By Prashirwin Naidu
Travelling is best shared with those you bond with and become comrades. We
set off from Johannesburg to Durban in the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, creating
lasting memories with family and friends as we clocked up kilometers.
Despite being packed with passengers and luggage, the Tiguan Allspace was a joy to drive. The music, Linkin Park, a few Spanish hits and my favourite, George Michael – blasted all the way. Hunger struck halfway through the journey, so we stopped in Harrismith for some peri-peri chicken and chips from the chicken outlet that is more famous for their advertisements than the meals. Turned out that the snacks we bought at the Padstal, including biltong, had more zing than the chicken.
We stayed the night at my Uncle Sershen’s home in Westville, where we enjoyed a
delicious mince curry made by Aunty Suveshnee.
The next morning, we picked up two more guests from the airport and headed to the South Coast of KZN for our adventure. I was pleasantly surprised that the Tiguan Allspace still had room for their luggage in the boot. Our group of six squeezed into the Tiguan Allspace, feeling a bit cramped with all the suitcases. Still, it was a comfortable ride, and I loved the Allspace, especially with the R-Line kit. That made the vehicle feel extra special.
Accommodation
After a day of sightseeing, we arrived in Port Edward in the evening and stopped at The Wreck, a no-frills beachfront restaurant, for some delicious seafood pizzas and platters.
We were headed to the Caribbean Estate, a beautiful spot near the beach.
We had booked a large unit to fit all of us under one roof. This little paradise
overlooking the Wild Coast cost around R8 000. The fully serviced chalet came with
modern amenities, including a full kitchen, lounge, dining room, and cosy bedrooms.
Activities
There were plenty of activities and scenic walking trails, along with the occasional
monkey trying to steal a banana from the chalet. Our holiday was filled with laughter, love, good food, and the occasional whisky to warm the soul. We also took time to relax, enjoying a simple beach day and making waves in the ocean. We went on a boat ride along the Umtamvuna River on the Wild Coast. As we gently drifted downstream, it was just us, a few beers, and peaceful thoughts amidst the calm blue
waters.
We visited the Red Desert at Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, said to be the world’s
smallest desert. It was a peaceful and enjoyable walk. We also explored nearby
Margate, stopping at Mozambik restaurant for seafood platters—prawns, calamari,
fish, and peri-peri chicken livers that made the flavours dance on our palates.
We also visited Crocworld. While I love dogs, crocodiles aren’t my favourite. The
place was full of wild creatures that could probably eat me for breakfast, and only a
small piece of barbed wire separated us from them!
One of our guests was thrilled and even touched Henry, the world’s oldest crocodile in captivity. Born in 1900, Henry had once terrorised local communities, even eating children. Now, he lives in luxury with his harem, producing hundreds of offspring. Polygamy takes on a new meaning at Crocworld!
Our South Coast trip was filled with love, great food, and unforgettable experiences.
On our way back to Johannesburg, we visited a few more spots to capture memories, including a cultural experience at the Valley of a Thousand Hills, where
we enjoyed traditional dancing and breathtaking mountain views. On our way to Madiba’s capture site in Howick, a truck lost a flap from its rear wheel, which hit our vehicle. It damaged the front end, but thankfully, it wasn’t too serious.
We arrived at Mandela’s capture site a bit shaken but ready to xplore. After a long and tiring drive, we decided to spend the night at Lungela Lodge, a charming spot in Estcourt. After a delightful breakfast the next morning, we headed home just in time for Mum’s biryani and roast.
