School’s out! Pack the bags and pile the family into the car for the ultimate road trip. The 200 km long, sun‑splashed KZN coastline has attracted generations of families for good reason. Read further for where to stay on your ultimate KwaZulu-Natal road trip.
Royal Palm Hotel & Apartments by BON Hotels
Directly across the road from the Gateway Theatre of Shopping (50 m to be exact), this is an ideal choice for families wanting to stay in the heart of the action.
Things to do:
- Shop up a storm at Gateway!
- Drive just two minutes to the Blue Flag Umhlanga Main Beach.
- Learn all about sharks or go on a boat tour.
- Get your steps in at Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve.
- Get your adrenalin rush on the world’s tallest swing, the Big Rush Big Swing.
BON Hotel Empangeni
Nestled halfway between Durban and Swaziland and 15 km from Richards Bay, BON Hotel Empangeni is an excellent stop to explore this trio of destinations.
Things to do:
- Head into the deep blue for some fishing.
- Get your nature fix at the Enseleni Nature Reserve or Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve.
BON Hotel Waterfront Richards Bay
Situated in the heart of the Tuzi Gazi Waterfront, you’ll be wowed at the stunning views from your hotel room of the yachts coming into the harbour.
Tick the amazing iSimangaliso Wetland Park off your bucket list.
Things to do:
- Enjoy the harbour views from the on-site Ship to Shore Restaurant.
- Relax on Newark Beach or Alkantstrand Beach.
- Help the kids burn off some energy through horse riding.
St Lucia Lodge by BON Hotels
Always wanted to stay at a UNESCO World Heritage site? Tick! St Lucia Lodge by BON Hotels hugs the shores of the St Lucia Estuary and offers a cosy, family atmosphere at the 36-room property.
Things to do:
- Count how many of the 800 hippopotami and estimated 1 200 Nile crocodiles you can spot!
- Enjoy snorkelling or deep-sea fishing.
- Watch the turtles hatch in season.
Elephant Lake Hotel by BON Hotels
Elephant Lake Hotel by BON Hotels is also nestled in the St Lucia Estuary and offers 56 spacious rooms, some of which boast estuary-facing balconies.
Things to do:
- Enjoy African cuisine at the on-site Hippo Steakhouse.
- From St Lucia town and estuary to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, you won’t hear any “Mom, I’m bored!” here.
With our locations, incredible experiences, and great value for money plus our collective 127 years in hospitality, families return time and time again to enjoy BON Hotels.
Contact us today to book your family holiday.
