NGOYE LODGE & NGUNI COTTAGE, KZN NORTH COAST
Mtunzini, isiZulu for 'place of shade', is a little patch of paradise some 140km up the coast from Durban. It has everything a nature bunny could wish for: mangrove swamps, estuaries, tall dunes, long stretches of sandy beach, and pristine forests with superb birdlife (more than 600 species) and other animals. Semi-wild zebras roam the streets and are occasionally chased from the Spar. They're also found on the fairways at the country club, where there's a tricky nine-hole course and a restaurant with great views.
The village is up alongside Umlalazi Nature Reserve, where the Mlalazi River spills into the ocean. There's a timber boardwalk that takes you through the swamp forest to a grove of protected raffia palms - humongous, huge-fronded trees whose fruit is eaten by a colony of rare palm-nut vultures. A few barges and houseboats go up and down the river - stray crocodiles and hippos have been spotted, and even the odd shark accidentally heading upstream.
Between visits to the lagoon, the forest or the beach, Ngoye is a charming little guest house in which to catch your breath or laze in docile splendour by the pool, in the garden, on the veranda or in the lounge. It has a down-to-earth homegrown style quaint and unfettered, nothing cookie-cutter nor too slick.
Instead, it's comfortable, colourful and stocked with everything you really need to relax. The main house has five en suite bedrooms and a lovely open living area, while Nguni is completely private, with its own living room and garden - ideal if you and your beloved want total privacy.
COST: From R1 400 per couple per night BOOK: ngoyelodge.co.za
BUFF AND FELLOW, GARDEN ROUTE
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Balanced Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the February 2024 edition of Balanced Life.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CHOCOLATE CHECKOUT
Easter calls for everything chocolate and we've got six spectacular ways to satisfy your sweet (and savoury) tooth.
Bye-bye BFF
We all age at the same rate, but we don't all grow up at a matching pace. So, what do you do if you feel like you're outgrowing your friends?
The science of SLUMBER
According to world-renowned sleep expert and neuroscientist Dr Matthew Walker, sleep is our best superpower. Here's why...
Money mindset MATTERS
Looking for less stress and more progress when it comes to reaching your #moneygoals? Here are five positive money habits to cultivate on your journey to financial freedom.
FUTURE PROOF - YOUR CAREER
\"Soft skills\" are more crucial to your career than you may think. We look at some of the most important professional skills you can attain to safeguard your working future...
HEAR THEM Roar
Through resilience and determination, these three extraordinary South African women have emerged as trailblazers. Here's how Candice Chirwa, Mushfiqoh Samodien and Julia Stuart make the impossible possible and the world a better place.
ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE
Pretty Yende has performed in the world's grandest opera theatres. She'll tick off even more this year, but she's driven not by a bucket list but by a burning curiosity to see how far she can challenge her voice and herself.
5 MINUTES WITH LEBOHANG MASANGO
SOCIAL ANTIIROPOLOGIST AND AUTITOR
Shall we DANCE?
I can confirm: It does take two to tango.
Empowerment UNLOCKED
Working women face a unique set of challenges both globally and here in South Africa. We find out what you can do to get fit for financial success.