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talking shop


ON LOCATION


Getting to know KwaZulu-Natal


DETAILS WHAT: FAM TO KWAZULU-NATAL WHEN: NOVEMBER 24-30 2014 WHO: TOURISM KWAZULU- NATAL, SOUTH AFRICAN AIRWAYS AND NEW FRONTIERS WHY: TO EXPERIENCE KZN'S CITIES, SAFARI AND HISTORY


TOURING battlefi elds, drinking in the 'highest pub in Southern Africa' and getting close to some cheetahs were just some of the highlights of a fam trip to South Africa hosted by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, South African Airways and Destination Managing Company, New Frontiers.


CITY BY THE SEA The four participating agents started their trip with a night at the Beverly Hills Umhlanga hotel, northeast of Durban, with its specatular views of the Indian Ocean. A street scene tour of Durban and


a cycle along the city's Golden Mile seafront with Bike & Bean – a


coffee shop and bike hire company – ensured the group got to grips with the lay-out of the city. Ben Williams from Kirker Holidays described Durban as a 'rough diamond that shouldn't be cut', adding: "The city is full of charm and character. The markets were more gritty and interesting the deeper we explored and I loved the vibrant colours and fascinating cultural mix of African and Indian topped up by English infl uences." The group left the city for a wilder retreat, Duma Manzi Eco Lodge and Spa, before travelling into Lesotho via the spectacular mountain scenery of the Sani Pass and


grabbing lunch looking down at the clouds at the Sani Top Chalet, which sits at 2,874 metres above sea level!


MOUNTAINS AND PLAINS Two nights in the Drakensberg mountains included a stay at private mountain reserve resort, The Cavern, with a trek to see the rock art of the San Bushmen. Game viewing and relaxation was in order at Nambiti Hills, a lodge overlooking the Nambiti plains, including a visit to the KwaCheetah Cheetah breeding project. The trip ended with a Boer War battlefi eld tour at Spienkop, described as 'interesting and moving.'


Gadding about the Grenadines


SARA Short from Bath Travel in Titchfi eld, Bath Travel's Sales Employee of the year 2014, was lucky enough to visit St Vincent and the Grenadines late last year, courtesy of Caribtours. Here's what she made of it: "There is a certain 'wow factor' that


comes with a Caribtours trip because you're treated like royalty from start to fi nish by both the hosts and hoteliers, so I knew it would be a good trip!


"I hadn't been to the Caribbean for


fi ve years so it was great to remind myself how lovely that part of the world is. I didn't know that the Grenadines are made up of over 32


islands and famous for their Hawksbill turtles. "My most magical moment was having pre-dinner drinks at Cotton House just as the sun was setting. There I was in Mustique, having seen Bryan Adams' grandmother earlier (so very rock and roll). I almost had to pinch myself! I also enjoyed wine tasting at the resort, where I established that I'm an ABC girl (anything but Chardonnay). "No trip to the Grenadines would be


complete without sailing on a yacht through the crystal-clear Tobago Cays and this would be my top activity to recommended. We sampled and enjoyed the hospitality of Cotton


House, Bequia Beach, Buccament Bay, Palm Island and Petit St Vincent (PSV) and I loved them all. Each island has a different vibe and there is an island for every client. But PSV offers complete privacy and no phones or WiFi. The cottages are beautiful and come with a unique and quirky fl ag system. Hoist up your red fl ag for 'do not disturb 'or a yellow fl ag for 'butler assistance!' "The Grenadines are a little piece of paradise and should be kept a secret. But in true travel agent style, I have already told my clients and even made some bookings since my return, which proves that educationals really work."


sellingtravel.co.uk


“Don’t forget your passport for the stamp in and out of Lesotho. Highly recommended for all passing through or on an extended stay in Durban. Spectacular views!.” Kate Stevenson, Freedom Destinations


“Our guide for the battlefi elds


tour was so well informed and had a wonderful voice which lent a lot of gravitas to his great story-telling skills. Walking the site I could feel what the young soldiers would have been going through with the ‘enemy’ approaching up the hill. It is much more peaceful now apart from a few rogue cattle! The heavy clouds and setting sun made for a great light for photos too. This was my fi rst trip to KwaZulu-Natal but defi nitely not my last." Ben Williams, Kirker Holidays


What they said...


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