Welcome to our “Zulu Love Letter”, bringing you good wishes across the miles plus our latest news from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. Traditionally, Zulu love letters are messages woven in beads by Zulu maidens and sent as symbols of love or affection. Each colour means something (white = purity, black = longing, green = pining and red = love). We hope it conveys to you the essence and vibrancy of this amazing province where you can pack all the best elements of South Africa into one holiday - wildlife, beaches, mountains, history, action and culture… Not to mention the best weather all year round in the country! Why KwaZulu-Natal has the -Factor when it comes to active holidays! tensive attractions Few holiday destinations in the world offer such a wide and diverse range of attractions within easy driving distance of each other. In a two week holiday in our province, it is easy to combine a big 5 safari, outdoor activities galore, relaxation, a taste of local history and culture – and a few days on the beach! clusivity and ceptional service Ethos Marketing proudly represents 6 properties in KwaZulu-Natal that compliment one another perfectly, and offer exclusivity as well as exceptional facilities and service including: Cathedral Peak Hotel in the Drakensberg Mountains, Fordoun Hotel & Spa on the Midlands Meander, Isandlwana Lodge in the Battlefields, Ghost Mountain Inn on the Elephant Coast, Amakhosi Safari Lodge a Big 5 safari experience including walking safaris in Zululand and Pakamisa Private Game Reserve , where you can enjoy a Zululand safari on horseback and soak up the scenery Click on the links above to visit our website for useful fact sheets, the latest newsletters and press releases and each property’s high res image gallery – plus an itinerary suggestion combining them all for the ultimate KZN experience! citement There can be no better thrill or sense of excitement than wrestling and catching your very own tiger fish on the breathtakingly beautiful Lake Jozini – even for non-fishermen! And nearby Ghost Mountain Inn is the ideal base for exploring the Elephant Coast! The less intrepid can choose to just relax on the boat whilst expert guides Jean, Bheki and Liam help guests spot birds, hippos and crocs on the lake – and The Big 5 game on the banks. It is simply breathtaking to be able to watch a herd of ellies on the shore drinking, swimming and playing, undisturbed by their admiring audience on the boat. Ghost Mountain recently launched their new boat Shaluza, which has an onboard bar and toilet facilities and an upper deck for even better game viewing for up to 40 people. Their small boat is also still available for more intimate outings. Ghost Mountain is also delighted to report that their new Jetty is now complete - perfect for relaxing, soaking up the beauty of the surrounding Lebombo Mountains –or just bird watching on the lake… For a full list of activities including game drives in HluhluweImfolozi and Mkhuze and birding tours, visit http://www.ghostmountaininn.co.za/zululand_safaris.htm hilaration and pansive scenery There is no better way to be “at one with Nature” than to enjoy a safari on horseback – an intoxicating mix of fresh air, adrenaline and scenery “to die for” in Zululand’s big game country… perfect for those wanting to experience unique ranch-style riding with an African twist! Pakamisa Private Game Reserve, overlooking the rolling hills and valleys of Zululand, is also home to an impressive Arabian Horse Stud and guests are encouraged to visit the stables, interact with the horses and go riding – from beginners to more advanced riders. Pakamisa also prides itself on offering a wide array of outdoor pursuits including walks, game drives, cultural tours, fishing and clay pigeon shooting. For the full list of activities available visit http://www.pakamisa.co.za/experience.html perience real culture & history Very few tourist attractions offer as authentic an experience as the Zulu Village tour offered at Isandlwana Lodge. This is not a cultural village recreated for visitors – it is a living, working rural village where the Zulu people still live in traditional huts, carry their water home in buckets on their heads, prize their livestock above all else and consult the local Sangoma for insights into the future and for herbal remedies. Visitors can become a part of remote village life with local resident and Zulu guide Dalton and encounter Zulu men, women and children who have had little or no contact with Europeans. For those keen on photography, this tour is an opportunity of a lifetime for capturing some spectacular scenery on film. Fascinating, moving, and eye-opening … an experience that will stay with you forever! Besides offering the village tour and renowned Battlefields talks by Historian Rob Gerrard FRGS, why not relive history yourself whilst getting a good workout as you retrace the path of the soldiers along the Fugitives Trail? This walk between Fugitives Drift and Isandlwana is approximately 3 hours and requires a good fitness level. At times, in the summer months, one might even have to swim the Buffalo River rather than just skip across on the rocks. It is a must for those really interested in the Battle of Isandlwana. For a full list of activities visit http://www.isandlwana.co.za pertise and that tra mile… Amakhosi Safari Lodge is fast gaining a reputation for its luxury accommodation and exceptional food and service. But it’s the expertise of its rangers and that extra mile their staff strives to go that sets a new benchmark for game experiences in South Africa! Now this is what Amakhosi call sundowners in the bush!! A far cry from crisps and cans out a cooler box!!! The photos above show the Oysters ‘n bubbly enjoyed on New Year and a recent delectable high tea, served as the sun sets on a game drive! Perhaps HRH William and Kate should consider a Zululand honeymoon with this bush experience fit for Royalty? Other news is that the Amakhosi rangers are very excited as they launched their CamTrap this month for an exciting leopard monitoring project - so we should be able to share some fantastic leopard and other nocturnal sightings with you soon. Just in the first week they spotted 3 leopards, a brown hyena and a porcupine! http://www.amakhosi.com treme action and relaxation There can be no better way to take in the awesome scenery and majesty that is the Drakensberg Mountains and a renowned World Heritage Site than from a Helicopter flight which then lands for Champagne and snacks in a fantastic lookout point! Cathedral Peak Hotel enjoys a prime location in “The Berg”, with amazing views of the famous Cathedral and bell – and offers an abundance of activities to suit both young and old. Guests can enjoy free daily guided hikes (including walks to Bushman paintings and beautiful waterfalls) or some of the 18 different selfguided walks and hikes, ranging from gentle river-side ambles suitable for the whole family to the challenging hike and climb to the summit of Cathedral Peak itself. In addition there is archery, horse and pony rides, mountain bike trails (bikes can be hired), a marked jogging route, tennis, squash, bowls, outdoor chess, beach volleyball, badminton, floodlit mini-adventure golf, a 10m climbing tower, heated & cold outdoor swimming pools. Fairly new additions include quad bike riding including a special track for children – and a paintball arena. There is also a children's playground, jumping castle, heated paddling pool and trampoline. Bird-spotting enthusiasts can tick off some of the 121 resident species recorded andf golfers have access to an immaculate 9-hole golf course with alternate tees for an 18-hole game. There is also a well equipped indoor games room. Or just relax around the pool and soak up the sunshine, views and fresh mountain air! For full details on this fantastic 4 star family owned and run retreat please visit www.cathedralpeak.co.za quisite pampering with an African twist Fordoun is situated in the green pastures of a successful Nottingham Road dairy farm on the popular Midlands Meander arts and crafts route, and has a history dating back to the 1800s.Today it is an impressive state-ofthe-art leisure and spa retreat, where the air is crystal-clear and smog and traffic are echoes of another lifestyle. Traditional spa treatments run alongside treatments with an African flair as well as consultations with an African Traditional Healer, Dr Elliot Ndlovu, who is both Inyanga (medicinal healer) and Sangoma (spiritual healer) specialising in the wisdom and healing powers of Africa. Guests can also enjoy walking tours of Elliot's garden that has over 120 different species of healing plants. If one needs a break from all the relaxing and pampering, there are endless opportunities for exploration on the Midlands Meander including adrenaline pumping Karkloof Canopy Tours, Horse Riding, Hot Air Ballooning, golf and mountain biking. Guests can also enjoy gentle walks around the grounds, ride mountain bikes along designated routes through the Fordoun estate or try fly-fishing on one of the three still waters on the Fordoun grounds, or, in season, in the pristine waters of the nearby Bushman’s or Mooi River. For full details visit http://www.fordoun.com KwaZulu-Natal offers that will ceed your traordinary active holidays pectations every time! DON’T FORGET THAT KZN IS PERFECT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY… Not only does the province offer a wide range of activities and adventure to satisfy everyone from the youngest to the oldest family member but a holiday in KZN will suit the family budget too! Accommodation in general is cheaper than in other tourist regions of the country – plus our properties are very child friendly with many activities, special meals and kids programmes on offer – plus fantastic special offers:       AMAKHOSI – kids under 12 stay free in August 2011 when sharing with 2 adults in one of the 2 luxury family river suites. Or Pay 2 stay 3 until end February! GHOST MOUNTAIN INN - Children under 12 stay FREE in August 2011 when sharing with 2 Adults in a Garden room or the suite. Includes fun activities like grubby bug walks! PAKAMISA – 1 child under age 14 year stays free in August 2011, when sharing with 2 adults or Pay 2 stay 2 until 15 April 2011 ISANDLWANA – Stay 2 nights and one person pays 50% on their 2nd night until 15 April 2011 FORDOUN – Pay 2 stay 3 until 15 April 2011 with possible room upgrade CATHEDRAL PEAK HOTEL – ask about our great midweek specials! Pay 4 stay 5 - or pay 5 stay 7 All offers are subject to availability and terms and conditions apply. For full details see http://www.ethosmarketing.co.uk/promotions-and-packages/ … SALANI KAHLE (Stay well) till next time…