Couples on all corners of the KwaZulu-Natal province are spoilt for choice when it comes to ideas for celebrating Valentine's Day with their significant other this year.
This year, Valentine's Day falls on a Friday, so this could be the perfect excuse for a weekend away with your loved on.
This year, IOL as part of its Valentine's On A Budget series, is exploring some of the best budget friendly options in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, which is blessed with beautiful beaches, hotels, nature reserves and other amenities.
According to KZN Tourism, couples in the province are spoilt for choice when it comes to enjoying Valentine's Day.
"KwaZulu-Natal offers a beautiful variety of getaways, and exploration offering couples a magical experience," a KZN Tourism official told IOL.
With Valentine's Day around the corner where are some of the budget-friendly places couples can visit in the province?
Couples looking to enjoy a weekend away up in the North can enjoy scenic walks, bird-watching, and picnics in the province’s many nature reserves.
One such gem is Umlalazi Nature Reserve in Mtunzini, just a two-hour drive from Durban.
The couples can then unwind and enjoy sundowners at Zula Beach in Richards Bay.
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Tour the budget-friendly Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary in Ballito and enjoy a guided tour of the 23-hectare forest, encountering free-roaming primates such as capuchin monkeys, lemurs, squirrel monkeys, black howler monkeys, and more, alongside other wildlife like bushbuck, duiker and mongoose.
With a gift shop, secure parking, a licensed restaurant, and family-friendly facilities, the sanctuary provides a unique and educational experience, all while maintaining a strict no-touch policy to protect the animals.
For couples seeking tranquillity, then the Anew Resort Ingeli Forest Lodge nestled in Kokstad, South Coast is the perfect spot for relaxation.
If adventure is the plan for Valentine's Day then the spectacular Lake Eland on the South Coast offers couples a beautiful adventure gateway.
The Drakensberg makes for a great spot to enjoy zipline, quad biking, horse riding, and river rafting at locally owned spaces such as Four River Adventures.
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KZN's hidden gems?
Nambithi Hills Private Game
Couples can get to experience 5 Star luxury at this lodge in uMnambithi, northern KZN. Couples here can enjoy all manner of activities while supporting the community-owned reserve.
Further to this, the reserve offers multiple accommodation offerings options, from 5 Star Luxury to self-catering lodges to suit all budgets from the frugal to the big spenders. Couples can experience romantic activities such as sunset game drives, private dinners, and spa treatments.
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Ghost Mountain Inn Situated in Mkuze
The Ghost Mountain in offer couples romantic packages that include scenic boat cruises on Lake Jozini, spa treatments for couples and private dinners.
Rain Farm Game Lodge
Experience the beauty and wildlife of South Africa at Rain Farm, a luxurious gamelodge near Durban. Enjoy self-catering units, tree-top tents, wine tasting, spa, game drives and more.
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Activities to do for free
The Kranskloof Nature Reserve: Kranskloof has a 7km moderate trail that startsfrom the Kranskloof basecamp and follows the river downstream.
This is a lesser-known spot offering well-marked serene trails, magnificent views of mountains, waterfalls, rock pools, kloofs, wildlife and exquisite bird life allowing visitors a chance to connect with nature in a tranquil setting.
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The Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve: Makes for beautiful coastal forest walks, which connects the forest and dune ecosystems. The reserve has trails that lead to lagoon and beach and its ideal for couples taking a leisure romantic walk.
Umtamvuna Nature Reserve: Located near Port Edward, the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve boasts stunning river gorges and diverse flora. The scenic trails and viewpoints provide a secluded setting for couples, looking to enjoy a gentle stroll.
Pricey options for Valentines Day
Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve (Mkuze, Northern KZN)
This private game reserve offers luxury tented camps and villas with exclusive game drives and personalized services.
The Oyster Box Hotel (Umhlanga)
A renowned luxury hotel offering ocean views, fine dining, and exceptional service.
Hartford House (Midlands)
A quaint boutique hotel, popular for tis gourmet dining experiences and elegant accommodation.
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