Kwambonambi, Zululand

Lying inland of Richards Bay in a north westernly direction, Kwambonambi, or Kwa Mbonambi as it's sometimes written, is situated part way between Empangeni and St Lucia on the N2 that passes through these nothern reaches of KwaZulu-Natal.

Meaning 'place where the Chiefs gather', Kwambonambi is, apart from being a rural village, the site of the huge mining giant Richards Bay Minerals, and other giant corporations Sappi and Mondi are also very much present, which gives one an indication of the number of pine plantations in evidence in this part of the country.

That aside, this part of the world is the playground of eco tourists. North coast beaches up this end of the coast, virtually on the Mozambiquean border, are spectacular whilst major outdoor attractions like the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site, are on your doorstep. Most accommodation around Kwambonambi takes the form of lodges and game farms, and the typical humidity of the region gives rise to a picture of truly scenic beauty that encompasses indigenous forests, mangrove swamps, lagoons, rolling hills and green/blue seas.

You are in the heart of Zululand here and a visit to Zulu villages on an ox wagon, the battle field of Ulundi, and a detour to the Emakhosini Valley where a number of Zulu kings lie buried, combine to make a holiday here one to remember. Drive through Kwambonambi and stop at a spaza shop, a traditional medicine shop, or scan the myriad market stalls where bright materials and skirts from Mozambique dominate the scene. But most of all feel the spirit of the Zulu Kingdom and the accompanying heat of this spectacular part of the country.