Your KZN winter holiday guide

A few weeks ago, we asked you for your recommendations, suggestions and ideas on how best to spend the winter holidays in KwaZulu-Natal. 

We were inundated with some wonderful advice and tips on places that shouldn’t be missed out on. (Interestingly, most East Coasters seem to love the Berg at this time of year!)

After much deliberation, here are our top 10 winter holiday ideas for our province (in no particular order).  

1.    Snow searching in the Midlands
"My wife and I love to take our boys "snow searching"! Kitted out in our winter gear we drive to the Midlands and make plenty of stops along the way. Chocolate Heaven in Rosetta , Fort Nottingham Museum, Howick Falls, The Nelson Mandela Capture Site, etc. It is always fun and memorable for us. Even if we don't always find snow (but definitely better when we do!), we have a blast together taking in KZN. Such beautiful landscapes we have! Everyone should take a trip to the Midlands in winter and appreciate what KZN has to offer." - Wesley

(Above: Midlands snow. Photo: Kath Fourie) 

2.    South Coast camping for all ages
"We are both over 60 years of age and have camped at Mac Nicol’s caravan park  at Bazley Beach on the South Coast for a number of years. We would recommend this venue for all families as the Mac Nicol family have soooo much planned for adults and children alike. Vetkoek and pancake evenings to die for. The camp is very safe for children and close to the beach." - Carolyn

3.   Camp the Royal Natal National Park in July
"Camping at the Mahai campsite in Royal Natal National Park in July. During the day it is sunny and crisp, perfect for hiking, but the nights are so cold that the campsite is empty except for the bravest campers. Wrapped in scarves, beanies and gloves there is nothing better than enjoying a cup of hot chocolate and toasting marshmallows around the campfire and then snuggling under a warm duvet." - Robyn

(Above: Hiking the Royal Natal National Park. Photo: Gallo Images) 

4.    Walk Durban’s Golden Mile
"A brisk winter walk along our amazing beachfront promenade on a blue skied and sunny winter’s day - where else in the world can you enjoy such glorious weather during the often dreaded winter months?" - Manuela

*If walking is not your thing, you could cycle. More details on Durban beachfront cycle tours here. Or you could just hire a bike (and grab a coffee while you’re at it) from beachfront establishment, Bike &  Bean Durban. 

(Above: The best place for a winter's day walk or cycle. Photo: Prakash Bhikha) 

5.    Try St Lucia 
"St Lucia has so many options for accommodation. A drive through the Isimangaliso Reserve  to Cape Vidal is a must while you are there. There is so much to see and do in the area. The Boardwalk in St Lucia is great for bird lovers and the hippos and crocs are viewed close-up and safely from the walkway. A boat trip up the estuary, fishing, swimming or long walks on the beautiful clean beach.  There are also lots of restaurants to eat out. Altogether a lovely choice for adults and children." - Patricia 

(Above: iSiMangaliso Wetland Park. Photo: Gallo Images) 

6.    High adventure in the Karkloof
"My family and I love going to do the Karkloof Canopy Tour. It’s very exciting, then we stay in this farm style B&B called Thistledown Country House, the owner makes the most amazing food! Before we head home we stop at the Karkloof Falls, it’s so beautiful. A really great family getaway." - Kelly. 

*If you are a keen mountain biker, be sure to take your bike along the next time you visit the Karkloof. The area has a world-class trail network.  Also check out the Karkloof Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning from 7am, off the Karkloof road. 

(Above: Thrills on the Karkloof Canopy Tour. Photo via www.karkloofcanopytour.co.za/) 

7. Whale watching!
"Take a trip out with a registered whale watching crowd. It’s cold but the thrill of being on the ocean and so close to them is unparalleled." - Louise

*The winter months are a good time to see these amazing creatures in action along the KZN coastline. Make sure the company you decide to go with is commercially licensed, and don’t forget your camera! 

8.    Train trip!
"Take a trip on Umgeni Steam Railway. The train journey is from Kloof station to Inchanga station. At the station there are craft markets, picnic areas and pony rides." - Roland. 

* Trains run from Kloof Station to and from Inchanga Station on the last Sunday of each month. The line was built in the late 1800s and is one of the oldest active railway lines in South Africa today. While you are at Inchanga you can also visit the Inchanga Tea Garden and Museum. They also offer personalised tours of the museum and the railway yard. Find out more here.  

(Photo via: Facebook.com/UmgeniSteamRailway ) 

9. Making the most of the South Coast
"We LOVE going down to the South Coast and staying at Summers Place in Shelly Beach where we are close to all the major malls for some long awaited movie time. Then we love the early morning boat launches at the boat club. We also really like Wild Waves at Wild Coast Sun where we always find something to do for the whole family. If you are active like we are, the Stander family are always welcoming at the Burry Stander Bike Park where they have beautiful trails for all to enjoy. (The park is at Bali Hai Farm, St Faiths Road, Umtentweni) Lastly we always try to catch some crayfish for the family. We LOVE the South Coast in KZN." - Pieter. 

Get more info about Shelly Beach on the KZN South Coast here. 

(Above: Making the most of the South Coast. Photo: Gallo Images) 

10. Horse trails in the Berg!
"Every year in the July school holidays our supper club, consisting of four families (eight adults and 11 children) goes away for a long weekend to Khotso Horse Trails near Underberg. We stay in this rustic double story thatched log cabin overlooking the most gorgeous landscape. It is the highlight of  the year, both for the adults and especially the children! This is what memories are made of! These holidays will be told to their children and grandchildren I am sure!" - Sarah

 (Above: Khotso Horse Trails. Photo via: Facebook.com/KhotsoHorseTrialsandBackpackers)  

*Thanks to everyone for your submissions. These 10 submissions have each won a fashion voucher and a scarf, courtesy of HUB. Congrats to Pieter, who has won the grand prize of a weekend away at Champagne Sports Resort. Winners will be contacted via email.