Merensee, Zululand

Meerensee, sometimes spelt Meer en See, is a pretty, upmarket suburban area that lies on the edge of Richards Bay Harbour between Alkantstrand, the local beach, and an inland lake. Hence its name - Meer en See - Lake and Sea. Include in the already attractive package a golf estate in the vicinity, and the promise of peace and quiet, and you can see why a stay here might be attractive.

Across on the other side of the lake are an arboretum and neighbourhoods aptly called Bird Wood and Veld En Vlei - named for the predominance of green space, and abundance of trees. All around here the bird life is spectacular and it is not surprising if you consider the subtropical vegetation that dominates this part of Richards Bay, despite the development, and the numerous trees that allow for the element of bird song.

Drive along Dune Route and you will get a real sense of typical seafront vegetation. As you make your way further down this stretch of road, closer to Kostertkring, you will start to see the full extent of the vegetation that surrounds the homes here.

Richards Bay is regarded as something of a hub from which to explore Zululand and, as a result, it is brimming over with everything visitors demand from their stay here - big chain stores, chain restaurants, movie houses and more. But it also provides shark protected beaches, great fishing spots, deep sea charters that operate from the nearby harbour, and great time out for families with children. Nearby are game parks, bird sanctuaries and the odd crocodile farm. If it's a true sense of Zululand you are after, this is a good place to base yourself.