Come on an affordable pet-friendly family holiday to Eshowe!

I had a challenge: plan a family trip to Eshowe on a budget of only R3000. But here’s the twist – it had to be pet-friendly because our furry friend is part of the family too!

Let me tell you how we made it happen.

The family: Taweni Gondwe Xaba, Taweni’s husband Reggi, and their three children – Tapiwa (11), Kulunga (9), and Zakithi (6). Isn’t this a beautiful photo of them all? It was taken by Teagan Cunniffe.

Expenses

Here’s a breakdown of our costs for the trip:

• Toll fees on N2: R79
• Diesel: R570
• Accommodation in a guest house for all five of us, plus our furry friend: R1160
• Food: R500
• Entry fees: R775

When we drove through Eshowe for the first time, it was quite an eventful experience. This town holds a lot of historical significance, as it was once the battleground where King Shaka’s warriors bravely faced off against the powerful British army. Despite being armed with nothing but short spears and an ingenious military strategy, they managed to surprise and defy their opponents. So it was no surprise that there was some tension in the air as we traveled through this historic place on our way to the Xaba family ancestral land in Vryheid. It felt like we were following in the footsteps of our ancestors, walking on sacred ground.

So there we were, in the ER of Eshowe hospital, all because our little one decided to acquire a gnarly cut on her knee from a rogue tent peg. After a heroic display of stitching, we were back on track, continuing our adventure. To keep the kids entertained, I had them shout out the names of interesting places we passed by on the road. Surprisingly, a few of those destinations stuck with me, and that’s how we ended up with the plan for our latest road trip, two years in the making.

I love the wide view from Umdoni Forest. The sight is so beautiful and captivating!

When my family and I were planning our vacation, we wanted to go to the bush. However, the prices at the game reserves were just too high for us. It seemed like they were more suitable for wealthy travelers, not for us ordinary people. Plus, we didn’t want to leave our beloved labrador, Rosie, with a dog-sitter again. So, we came up with a different plan. We decided to have a more relaxed bush experience and stay in Eshowe instead.

The journey to Eshowe was a long one, but we made it more enjoyable by stopping at Zinkwazi Beach for lunch. This beach is one of our favorites because it’s pet-friendly and fisherman-friendly. One of the highlights is the Ski Boat Club, a cozy log cabin right on the beach. They serve the most delicious fish and chips I’ve ever tasted. They were so crispy and flavorful!

The location of this place is absolutely stunning, and the beers they serve are incredibly cold. The food, however, is a different story. It’s not the best, but when you see the beauty of the surroundings and feel the refreshing chill of the beer, you can’t help but forgive them for it.

When my family and I arrived at Mphushini Falls Resort, we were in for a surprise. Despite having received an email confirmation for our booking, they had no record of it and no available rooms. It was already dark outside, so we quickly turned to the internet in a frantic search for last-minute accommodation. Unfortunately, many places didn’t answer our calls.

To make a long story short, we finally found a cozy guest house called Abendruhe. The owner, Heinrich, welcomed us with open arms and even went the extra mile by providing a special rug for our dog, Rosie, to sleep on. We quickly changed our clothes and hurried off to Shakaland for the evening performance.

Although we knew it was all staged, the show at Shakaland was truly impressive. It was a feast for the senses, full of information and inspiration. Even our three talkative children were left speechless by the captivating visuals and sounds!

The George Hotel, built back in 1906, stands tall in the heart of town. I can still picture it in my mind. The next morning, we ventured into the ancient forest nearby. As we stepped onto the Dlinza aerial boardwalk, we were greeted by a breathtaking view of the expansive tree canopy beneath us. The sight was so awe-inspiring that we couldn’t help but fall into a hushed silence. It was Kulunga who finally broke the stillness, his voice barely audible, as he whispered, “Everything here is like a photograph.” And he was absolutely right.

We hadn’t thought to hire a guide for our forest adventure, and now we deeply regretted it. It would’ve been fascinating to learn about the different bird species and creatures that we encountered. Instead, we found ourselves engaged in conversations that betrayed our city-dweller tendencies. Kulunga would exclaim with childlike wonder, “Wow! What a beautiful bug!” And Zakithi would chime in, equally puzzled, “It looks like a mosquito with giant spotty wings! What on earth is that?”

As we journeyed with three Zulu ‘princesses’, it felt right to show our respect by visiting the grave of Queen Nandi, Shaka Zulu’s mother. We had read online that her resting place had been carefully designed by a cultural committee to honor her memory. So you can imagine our surprise when we arrived to find a grave that was in complete disarray. The signs directing us to the site were incredibly confusing, and we had to rely on the kindness of locals to help us find our way.

Eventually, our trusty Sahara Wrangler managed to navigate the overgrown hillside, and we stumbled upon what could only be called a pile of rocks held together by concrete. It was meant to be ‘protected’ by a broken, rusty fence. To top it off, there was a piece of wood with the words ‘Nandis Grave’. Tapiwa couldn’t help but remark that the sign was even missing an apostrophe.

As I sat in awe of the stunning mountains and valleys that surrounded us, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of disappointment. Our journey had been marred by the unfortunate incident of a punctured tire. Now, I’m not one to believe in superstitions, but there was a lingering feeling that this mishap was more than just bad luck. It felt like a message from the Great She Elephant, expressing her deep frustration at being neglected and overlooked.

With our plans to visit the Bulawayo battlefield and the Lone British Soldier’s Grave now derailed, we had no choice but to return to Eshowe. It was a bitter pill to swallow, knowing that we had traveled all this way for naught. However, I couldn’t help but appreciate the irony of the situation. The magnificent landscape, which initially seemed like a reward for our journey, ended up being a cruel reminder of our misfortune.

Despite the setback, I refuse to let this bump in the road overshadow the experiences we’ve had so far. The memories of the traditional dancers, singers, and storytellers performing in the grand hut at Shakaland still resonate within me. Their vibrant energy and heartfelt performances brought a sense of joy and authenticity to our trip.

Perhaps it’s in these unexpected detours and mishaps that we truly find the essence of our travels. It’s easy to get caught up in the disappointment of things not going as planned, but it’s important to remember that sometimes the universe has other plans for us. In the end, it’s not always about reaching our intended destination, but rather embracing the journey itself, punctured tires and all.

Ah, the town I find myself in is truly a gem. It’s warm and inviting, just like the place I grew up. There’s a main road that leads you wherever you want to go, and the business owners seem to have all the inside scoop on everything and everyone. You have the usual tourist attractions that even the locals sheepishly admit they never visit. But there’s one place that stands out in my memory – The George Hotel.

Let me tell you, The George Hotel serves up one of the best breakfasts I’ve ever had. Picture this: piles of crispy bacon, a steaming cup of English Breakfast tea, and an atmosphere that takes me back to the Gymkhana Club in Malawi. And if that’s not enough, they’ve even got a massive photo of Dame Helen Mirren hanging above the reception desk – she stayed here while filming, you know.

I could spend hours in the hotel library, surrounded by the comforting scent of old books and leather. And when the weather’s nice, you can enjoy a meal in their outdoor dining area. The staff at The George Hotel are absolutely fantastic, making the experience all the more memorable. If I had a bit more money to spare, I’d definitely opt to stay here – the rooms are filled with charm and character.

So, if you ever find yourself in town, make sure to swing by The George Hotel. Trust me, it’s a special place that I’ll always hold close to my heart.

Fun fact: You won’t believe it, but nobody even bothered to ask for the Wi-Fi password during my stay in Eshowe!

Running through the fields, our furry family member brings so much joy and happiness.

Let’s plan a trip to Eshowe, shall we?

Getting There

To get to Eshowe, you need to head north on the N2 highway. After about 94km from Durban, take Exit 245 for a delicious lunch break in Zinkwazi. Once you’re back on the N2, take the Dokodweni Exit 277 and turn left onto Route 66. Follow the road for 28km, and you will see signs leading you into the town of Eshowe.

When to Go

Eshowe experiences summer rainfall throughout the year, so the weather is generally mild to warm. However, it can get quite cold at night during midwinter.

Where to Stay

If you’re looking for a place to stay, consider the Abendruhe Guest House. While the rooms may be simple, the owner’s hospitality and service are top-notch, earning it a five-star rating. You can book an en-suite double room for R580 per night by calling Tel 0828193478.

There are also other accommodation options we considered, so you have plenty of choices.

When my family and I were searching for accommodation for our vacation, we came across different options. There was Mtunzini-on-the-Green, which cost R1000 for all five of us. It had a pool and a braai area, but it wasn’t directly by the seaside, which was a bit disappointing.

Then we found The Hatchery At Amatikulu. The Kelp Room looked nice and was priced at R1200 for all of us. However, it didn’t have a pool or Wi-Fi, and my husband and kids weren’t too thrilled about that. We also considered Penny’s Cottage, but it was R200 over our budget. Although it had the essentials, it wasn’t pet-friendly, which was a dealbreaker for us.

Another option was Kwa-Eden in Zinkwazi. This place had fantastic web photos and had received a four-star rating. It had all the modern conveniences we were looking for, and it would have only cost us R900 per night for our whole family. Unfortunately, they didn’t answer their phone, so we couldn’t make a reservation.

Finally, we came across the Beautiful Ocean View Guest House At Tugela Mouth on safarinow.com. The website had stunning pictures that made us really want to stay there. However, they had dogs, which meant we couldn’t bring ours along. The price was R349 plus an additional R303 per person, and it had enough space to accommodate eight people.

Mphushini Falls Resort, located in Eshowe, was initially our top pick due to its enticing amenities, such as a refreshing pool and complimentary Wi-Fi. Booking.com even hailed it as one of their bestsellers. However, our excitement quickly waned when our reservation went awry. We had planned to stay in a self-catering family room that could accommodate up to five individuals, at a cost of R1600.

But fear not! I have some fabulous alternatives for your consideration. Let’s start with a delicious breakfast treat at The George Hotel. For only R60 per person, you can indulge in a mouthwatering morning feast. Make sure to snag one of the outdoor tables for a delightful dining experience. By the way, did you know that The George Hotel is not only a fantastic eatery but also the headquarters of Zululand Brewery and a cozy coffee shop? Check them out at thegeorge.co.za.

Next on our list is the exhilarating aerial boardwalk in the magnificent Dlinza Forest. This incredible structure stretches an impressive 125 meters and features a breathtaking 20-meter-high viewing platform. If you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, don’t worry! There are also shorter trails available that allow you to explore the enchanting forest from a different perspective. The entrance fee is R30 for adults and R10 for children.

There you have it, two remarkable options that will make your trip to Eshowe truly unforgettable. So go ahead and seize the day with these exciting activities. I can guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Hey there! You should definitely check out Fort Nongqayi in town! It’s got all sorts of cool stuff like the Zululand Historical Museum, a Norwegian mission chapel, the Vukani Craft Museum, and even a magical Butterfly Dome. And get this, entry is just R35 for adults and R10 for kids. Check out eshowemuseums.org.za for more information.

Now let me tell you about Shakaland! It’s this awesome place where you can experience all sorts of amazing things. I went there and let me tell you, the dancing and storytelling were absolutely incredible. I got to hear this special drum called the ingungu, and let me tell you, it was totally mesmerizing. It felt like I was transported back in time!

The experiences you can have at Shakaland are perfect if you want to learn all about Zulu culture. You can learn how to make beer, try your hand at beadwork, and even learn about fighting formations and spear throwing. But the best part is the Nandi Experience, which costs just R550 per person. You get a tour of a real Zulu village, a delicious lunch, and you even get to watch some traditional dancing.

Hey there! I’ve got some exciting news for you. When it comes to visiting Shakaland, they offer some awesome deals for kids. If your little one is under five, they get to join in the fun for free! And if they’re between five and twelve, they only have to pay half the price. How cool is that?

Now, let me tell you about our experience there. We decided to go for the evening cultural performance, and it only cost us R190 per person. It was such a fantastic show! Unfortunately, we couldn’t indulge in the delicious buffet of game and other meats, which costs R245 per person. It was a bit pricey for us, so we opted for a tasty KFC meal in Eshowe instead.

If you’re interested in checking out Shakaland, you can give them a call at 0354600912 or visit their website at aha.co.za/shakaland.

Oh, and by the way, this story was first featured in the July 2017 issue of Getaway magazine. So if you want more awesome travel tips and recommendations, you should definitely check it out!

In our July issue, you’ll find the best places to stay in the Midlands, great options for budget-friendly family breaks in Durban, and a list of the best (and mostly free) things to do in New York City.