Things to do near
Tala Game Reserve
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Popular Attractions
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Camperdown (3.9 km from Tala Game Reserve) Enjoy an exhilarating flight with awesome views as you climb to altitude over Durban's golden beaches, the turquoise Indian Ocean and the Valley of a Thousand Hills.
Durban Skydive Centre will lift you up into the sky to jump at an altitude of 8 000 to 12 000 ft. You will be firmly attached to a qualified and experienced tandem instructor and free-fall for an unforgettable 45 seconds.
After the free-fall, you will have the opportunity to fly the canopy during the 6-minute parachute descent. The instructor will take over for the landing.
Need to know Everything is provided; all you need to bring is running shoes. Maximum weight limit is 110 kg. Open daily from January to December; bookings are every hour from 09:00 to 14:00.
072 214 6040
www.skydivedurban.co.za
Waterfall
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Mpumalanga (8.7 km from Tala Game Reserve) The majestic Horseshoe Falls are found along the Sabie River and only 4 km off the Old Lydenburg Road in Mpumalanga. Visitors can enjoy a short walk through the beautiful terrain that leads to the waterfall. There is also a variety of bird life and wildlife. The waterfall receives its name from its circular appearance and has also been declared a national monument due to its unusual shape.For a small fee visitors can explore the area, enjoy a picnic, and cool down in the refreshing pools.
Four By Four Trails
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Mid Illovo (16.7 km from Tala Game Reserve) Gwahumbe Game Reserve 4x4 Trails offer a 9 km trail just 4 km from Mid Illovo. The trail has a grading of 1 to 3 and takes about 2 to 4 hours to complete. Training is offered at the reserve. High clearance, low range vehicles are required as well as 4x2 vehicles with diff lock. Please call for further information. Accommodation can be found at Gwahumbe Game and Spa.
Animal Parks
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Camperdown (17 km from Tala Game Reserve) Home to eleven of the twelve owl species, five of the eight vulture species and numerous magnificent raptors found in Southern Africa, the African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is well worth a visit.
Dedicated to conserving indigenous raptors, the haven is also a base for continuing research, breeding and rehabilitation projects for birds of prey, mostly run ‘behind the scenes’. There is also a large selection of captive-bred or ‘non-releasable rehabilitation’ birds. These feathered friends can be viewed in their ‘micro-environment’ visitors keen to discover more about South Africa’s beautiful aerial predators.
Specially trained birds wow spectators with their daily flight displays, given to educate and facilitate awareness of effective conservation of our environment and its creatures. These demonstrations allow the winged beauties themselves to become both teachers and ambassadors for their wild counterparts, giving the audience a first-hand experience of these rare and elusive birds.
Open Tuesday to Sunday 09:00 – 16:00. Closed on Christmas Day and during the Comrades Marathon.
Flying Display Times: weekdays (except Mondays) 10:30, weekends and public holidays 10:30 and 15:00.
'Gobble and Squabble' Vulture Feeding Sessions: weekends 12:00 (phone and confirm should this be your primary reason for visiting).
+27 (0) 31 785 4382
Animal Parks
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Bothas Hill (21.7 km from Tala Game Reserve) PheZulu Safari Park boasts a crocodile and snake park offering guests interesting tours led by knowledgeable guides.
Learn fascinating facts about fearsome crocodiles and snakes, meet 'Junior' their 102-year-old Nile crocodile and have a hands-on experience with Cleo, their lovely Burmese python who weighs in at 42 kilograms and is 3.2 metres long.
Don’t miss the chance of ogling many snake species including African rock pythons, green and black mambas, boomslang, vine snakes, puff adders, spitting cobras, rinkhals, forest cobras, Egyptian cobras, bush snakes, night adders, spotted house snakes, southern brown egg eaters, olive house snakes, Burmese pythons, anacondas and boa constrictors.
+27 (0) 31 777 1000
Old Main Road, Botha's Hill, Valley of 1000 Hills, KwaZulu-Natal.
Popular Attractions
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Bothas Hill (23 km from Tala Game Reserve) The 1000 Hills Arts & Crafts Village is situated in the popular and incredibly scenic Valley of 1000 Hills. The Village offers restaurants with breathtaking views, a spa; children’s play area, animal farmyard, lovely little shops, a pub and more. It’s quite easy to spend the entire day here.
Popular Attractions
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Kloof (23.9 km from Tala Game Reserve) The breathtaking Valley of a Thousand Hills is an awesome holiday destination that offers unspoilt nature, wildlife, magnificent scenery, wining and dining, and warm country hospitality just a half an hour's drive from the centre of Durban.It is named for the countless hills which tumble down to the mighty Umgeni River that flows from the distant Drakensberg Mountains to the temptingly warm Indian Ocean.Starting at Botha's Hill, the historic Valley of 1000 Hills stretches through to Drummond, Assegay & Shongweni. It is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque and scenic areas of KZN, offering lots of fun, entertainment and shopping.Dense forests, plunging waterfalls and vast pristine wilderness attract an abundance of birds and wildlife to the area. The Valley of 1000 Hills is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the country and really shouldn't be missed on your trip to KZN.The arts, crafts, galleries, coffee shops, candle makers and antiques available along the route will ensure there's something for those who are born to shop!Nature Reserves in the 100 Hills area include Alverstone Conservancy, Clive Cheesman Nature Reserve, Crestholme Nature Reserve, Glenholme Nature Reserve, Inanda Resort Reserve, Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, Madwala Conservancy, Misty Mountain, Nagle Resource Reserve, Phezulu Safari Park, Shongweni Resource Reserve and Springside Nature Reserve.
Animal Parks
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Bothas Hill (24 km from Tala Game Reserve) The 1000 Hills Bird Park offers an enchanting experience with rare and exotic feathered friends. The riotous chorus of calls, colourful plumage and character of these birds is a magnet for kids and adults alike.
Visitors can admire their spectacular paint-box colouring and quirky antics, either from outside contained aviaries or strolling in walk-through aviaries, landscaped gardens and paddocks. An exciting new feature is the 150-metre zip slide.
Bring your own picnic basket or order a snack hamper two days in advance. Braais facilities are available.
Open Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays 08:00 – 16:00.
Shopping Malls
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Hillcrest (26.1 km from Tala Game Reserve) The Heritage Market provides a unique shopping experience in the Hillcrest area. As Durban shopping centres go, the outdoor atmosphere of "The Heritage" stands alone. Situated in the 1000 Hills Tourism route, Heritage Market caters for the whole family, locals and tourists. Shopping at the Heritage caters for all interests, with shops ranging from jewellery, health, beauty, clothing, sporting and convenience stores to specialist stores not found in your average mall. The Heritage Market offers you the trendiest restaurants, décor shops, and a wide range of entertainment. Apart from restaurants, coffee shops, regular live music and markets, the Heritage Market boasts the Highway area’s first supper club, the Heritage Supper Theatre. Need to know? Trading hours:Monday - Friday: 9 am - 4.30pmSaturday: 9 am - 4 pmSunday: 9 am - 3 pmPublic Holidays: 9am - 3 pmClosed - Christmas Day and New Year's DayOptional Trading - Good Friday and Family Day*Please note: Service shops and restaurants may operate outside of these hours. Ample parking for over 700 free parking spaces is available for patrons.
Mountain Biking Trails
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Hillcrest (27.3 km from Tala Game Reserve) Grab your bike and hit the trails in the magnificent Giba Gorge. Situated just outside Pinetown off the N3, Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park offers a range of awesome mountain biking trails, a BMX track, and a restaurant – all boasting magnificent views of the stunning Giba valley.
Casinos
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Pietermaritzburg (28.5 km from Tala Game Reserve) One of the most popular casinos in KwaZulu-Natal situated opposite the Scottsville Racecourse. Offers hi-tech gaming facilities as well as event and conference facilities.
Racecourses
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Scottsville (28.6 km from Tala Game Reserve) Scottsville Racecourse's modern facilities incorporate all the very best in racecourse comfort, elegance and intimacy. Easily one of the most attractive racecourses in South Africa, Scottsville is situated 2.5 km from Pietermaritzburg’s city centre.
The Spanish-style course buildings include a number of restaurants, an pub and a picnic enclosure as well as the more usual racing facilities. The Golden Horse Casino is conveniently attached to the Scottsville Grandstand allowing both racing and casino customers easy access to both facilities.
Animal Parks
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Pietermaritzburg (29.9 km from Tala Game Reserve) Take an inspirational walk through the tropical house of Butterflies for Africa. This lush and spectacular environment brings visitors into close contact with free-flying indigenous and exotic butterflies.
Butterflies for Africa flies high with some of the top butterfly houses from around the globe with some unique offerings. The complex features a walk-through butterfly house, craft shop, art gallery, coffee bar, African art and craft centre, butterfly nursery and a garden planted with a big variety of food plants for butterflies.
+27 (0) 33 387 1356
37 Willowton Rd, Willowton, Pietermaritzburg
Tuesday to Friday 09:00 – 16:30
Saturday 09:30 – 15:30
Sunday 10:30 – 15:30
Closed on New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.
Galleries and Museums
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Pietermaritzburg (30.4 km from Tala Game Reserve) You’re always assured of seeing something new at the Natal Museum
Here you’ll view a constant array of fascinating temporary exhibitions and happenings ranging from xenophobic violence to a mixed children’s art exhibition at this dynamic museum.
2010 sees the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the arrival of Indian people and an exploration of the history of segregation in the US.
Eight natural history and ten cultural history galleries showcase numerous mammals including the last wild elephant in KwaZulu-Natal, birds, amphibians, insects and an extensive mollusc collection. Kids will love checking out the life-size T-Rex model.
Stroll through a life-size rendering of a Drakensberg rock art cave or walk the plank of a wrecked trading vessel in the Towns and Trade Exhibition.
The museum has an internet café, resource library for learners, film room and coffee/snack bar.
Open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 16:30, Saturdays 10:00 – 16:00 Sundays 11:00 – 15:00.
Galleries and Museums
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Pietermaritzburg (30.4 km from Tala Game Reserve) The statue of Mahatma Ghandi commemorates the centenary of his experience at the Pietermaritzburg railway station in 1893 when he was cast out from a first class carriage because he was not White. Gandhi had close links to Pietermaritzburg and his passive resistance campaign is closely linked to the city.
“My life is my message”, Mahatma Ghandi.