Just a short drive away a wide and varied selection of sights and attractions can be found with something for everyone ranging from outdoor sites such as game parks and leisure activities, examples of indigenous culture to the cosmopolitan city of Durban and Victorian charm of Pietermaritzburg

Below is a small sample of the riches that may be found locally.

This seemingly endless landscape of layered hills and valleys hints at treasures lying hidden from view until the next corner is turned and rarely will you be disappointed. The spectacular scenery ranges from the lofty Drakensberg peaks with KwaZulu-Natal's own table mountain (emKhambathini, 960m) to the thundering waterfall on the Ugede river.  The natural heritage of the area is safeguarded by 15 conservancies many offering bush lodge or self-catering accommodation from which to experience game drives, birding, fishing, boating and horse and hiking trails. Not surprisingly the area is rich in wildlife with many reserves including Shongweni, Inanda, Nagle and the densely forested Krantzkloof Gorge.

Apart from the many leisure activities the area also offers the opportunity to experience the intricacies of local ethnic customs and beliefs in the many welcoming beehive hutted villages adorning the hillsides. For the more adventurous there is even the chance to stay at the slightly out of the way Isithumba Village

Situated ~35km from central Durban this picturesque park has magnificent views of the world famous Valley of 1000 hills and is probably best known for its Zulu village where visitors can observe  the daily life of this fascinating culture first hand, the dancing show is a truly unforgettable experience.

 There is also a reptile farm which boasts the oldest and largest (4.5m) Nile crocodile in captivity as well as a superb selection of indigenous snakes.

The oldest reserve in Africa dating back to 1895 boasts a large variety of wildlife including buffalo, zebra, giraffe, elephant, lion, cheetah, leopard, hyena and large numbers of antelope but is probably most renowned for being the home of Operation Rhino dealing with the conservation of White Rhino.
Even though game viewing is the prime attraction there are a huge amount of other activities available including

• Birding (possibility of Lammergeyer)
• Boating
• Climbing
• Cycling
• Diving and snorkelling
• Fishing
• Hiking (trails and wilderness trails)
• Horse Riding

Part of the Msinsi resorts and game reserves complex, Albert Falls Dam is a superb location for birding with ~280 species recorded so far. There is a good variety of habitats including thornveld, grassland and the dam itself producing an impressive range of species.
The impressive range of water birds that can be seen around the dam area include African Fish Eagle, Osprey, Secretary Bird, Darter, Reed & White-breasted Cormorants, Hammerkop, Goliath & Black-necked Herons, Sacred Ibis and an outside chance of Pelican.
The excitement is not limited to the dam area with thorn tree veld, dense scrub and aloe yielding many species including shrikes, bush robin, barbets, woodpeckers, sunbirds, orioles, Gymnogene, migratory kites, African Goshawk and Red-breasted Sparrowhawk.

A truly unforgettable experience not to be missed by the avid birder or  wildlife lover alike.

Founded in 1823 by a group of British merchants from the Cape, Durban or e Thekweni as it is known to the local Zulu people is today South Africa's busiest port and beach resort. As well as the Zulu influence there is a large Indian population descended from indentured labourers who arrived in the 1860's to work in local sugar cane fields. With this mixture of ethnic influences there is much to entertain including traditional warrior dancers, mystic fire walkers, colonial heritage and probably the finest curries outside India.
The "Golden Mile" is Durban's beach front with clean golden sands and warm Indian ocean and is protected year round by shark nets and experienced lifeguards.
It is after dark however when Durban comes to life with a varied selection of entertainments including elegant lounges, funky taverns, theatres and trendy clubs and discos

The capital of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg radiates an unmistakable sense of style and grace thanks in no small part to the many fine examples of Victorian and Edwardian architecture particularly the City Hall which is the largest all red-brick structure in the southern hemisphere. Also known as the 'City of Flowers', Pietermaritzburg is home to the Botanical Gardens established in 1870 which concentrates on the propagation of rare and endangered indigenous plants and boasts its own variety of rose (best can be seen in Alexandra Park). As you would expect the city is steeped in history and has many fine museums and galleries including the Natal Museum, KZN Railway Museum, Voortrekker Museum and Macrorie House as well as numerous monuments and statues including a 14m horse at the entrance to the Golden Horse Casino.

Opened in 1993 the Pavilion has a total floor space of over 25,000 hectares split over four levels and has  ~230 tenants.

Open seven days a week night and day the Pavilion boasts the widest range of shopping and entertainment in KwaZulu-Natal and is the number one destination receiving over a million visitors a month, locals and tourists alike. The amenities range from fine curio and gift shops, jewellers, fashion retailers to restaurants, cinemas and banking facilities.

Situated only minutes from Durban adjacent to the N3 near Westville the Pavilion offers ample parking and state of the art security.

Open 7 days a week (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday) the Heritage market offers a relaxing alternative to mall mania. There is a wide range of shops available ranging from boutiques and hair dressers to health products/natural remedies and esoteric crystals as well as numerous outdoor markets.

There is also a wide range of entertainment available including restaurants and coffee shops, regular live music, a 240 seat theatre and a massive indoor children's play area.

Located just off the M13(exit 28) there is ample free parking.

Opened in April 2005 this custom built 240 seater supper theatre was constructed as part of an extension to the Hillcrest Heritage market. The theatre is managed by Gary McKenzie who started and successfully ran the Langoustine Theatre By The Sea for 5 years. The decor has been described as a mixture of old time music hall and Moulin Rouge with classic and high tech elements thrown in.

The theatre is open six nights a week offering a wide range of events including a programme of one off events ranging from comedy to recitals on select Monday evenings put together by Sue Clarence an established theatre producer and festival manager who has in the past run both the Hilton and Kearnsney festivals.

Situated in Hillcrest the Camelot country club estate is primarily a residential area regarded by many property experts to be Durban's best such area. The country club when complete will offer a wide range of health, leisure and recreational facilities.  Wining and dining opportunities already include Greensleeves Medieval Restaurant and the Tudor Rose Pub and Tavern with two further restaurants Excalibur and Alfresco coming soon.

The 18 hole golf course which is all ready open is set amongst superb scenery with many lakes and streams and was designed by Hugh Baiocchi who regards it as one of the most attractive course in the world. With a par of 72 the course is 5900m in length consisting of 4 x par 5's, 10 x par 4's and 4 x par 3's.

This beautiful residential golf estate is nestled in the rolling landscape of Hillcrest just 5km from the Hillcrest shopping centre and 35km from Durban.

Apart from the fabulous 18 hole championship golf course there are many other amenities planned. The superb 'lifestyle centre' will have 3 clay tennis courts, 2 squash courts, an indoor pool and a sports centre containing the latest equipment and clothing. There will also be a 'wellness centre' offering an extensive range of treatments, including holistic options and a spa, available from professional therapists. For the outdoor enthusiasts a lodge and equestrian and walking trails throughout the magnificent forest areas are also planned.

Easily accessible from the N3 Durban to Pietermaritzburg freeway Kloof Country Club is situated in the beautiful verdant hills of the mist belt of Kloof.

The 18 hole golf course is regarded as one of Natal's finest with each hole having a unique character  guaranteeing a challenge to even the most experienced golfers. There is a conveniently situated "halfway house" offering a good selection of food and drink and a well stocked pro shop.

The non golfer is also catered for with both  squash and tennis clubs. A programme of indigenous tree planting throughout the grounds have helped to attract a good variety of birdlife making the area popular with bird watchers.