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KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal, in eastern South Africa, is a spectacular region that showcases a microcosm of what makes South Africa such an incredibly diverse, eclectic and rewarding place to visit, and with two UNESCO sites, this area is a must for your bucket list.

Firstly, there's the pristine shoreline of the Elephant Coast, north of the Tugela River, where miles of breathtakingly isolated and laid-back beaches meet the bright blue of the Indian Ocean. Hidden beneath its clear-as-glass waters are colourful coral gardens sparkling like gems, inhabited by turtles, rays and tropical fish - an ideal location for fabulous snorkelling and scuba diving. The sub-tropical climate ensures hot sun and warm seas all year round making this the perfect destination to travel to at any time of year. The added bonus is that there are now direct flights from London to Durban – and with no jet lag, you can be on the beach by midday!

KwaZulu-Natal is steeped in history and is one of the best places to delve into Africa's ancestral traditions and Anglo-Boer War history. Explore the heart of Zululand, the Zulu Kingdom around Eshowe, where the people are fiercely proud of their culture, and the historic intrigue of the Battlefields. It was here where the British fought several battles against the Zulu people in the 1800’s and where Nelson Mandela was finally captured by the Apartheid Government, before being sentenced to 27 years in prison on Robben Island in the Western Cape.

Where flat, dry savannahs are fringed by the remarkable Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, KwaZulu-Natal is a hiker's dream; staggering views over craggy escarpments and rugged peaks (some of the highest in Southern Africa), crystal clear waterfalls and thick, lush forests. One can also explore on horse riding and cycle trails, and for the dare devils, adventures ooze adrenaline with abseiling and zip lining on offer.

With a such a diversity of culture, one can experience a plethora of exciting local and international culinary delights, as well as a vibrant scene of traditional and contemporary music, dance, art and architecture, and street scenes are teeming with African life and markets. Throw in a Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino) game spotting experience at the renowned Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, world famous for the preservation of Africa’s white rhino populations, to complete your perfect adventure.

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A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.
John Steinbeck

Client Testimonials

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma
Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India
We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India
Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India
Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines
Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India
So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka
I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India
Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India
I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India
Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka
I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India
Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India
We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket
Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland
I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

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