Zulu Route Newsletter

• The Zulu Route is a collection of properties marketing themselves on a series of routes or itineraries in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
• It’s a bit like the popular “Garden Route” in the Cape, but with a Zulu twist!
• Highlights include numerous game reserves, the Drakensberg Mountains, sandy white beaches, world-class dive spots, historical Battlefields and an eclectic mix of Zulu/Indian/Western culture runs throughout.
• The collection is focused around an interactive map designed to help both consumers and travel planners package up some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most authentic African experiences, properties and attractions.
• It encourages visitors to explore a little off the beaten track by putting both popular and little known gems ON THE MAP – both literally and figuratively!
• It equips users with the confidence and tools to either create an itinerary from scratch – or simply select one of the “ready to go” itineraries suggested – from an action packaged affordable family-friendly holiday to a “no expense spared” luxury honeymoon.  
• Would-be visitors can book direct - or print off their ideal itinerary for their travel agent to package up with flights and car hire - with all the assurances, insurances and peace of mind that booking through an expert brings.  
• A list of KwaZulu-Natal specialists will be added shortly plus a fun quiz to test your knowledge!

The Zulu Route has grown steadily in 2013 with The Cavern, Thula Thula Private Game Reserve, Tembe Elephant Park and Umkhumbi Lodge joining as new members. Other member properties that we are very proud to showcase include Ghost Mountain Inn, Cathedral Peak Hotel, Fordoun Spa, Isandlwana Lodge, Pakamisa Game Reserve and Amakhosi Safari Lodge.

Below is some of our news from the ground!

THULA THULA

Thula Thula is proud to be the first privately owned game reserve in KwaZulu-Natal to take the unprecedented step of infusing their rhinos’ horns to protect their two baby orphans Thabo and Nthombi from poaching. The procedure was carried out by the reserve’s wildlife consultant and vet on 29th October and it is hoped that this, together with their 24-hour armed guard will protect them and any future orphans that the Thula Thula Rhino Sanctuary will rescue. Rhino horn infusion is a sustainable, cost effective proactive solution which lasts 7 years. The indelible dye helps identify contraband at airport security points and also warns would be consumers that if they ingest the Ectoparasiticide it will cause serious illness, including severe diarrhoea, nausea & in extreme cases convulsions & nerve disorder.

AMAKHOSI SAFARI LODGE

Amakhosi will be unveiling its brand new infinity swimming pool and River Spa on 1 November 2013, complete with outside treatment room on stilts overlooking the Mkuze river. The spa uses the natural, eco-friendly Africology product range spa offerings which are inspired by the wisdom of Africa’s traditional healers. Half and full day packages are available including the “Twilight Package” which includes a romantic massage for two at sundown followed by a candlelit meal on the deck under the stars. There’s also a fully equipped gym for those who like to exercise amidst all the good food, fine wines and pampering without being eaten by local wildlife!

THE CAVERN

A very popular full board family resort in the Drakensberg, adjacent to the Amphitheatre World Heritage Site. Offers daily guided hikes and horse rides into the wilderness with spectacular views of the surrounding valleys, forests and mountainside. Guided walks offered on the Tugela Gorge Trail and the Amphitheatre ascent. The Forest Retreat Spa is not to be missed! They have a “Tots special offer” on for families wanting to get away before Christmas and kids under 5 pay just 10%! It also includes a treatment at the Forest Retreat Spa for Mum and a choice for the children of a pony ride or having their nails painted in the spa with Mum. Rates from around £139 per person sharing including all meals and guided hikes.

UMKHUMBI LODGE

Umkhumbi Lodge is deluxe bush lodge set on a private nature reserve near the safari hub of Hluhluwe. With easy access to both bush and beach it’s an ideal base for families and small groups to explore and experience a wide range of activities.

• Umkhumbi is offering a series of 3 Photographic Workshops with well-known Roger and Pat de la Harpe running between 23 – 27 November 2013, 27 – 31 January 2014 and 3 – 7 March 2014. It costs R9 500-00 (about £585) per person sharing including 2 nights at Umkhumbi Lodge and 2 nights at White Elephant Lodge including brunch, dinner, teas and coffees and comprehensive course notes.

Umkhumbi also has a "kids under 12 stay for free" special running until November 2014

ISANDLWANA LODGE

• Isandlwana Lodge is immensely proud and delighted to have been voted Best Boutique Hotel with 20 rooms or less in the recent SATOA Awards in London.

• There was also huge excitement when a rare Southern Bald Ibis was spotted recently at Isandlwana Lodge. This bird is on the Vulnerable list as it occurs only in a small of Africa - on our doorstep! Other sightings that will have birders twitching are the Blue Crane and Lesser Black-winged Lapwing.

GHOST MOUNTAIN INN

New Family Bush Break package announced

Take the whole family for a fun filled bush break at the Ghost Mountain Inn in Zululand. Treat yourselves and the little ones with packages from R2,430 (About £149) per person sharing, including:

* Accommodation for three nights with breakfast.

* Kids under 11 STAY FREE when sharing with parents.

* A boat cruise on Lake Jozini

* Welcome fruit bowl in room on arrival

* A special kids amenity

* 15% off Safaris, Spa Treatments and Laundry Services

A wide range of activities is on offer for kids including grubby bug walks, learning Zulu crafts, nature treasure hunts, fishing and pizza making. Older children will love canoeing, nature walks, navigation skills and learning how to cook on a camp fire and identify the stars!

TEMBE ELEPHANT PARK

We are delighted that the popular Ellie cam at Tembe can now be viewed on the Zulu route Website! The ellie cam takes you from your desk anywhere in the world to a front row seat at Mahlasela Pan in one of KwaZulu-Natal’s wildest and most beautiful Big Five game reserves with a click of your mouse! Access it from http://www.zuluroute.co.za/Hotels/Tembe-Elephant-Park# or http://www.tembe.co.za/webcam.htm and be sure to have a browse through their online guest book too to read the amazing reviews that will have you checking your diary to book your visit to this fantastic tented camp too!

PAKAMISA GAME RESERVE

Pakamisa - in Zulu means "to lift up" for their aim is to lift guests’ spirits in this African Shangri-La. Eight spacious, tastefully-decorated suites offer the highest standards for comfort and complete relaxation. The views are to die for! The service impeccable. But what really sets this place apart is the opportunity to explore its pristine malaria free wilderness area of some 2500 hectares on horseback. The wildlife seem to accept you as part of nature when in the saddle - allowing you to get up close and personal with animals such as giraffe, zebra, waterbuck, wildebeest, hartebeest, warthog, monkeys, antelope and birds.

CATHEDRAL PEAK HOTEL

What could be more relaxing than lounging around this pool in the middle of KwaZulu-Natal’s World Heritage Site of the “UKhahlamba” Drakensberg Mountains?

And with Cathedral Peak Hotel’s great Summer Special 2013, you can enjoy fantastic value for money:  Valid from 1st November to 19th December 2013

Stay 3 or 4 nights and receive 15% discount

Stay 5 or more and receive 20% discount

Play Unlimited FREE golf. FREE pony ride for each child

Mum receives a FREE gift on arrival

FORDOUN HOTEL & SPA

Some great feedback from TripAdvisor from one of our operators: "Fordoun is probably the best place to stay in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. The rooms are very comfortable and in fact five new ones have recently been added. Food is excellent and the owners and staff are there to welcome you. Superb spa. Hotel set in beautiful countryside with views of the Drakensberg. Wifi good. Very comfortable place to stay when travelling in the Midlands or en route between Johannesburg and Durban."

Fordoun has its very own Inyanga/Sangoma Dr Elliot Ndlovu who offers consultations with an African twist in addition to its world class spa facilities!

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For more information please email claire@zuluroute.co.uk or call +44 (0)1403 243619.

Please visit, follow and like us too! www.zuluroute.com / @ZuluRoute / www.fb.com/ZuluRoute.

Links to all hotels are on the website www.zuluroute.com.

Claire Roadley
PR & Social Media Manager
Tel: 44 (0)1403 243619
claire@zuluroute.co.uk
http://www.zuluroute.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/ZuluRoute
http://www.facebook.com/ZuluRoute

Ethos Marketing is the UK Sales, Marketing and PR office for luxury hotels and game lodges in Southern and East Africa.

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