Ixopo, named after the sound of the cow's hooves pulling through the mud, is a town surrounded by beautiful rolling green hills made famous by Alan Paton in his book "Cry, the Beloved Country" - Come and discover the secrets of this little known region, the fresh air, the sweeping vistas, and...
Drive 30 minutes from Ixopo (R56 East) on mostly dirt road (ask if 2x accessible). Come just to view the gorge and walk around, wilderness in an otherwise agricultural area or stay the night and do the day hike through the gorge to the village and learn about the environment and the community’s efforts in the area, hunting also available, Contact: Neil Camp 082.844.5552
3-4 hours, Daylight hours. Drive 30 minutes from Ixopo (R612 North) on tar and dirt roads, well sign posted. Enter resort gate as day visitor and go to reception where they’ll give you a key and map. The walk is a moderate downhill to the falls and then back up again taking about 1 hour return. There are other trails if you prefer a longer hike. Also enjoy the restaurant, bar, pool table, swimming pool, and more, find out here on the website
A Community NGO outside of Ixopo. Call and ask if they have time to show you around and what they do. They have some crafts they sell or maybe you could even get involved with current activities
The train from Ixopo to Carisbrooke runs occasionally, enquire for times - Julian Pereira 0823741417 kznrail@futurenet.co.za It is also a great place to walk as it is level and mostly clear. From Ixopo Station it is about 8km to Carisbrooke Station but you can turn back any time. Take safety precautions when walking.
5 minutes from Ixopo crossroads (R612 South) on good roads, King’s Grant offers an old mill (in working order - phone ahead if you want more information), museum, and chapel as well as beautiful gardens; talk a walk to the old brickfields; good restaurant; if you like church buildings stop and see the old St Mary’s seminary on the way, visit their website here
On the R612 heading towards Umzimto is a plateau looking out over a wide area of rolling hills. It is said to have been Shaka's lookout point when he was traveling with his cattle. Stop off at Hlutankungu B&B for a coffee, rest stop, or call ahead and try to arrange a hike
A private game ranch outside of Highflats maybe 30 minutes from Ixopo (R612 South) on tar and dirt roads offering hunting and photo safaris (they don’t hunt from vehicles so the vehicles can get quite close to the animals), visit their website here
Lala Khona Lodge will prepare a traditional meal in a restaurant setting in Umzimkulu (~R150/p - can request certain menu items)
Marley's Shisanyama and Bar in Ixopo for sizzling meat on a fire and a cold beer
For Biltong, Sheep or Wild Pig on a spit or butchery in Ixopo contact Nartjie- 082.499.0251
Trappist-built missions abound in the area with an intriguing story behind them which can be found in this documentary about the Trappist Trail or go for a visit and meet the smiling faces who are no longer Trappists but keep these rural missions running. Missions in this Trappist network include: Marianhill in Pinetown, Mariathal in Ixopo, Emaus and Lourdes outside of Umzimkulu, Reichenau in Underberg and Centocow Mission set on a hillside outside of Creighton. At Centocow the older church has been renovated into the Gerard Bhengu Art Gallery showcasing the local artist's life and work. Regular opening times coming soon - phone in advance to arrange with PMB Museum Services, Curator – 033.341.9900 OR Ingwe Municipality, Dudley Smith – 079.495.6434
Known for the mountain area's ideal winds this is a renowned paragliding location if you feel like you want to take flight! Otherwise swing a visit off the main road to the Yellow Wood Church, check if the walking trails are open at Marutswa Forest or pull in to the Nip Inn Pub and Grub for a relaxed afternoon.
A challenging 4x4 drive through no-man's land up into the Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho - a breathtaking experience and sure to be different when they pave the road so now's the time to go! Bring your passport and lunch money for the Highest Pub in Africa. If you are not keen on trying the drive or don't have 4x4 stop in Underberg or Himeville where there are plenty of guides who will take you up (for a fee of course!).
A small reserve perfect for a picnic and a walk on the wild side. They have walking trails throughout the reserve to view animals on foot. The reserve is part of the EKZN network.
Visit the site where Nelson Mandela last set foot as a free man before is 27-year incarceration and join his Long Walk to Freedom. A new building is going up at The Capture Site but in the meantime you can visit the displays and the striking monument outside Howick. Also check out the Midlands Meander for arts, crafts, shopping, gifts, restaurants, and so much more!
Tala Valley Nature Reserve outside Eston is between Ixopo, Pietermaritzburg and Durban making it ideally situated for a relaxing self-drive for up close game viewing. Restaurant, lodging, guided game drives and more also available.
Stretches of beautiful beaches with plenty of modern amenities nearby, the south coast doesn't disappoint. Some beaches can get crowded, especially in holiday season but seek out the hidden gems such as Umzumbe or another Blue Flag Beach