Zululand Zig Zag : Travel to South Africa 2010 Accommodation

Imagine a place where, within a few minutes drive, you can explore forest, grassland and mountains. Imagine a place where, within a few minutes drive, you have access to over 340 bird species, a number of indigenous mammals and a few thousand plant species. Imagine a place where within few minutes drive, you can combine all of the above with battlefields, cultural and commercial interests as well as numerous outdoor activities, culinary adventures, first-world housing and shopping and be within a stone's throw away of all Zululand has to offer. Stop imagining -welcome to Vryheid

This unique town has a distinct history of its own and the museums, various battlefields and momuments depict this. The breathtaking beauty of the area, its lush vegetation and rolling hills with abundant game waits to be explored. The rich cultural lifestyle and rural tranquility are hallmarks of this town.

This is a region blessed with many attractions – where one can explore forests, wetlands, grasslands and mountains all within an easy driving distance. Vryheid is a unique town founded in 1884 and has a distinct history with museums, various battlefields and monuments, all depicting this. Visit the Lucas Meijer Huis – former residence of past presidents and Lancaster Hill – a fortress from a bygone battle. The Klipfontien Bird Sanctuary with over 300 species of birds and the Zulu cultural centre at Klipfontien Dam are a must. The Environment Centre situated in the Vryheid Hill Nature Reserve offers accommodation as well as environmental education.

Vryheid is unique in that it is situated within striking distance of both Durban and Johannesburg. If offers the berg, the beach, and the bush right on its doorstep. The breathtaking beauty and charm, as well as the congenial climate, all add to the relaxed lifestyle, and proud history of hospitality. There is no air pollution or noise pollution, and one lives really close to nature. You can literally hear the birds and the bees! There is no need "to get away from it all'. The largest range of communuty facilities in Vryheid include a hospital, airport, Translux and Greyhound bus service, excellent rail connections, puplic library, and most professional service such as architects, civil engineers, accountants and town planners. Shopping is a pleasure with some leading chain stores represented. There are several restaurants catering for different tastes. The finest resorts in the hinterland offering hiking, hunting, fishing, and the most beautful scenery are all right here. Here you are right at the gateway to Zululand. All the outdoors and indoor facilities are available. The ideal situation of Vryheid, it rapid internal growth together with the existing infrastucture and the available labour reserves, as well as proximity to markets establish a healthy basis for developers. There are more than 25 places of worship in Vryheid, providing for the religious needs of most denominations. Many of the churches portray beautiful architecture and other unique features are typical of these buildings. A Sunday in Vryheid has a tranquil atmosphere with bells ringing and a certain serenity that surrounds everything. Family life still plays a major role in Vryheid and many family outings are undertaken by bicylcle. One can honestly say, Vrheid is a little corner of paradise! And it offers excellent opportunities to both the tourist and entrepeneur.(FROM VRYHEID PROSPECTUS)
 

Vryheid is the largest town in the AbaQulusi Municipal area. Situated 1178m above sea level, it has average temperature of 25.5^oC in summer and 11.9^o C in winter. It falls within the summer rainfall area and has an average annual precipatation of 780mm as compared with the whole of South Africa at 502mm. The predominant vegetation type occurring in the region are grassland, bushveld and forest, with numerous variations within each type. Vryheid is also located near the sources of four major Zululand Rivers: White and black Umfolozi, Mkhuze end Pongolo and part of the Tukhela catchment as well. The population of the region is appr.230 000 with a charming blend of Zulu, Afrikaans, English and European cultures. The diverse population ensures exposure to many traditions and cultures. Schools are numerous and satisfy all four major langauge preferences. If is approximately 320km from Durban, 420km from Johannesburg, 400km from the Kruger National Park and 1500km from Cape Town. 

Founded in 1884, the town of Vryheid was formed inside an area granted to early Voortrekker settlers by the Zulu King Dinizulu. Rich coal seams were discovered shortly after and this, long with a expanding agricultural industry, ensured the rapid growth of the town. The coal assets have , by and large, been depleted and this has shifted the economic focus to tourism, along with agriculture. The two main tourisms are the history and nature related sites.

Three dams in the region offer a wide variety of water sports including canoeing, boating and fishing.

The Hlobhane Coal mine is earmarked for development as a coal mine museum. This will be the first of its kind in South Africa.(Exploring Zululand and the Elephant Coast.)

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