Where to stay when in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Where to Stay When in Kwa-Zulu Natal

Much has been written about all the amazing vacation experiences that await travellers to the warm climate and colourful cultures of Kwa-Zulu Natal. Activities abound here and there are so many places to go to that it is hard to choose.

It is also a tough choice to make when it comes to where to stay, as the accommodation offerings are numerous. We don’t suggest B and Bs or Airbnb’s as you never really know what you are going to get, so rather stick to well-known, respected names and the ANEW group, for example, has just such a stable of excellent establishments situated in the best places to visit when travelling to Kwa-Zulu Natal. Here are some suggestions then of places to visit and places to stay…

Mountains in the Midlands

If you are coming to Kwa-Zulu Natal from the North (usually Johannesburg) by road, we suggest that you book a stop off when you get to the Natal midlands and veer off to experience one of this province’s greatest attractions – The Drakensberg mountains.

Nestled within the dramatic amphitheatre of the mountains of northern Drakensberg, ANEW Resort Vulintaba is a picturesque country escape near Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal, which is on the northern route. Experience the raw natural beauty of the surrounding landscape during your stay, take great hikes and enjoy the ambience that only the fresh air and cosy fires of the mountains can bring.

The Great Race Resort

Many people come to Kwa-Zulu Natal to watch or participate in one of the world’s greatest road running marathons – the Comrades Marathon, run between Pietermaritzburg and Durban.

Whilst there you can experience old-world charm in the Pietermaritzburg Midlands during your stay at the ANEW Hotel Hilton. Situated right on the doorstep of the Midlands Meander, this hotel, like the great race, combines traditions of days gone by with highly rated friendly and efficient service.

This is a great place to also use as your base camp for visits to Durban City and its great beaches and family fun activities as it is very close by. You could say ‘’you can run there!’’

Sea, Sand, and Nature at its Best

If you arrive by plane and you are more of a sea creature and a beachcomber then close to the local airport you will find excellent accommodation in your dream destination on the wild shores of Zinkwazi’s Beach.

Here is ANEW Hotel Ocean Reef, a fully-equipped, ultra-comfortable 4-star hotel in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most nature-rich locations. There is ample opportunity to reconnect with yourself while you stay just a pebble’s throw from both the beach and the bush. What an idyllic combination!

Hit The Coastal Road

From there you may want to explore the south coastal road, teeming with beautiful little villages and colourful coastal resorts. Along this route, Less than three hours from Durban and just an hour away from Port Shepstone, at the foot of the impressive Ngele Mountain range in KwaZulu-Natal’s Kokstad is ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest.

Surrounded by indigenous forests that seem to have no end, this resort between Harding & Kokstad is a blissfully peaceful retreat in one of South Africa’s most memorable destinations.

Or Go Wild!

Alternatively, you can head north and start your search for the iconic ‘Big Five’’ in one of South Africa’s most famed wildlife preservation areas – Hluhluwe Game Park! So popular is this destination that two ANEW group oases can be found here.

Visitors to our Hluhluwe Hotel commonly get to see the Big Five in their natural habitat, unperturbed by your presence, and experience the untamed wonders of an unforgettable bush safari in KwaZulu-Natal’s magnificent wildlands.

We customise your stay to suit your budget and so we also offer a self-catering option with all of the comforts of luxury accommodation, ANEW Lodge Hluhluwe includes five separate bedrooms, each furnished with its own en-suite bathroom and air conditioner.

Perfect for a family travelling together, the lodge provides a home away from home beside Africa’s oldest game reserve. Let our professional staff tend to your needs while you put on your explorer’s hat and head out to get up close and personal with our proudest heritage – our wildlife!