KwaZulu-Natal is often not the first choice for a family holiday destination as it tends to be overshadowed by Cape Town’s gorgeous beaches and wine farms. Yet, it’s often the lesser-knowndestinations that make up for the lack of uber-hype by their underrated beauty.
The majestic Drakensburg mountains, lush Midlands, warm Indian Ocean and exciting game farms make it a great destination for a Quick Easter family getaway when budgets are tight and you would prefer to avoid the crouds.
Take a family road trip to the Midlands Meander
Domestic Flights on local carriers such as Mango airlines will get you to KZN from almost any major city in South Africa. Wherever you are in the Kwa-Zulu Natal, a drive to and though the Midlands in one of our pre-booked rental cars is a great day out for all members of the family.
Just an hour and a half inland from Durban’s warm coastline, the Meander is the best place to find amazing secret shopping spots. From potters to chocolate to leather, and antiques. The entire area is a haven of gorgeous green hills, where tucked throughout each one is arts and crafts shops and studios, go-karting, family friendly farms and some award-winning restaurants.
Book your Easter holiday stay at any one of the beautiful B&Bs and country hotels that are dotted throughout the area. The entire Midlands comprises Howick, Mooi River, Nottingham Road, Kamberg, Rosetta, Lidgetton, Karkloof (there is a gorgeous waterfall here), Balgowan, and Dargle. So, you’re bound to find a place that suits the entire family and your budget.
Camp under the vast KZN skies
The weather around the Easter weekend is still warm enough for a camping trip, but not quite as humid as is it around January and February. Family bonding close to nature is one of the finest ways to escape the city and draw clean breath in the quiet, green mountains.
If you want to get away this Easter on a shoe-string budget, camping is a no-brainer. There are lots of campsites spread across the vast Northern, Central and Southern Drakensberg mountains. Many are close to hiking trails and clean dams and rivers that are great for days spent swimming. You can even find campsites close to activity sites like, mountain biking, rock-climbing and abseiling or even sleeping in caves, for the adventurous among you.
If you would prefer to be closer to the sea, Kwa-Zulu Natal coastline is an endless stretch of uninhabited protected areas where you can camp near the ocean in places like Cape Vidal.
Game farm family fun
If you’re looking for a real adventure weekend, then book a stay a one of the many game lodges dotted around KZN. Gorgeous wetlands meet the Big 5 in a true Out of Africa style, Easter weekend break.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve is an old favourite, and is close to the coast, so an easy drive if you’re booking a cheap flight on Mango airlines to King Shaka for the long weekend.
Ithala Game Reserve is located deep in the mountains of northern KwaZulu-Natal and the rich history and extensive wildlife will excite all ages. A few of the world’s oldest rock formations dating back 3 000 million years can be found at Ithala.
Long beach walks, mountain hikes, game drives, river swims, unique shopping – you name it, you’ll find it all in the extremely diverse and vastly underrated province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. So, book your domestic flight, hire a car and set out foran Easter break that the family will remember for a lot longer than just a weekend.