The Festive season is upon us, and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal encourages all travellers to take this opportunity to explore the hidden gems within our province and to do so safely. If you’re looking for some travel inspiration, why not plan a trip to Jozini? Situated in the Umkhanyakude District Municipality and on the way to Mozambique, this area in KwaZulu-Natal offers the fatigued a chance to rest, relax, recoup, and enjoy the very best that nature has to offer.
Spending a weekend here with the Ukhozi FM team allowed us to show off the best attributes of the area. Our first stop was Hluhluwe, located not too far from Jozini. It was at the Anew Hotel in Hluhluwe where we lay our heads to rest for the first night of our getaway. If you’re looking for a true bush experience with affordable holiday accommodation with the option to upgrade to a 5-star self-catering bush chalet if you really feel like spoiling yourself. The hospitality is as warm as the weather, with staff that are happy to make sure you arrive as a guest but leave as family.
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe offers private game drives directly from the hotel. It’s a short drive to get to the gates of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest proclaimed reserve in Africa. It is here where you can explore 9600 hectares of pure wilderness which is home to the African Big 5. Let your game driver educate you as you explore the park by vehicle, and see how many animals you can spot. If you’re as lucky as we were, you may be able to spectate as a pride of lions take their positions on a patch of bush quite close to your vehicle. Being home to the largest population of White Rhino, this park offers animal sightings like no other.
Next stop? Jozini Tiger Lodge. Perched on the banks of Lake Jozini, this establishment offers nothing but exceptional views of the surroundings, great service and a laid-back atmosphere. Boasting superb facilities such as a Mangwanani Spa, a private gym, rim-flow swimming pool as well as exceptional dining experiences.
Rest and relaxation is the only thing on a lot of our minds, and the Mangwanani Spa at Jozini Tiger Lodge allows for just this. Treat yourself to spa treatments that free the mind and heal the body.
Take a sunset boat cruise, catering for up to 40 people, you can experience the magnificent Jozini Dam in absolute style. Your skipper won’t only get you there and back safely but will also entertain you with interesting facts about the dam and the area. That’s not all, you’ll most likely spot a few hippos peeking through the surface of the water or lazing along the banks of the dam. If you’re an avid fisherman, or wanting to become one, tiger fishing is a popular sport on the Jozini Dam. Catching a few tiger fish is certainly a way to get some adrenaline pumping!
If you’re looking to feel joy these holidays, KwaZulu-Natal offers experiences that will have you creating memories for a lifetime. If you’re planning on traveling and exploring our stunning province, we encourage you to adhere to all Covid-19 protocols and assure you that our tourism trade partners are too. If you have not been vaccinated as yet, we encourage you to do so. You can travel safe but travel fun too.
If you’re interested in any of the activities or establishments featured in this article, we’ve compiled a few links for you below:
Jozini Tiger Lodge – https://www.jozinitigerlodge.co.za/
Anew Hotel Hluhluwe – https://anewhotels.com/hotels/hluhluwe-safaris/
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park – https://www.hluhluwegamereserve.com/
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