Location: South Africa

Beyond the Bendigo resorts the road passes Banana Beach, Melville and Pumula before reaching Umzumbe at the mouth of the river by the same name which means the bad, dangerous or winding one.

* Some 10km from Umzumbe lies what is perhaps the most famous isivivane (lucky heap of pebbles), in the country.  Legend has it that the area around the Mzumbe River once was the stronghold of a Hlongwa band of cannibals.  One fine day in 1828 they were overrun by Shaka, great warrior-king of the Zulu, who was personaly leading his armies south on a raid into Pondoland and Transkei.  Many Hlongwa were killed and several of their villages destroyed.

Resuming their march, Shaka and his impis reached a ridge overlooking the valley of the KwaMalukaak River, a tributary of the Mzumbe.  At this spot Shaka decided to ask the spirits of his forefathers for their blessing o his venture by carrying out an ancient Zulu custom.  He picked up a pebble witht he toes of his left foot, transferred it to his right hand, spat on it, murmured a prayer and then placed it on the ground.  One by one the impis repeated the ritual and built a large moud of supplicatory pebbles.  The pile is still intact next to a remote path which rises and falls on its serpentine way through several valleys.

Accommodation in and around South Africa

White Elephant Safari Lodge    accommodation in South Africa
At the foot of the majestic Lebombo mountains and shimmering waters of Lake Jozini, you will find a special destination called White Elephant Safari Lodge. It is a place with magic and soul inspired by a dream and created with passion. Classic coloni... More

Bushwillow    accommodation in South Africa
Description & Location:Bushwillow is a stylish, unique bush lodge, situated in 170 hectares of beautiful indigenous sand forest. The lodge is fully serviced and offers a bush experience where the only disturbance will be that of the game visiting... More

Savanna Private Game Reserve    accommodation in South Africa
The Executive and Luxury tented suites combine the romance of a tented roof, with the sophistication of a permanent structure that ensures luxury and privacy. The Savanna Suite is a traditional thatch roofed building designed to offer high levels of ... More

Thula Thula Private Game Reserve and Safari Lodge    accommodation in South Africa
Welcome to the oldest Private Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal! Thula Thula, family owned and operated, is situated in Zululand, only 40 minutes from Richards Bay harbour and airport, 45 min from Umfolosi game reserve - Cengeni Gate and less than 2 hour... More

Pakamisa Private Game Reserve    accommodation in South Africa
Pakamisa - the name in Zulu means "to lift up" and we assure our guests that their spirits will soar in this African Shangri-La. We offer discerning v... More

Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve    accommodation in South Africa
Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game ReserveAt Areena, there is always something for everyoneIdeal for family getaways Areena Riverside Resort & Private Game Reserve is situated 23km from East London on the Wild Coast, along the banks ... More

Elephant Rock - Private Safari Lodge    accommodation in South Africa
Superbly sited overlooking a waterhole, Elephant Rock is a charming boutique safari lodge offering luxury accommodation for up to 10 people. Experience a home-away-from-home true bush lodge experience for the entire family including extraordinary gam... More

Bushlands Game Lodge    accommodation in South Africa
Within 300 acres of bush and game and 300,000 acres of National Parks, you will find Bushlands Game Lodge. Bushlands offers fully air-conditioned, en-suite accommodation that blend seamlessly with the African Bush and is connected by raised wooden w... More

Leopard Mountain Game Lodge    accommodation in South Africa
Winner of the 2001, 2002 and 2003 and Hall of Fame for 2004 and 2005 in the AA Travel Guides Accommodation awards for Game & Nature ReservesLeopard Mountain Game Lodge is the ideal getaway where everybody from the old to young will enjoy a fascin... More

iZapa Bush & Game Lodge    accommodation in South Africa
The iZapa Game and Bush Lodge is nestled in the Bobbejaansberg mountains just an hour's drive from Johannesburg. The area is Malaria-free, but that doesn't mean it's not wild. Giraffe, antelope and baboon ro... More

Makakatana Bay Lodge    accommodation in South Africa
Makakatana Bay Lodge offers visitors an unforgettable KwaZulu Natal wildlife safari experience with its luxury game viewing rooms and excellent service. Guests are accommodated in 6 bright and spacious rooms. Three luxury game viewing rooms are se... More

Leadwood Lodge - TALA Private Game Reserve    accommodation in South Africa
Built by a team of artisans with locally sourced shale, Leadwood Lodge combines exceptional architecture, towering thatch and resplendent finishes against a backdrop of breathtaking natural beauty. Leadwood is the residence and dream home of the rese... More

Tillietudlem Game & Trout Lodge    accommodation in South Africa
Tilletudlem is renowned for its tranquility and beauty. Situated in the beautiful Dargle region of the Midlands, whether you are here to fly fish on one of our magnificent dams, walk the mountains or simply let us spoil you with excellent cuisine and... More

Bayete Zulu Game Lodge    accommodation in South Africa
“Bayete” There is a place where special things happen. Being one of the most densely stocked reserves in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, a drive with one of our knowledgeable field drivers is guaranteed to be a... More

Sibuya Game Reserve    accommodation in South Africa
 After settling in to the accommodation.  Luxury ensuite tents on raised wooden decks- guests are able to map out their own programme with their guide. Our camps, with only 4 tents in our River Camp and 8 in our Forest Camp, result in an ex... More




Directory of accommodation in South Africa