Ilanga Travel explores the Dolphin Coast & the Wild Coast

Elisa travels to Durban for us…

May is Indaba time and most of the tourism industry flocks to Durban for the biggest tourism show in South Africa. I also flew to Durban from Cape Town but used the time to look at a few properties in our portfolio which I would like to present to you in our Newsletter:

The Vineyard on Ballito

Like the name gives it away – this beautiful 3 star guest house has the charm of the winelands, with dark wooden furniture, Persian carpets over tiled flooring and distant sea views from the rooms on the upper floor.

It is about a 20 minute walk down to the closest beach. The guest house itself offers a small swimming pool, a breakfast room and communal areas to sit & relax. The property is very child friendly and offers secure parking as well.

Just 25 minutes from King Shaka Airport.

Price wise, we are looking at ZAR 3,060.00 rack rate for 2 guests including breakfast for one of their sea facing rooms.

 

Petite Provence (in Salt Rock)

If you are looking for the Provence in France, then you are at the right place. The French charm greets you at the door already with a beautiful big garden and swimming pool. One does not have sea views from this property but the lush greens around makes you forget about the ocean. The rooms are beautifully decorated and can even accommodate 3 adults or families.

The drive to King Shaka Airport is also about 25 minutes and a Luxury Suite (which I would recommend) costs about ZAR 2,440.00 rack rate for 2 guests including breakfast.

 

Sea-rendipity (in Salt Rock)

The “new” kid on the block! Recently taken over by new owners – a mother & daughter team – who are currently renovating the old Saffron House. It looks very promising – family friendly with a nice size swimming pool and 2 dogs that welcome you upon arrival. They can even prepare dinner upon request or you can use the braai facilities if you wish.

One can also easily walk to the beach from here (no sea views from the property) or the nearby restaurants.

It is about a 25 minute drive to King Shaka Airport and from a price point, we are looking at ZAR 2,244.00 rack rate for 2 guests including breakfast for a Standard Room.

 

The Canelands Beach Club (in Shaka’s Rock)

This beautiful property is situated directly by the ocean with a gorgeous Olympic length pool stretched across the front of the property. Make sure to book a sea facing room to get the best out of this product, but be careful as some rooms have open plan bathrooms. The main areas have been recently refurbished and look amazing with neutral colours, a water feature and green plants. Canelands offers lunch and dinner for in-house guests as well as visitors.

It will also take you about 25 minutes to drive to King Shaka Airport and a Superior Sea Facing Room will cost about ZAR 5,600.00 rack rate for 2 guests including breakfast.

 

Teremok Marine (in Umhlanga Rocks)

This was my little highlight – an absolute gem – hidden in a lush garden, surrounded by trees and stunning vegetation. The property has 8 individually decorated rooms, using bright and funky colours such as pink, green and purple. Some rooms have a sea view and / or balcony and from the rooms on the top floor you can see the ocean in the distance. The Milkwood Room was my personal favourite.

Teremok offers an airport shuttle service and transfers to near-by restaurants. They also have an incredible Spa and curio shop. Unfortunately, no kids allowed – but perfect for couples and honeymooners!

King Shaka Airport is a 20 minute drive away and a Standard Room will cost you ZAR 5,500.00 rack rate for 2 guests including breakfast.

NEW PRODUCT ALERT!!!

Gwe Gwe Beach Lodge (in Mkambati Nature Reserve)

After Indaba, I left on a 2 hour road trip to Port Edward. I was part of a group with other small DMC’s and together we were hosted by this new product from Natural Selection – Gwe Gwe Beach Lodge.

Once we arrived in Port Edward, we embarked on a 75 minute  boat ride adventure along the coastline of the Wild Coast, towards Mkambati Nature Reserve. En-route we even spotted some whales jumping in the ocean and stopped at one of the many beautiful waterfalls in the reserve.

Upon arrival we were greeted by the local ladies singing and offering drinks by the beach. We were then shown through the main area of the lodge, and of course to our stunning rooms.

The rooms are all facing the ocean with beautiful views. One must remember that due to the location there is no sunset over the ocean but the most amazing sunrises.

There are 2 Deluxe Suites; all in the front row and 2 Family Suites set a bit further back but still facing towards the ocean. The family suites offer 2 bedrooms, both en-suite but the 2nd room is a bit smaller.

Children of all ages are welcome. Gwe Gwe even has a kids club called Riverside where all the activities start from. Riverside offers a pizza oven and a bar (for adults!) and also has some relaxing areas to complete the kids club.

Activities that are on offer are: guided cycling, nature drives, kayaking, marine & botany walks as well as birding.

On your own you can enjoy some canoeing, SUP, picnics, snorkelling or swimming in the ocean. On the reserve one can also find a few animals such as zebras, red hartebeest and eland.

Gwe Gwe Beach Lodge offers a gym and a Forest Spa as well. All rooms have a private plunge pool (there is no communal pool), an outside sitting area, open plan bathroom with separate toilet, and inside and outside shower. The rooms are very spacious and have most amenities that one needs.

I was lucky to experience most of the activities that are on offer and spend 3 fun filled days at Gwe Gwe Beach Lodge. It is a true paradise – far away from anything – it gives you time to think & relax, but also be active at the same time!

Our departure was in a light aircraft from their own airstrip (just a 5 minute drive from the lodge) back to Durban’s Virginia airport which took about 45 minutes with stunning views over the sea and coastline. From there we had an airport transfer back to King Shaka which took about 20 minutes.

Another possibility to get to Gwe Gwe is a 25 minute helicopter ride from Margate Airport which is a 2 hour drive from King Shaka Airport.

Please ask us for the best way for your clients to get to and from  Gwe Gwe Beach Lodge.

To end off – a kind reminder from us, Indaba is a worthwhile show to visit as a buyer – it is a proudly South African show and is back to its former glory!

We would be happy to plan your pre- and / or post trips for next year if you like.

Your Ilanga Travel Team!