delicious and decadently rich” and something she’d “definitely try again.”

A few quibbles aside I was most impressed with my findings at La Popote Restaurant. The food was tasty and well-presented, the service good and the atmosphere very uplifting. But what I liked most about this venue was the beautiful and intimate setting of Sue Tarr’s Summerhouse – a nursery par excellence and a place where you can get just about anything for your home or garden.

So if you are feeling stressed out and need a break or if you just feel like enjoying a leisurely lunch amidst the greenery and tranquillity of nature then La Popote is the perfect place for you. It’s a little oasis of peace and harmony that everyone touring the Midlands should visit at least one. I thoroughly recommend it.

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)33 343 2352
Physical address: Folly Hill, Dennis Shepstone Drive, Hilton

Useful Links:

Hilton Attractions
Hilton Accommodation
Hilton Guest Houses
Natal Midlands Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels

I ♥ Shelly Beach

Hi, I’m Karin Müller-Nedebock from Ilala Holiday Home in Shelly Beach.

Shelly Beach IS BEST KNOWN FOR its quiet holiday atmosphere, even though you are at the centre of everything.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN basking on the beach, riding the waves, abseiling in the Gorge or white river rafting down the Umzimkulu River.

THE BEST sun-filled PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the Blue Flag beaches.

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the C-Bali restaurant overlooking the sea.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO sit at he beach, watching people and nature.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO shop in our shopping malls: Shelly Centre and The South Coast Mall are both situated in Shelly Beach.

I ♥ Shelly Beach

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year around, BECAUSE the temperature is consistent throughout the summer and winter.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS the Mugg and Bean.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Mojo's Cafe.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Spur in the Shelly Centre, TRY THE ribs.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM The Highland Fryer.

MY FAVOURITE browsing SPOT IS the Shelly Centre.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY St Michael's Sands with its live music.

I ♥ Shelly Beach

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO the flea-market on Saturdays and Sundays.

Shelly Beach’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS its wide variety of marine life.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS have a picnic on the beach.

FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO the German Münchener House.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO sit on the rocks and spot dolphins and whales.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY some of the deep sea activities.

MY FAVOURITE WALK IS the Saint's walk from Shelly Beach to Margate.

I ♥ Shelly Beach

MY FAVOURITE grocery and clothing SHOP IS Woolworths in the Shelly Centre.

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS Oribi Gorge.

IF YOU'RE HERE IN July and August, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Lutheran Church Bazaar in Izotsha. It's a highlight for the whole coast.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS the beach or Pure Venom Reptile Park.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS Lake Eland with its hanging bridge over the Gorge.

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO try my hand at the Wild Coast Casino.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the Red Desert, the smallest desert in the world.

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS trying out one of the 18 golf courses at the South Coast.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support the children's projects in this area.

I ♥ Shelly Beach BECAUSE it's 100% lovable.

Ilala Holiday Home

Ilala Holiday Home

Ilala is a holiday cottage (accommodating a maximum of 6 people, children included), situated in Shelly Beach, on the sunny Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu Natal. Shelly Beach is approximately 100 km south of the Durban, and about 8 km from the Margate airport, overlooking the shores of the Indian Ocean. For many years Shelly Beach has been one of the most popular holiday resorts on the Hibiscus Coast, simply because, it has so much to offer.

Visit Ilala Holiday Home
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

C-Bali — +27 (0)39 315‑0473
Highland Fryer — +27 (0)39 315‑6454
Georgia Spur — +27 (0)39 315‑1444
Mojo’s Café — +27 (0)39 315‑6996
Mugg & Bean — +27 (0)39 315‑7738

Useful Shelly Beach Links:
Shelly Beach Attractions
Things to Do in Shelly Beach
Shelly Beach Accommodation
Shelly Beach Guest Houses
South Coast Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels

Butcher Block Restaurant

When my good friend Mary-Anne invited me to join her and her parents for dinner at The Butcher Block Restaurant in Pietermaritzburg recently I didn’t hesitate on taking up their offer knowing from past experience that the food at this establishment is generally pretty good. Situated at the Liberty Midlands Mall, The Butcher Block finds itself in a competitive environment with a number of similarly themed restaurants located close by.

The Butcher Block copes with this competition by delivering fast and efficient service and great tasting, affordably priced food in a relaxed yet uplifting atmosphere that makes you want to relive the experience time and time again. Although essentially a meat and chicken lover’s paradise The Butcher Block menu offers a wide selection of starters, salads and main meals that cater for just about every palate, no matter how particular.

Mary-Anne opted for the chicken wrap (chicken fillets filled with mozzarella cheese and herb and garlic butter wrapped in bacon and topped with a mushroom sauce) and thoroughly enjoyed it, mainly because of the “deliciously tasty mushroom sauce that complimented the dish to perfection.” At R82 the meal was also well priced, especially when you consider, as with all the poultry dishes on the menu, that it included a serving of fresh chips or seasonal vegetables.

I decided that a chicken schnitzel with mushroom sauce (R75) would be more to my liking and I certainly wasn’t disappointed with my choice. It was an outstandingly good schnitzel, tender and flavoursome and definitely one of the best I’ve had in many a year. Not only was the meal exceptionally tasty and affordable it was well presented too, always a sign of a creative chef.

Mary-Anne’s parents, Paul and Olive, also opted for the chicken schnitzel and were both rather impressed with their selection. Olive remarked that the chicken was “nice and soft” and the vegetables “very nicely presented” while Paul exclaimed that the dish was “definitely way above average.”

Although none of us ordered any of the combo meals that were available nor any of the meat or seafood dishes for that matter, I’m pretty sure they must all be rather good, especially the meat dishes, many of which The Butcher Block is renowned for. Choice cuts of rump, fillet, sirloin, T-bone, ribs and chops in various sizes and configurations are all available to satisfy the appetites of even the most ravenous meat eaters – a pretty impressive selection to say the least.

Besides offering great tasting food and above average service The Butcher Block had another ace up its sleeve (on this particular evening at least) in the form of the Blaskapelle Wunderbar band – a traditional German Oompah band based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. Their catchy music created a festive atmosphere with some patrons even deciding to leave their seats and partake in a spot of impromptu dancing.

We all enjoyed our visit to The Butcher Block. The service was good (we received our orders within 30 minutes despite a packed house), the food even better and the ambience almost exhilarating. I also loved the décor with its curious mix of the modern and yesteryear.

I couldn’t fault this venue in any way. It was simply superb and I’m already looking forward to my next visit, which I’m sure won’t be too long in coming.  

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)33 342 1607
Physical address: Shop 303, Garden Food Court, Liberty Midlands Mall

Useful Links:

Pietermaritzburg Attractions
Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

St Ives Restaurant

St Ives Country Estate has to be one of the most attractive venues on the Midlands Meander and quite possibly one of the most well-known as well. Situated on the R103 just up the road from the Piggly Wiggly Coffee Shop, St Ives is hard to miss.

It’s a huge estate sporting well manicured, lush green lawns and a beautiful lake making for a landscape rivalling among the most alluring the region has to offer. St Ives has many attractions, the most well known of which is undoubtedly its superb trout fishing.

However, indulging in a spot of fishing was not the reason for my visit. I had come to indulge my taste buds at their popular gourmet restaurant, reputed to be one of the best in the area. My good friend Mary-Anne and my mom accompanied me for the afternoon and although we all (for the most part at least) simply loved the cuisine that was on offer, we left somewhat disappointed with our findings.

The menu at St Ives is one of the most comprehensive I’ve encountered anywhere and contains some really delicious dishes. A wide selection of salads, wraps, bagels, pizzas, burgers and a variety of vegetarian and meat dishes are available to cater for most preferences and tastes.

With such a variety to choose from making a decision wasn’t easy but I eventually opted for the chicken oriental spring rolls (R29) as a starter and the rosemary and garlic shank (R109) as a main course. Filled with chicken and vegetables and served with a honey soy dip the spring rolls were pleasantly crispy and fairly tasty although I didn’t care much for the sauce, which I soon discarded all together.

The main course was a lot more enjoyable, after all who could say no to a slow roasted lamb shank, rubbed with rosemary and garlic and finished off with the chef’s demi-glace. However, as good as this meal was it didn’t quite compare to other shanks that I had enjoyed at similar establishments on the midlands. It just wasn’t as tasty or as juicy and it lacked that special something to make my taste buds sit up and really take notice.

My mom selected the herb and brie fillet (R95) for her mains while Mary-Anne decided that the chicken cutlets (R60) would be more to her liking. My mom loved her fillet, a tender grilled steak topped with slices of brie cheese, drizzled with a tasty berry sauce and garnished with a selection of seasonal herbs, describing it as “delightfully succulent and very flavoursome.”

Mary-Anne was equally complimentary towards her chicken cutlets describing them as “delightful and perfectly complimented by the tasty mushroom sauce.” As with all main meals at St Ives the chicken cutlets came with a helping of seasonal vegetables and a choice of French fries, mashed potato or a light garden salad. Mary-Anne opted for the mash which she thoroughly enjoyed although she didn’t care much for the vegetables, remarking that they were “pretty average.”

Given the mostly positive culinary experiences of my lunch party and the fact that my meal was certainly by no means a bad one you are probably wondering why we left “somewhat disappointed with our findings.” The answer lay in the sub standard service we received from the moment we entered the restaurant.

Our greeting at the entrance was tepid to say the least and to make matters worse the trainee waiter assigned to our table committed just about every blunder he possibly could have during the course of the afternoon. Call it an aberration or just a case of being at the wrong place (or should that be table?) at the wrong time I’m not sure, but whatever the case there really was no excuse for this type of service to be meted out to customers.

To be sure the overall quality of the food at St Ives could not be faulted and the majestic scenery went a long way to lifting our spirits, but at the end of the day it’s all about service and on this occasion there simply wasn’t any to speak off. However, everyone deserves a second chance and it’s for that reason I’m likely to return sometime in the future.

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)33 234‑4490
Physical address: Lions River, KwaZulu Natal Midlands

Useful Lions River Links:

• Lions River Attractions
• Lions River Hotels
• Lions River Accommodation
• Natal Midlands Accommodation
• KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

I ♥ Pietermaritzburg

Hi, I’m Sharon Clarke from Gecko Hill in Pietermaritzburg.

Pietermaritzburg IS BEST KNOWN FOR its vibrant culture, natural beauty and historical Victorian architecture.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Rosehurst Café, because of its quaint, manicured Victorian garden. Situated at 239 Boom Street, the café serves delicious light meals for either breakfast or lunch.  They also have a shop filled with gorgeous things to take home!  The garden at Rosehurst Café was established almost 30 years ago and are something to marvel at.
THE BEST scenic PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT the National Botanical Gardens. Pietermaritzburg's Botanical Gardens were established in the 1870’s and are is famed for its avenue of plane trees which were planted in 1908. At the end of the avenue is a bell tower complete with a bell from the ship HMS Princess.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Alexandra Park Cricket Oval.  The park was named after Queen Alexandra, wife of Edward VII and the 65 hectares of parkland was established in 1860. The annual Art in the Park is held here as is Cars in the Park.  The Cricket Oval and its Victorian Pavilion is a national monument.

I ♥ Pietermaritzburg

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO braai at Midmar Dam. Day visitors to Midmar Dam Nature Reserve can picnic or braai (facilities provided). The Midmar Mile takes place here in February – an event which has grown in popularity from 153 entrants in 1973 to 16,050 in 2003!  Its now the largest open water swim event in the world.
WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO shop at he Liberty Midlands Mall.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS April and May, BECAUSE the weather is settled and balmy.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Lakeside Cafe. This is a family run business which specialises in Greek dishes.  They also have a friendly atmosphere and great service. You can find Lakeside Café at 9 Armitage Road.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Coffeeberry Café which is part of Cascades Shopping Centre.  They serve a great cappuccino and the menu ranges from a breakfast burger to open sandwiches or wholesome meals should you be a bit hungrier!

I ♥ Pietermaritzburg

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Pesto Deli & Trattoria, TRY THE half-price pizzas on Sundays and Mondays.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM RJ's Restaurant. RJ's is a household name in Pietermaritzburg and your are assured of delicious food.
MY FAVOURITE cycling SPOT IS Cascades mountain bike trails. These trails were used for the 2011 Mountain Bike World Cup and the site has a reputation has being safe and convenient.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Crowded House.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Franki Bananaz. This is an upmarket cocktail bar which is popular with students and young professionals.

Pietermaritzburg’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS Queen Elizabeth Park.  The park is a small nature reserve on the northern slopes of Maritzburg. Education workshops are run throughout the year and there is also a small resource centre.  Three picnic areas with braai facilities are available for public use.

I ♥ Pietermaritzburg

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS have a picnic at Ferncliffe Nature Reserve. This reserve also offers lovely walking trails.
FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO concerts at the Botanic Gardens.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO visit the Bessie Head Public Library.
IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY canoeing on the Duzi River.
MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS the Midlands Meander.
MY FAVOURITE outdoor SHOP IS Cape Union Mart.

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS Cumberland Nature Reserve. The reserve is 400 hectares of private land situated in the Table Mountain area east of Pietermaritzburg.
IF YOU'RE HERE IN May, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Royal Agricultural Show.
MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS the Tatham Art Gallery. CHECK OUT THE contemporary art exhibitions.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS City Hall, FOR ITS fine example of Victorian architecture.

I ♥ Pietermaritzburg

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Butterflies for Africa.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS Alex Art and Craft Market.
WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO have a spa treatment at Karkloof Spa.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS the amazing art at the annual Art in the Park.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS the Southern Drakensberg.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support the Eco Craft Bazaar.

Other:
Attend live shows at the Hexagon Theatre, watch international BMX and mountain bike events and watch the start of the Duzi Canoe Marathon and Comrades Marathon.

I ♥ Pietermaritzburg BECAUSE of its amazing diversity, friendliness and laid back atmosphere.

Gecko Hill

Gecko Hill

Situated a mere 800 metres from the popular Cascades Shopping Centre in the leafy northern suburb of Montrose, and less than 5 minutes drive to the Liberty Midlands Mall and the N3 highway, Gecko Hill is a popular self catering destination. Two spacious self-catering cottages are available, "Acacia Cottage" and "Stinkwood Cottage", an en-suite bedroom — "Aloe Suite" and a two bedroom lodge — "The Lodge".

Visit Gecko Hill
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Rosehurst Café — +27 (0)33 394‑1443
Botanical Gardens — +27 (0)33 344‑3585
Alexandra Park — +27 (0)33 345‑1348
Lakeside Café — +27 (0)33 345‑0125
Coffeeberry Café — +27 (0)33 347‑0708
Pesto Deli and Trattoria — +27 (0)33 342‑2778
RJ’s — +27 (0)33 342‑1185
Crowded House — +27 (0)33 345‑5977
Franki Bananz — +27 (0)33 345‑7373
Queen Elizabeth Park — +27 (0)33 845‑1344 or (0)33 343‑3184
Butterflies for Africa — +27 (0)33 387‑1356

Useful Pietermaritzburg Links:
Pietermaritzburg Attractions
Pietermaritzburg Accommodation
Pietermaritzburg Guest Houses
Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg
Natal Midlands Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels

John Dory’s

Founded with the intent of making fresh fish and seafood available to the public at affordable prices, the first John Dory’s Fish and Grill opened its doors in Durban in 1996 and quickly mushroomed into a national brand with 26 stores in eight provinces. That sort of growth is pretty impressive in anyone’s books and being eager to discover why John Dory’s have been so successful I decided to have dinner at their Liberty Midlands Mall outlet in Pietermaritzburg recently.

I invited my good friend Mary-Anne and my mom to join me for the evening knowing full well that both of them would be more than willing to provide an honest assessment of their culinary experiences. Upon entering the establishment we received a warm welcome and were promptly shown to our table stopping occasionally to appreciate some of the vibrant décor, which created an almost theatrical ambience throughout the restaurant, along the way.

After ordering our drinks we scanned the menu trying to find that special dish that would make our evening one to remember. Although the John Dory’s menu is primarily aimed at providing patrons with a wide selection of seafood dishes, it does offer steaks; chicken, pasta and salad for non seafood lovers while a variety of combo meals are available for those wanting the best of both worlds.

For starters I decided to have a cheese and garlic Maputo roll (R16) which proved to be the perfect appetiser for what was to follow. I opted for the quarter chicken and rib (R85) with a side order of fries (R14) as a main course and was rather impressed with my choice.

The ribs were tasty and meaty, full of flavour and cooked to perfection, the chicken tender and very appetising and the fries crispy and delicious. All in all the meal proved to be great value for money especially since it included an option of fries, vegetables (my choice) or salad.

My mom decided to have the grilled kingklip (R89) with a helping of vegetables for her mains and was similarly impressed with her choice of dish describing the fish as “tender and succulent” and the veggies as “very tasty.” She added that her meal was “well worth the money” and expressed a strong desire to “return as soon as possible,” no doubt in order to relive what was clearly a thoroughly enjoyable experience for her.

Mary-Anne opted for the chicken Alfredo (smoked chicken, mushrooms and spinach tossed in linguine pasta with a garlic and cream sauce) which certainly sounded appetising. She loved the dish and was particularly impressed with the smoked chicken which she described as “awesome.”

To be sure the quality of the food at John Dory’s was simply outstanding and definitely exceeded even my highest expectations. Their service was excellent too and I was particularly impressed with the professionalism displayed by both the manager and our waitress who were very attentive to our needs.

I simply could not fault John Dory’s in any way, shape or form. It’s a superbly well-run restaurant serving great tasting food at competitive prices and certainly lives up to its motto of “wanting visitors to tell their friends about their experiences and to return soon.”

After such an enjoyable experience I definitely will be returning soon, especially since plans to provide outside seating are already underway. This will not only maximise John Dory’s exposure to passing trade but should also give the establishment an even better look making it one of the most attractive eateries in the Liberty Midlands Mall.

Contact details:

Tel: +27 (0)33 342 3738
Physical address: Shop 304, Liberty Midlands Mall, 50 Sanctuary Road, Pietermaritzburg

Useful Links

Pietermaritzburg Attractions
Things to Do in Pietermaritzburg
Pietermaritzburg Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

I ♥ Pennington

Hi, I’m Susanne Hallett from Botha House in Pennington on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal.

Pennington IS BEST KNOWN FOR beautiful endless beaches, peace and tranquillity, surfing, fishing, bird watching and of course the Umdoni Park Golf Course and Selborne Golf Estate.

GET YOUR SUNRISE PICTURE TAKEN from your private Botha House balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean or while on a walking or birdwatching trip at Umdoni Park at the spectacular View Point.

THE BEST sunrise PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN taken while enjoying a sundowner at Pennington main beach.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS  along the cliffs at Umdoni Point.

I ♥ Pennington

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO enjoy the outdoors by going for a run at Umdoni Park or a long walk along the beach. Why not make a day of it and head to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve which offers its visitors a number of activities from hikes over River Rafting to Bungee Jumping.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, and I am still in the mood for some action I LIKE TO take a drive to Durban and get on the SkyCar at the new Moses Mabhida Stadium or I enjoy spending the day at uShaka Marine World which offers fun and attraction for the whole family.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year round, BECAUSE KwaZulu Natal South Coast has only 2 seasons – summer and summer!

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Botha House with its famous homemade muesli.

I ♥ Pennington

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Pennington Kiosk or the Yellowood Nursery. Don’t forget to book on Sundays as they can get very busy.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Sepia Bistro at Ifafa on the weekends or Enzos in Scottburgh as he offers the most delicious pizzas in his typical Italian restaurant.

Pennington’s BEST KEPT SECRETS ARE the unspoiled beaches and the beautiful park where you can walk for hours without meeting another person – just you and the birdlife.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS play a round of golf or two at one of our fantastic golf courses, Selbourne or Umdoni Park.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO book myself a treatment at the Selboure Hotel Spa.

I ♥ Pennington

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY Wild 5 at Oribi Gorge or experience a Shark dive at Ushaka Marine World.

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS the View Point on Mollys Road in the Umdoni Park.

IF YOU'RE HERE IN June / July, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the annual Sardine Run Festival.
MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS the Art & Wine Gallery at Riverbend Crocodile Farm. CHECK OUT THE curio & craft shop as well.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDINGS ARE Botha House and Lynton Hall, BECAUSE THEY ARE full of history.

I ♥ Pennington

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Riverbend Crocodile Farm in Ramsgate. Are you brave enough to hold a little baby crocodile or even a snake on your hand?

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS whalewatching in season or sundowners on the beach all year around.
WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO check out some new restaurants on Florida Road in Durban.

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS to the Underberg (Southern Drakensberg). Living at the sea, its just amazing that you can just hop in the car and after 2 hours you are in the middle of the mountains.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support and assist the new Pennington recycling system.

I ♥ Pennington BECAUSE especially coming from Germany I soon realised that it is just the most beautiful place in the world.

Botha House

Botha House

Situated less then one hours drive South of Durban, caressed by the ocean breezes that frequent our KwaZulu-Natal coastline, this luxury guesthouse sits proudly above the warm Indian Ocean, the sound of the waves crashing on the Umdoni Point rocks below. The small coastal village of Pennington is where you'll find this stately home, originally built for the first Prime Minister of the Union of South Africa, General Louis Botha in 1920.

Visit Botha House
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Umdoni Park Golf Course: +27 (0)39 975‑1320
Selbourne Golf Course: +27 (0)39 688‑1800
Moses Mabhida Stadium: +27 (0)31 332‑3250
uShaka Marine World: +27 (0)31 337‑8099
Pennington Kiosk: +27 (0)39 975‑1711
Yellowwood Nursery: +27 (0)39 975‑3326
Sepia Bistro: +27 (0)39 977‑8345
Enzo's: +27 (0)39 978‑3674
Selboure Hotel Spa: +27 (0)39 688‑1800
Wild 5: +27 (0)39 687‑0253
Riverbend Crocodile Farm: +27 (0)39 316‑6204

Useful Links:
Pennington Guest Houses
Pennington Self Catering
Pennington Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels

The Calabash Café

The Calabash Café is a quaint, little coffee shop situated just off the busy N3 near Howick in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. I decided to pop in for Sunday lunch there recently, persuading friends Mary-Anne, Peter and Lisa to join me for what proved to be an interesting experience.

After being shown to our table we promptly ordered drinks and began to peruse the menu which contained just about everything you’d expect to find at a country café. We had the option of choosing from a selection of sandwiches, burgers, soups, quiche’s and salads as well as a variety of traditional favourites such as Welsh Rarebit, fish and chips, Chicken a la King and bangers and mash to mention but a few.

With so many options available deciding what to have was proving difficult and so both I and Peter decided to play it safe by ordering the Sunday roast (R60). Mary-Anne, on the other hand, opted for the chicken schnitzel, chips and salad (R45) while Lisa decided to skip mains, selecting one of her favourite treats, a lemon meringue tart (R20), instead.

Served with roast potatoes, rice, vegetables and gravy the Sunday roast was neither as tasty nor as substantial as similar offerings found elsewhere in the Midlands. Nevertheless it still represented value for money if only because it included dessert, which in my case came in the form of a delicious tasting pancake with honey and ice-cream.

Peter expressed similar sentiments regarding the meal, stating that the portions should have been larger, except for his helping of vegetables, which he felt was reasonable. Mary-Anne was more than happy with her chicken schnitzel which was served with mushrooms and a tasty cheese sauce.

Her overall impressions of the meal were positive although she did describe the vegetables as “average”. For dessert Mary-Anne simply requested a helping of ice-cream and chocolate sauce (R16), which she thoroughly enjoyed.

Lisa’s lemon meringue tart certainly looked delectable and was probably one of the most well presented desserts I had come across in a while. She loved it, describing it as both “delightful” and “satisfying.”

There’s no doubt that the food, for the most part at least, was pretty good at this venue, but what I savoured most about my culinary experience was the ‘dark’ hot chocolate that I enjoyed before my meal. Now I’ve had dozens of hot chocolates over the years, but none could compare with this one.

The majority of coffee shops or cafes serve hot chocolate with a complimentary biscuit or shortbread. In this instance however, a cube of baking chocolate accompanied the drink. Putting two and two together I placed the baking chocolate directly into the steaming drink. Within a few minutes the baking chocolate had melted resulting in a hot chocolate that was simply out of this world. What a brilliant idea!

Besides offering patrons a selection of hearty breakfasts, lunches and takeaways, the Calabash Café also has a deli, an art gallery (with a distinctive African theme), an arts and crafts section and a children’s play area. Braai packs, picnic baskets, camping supplies and even hammocks are also available if you want them.

I enjoyed my visit to the Calabash Café. The staff were warm and attentive, the food well-presented and well-prepared and the atmosphere uplifting and refreshing. I really liked the bright décor and I loved the colourful fish tank complete with its host of mini marine attractions.

If you want to enjoy some warm, country hospitality and a tasty, home cooked meal in the serenity of the Midlands the Calabash Café is a good place to visit. Just bear in mind though that their Sunday roast is not the most substantial offering around so if you have a big appetite you might want to try something else on the menu.

Contact details:

Telephone Number: +27 (0)33 330 4094
Physical address: Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Midlands (straight opposite the entrance to Midmar Dam)

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I ♥ Bluff

Hi, I’m Deon from Netcoral Guest House on the Bluff, Durban.

Bluff IS BEST KNOWN FOR its climate, the weather is warm and pleasant all year round, watch dolphins playing in the surf or whales in the winter months close to shore. The Bluff is known for its great fishing spots, and excellent surfing conditions. The beaches are protected by shark nets and lifeguards on duty.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT Cooper’s Lighthouse, with its beautiful red and white tower, or on top of cave rock which is also rated one of the best surf spots in the world, if you take a 20min drive to Stainbank you can have your picture taken at the castle where a guided tour is also available.

THE BEST early morning PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN OF the magnificent sunrise over the ocean at Netcoral Guest House.

I ♥ Bluff

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS can be taken in and around the surrounding areas of the Bluff, as mentioned before, take a 20min drive to Kenneth Stainbank Nature Reserve, where you will see Zebra, Impala and a wide variety of bird species, great for bird watchers, nature enthusiasts and the reserve also has walking trails and an adventurous mountain bike track.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO explore the rock pools or bodysurf the waves, or when the tide is right, a walk through the mangroves in the Bayhead area. Or why not make a day of it and head to the Bluff Nature Reserve for some bird watching, or take in a game of golf which is set in a wetland conservation area with many different bird species on view.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO explore the many factory shops in the area, or do a bit of shopping at the local mall, and have something to eat at one of the local restaurants in the area. The Bluff also has some interesting landmarks and view sites for example Cooper’s lighthouse, the Millennium Tower, the Cutting and the old whaling station.

I ♥ Bluff

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year round, BECAUSE of the wonderful Durban weather, the climate and ocean water temperatures make it a summer and winter holiday destination.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Netcoral Guest House; enjoy a delicious breakfast served hot or cold using fresh local ingredients.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST relaxing at Buccaneers which overlooks Brighton Beach.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS The Chicken Shack, TRY their Pizza or their tasty chicken dishes they are fabulous.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK would have to be a chip chow (same as a bunny chow except it has chips and curry gravy) mostly consumed after a good night out on the town.

I ♥ Bluff

MY FAVOURITE sundowner SPOT IS Moyo on the pier where you can watch the ships entering / leaving the harbour, the city lights along the golden mile at night while the sound of the waves crashing beneath you makes for an unforgettable experience.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY visiting the trendy eating and social experiences in the Florida Road area where cafes, restaurants and bars line the sidewalks. Or if you are feeling lucky, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World is also an option for a good night out. You can also catch up with top South African Jazz bands at the Zulu Jazz Lounge at the historic Playhouse Complex.

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, YOU CAN do a township tour or get to know the locals on the beach and enjoy some beach volleyball and touch rugby.

I ♥ Bluff

Bluff’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the unspoilt beaches and epic surfing conditions.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS go surfing and then enjoy a good South African Braai (BBQ) afterwards.

FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO Billy the Bums which is a 20mins drive away or if you don’t feel like driving, the local pubs in the area also have live music on certain nights.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO enjoy a long run on the beach during low tide whilst absorbing the fresh ocean breeze. Or for the ladies, why not enjoy a rejuvenating facial and massage at Glam Hair and Beauty.

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY a bit of diving or snorkeling, at Garvies and Brighton beach the rock pools are in abundance just waiting to be explored. You can enjoy water sports that include kite boarding, surfing, body boarding and sea kayaking.

I ♥ Bluff

MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS to Brighton Beach with its awesome views of the warm Indian Ocean.
MY FAVOURITE veggie SHOP IS The Housewives Market with its wide variety of fresh produce.

MY FAVOURITE whale and dolphin WATCHING SPOT IS Netcoral Guest House, we have been lucky enough to have seen some spectacular whale activity over the years right on our doorstep.

IF YOU'RE HERE IN May and June, JOIN IN THE FUN when the sardine shoals arrive on our shores where there is much excitement with the fisherman and their nets, and the public getting involved with the hauling in of the big catch, truly a memorable experience.

I ♥ Bluff

MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM IS the old whaling Station, guided tours can be arranged.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS the Millennium Tower perched high on the end of the Bluff.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS to take them to the beach to explore the rock pools, or bodysurf the waves, enjoy horseback riding on the beach a short distance away. Or a family picnic at the Stainbank Nature Reserve.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS to spend the day at the beach with family and friends and then enjoy a nice Bunny Chow (hollowed – out quarter loaf of bread filled with a curry of your choice), the Bunny Chow is Durban’s most famous dish, and can be found at almost any corner cafe.

I ♥ Bluff

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, why not take a deep sea fishing charter from Durban Harbour and then after a long day fishing relax and enjoy a nice dinner and glass of wine at Buds on the Bay or African Peninsula which has spectacular ocean views from the deck.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE are Vervet monkeys taking a dip in the swimming pool.

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS a trip to the Drakensburg which is a 3 hour drive away for some great scenery and fresh mountain air.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I recycle linen from the guest house and donate it to the underprivileged.

I ♥ Bluff BECAUSE it truly is the best kept secret.

Netcoral Guest House

Netcoral Guest House

Wake up to the magnificence of the Indian Ocean right outside your window. Watch incredible sunrises, dolphins playing in the surf or whales in the winter months close to shore. Take a walk along sandy beaches, explore the rock pools or bodysurf the waves. Whatever you choose life doesn’t get better than this. Netcoral offers you, our guest, comfort and style. We are ideally situated for the holiday maker and the visiting business executive.

Visit Netcoral Guest House
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Bluff Nature Reserve: +27 (0)31 469‑2807
Buccaneers: +27 (0)72 593‑8982
The Chicken Shack: +27 (0)31 467‑9461
Moyo: +27 (0)31 332‑0606
Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World: +27 (0)31 328‑3000
Zulu Jazz Lounge: +27 (0)31 304‑2373
Playhouse Complex: +27 (0)31 369‑9596
Billy the Bums: +27 (0)31 303‑1988
Glam Hair and Beauty: +27 (0)83 449‑4591

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I ♥ St Lucia

Hi, we're Bruce and Glynis Mitchell from iGwalagwala Guest House in St Lucia, Elephant Coast, KwaZulu Natal.

St Lucia IS BEST KNOWN FOR being the best beach and bush break-away in South Africa’s first natural World Heritage Site.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the estuary mouth with a backdrop of Mapelane, the highest vegetated dune in the world.

THE BEST wildlife PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN while on a safari with one of the many tour operators who will guide you on an unforgettable journey through the famous uMfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve where the Big Five will be happy to pose for you.

I ♥ St Lucia

OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT Cape Vidal, which one of our international guests described as “the most spectacular beach in the world”. There you can snorkel, swim, suntan, kayak, walk along the beach and picnic at the many picnic spots while spotting a Samango monkey or two!

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, which is often, I LIKE TO visit the pristine beach to either relax on the sand, swim or surf in the sea or walk for miles in either direction along the uninhabited coast line. Alternatively I love to drive through the iSimangaliso Wetland Park or iMfolozi/Hluhuwe Game Reserves to spot an animal or five!

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, which is rare, I LIKE TO visit the Crocodile Centre and watch the array of crocs, snakes and terrapins. Or take a cultural tour to the Zulu village to experience tribal dancing and ethnic food!

I ♥ St Lucia

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year round, BECAUSE there are more than three hundred days of sunshine a year and the climate is mild in winter and hot in summer. From May to December you can enjoy whale watching, while from December through to March, turtle tours are a must!

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS on the beach at dawn, where the spectacular sunrises will feed your soul.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST St Lucia Ski-boat Club, where you can sit on the deck and watch the hippos and crocodiles basking in the sun on the sand banks.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Ocean Basket, TRY THE Sushi and seafood platters.
MY FAVOURITE chill-out SPOT IS Catalina Bay where you can witness the most amazing sun-sets while enjoying a sun-downer.

I ♥ St Lucia

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY only ‘night club’ in town – it’s the largest in the world. Entrance is free, it is well air-conditioned, and we often have over a million stars appearing on any of the more than three hundred nights that we open for business. As well as our super stars, we have a number of nocturnal antelopes, owls and crocs that can be seen by driving the streets and scanning the estuary on the way home from dinner.

Our ‘night club’ also runs a ‘day club’ on a regular basis. Entrance is also free — doors open from first light over the ocean and close with beautiful sunsets over the estuary. All you have to do is walk, jog or cycle through the streets at your leisure, and you will have a good chance of bumping into a variety of our furry or feathered friends. Warthog, Bushbuck, Kudu and Red Duiker play hide and seek in the park thickets or surrounding bush. Vervet Monkeys can often be seen getting into some sort of mischief among the houses and Banded Mongoose troops will surprise you by popping out of the street drains in their search for forage.

I ♥ St Lucia

Over five hundred bird species are found in and around the village. You are bound to see a Hornbill telling anyone who wants to listen that he has the whole world on his shoulder. Or the noisy “bark” of an impatient Toraco calling his mate to join him. High above, the distinct clarion call of the fish eagle can echo across the sky while pink-back pelicans, with out-stretched landing gear, are sometimes seen as they head for the fish-full waters of the estuary mouth just south of the village.

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO for an after dinner stroll around the village. Just be careful you don’t bump into a hippo family wandering along the pavement, grazing the sweat sidewalk grass!

St Lucia’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the fact that it’s the “undiscovered eco– jewel of the east coast!”.

I ♥ St Lucia

Former president, Nelson Mandela, once said “The St Lucia Wetlands Park must be the only place on the globe where the world's oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world's biggest terrestrial mammal (the African elephant) share an ecosystem with the world's oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world's biggest marine mammal (Whale)".

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS head for the beach on a starry night and enjoy a braai or picnic while one of the many talented locals strums away on his guitar.
FOR SOME LIVE MUSIC, I LIKE TO GO TO Ocean Sizzler and listen to Brian, one of the afore-mentioned musicians, singing and playing his guitar.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO drive along the Eastern-shores of Lake St Lucia to one of the prettiest beaches in the world – Cape Vidal.

I ♥ St Lucia

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY kayaking on the estuary among the hippos and crocodiles with an experienced guide.
MY FAVOURITE WALK IS along the iGwala Trail to spot one of the more than 500 bird species that are found in the area.

MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS through the Wetland Park, along the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia, where you can spot Rhino, Warthog, Wildebeest, Zebra, Buffalo, Monkeys , many Antelope species and even the elusive Leopard against a backdrop of coastal dunes and the wonderful ,wild,wetland sounds that emanate from the many large marsh pans that abound.

MY FAVOURITE hippo WATCHING SPOT IS aboard one of the Estuary cruise-boats that do regular two-hour trips every day.

I ♥ St Lucia

MY FAVOURITE BUILDINGS ARE the log cabins nestled into the dunes,wrapped in climax forest and overlooking the sea at Mapelane.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? Outdoor activities for children, in fair weather, are endless including hiking, cycling, swimming, kite surfing, jogging and many more. As the village is surrounded by a natural heritage site the norm is early to bed early to rise so ‘clubbing” is very limited. If you have young children be sure to bring cards and games to keep them amused during inclement weather that occasionally arrives to water our wonderland.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS packing a picnic lunch and taking the dogs for a stroll for as long as we like in either direction along the uninhabited beaches, catching a bit of sun and then cooling off in the waves.

I ♥ St Lucia

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO take a whale-watching trip out to sea to watch the whales, dolphins and flying fish.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE ARE hippos grazing on the side-walks at night or walking along the village pavements under a bright star-lit sky.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS driving slowly through the lake St Lucia eastern shores to Cape Vidal taking in the beautiful coastal dune landscape and all the wild animals that happen to cross our path. On arrival, to set up camp in the recently upgraded campsite and then head on down to the beach so the kids can go snorkeling and surfing, I can put a line into the ocean with all my tension build-up and stress tied to my sinker — and my wife can park off on the beach with a good book to relax in the sunshine.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I can assist the iSimangaliso Wetland Park authority with a number of local empowerment schemes they are actively promoting.

I ♥ St Lucia BECAUSE we do not have to have festivals or major events to promote the village as its natural beauty, interlinking eco systems,and outdoor activities are enough of an attraction to both local and international tourists . The area was recognised as the first South African conservation area over a hundred years ago and it has remained a protected area ever since. We have the biggest museum in the world. It has no walls and what we have on display is not found in glass display boxes as they are alive and need lots of room to present themselves.

iGwalagwala

iGwalagwala Guest House

iGwalagwala Guest House is located in The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, now known as Isimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first natural World Heritage Site. This entire coastline including the surrounding big five game reserves is known as the Elephant Coast. iGwala is the Zulu word for the Turaco (Loerie) bird found in abundance in the tropical gardens of our establishment and the surrounding area. The whole area is a birders’ paradise.

Visit iGwalagwala Guest House
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

St Lucia Kakay Safaris: +27 (0)35 590‑1233
Crocodile Centre: +27 (0)35 590‑1386
St Lucia Ski-boat Club: +27 (0)35 590‑1376
Ocean Basket: +27 (0)35 590‑1241
The Ocean Sizzler: +27 (0)35 590‑1554
Hippo Cruise: +27 (0)35 590‑1162
Whale Watching Cruise: +27 (0)35 590‑1259

Useful Links:
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Terbodore Coffee Roasters

Situated on the Curry’s Post Road in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands, Terbodore Coffee Roasters are renowned for their award winning cappuccinos made from the finest roasted coffee in the area. Not being a coffee drinker however, I had never really shown much interest in paying Terbodore a visit, that is until I learnt the establishment is home to a fully fledged restaurant.

Eager to find out what was on the menu I booked a table for Sunday lunch as soon as I could. The trip from Pietermaritzburg to Howick is seldom a pleasant one these days with lumbering, heavy-laden trucks and hazardous construction work proving a challenge for even the most vigilant motorist. Once off the busy N3 however, I began to relax as I made me way onto the Curry’s Post Road – the epitome of a quite country road if ever there was one.

The scenery in this part of the world is simply stunning. A series of sea blue lakes shimmered in the glorious spring sunshine and the lush, green meadows were so inviting that I experienced an almost irresistible urge to stop the car and enjoy an impromptu picnic right in the midst of all the beauty. However, as enthusiastic as I was I wasn’t going to risk spoiling my appetite and so I carried on driving, reaching my destination in good time and in very good spirits.

Terbodere, without a doubt, is a gorgeously attractive venue. The scenery and surroundings are simply heavenly and for a moment I felt as though I had entered another dimension where everything was uncorrupted and without blemish. After alighting from my car I made my way towards the restaurant’s entrance where I was greeted by Terbodere co-owner Marian Macaskill who promptly showed me to my table.

A friendly lady, Marian grew up in the Western Cape, but decided to relocate to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands some years ago. In 2004, together with her husband Mark, she established Terbodere Coffee Roasters and has never looked back; deciding to open the restaurant in 2010 after visitors requested a snack to enjoy with their coffee.

I ordered the grilled lemon baby chicken (R90) as a main course while my mom, who had accompanied me for the afternoon, opted for one of the specials of the day, the fillet steak, chips and onion rings (R110). Layered with a creamy, herb sauce and served with potato crisps and green vegetables the baby chicken proved to be a good choice.

Although initially a little dry, an extra helping of the delicious sauce improved the flavour and taste considerably and I soon made light work of the dish. What I liked most about the meal was the scrumptious potato crisps. They were cooked to perfection, exceptionally light and crispy and a treat for even the most particular of palates.

The only real criticism I had were the vegetables, which consisted of a few pea snaps. I had expected a decent helping of a variety of green vegetables rather than this meagre offering, but perhaps this had been done for the sake of presentation since a cluttered plate is seldom pleasing to the eye.

For dessert I requested the individual carrot and pecan nut cake (R25). It was delicious, exquisitely presented and most enjoyable. My mom was similarly impressed with her main course, describing the steak as “juicy and tender” and the onion rings and chips as “crispy and very tasty.” However, she did feel the dish could have included a few vegetables or, at the very least, a side salad.

On the whole though both of us were rather impressed with what Terbodere had to offer. The setting was delightful, the food exceptionally well-presented and the service top notch and had we been coffee drinkers, we would probably have given it ten out of ten judging by the wonderful aromas that filled the air.

Even if you are not a coffee drinker, a visit to Terbodere is well worth your time. It’s the perfect venue to unwind and enjoy a quality meal in peace and tranquillity and in surroundings that rank among the most beautiful the midlands has to offer.

Where to Find Them:

Telephone: +27 (0)33 330‑2380
Physical address: Curry’s Post Road, Howick, KwaZulu-Natal

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I ♥ Dargle

Hi, I’m Carol Fynn from Tillietudlum Guest Farm in Dargle.

Dargle IS BEST KNOWN FOR rolling green hills in summer, snow in winter, wild flowers, crystal clear springs and rivers, abundant birdlife and peace!
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN with your trophy trout catch from Elands Dam on the farm or with our beautiful Nguni cattle.
THE BEST scenic PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN while walking through the herds of Eland or capturing the magical and abundant birdlife.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO walk or ride around the farm.
WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO spend a day on the Midlands Meander popping in to the many craft shops and farms on the way — it's more than just the Dargle as it incorporates Curry's Post, Lidgetton, Nottingham Road; all part of our Midlands Meander family.

I ♥ Dargle

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS Spring, BECAUSE of the promise of everything new, and then there is the snow in Winter, the russets of Autumn — so anytime is a lovely time.
MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Swissland Cheese — delicious goats milk cheeses made on the farm.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST al Fresco on the farm — sitting on the wide verandah and just enjoying!
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS La Lampara in Curry's Post, TRY anything on the menu — it's all good!
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM our kitchen — we tend to get lazy about going out at night when there is a roaring fire and a glass of red wine to be had.
MY FAVOURITE hangout SPOT IS the big rock pool below the lodge — you can stand under the waterfall!

I ♥ Dargle

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY heading to a couple of the small pubs on the way to Nottingham Road.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Tanglewood Country House — it's friendly and has great ambience.

Dargle’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS its hidden valleys and secret spots that take your breath away.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS meander for the day — so much to do — and come home in time for our traditional afternoon tea.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO sit on the top of the mountain and see the snow on the Berg.
IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY Karkloof Canopy Tours.

I ♥ Dargle

MY FAVOURITE WALK IS to the special forest on the farm that has the rare Cape Parrot.
MY FAVOURITE SHOP IS the Lavender Company — near the little Dargle Church. Their scented bath products take you back again for more and more!

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS in the bird hide on the farm watching the arrival of the blue cranes.
MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS — well there isn't just one. CHECK OUT Ardmore for it's world famous pottery, Zulu Lulu Ceramics, Sterlings Wrought Iron ... I could go on — it's worth a visit to this lovely area to check them all out.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS our Colonial House, FOR ITS oak tree — both are 109 years old!

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Piggly Wiggly Farm Stall; full of interesting shops and a great restaurant.

I ♥ Dargle

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS taking a picnic lunch and just meandering along the roads — there is always somewhere to stop and enjoy. And if you don't have a picnic basket there are many lovely places to stop and sample delicious little tasties.
WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO potter around the Dargle, buy some wine from a wine estate, beautiful handwoven rugs, hand turned wooden objects from the Wood Turner ...

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS anybody who is stressed! You can't be in the Dargle!
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS right here on the farm — time to watch the Nguni calves playing or the Eland bringing their newborn calves out of the forest.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I am involved in a project known at the Muzi Project. The project was started by our son which assists the old 'gogo's' (grandmother in Zulu) who are raising Aids orphans. We also have a sustainable wood cutting project for the community to come and gather firewood.

I ♥ Dargle BECAUSE it is an area of KwaZulu Natal that is quite unique. Lovely people, beautiful scenery and a great spirit of creativity and passion in everything they do. There are so many great places to visit, stay and eat, and the friendliness and warmth of the community will ensure you return again and again!

Tillietudlum Trout Farm

Tillietudlum Guest Farm

Set on 1600 hectares in a secluded valley on the southern side of the Inhluzane Mountain, in Upper Dargle, KZN Midlands, Tillietudlem offers a unique eco experience with a variety of activities available such fly fishing, birding, horse rides and game walks, and is host to a myriad of wildlife including rare and endangered animal and bird species plus a plethora of wild flowers and indigenous trees. Accommodation is available in two lodges and a cottage.

Visit Tillietudlum Guest Farm
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Piggly Wiggly — +27 (0)33 234‑4323
La Lampara — +27 (0)33 234‑4255

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Jaxx Restaurant

The beautiful and quaint village of Hilton in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is home to a number of fine eateries, many of which have been around for quite some time. A recent visit to village’s popular Quarry shopping centre, however, revealed the presence of Jaxx Restaurant, an obvious ‘new kid on the block’.

Not wanting to pass up the opportunity to try something new I decided to sit down and enjoy an impromptu lunch and, a few quibbles aside, I was rather happy with my findings. The Jaxx menu is quite varied with breakfast offerings including a selection of omelettes and traditional fare such as bacon and eggs on toast while healthier options are available for those keeping a strict eye on their waistlines.

I quite enjoy my cooked breakfasts, sometimes requested them even in the afternoon, but with Jaxx strictly adhering to their policy of “breakfasts served until 11am only” I had to look elsewhere on the menu for satisfaction. Not being particularly hungry I decided to settle for a roast beef, pickled onion and Dijon mayo sandwich with French fries which, at just R35, seemed like a decent bet.

While waiting for my meal to arrive I enjoyed a delicious hot chocolate (R17) served with a complimentary shortbread which I thought was a nice touch. After about 15 minutes my sandwich arrived and although it didn’t appear particularly appetising it certainly was both tasty and filling.

With delectable desserts such as crème Brule and berry meringue on offer it wouldn’t be out of place to question my sanity for opting for something seemingly as bland as a scone and marmalade (R20) instead. Perhaps it’s the sweetness of the marmalade or the aroma of a freshly baked scone straight from the oven that does the trick for me, but whatever the reason, it’s a winning combination every time.

I enjoyed my visit to Jaxx. The service was fairly good, the food reasonably well-presented and well-priced and the atmosphere quite lively and up-beat and for those wanting more than just a light lunch, dishes such as coriander and coconut chicken (served with basmati rice), ginger and lime prawns, chicken pasta and vegetable curry, among others, are sure to tickle your palate.

Jaxx Restaurant is also open for dinner till late and after a pleasant lunch time outing I see no reason why an evening visit wouldn’t herald a similar result. Just a word of caution though. Hilton can get very cold in the evenings, even this late in the year so it’ll be wise to pay close attention to what the weather is doing before booking a table.

Where to Find Them:

Telephone: +27 (0)33 343‑2226
Address: Quarry Centre, Hilton, KwaZulu-Natal

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I ♥ Richards Bay

Hi, I’m Riëth Marais from La Rochelle Inn in Richards Bay, Zululand, KwaZulu Natal.

Richards Bay IS BEST KNOWN FOR lovely weather right through the year & holidays.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT the Look Out point for the beautiful scenery of the harbour and sail yachts.

THE BEST leisure PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT at the beach and Small Craft Harbour in New Ark Road.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT the Tuza Gazi Waterfront.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO go to our beautiful  beach for long walks and to view the dolphins playing in the water.

I ♥ Richards Bay

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO settle into a local Sports Bar or restaurant.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year round, BECAUSE of our lovely tropical weather.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Porky’s or Dros (Shop 1, Captain's Walk, Tuzu Gazi Waterfront ) in the small craft harbour.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Dros/ Porky’s or Maritinos Tavern in small craft harbour.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Maritino’s Tavern, TRY THE Eisbein and veggies.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM Porky’s (10 Maxwell Street) or Spur.
MY FAVOURITE picnic SPOT IS Naval Island.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Streakers Sports Bar (Shop 10 Tuzi Gazi Esplanade).

I ♥ Richards Bay

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Streakers Sports Bar or Slipway Cocktail Bar.

Richards Bay’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS the warm, friendly people and plenty of watersports such as fishing.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS a braai or go for a drive around Naval Island.

FOR SOME CULTURE, I LIKE TO GO TO Shakaland which is a traditional Zulu "Umuzi" or homestead as well as a hotel.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO go to the Hluhluwe Umfolozi game reserve.

I ♥ Richards Bay

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY Umfolozi Game Lodge.
MY FAVOURITE DRIVE IS to Cape Vidal.
MY FAVOURITE place to SHOP IS the Boardwalk shopping centre.

MY FAVOURITE dolphin WATCHING SPOT IS Long Pier.
IF YOU'RE HERE IN September, JOIN IN THE FUN AT Zululand Expo which is the second largest combined entertainment and exhibition event in KwaZulu Natal.

MY FAVOURITE MUSEUM IS Shakaland. CHECK OUT THE beer making.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Boardwalk, FOR ITS all of the shops and restaurants.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS Umfolozi Bird Park / Day farm / Umfolozi Game Reserve.

I ♥ Richards Bay

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a picnic on Naval Island.
WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO go to Gateway Theatre of Shopping or uShaka Marine World.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS all the whales close to the shore during winter months.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Sudwana Bay Lodge.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I support local shops by doing all my shopping local.

I ♥ Richards Bay BECAUSE lovely weather all year round and lovely and clean close beaches.

La Rochelle Inn

La Rochelle Inn

La Rochelle is a 3-star accredited, fully licensed guest house situated in Meerensee, the beach and lake suburb of Richards Bay in KwaZulu Natal. Rieth welcomes you to La Rochelle Inn, where you can completely relax in the elegant guest house surrounded by tranquil tropical gardens and experience the warm and homely comfort. A stay a La Rochelle is like being in your own home whilst being treated to the best! La Rochelle is 3-star accredited, fully licensed, with M-Net and DSTV, making your stay in Richard's Bay a pleasure.

Visit La Rochelle Inn
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Porky's: +27 (0)35 789‑0021
Dros: +27 (0)35 788‑0493
Maritino's: +27 (0)35 788‑0312
Bronco Creek Spur: +27 (0)35 789‑5647
Streakers Sports Bar: +27 (0)35 788‑0545
Slipway Cocktail Bar: +27 (0)35 788‑0202
Shakaland: +27 (0)35 460‑0912
Boardwalk Shopping Centre: +27 (0)35 789‑7251 / 2
Gateway Theatre of Shopping: +27 (0)31 566‑2332
uShaka Marine World: +27 (0)31 328‑8000
Sodwana Bay Lodge: +27 (0)35 571‑6015

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I ♥ Balgowan

Hi, I’m Rosemarie from Enniskerry Self Catering in Balgowan.

Balgowan IS BEST KNOWN FOR its scenic beauty and friendly people.
GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT ... well actually anywhere in the area, because the scenery is your background and it's amazing.
THE BEST PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN anywhere you choose.
WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO take a lazy stroll up to the crest just before the dairy farm or pop into Peter's Gate Herbs for a cup of coffee and a chat.
WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO pop down to Piggly Wiggly and have scones and the best cappuccino in front of a log fire.
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS April and May, BECAUSE the worst of the heat is over and the colours in the Midlands are spectacular with the changing seasons.

I ♥ Balgowan

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Piggly Wiggly.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Il Postino which is on the Dargle Road or White Mischief at Woodrige Country Estate.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS Caversham Mill, TRY THE trout.
BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM your very own kitchen at Enniskerry in the form of leftovers or something to rustle up on your own. Not many places in the area are open late at night.
MY FAVOURITE beauty SPOT IS SerendipiT which is nestled in the vineyard at Piggly Wiggly. They give a brilliant massage, pedi and manicure!
FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY Bierfassl Pub near Nottingham Road.
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO anywhere in the Midlands — we're a very friendly lot.

I ♥ Balgowan

Balgowan’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS Caversham Mill Restaurant.
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS relax with an ice cold glass of bubbly and good conversation.
FOR SOME entertainment, I LIKE TO GO TO The Horny Goat Gig at Swissland Cheese.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO have a massage at SerendipiT.
IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY the Karkloof Canopy Tours on the Karkloof Road or a helicopter flip from Piggly Wiggly.
MY FAVOURITE WALK IS to the little waterfall just down the R103 from Enniskerry.
MY FAVOURITE herb SHOP IS Peter's Gate Herbs as they have so many lovely things in the shop as well as herbs, plants and a super little coffee shop called the Lemon and the Bay — their cheesecake is a must!

I ♥ Balgowan

MY FAVOURITE bird WATCHING SPOT IS Peter's Gate as their view is stunning and there are several eagles including fish eagles, crested eagles and various other birds.
IF YOU'RE HERE IN September, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Pinotage on Tap event at Meander Fine Wines based at Piggly Wiggly. In April its the Bubbly Festival at the same venue.
MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS the art gallery at Happy Hill. The resident artist is Karen van Zyl Davel and her work is gorgeous.
MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS Michaelhouse School.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS to the animal farm and Lush Restaurant at Lavender Trout about 10kms north of Balgowan on the R103.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS Piggly Wiggly Restaurant / Coffee Shop.

I ♥ Balgowan

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO go to Tumble Downs Restaurant on the Curry's Post Road or to Granny Mouse's Eaves Restaurant for fine dining.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS frozen fountains at St Ive's Restaurant in the winter and snow on the mountains.
MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS the Drakensberg or anywhere on the KwaZulu Natal coast.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I contribute to the Caversham Centre for artists and writers whose vision is 'self-belief through self-expression.

The Midlands is a peaceful, laid-back part of the country with countless things to do and see. Leave the frenzy behind and take on the mantle of peace and quiet and enjoy the heart and soul of the area.

I ♥ Balgowan BECAUSE it's home to me and my guests and it's stunningly beautiful.

Enniskerry Self Catering

Enniskerry Self-Catering

Enniskerry Self-Catering guest suites opened their doors in December 2010 to visitors looking for accommodation on a self-catering basis. The rates are particularly competitive in the current tourism market. It is situated in a beautiful, peaceful, farming valley in the heart of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands 200m off the R103 (the old Durban main road). Enniskerry is named after a beautiful village in Ireland where the famous Powerscourt House Estate is situated which is in County Wicklow — the county known as the garden of Ireland.

Visit Enniskerry Self– Catering
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Piggly Wiggly — +27 (0)33 234‑4323
Caversham Mill — +27 (0)72 125‑3392
Peter's Gate — +27 (0)33 234‑4451
Il Postino — +27 (0)33 234‑4809
Bierfassl Pub — +27 (0)33 266‑6320

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RJ's Steakhouse

The RJ’s restaurant chain has become a household name in South Africa for a number of years now and is synonymous for producing succulent steaks, mouth-watering ribs and various other types of delicious cuisine. Eager to put these claims to the test I paid a visit to RJ’s at the upmarket Invesco Centre in Pietermaritzburg recently.

Friday and Saturday nights at RJ’s are known to be busy and the evening of my visit was no exception. There wasn’t a free table in sight and the restaurant was a hive of activity with waitrons scurrying about and patrons engaging in loud conversation and much merriment.

The RJ’s menu contains everything you’d expect to find at any steakhouse worth its salt and it was difficult to make a choice with so many juicy sounding options on offer. After studying the menu for a while I opted for the ribs and calamari rings which, at R97.95, seemed like a good bet. Half an hour later my meal arrived and, not wanting to waste any time, I promptly tucked in.

The ribs were delicious, full of flavour and cooked to perfection although the calamari was a little on the rubbery side. Nevertheless I was impressed with the overall taste and presentation of my meal. It certainly represented value for money especially considering that all main meals at RJ’s include an option of vegetables or baked or mashed potato or chips.

My mom, who had accompanied me for the evening along with friends Mary-Anne and Peta-Anne, decided that the Danish Chicken Cordon Bleu (R79.95) would be more to her liking. She certainly wasn’t left disappointed remarking that her dish was “very tasty and well presented.”

Mary-Anne was similarly impressed with her order, the Californian Chicken Schnitzel (R61.95), which she requested with vegetables. Describing the chicken as “tender and tasty” and the veggies as “awesome” she was clearly thrilled with her choice, and when one considers what other establishments charge for a similar meal, her dish was certainly well-priced.

The ever cautious and conservative Peta-Anne opted for the hake with rice (R67.95) which she, too, thoroughly enjoyed, remarking that the fish was “well cooked” and the overall presentation of the dish “spot on.” She went on to add that she’d definitely like to return soon to “experience the great vibe and atmosphere once again,” – a sentiment with which we all concurred.

No dinner is complete without dessert though and after spotting one of my favourite treats (malva pudding) on the menu I promptly ordered a helping. Although not as sweet as I had hoped, it was still tasty enough to enjoy and, at R26.95, was affordable too.

I thoroughly enjoyed RJ’s. The food and the service was excellent, the décor simple yet attractive and the atmosphere upbeat and uplifting. Wine lovers will be pleased to know that the RJ’s cellar is always fully stocked with a visit to the carvary being an option for those who may not find the menu quite to their liking. Children, too, are well catered for, with a colourful ‘playzone’ on hand to help them out of mischief.

A visit to RJ’s is simply a must for anyone wanting to experience great tasting and affordable food in a safe and friendly environment. It’s the perfect anti-dote to a stressful day (or even a week for that matter) at the office and an establishment that I’m sure I’ll be frequenting quite often from now on.

Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)33 342 1185
Physical address: Invesco Centre, Chatterton Road, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu Natal.

Pietermaritzburg Links

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Zinkwazi has beautiful beaches with the main beach equipped with shark nets and lifeguards making safe swimming possible.  One of the focal points of the village is the 7 kilometre long lagoon that meanders its way through sugar cane fields and offers spectacular birding.  Some 600 species have been recorded putting Zinkwazi firmly on the Zululand Birding Route.

Although hot and humid during the summer months, Zinkwazi in the winter is a pleasure.  The days are normally warm and sunny and although slightly chillier than normal, a swim in the sea can be achieved! 

View the entire photo gal­lery:

Useful Links:
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Eshayamoya Train ride

When my friend Sarah contacted me recently inviting me to join her and a couple of others for a train ride in the beautiful countryside of the Southern Natal Midlands, I jumped at the opportunity. Although I had driven along a section of the route once previously, I was nevertheless looking forward to the trip knowing that I could never tire of scenery that is probably among the most picturesque to be viewed anywhere.

Beautiful mountains and rolling hills provided a breathtaking backdrop for the bright morning sunshine, uplifting my spirits with each passing second. The small farming community of Creighton was our destination and although the 135km drive from Pietermaritzburg was undoubtedly scenic – it was by no means plain sailing.

The narrow winding roads with their tight bends and steep gradients proved somewhat of a challenge requiring a good degree of concentration on my part. Potholes, too, were an ever present problem and one would be advised to be extra vigilant at all times when travelling along this route.

After passing through Richmond, we entered Ixopo and proceeded along the Donnybrook / Bulwer road before making our way to Creighton train station –the venue for our trip. The Eshayamoya is a superbly restored locomotive that was originally built in 1939 and supplied to South Africa by Germany just before the outbreak of World War Two.

It certainly looked like many of the trains I had seen in newsreels of that era, a hulking, seemingly indestructible steam-powered iron monster that commanded respect from both friend and foe alike. Soon we were being summoned to the platform to board the behemoth and take our seats on one of its many carriages. With a minimum of fuss we did just that and so began an unforgettable journey – the likes of which I had never before experienced.

Travelling onboard a machine from a bygone era such as the Eshayamoya is quite an experience in itself, but doing so through an unspoilt part of the African countryside is even more special – especially countryside as beautiful as that found between Creighton station and the nearby village of Riverside. During this time of the year the surrounding hillsides are a spectacular bright orange courtesy of the thousands of aloes which make their home there and to say I was impressed with the spectacle that unfolded before me would be an understatement.

Although these hardy plants were apparently not blooming as brightly as they had done in previous years due to unusually low rainfall levels in the area, they still made for an awesome sight and were without a doubt the attraction of the trip. A scheduled stop allowed me to disembark and take a closer look at the aloes which looked even more beautiful against the backdrop of the shimmering Ngogwaan River.

I was in my element and savouring every bit of the uplifting atmosphere but my moment of bliss was cut short as the conductor summoned us back to our carriages with what was now becoming a rather familiar cry of “all aboard.” And so we continued on our journey, passing by a number of small settlements characterised by their tiny mud houses and smiling inhabitants, some of whom didn’t seem as though they had a care in the world.

During our final stop, at the tiny village of Riverside, there was enough time to witness a most entertaining display of traditional Zulu dancing and to pay a quick visit to the rather spooky and foreboding ruins of the old Riverside hotel. On the return journey I was left to ponder the afternoon’s events and concluded the trip was well worth R180, even if that only secured us a place in the so called ‘cheap seats’.

My only criticism of this trip were the onboard snacks which could have been a lot more substantial than chocolate bars and potato chips. Nevertheless, we all had a great time and will no doubt be back next year for what will undoubtedly be another memorable outing.

Booking details:
Cell: +27 (0)83 273 8037 (Glynnis)

Useful Links

• Natal Midlands Attractions
• Natal Midlands Hotels
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Olive Tree Coffee Shop

The Olive Tree Coffee Shop in Pietermaritzburg has been one of my favourite eateries in the KwaZulu-Natal capital for a number of years now, and after my latest lunchtime visit I can happily say that the establishment hasn’t changed its recipe for success. The chief aim of any coffee shop should be to make it as easy as possible for patrons to unwind and relax while they sample top quality cuisine and receive extraordinary service – something The Olive Tree does very well.

Unfriendly or poorly trained staff, sub-standard or poorly presented food and a noisy, cluttered environment are a major turn off for any potential customer. Happily, though, The Olive Tree maintains a high degree of professionalism right from the kitchen to the table making it undoubtedly the best coffee shop in Pietermaritzburg by some margin.

The cuisine on offer at The Olive Tree comprises tramezzini’s, quiche’s, schnitzel’s, salads, sandwiches, curries, pies, lasagnes, lamb shanks, burgers, oxtail and pan-fried sole (always remember to have a look at the daily ‘specials boards’ as some of these items are not found on the menu). That’s quite a selection and the breakfast menu is not to shabby either boasting a variety of omelettes, toasted sandwiches, open melts and traditional offerings such as the good old-fashioned English breakfast.

I opted for a chicken mayonnaise trammezzini which was brought to me in good time and with minimum fuss. The dish was delicious and, at just R57, was well worth the money. As a substitute for dessert I settled for a scone with marmalade (R16,50) although it was difficult to pass up on the tasty treats (milk tart, chocolate cake, carrot cake and lemon meringue being among them) that were on offer.

After settling the bill I decided to spend some time photographing a flock of delightfully cute bronze mannikins that were buzzing around a feeding perch set up on the establishment’s wooden deck. These diminutive (average length just 7,5cm) birds were a frenzy of activity as they jostled for position, each one eager to secure the best feeding spot.

I was fascinated by the speed at which the mannikins darted to and fro from their feeding perches to the branches overhanging the adjacent river bank. With the exception of the hummingbird family, they must be some of the most nimble and agile birds around. Truly amazing!

As always I thoroughly enjoyed my visit to The Olive Tree. It’s an establishment that offers everything even the most particular of patrons could want. The service was good, the waitrons friendly and attentive, the food tasty, the portions generous and the atmosphere relaxed and calming.

There’s also a children’s menu for smaller appetites and a playground to keep them out of mischief while pensioners can look forward to ‘Pensioners Days’ on which they will receive special attention – surely a full house in anyone’s books. The Olive Tree is a must visit for anyone wanting to experience a quality culinary experience in tranquil and peaceful surroundings and is likely to be a firm favourite among both locals and visitors for years to come.

Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)33 394 7033
Address: MacDonald’s Nursery Complex, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

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Delish-Dish in Howick

While driving through the small town of Howick in the Natal Midlands recently I spotted an eatery that I had not previously been aware of, the Delish-Dish family restaurant and pub. Not usually the spontaneous type (I generally prefer to plan even the smallest of outings at least a few days in advance) my curiosity nevertheless got the better of me and I pulled over to take a closer look.

Intrigued by the rather rustic look of the place I decided to treat myself to a rather impromptu mid-afternoon lunch despite not knowing what I would encounter. My hostess for the afternoon was Shay, a rather bubbly young woman who seemed most enthusiastic about her job – always an important trait for success in any profession but especially so in the hospitality industry.

The restaurant has a pretty comprehensive menu with starters including offerings such as crumbed button mushrooms, vegetable and cheese spring rolls, peri-peri chicken livers and a most unusual offering of grilled snails (cooked in a wood-fired pizza oven). Despite being spoilt for choice I decided to pass up on starters and head straight for the main menu, which contained a host of mouth-watering dishes such as Eisbein, Spaghetti Boere-naise (boerewors mince served with a thick tomato sauce) and Shitaki chicken (a fanned chicken breast filled with garlic herb butter and served with yellow rice, brown lentils and a creamy mushroom sauce) to mention but a few.

I decided on the Eisbein (R80), a huge 800g salted pork hock guaranteed to satisfy even the most ravenous appetites. Served with a helping of creamy potato mash and selected vegetables the Eisbein was delicious and well worth the money. The portions I received were more than generous, in fact so much so that I was unable to finish the meal. As enjoyable as the Eisbein was though, I would recommend requesting apple jelly or apple sauce as a garnish rather than the standard offering of mustard sauce, which is likely to make the dish a little too dry for most palates.

With a full stomach preventing me from sampling some of the delectable desserts (malva pudding and mixed berry Pavlova being among them) on offer I rather reluctantly requested the bill and stepped outside onto the wooden deck for some fresh air. The large deck is covered and houses a wood-fired pizza oven and a fireplace – just what the doctor ordered for keeping warm on cold winter nights.

Delish-Dish is also part of the Pizza Perfect restaurant chain and consequently is able to provide its customers with additional menu options, the most popular of which are its delicious wood-fired pizzas. It is well known that the majority of consumers prefer pizzas cooked in this way as opposed to those prepared in traditional ovens – a finding with which I can most certainly concur. After settling my bill I snapped as many pictures as I could before the fading light put an end to all the fun, leaving me no choice but to climb into my car and head off home.

I really liked this eatery. The service was good, the welcoming very warm, the décor tasteful, the ambience relaxed and pleasant and the menu offered virtually everything you’d expect to find at a family restaurant. There was also plenty of parking space available and the children’s playground kept all the young ones busy while their parents enjoyed their meal and a few drinks on the delightful deck. Delish-dish is definitely an establishment that offers something for everyone and is a must visit for both locals and out of Towner’s wanting to enjoy a tasty meal out.

Contact details:
Telephone: +27 (0)33 330 5036
Physical address: 118 Main Street, Howick, KwaZulu Natal

Howick Links

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I ♥ Salt Rock

Hi, I’m Louise Hill from Kingfisher Villa in Salt Rock.

Salt Rock IS BEST KNOWN FOR the lovely beaches. The beaches of KwaZulu Natal are lucky enough to have warm water pretty much all year around so a swim is always possible!

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO be on the beach.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO do the forest walk at Waterberry Cafe. The 150m path is well marked and is, in places, covered with a deck.  The forest is filled with bird life and make sure you look out for the resident buck that lives in the area.  After the walk treat yourself to a cup of tea or coffee and a delicious piece of cake that Waterberry is famous for!

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS March, BECAUSE the weather is warm. The Dolphin Coast can be very hot and humid during the summer months but by March the weather is just perfect.

I ♥ Salt Rock

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Mugg & Bean. Their bottomless coffee is always great and their menu very extensive.

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Wimpy. You cannot go wrong with a toasted chicken and mayo sandwich.

MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS the Fish Factory, TRY THE ... well try anything — it's all good. Being right on the coast the fish is always deliciously fresh.

MY FAVOURITE coffee SPOT IS Waterberry Cafe. The bakery offers various different baked cheesecakes, a variety of other cakes as well as pies and muffins.

Salt Rock’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS their plant nurseries. Being in the ‘tropics’ plants normally grow at quite a rate and its always interesting to see what news plants are in stock.

I ♥ Salt Rock

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS have a cappuccino at The Tin Shack.

FOR SOMETHING different, I LIKE TO GO TO the Flag Farm to see the animals. If you have children with you they can learn how to milk a cow or feed other tame farm animals.  There is so much to do; pony rides for children, hand feed chickens, ducks, rabbits, cows, goats, sheep, geese and various types of birds.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO go to The Litchi Orchard and the adjoining coffee shop. The orchard is a family owned and run venture who as well as having a nursery on the farm also have a farmers market on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month.  You’ll be able to get farm fresh veges, delicious jams, cheeses, artisan breads, great coffee, cakes and sweets, beers and much much more.  Give it a try!

I ♥ Salt Rock

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY cycling on the farm tracks at Holla Trails. There are various trails to try out, whether you are a beginner or advanced mountain biker!  If you really start enjoying the sport it’s possible to buy a yearly permit so you can ride to your hearts content! Its possible to hire equipment from the club.

MY FAVOURITE WALK IS along the beach from Shaka’s Rock tidal pool to the one at Salt Rock. It’s always fun to stop and have a look at the rock pools.

MY FAVOURITE decor SHOP IS LvK in Umhlali.

MY FAVOURITE people WATCHING SPOT IS Salt Rock beach. It’s always great to watch the surfers heading out to catch a wave or just to watch them bobbing patiently on their boards; waiting for that perfect wave.

I ♥ Salt Rock

IF YOU'RE HERE IN July, JOIN IN THE FUN AT the Ballito Prawn Festival. The festival focuses on family and entertainment and raises money for community based projects.  Delicious, gourmet foods are on sale and entertainment is provided by local and international artists.  There are various activities for the entire family – it’s definitely not to be missed.

MY FAVOURITE GALLERY IS Imbizo Gallery at the Lifestyle Centre in Ballito.

TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN OUTING IS is the Crocodile Creek Farm. The farm is home to 9000 crocodiles as well as snakes, monkeys, alligators and leguaans.  There are guided tours available.

BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS to Flag Farm.

I ♥ Salt Rock

WHEN MONEY'S NO OBJECT, I LIKE TO go on a microlight flight over the sea. The Ballito Microlight School operates seven days a week, weather permitting.  The flights, which all leave from the school are either 15 or 30 minutes long and will take you over the sugar cane fields and the coastline.  It really is quite something.

THE MOST UNUSUAL THING I SEE HERE IS kite surfers on a windy day.

MY FAVOURITE WEEKEND GETAWAY IS Kingfisher Villa.
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I recycle what I can.

I ♥ Salt Rock BECAUSE there is something for me, my husband and my children to do – good or bad weather.

Kingfisher Villa

Kingfisher Villa

Come and enjoy wonderful sea views and soak in the Mediterranean atmosphere at Kingfisher Villa in Salt Rock on the Dolphin Coast in KwaZulu Natal. Or enjoy a relaxing time with friends and family at the beach, only a 3 minute walk away. This modern, recently renovated, holiday home sleeps 6 people, and has 3 bedrooms (one with air-conditioning) and 2 bathrooms (one en-suite), as well as a lovely open-plan kitchen and living area. There are also two verandahs, a spacious, shady front verandah on which to sit and enjoy the view and the garden.

Visit Kingfisher Villa
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Ballito Microlight School — +27 (0)82 659‑5550
Imbizo Gallery — +27 (0)32 946‑1937
Waterberry Café — +27 (0)32 946‑2797
Flag Farm — +27 (0)32 947‑2018
Litchi Orchard — +27 (0)32 525‑5118
Holla Trails — +27 (0)32 947‑1465
Crocodile Creek Farm — +27 (0)32 944‑3845

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I ♥ Howick

Hi, I’m Nicky Wallis from Sunbird Guest House in Howick .

Howick IS BEST KNOWN FOR being the the hub of the Midlands and waterfall country and of course its know for its approximately 100m high Howick Falls, and its proximity to the Midmar Dam (home of the Midmar Mile swim) and nearby outings like a drive through the famous Midlands Meander and the Umngeni Footprint Route or the Umngeni Nature Reserve.

There are many other falls to view in the area such as Karkloof Falls (approximately 105m), the Shelter and Cascade Falls as well as the Forgotten Falls. For the more adventurous there is the Karkloof Canopy Tours and Guided Tours to the bottom of Howick Falls. You can also make arrangements to swim and picnic below the falls.

GET YOUR PICTURE TAKEN AT either the Howick or Karkloof Falls, with spectacular views in the background, or in front of the monument at the Mandela Capture site on the Midlands Meander.

I ♥ Howick

THE BEST daytime PICTURES CAN BE TAKEN AT any of the venues mentioned.
OTHER HAPPY SNAPS AT anywhere along the Midlands Meander Route.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S GOOD, I LIKE TO visit any or all of the wonderful venues mentioned and more.

WHEN THE WEATHER'S BAD, I LIKE TO enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in and around Howick or on the Midlands Meander.

I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS all year around, BECAUSE there is always something to see or do in or around Howick.

MY FAVOURITE BREAKFAST SPOT IS Sunbird Guest House or the Fern Hill Hotel.

I ♥ Howick

FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Piggly Wiggly, Fern Hill Hotel and the highly acclaimed Corner Post Bar and Restaurant or a little further afield is the Bierfassl in Nottingham Road.
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANT IS the Black Olive for its cosy atmosphere and great fare (bookings essential) or TRY THE Delish Dish or 68 on Main for great homely cooking.

BEST LATE NIGHT SNACK FROM the Corner Post.

MY FAVOURITE picnic SPOT IS Midmar Dam where water sports (yachting, water skiing and fishing) and long hikes can be enjoyed after feasting on some of our great local fare available in quaint farm stalls and shops. Other than being the home of the Midmar Mile swim it is a popular venue for triathlons, mountain biking and other sporting events.

FOR A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN TRY KwaZulu Natal's capital city of Pietermaritzburg.

I ♥ Howick

IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO 68 on Main Pub and Restaurant or wander around the many tourist attraction in the fields of arts and crafts, antiques and collectibles among others.

Howick’s BEST KEPT SECRET IS is the Karkloof Falls and the awesome vistas and fields of green vegetation both natural and farmed on any of a number of short drives from Howick.

MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS is enjoy any one of the above outings or enjoying a good meal with good wine at one the above mentioned eateries.

TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO I like to hike through any one of several trails in the area and enjoy the very diverse bird population and wild life on offer.

I ♥ Howick

IF YOU'RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY Karkloof Canopy Tours.

MY FAVOURITE BUILDING IS the Pietermaritzburg City Hall, FOR ITS spectacular beauty, towers, turrets and its the largest brick building in the world.

WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, I spend time and money supporting our local community shops and talented local vendors of African curios etc.

I ♥ Howick BECAUSE it is my home and offers so much to see and do and it is a beautiful part of our magnificent country side.

Sunbird Guest House

Sunbird Guest House

Sunbird Guest House is situated in a beautiful country environment, just 1 hour from Durban, in the tranquil town of Howick and offers 4 star graded Howick Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Welcome to our graded B&B in the tranquil town of Howick, the hub of the Midlands Waterfall Country. Situated 1.5 km from the N3, the guest house is in a beautiful country environment. One hour from Durban and 4.5 hours from Johannesburg, South Africa. Relax in a quiet landscaped bird and Japanese garden. For the weary traveller this B&B offers good value with a high standard of quality and security. Malaria free area.

Visit Sunbird Guest House
View Rates or make a Booking

Desirable Digits

Fern Hill Hotel — +27 (0)33 330‑5071
Piggly Wiggly — +27 (0)33 234‑4323
The Corner Post Bar — +27 (0)33 330‑7636

Useful Howick Links:
Howick Attractions
Things to Do in Howick
Howick Accommodation
Natal Midlands Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

Crocworld

Crocworld, situated on the outskirts of Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, is one of the more interesting venues to visit in this part of the world. Opened in 1985, Crocworld was originally built to farm Nile crocodiles to produce crocodile skins for the European markets. Over time some members of the public wanted the opportunity to observe these prehistoric reptiles in surroundings that closely resemble their natural habitat. Their calls were heeded and a second section called “Croc tourism” was opened ...

Crocworld administrators then decided to bring in animals such as meerkats, Black-backed jackals and a variety of bird species to add some spice to the mix. Soon the public were being charged a small fee for the privilege of seeing these animals and the Crocworld of today was born.

In recent years the establishment added a curio shop and a restaurant to its growing list of attractions not least of which are its ever increasing number of mammal, bird and reptile species. I visited Crocworld this past weekend with some friends and what a pleasant and informative visit it proved to be.

After paying our entrance fees we passed through the swing gate where we encountered our first animal of the day – a rather scary looking reticulated python. Native to East Asia, these huge serpents are the world’s longest reptiles and longest snakes (adults can reach lengths of up to 8.7m) and the specimen in question certainly looked the part – its thick coils and rather large triangular shaped head giving it a distinctly imposing stance.

The rest of the reptile display featured a variety of serpents from different parts of the globe with our very own Black mamba and the East African Gaboon viper probably winning the award for the most intimidating of the lot. Both of these snakes are highly venomous and need to be given a wide berth, although in the case of the expertly camouflaged Gaboon, this is easier said than done.

Crocworld conducts venomous snake demonstrations on weekends to educate the public on the very important role these fascinating creatures play in nature. Venomous snake handling, identification and the treatment of snakebites courses are also presented every three months.

After bidding farewell to our slithery friends we were greeted by probably the most evocative sound of Africa – a loud cry from Isis, the resident African Fish Eagle. Found through much of Southern Africa, these large eagles prey on fish, turtles, baby crocodiles and flamingos and are found predominately near freshwater lakes, reservoirs or rivers. Like all caged birds at Crocworld, Isis has been rehabilitated and is unable to be released into the wild. However, she seemed happy enough and had it not been for the concerted efforts of the Crocworld staff, Isis would have perished a long time ago.

A little further on from Isis’ cage we encountered a clearing and were met by the sight of literally hundreds of crocodiles all basking in the afternoon sun. Thankfully they were all safely contained in their enclosures although they were still truly an awesome sight to behold. The vast majority of Crocworld’s crocs are Niles although the park also houses a small collection of alligators, African Dwarf crocodiles and African Long Snouted crocodiles. Although there are a number of attractions at Crocworld the main draw card is probably 111-year-old Henry, the oldest known crocodile in captivity. A 4m, 750kg monster, Henry was captured in 1903 by an elephant hunter in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. Even at his advanced age Henry is showing no sign of slowing down and lives with his 10 wives who produce over 400 babies a year!

Crocworld houses over 200 breeding Nile crocodiles in six spacious enclosures where up to six females are kept together with a single male croc. After each of the pregnant females finds a suitable nesting site they will dig a hole and lay their eggs in it. Staff will then collect the eggs and take them to incubator rooms where they will be kept for about 80 days. After hatching the little crocs are removed from their incubator rooms and placed into a “hot room” where they will remain for about two days. Following this all hatchlings will be ready to sell to any registered organisation in possession of the required permits.

The park’s breeding stock of Nile crocodiles was brought in from Botswana and the KwaZulu-Natal Parks board in the 1980s. Significant emphasis has been placed on recreating as natural an environment as possible for the breeding crocs, which has greatly enhanced the viewing experience. In addition to Henry the other major attraction at Crocworld are the feeding demonstrations and talks which are conducted every day (except Mondays) at 11am and 3pm. Our host Manie impressed us with his knowledge of Nile crocodiles and was ready to answer any questions we had on his favourite subject.

Among the more interesting facts about Nile crocodiles is that they are currently being researched in the hope of finding a cure for the many deadly diseases which plague mankind. Their powerful immune systems have attracted the attention of the medical profession for some time and scientists are hoping to unlock the many potentially life-saving secrets hidden within their DNA.

Of all the mammals at Crocworld the meerkats are without a doubt my favourite. Classified as part of the mongoose family, meerkats live in clans of up to 20 members and are some of the most adorable animals on the planet. They are extremely mischievous and playful, almost in the manner that a bunch of naughty children are. The meerkats at Crocworld are very tame and their keeper was quite happy to pluck one off the ground and allow us to touch it. The sensation is pretty much like stroking a pet dog or cat and I was almost tempted to take one of the little tykes home with me – they were that cute.

Another feature of the park that is rather impressive is the walk-through aviary where I was able to get a close up view of South Africa’s national bird – the very graceful and elegant Blue crane. The specimen in question appeared to have no fear of me whatsoever, walking straight up to my camera lens making for a really great shot.

With the temperature beginning to drop it was time to head off home, but not before saying a quick hello and goodbye to a brilliantly coloured Toco toucan which was housed in a smallish enclosure near the exit. This spectacular bird has a huge 20cm bill that accounts for 30–50 percent of its body surface area – the largest beak to body size of all birds. Truly amazing!

I really enjoyed my visit to Crocworld. I learnt a lot about a number of different animal species, sampled some really great food at the on site Le Rendez-vous restaurant and meant a really interesting person in Manie, whose passion for crocodiles was evident for all to see.

The entrance fee of R50 was well worth it and if you ever find yourself holidaying on the South Coast, make sure you pay this venue a visit. You definitely won’t be disappointed. (see more photographs in the Gallery below)

Contact details:
Tel: +27 (0)39 976 1103
Address: Scottburgh, South Coast, KwaZulu-Natal

Useful Links

• Scottburgh Accommodation
• Scottburgh Attractions
• South Coast Attractions
• South Coast Accommodation
• KwaZulu Natal Accommodation

Flickr Photo Gallery: