WATCH: Let’s go explore north of Durban this Tourism Month

THERE are many places I still need to visit in Durban so when Umhlanga Tourism invited me to a tour to the north, I didn’t hesitate.

Also read: Heritage Month: Exploring the shared roots of our mother tongues

September is Tourism Month, so off I went to see six different species of monkey in The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, the tiniest and hugest crocs at Crocodile Creek and the picturesque de Charmoy Estate Chocolate Gardens. I travelled on the Durban Riksha Bus and got to take in all the views on the way. Although The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary and the de Charmoy Estate Chocolate Gardens are not within the eThekwini Municipality, they are only a few kilometres away and are worth the drive.

First stop – The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary, Shakaskraal
This tour starts off with a ride out to the forest in a safari vehicle, nogal, so you really become hyped up to see what’s out there waiting to greet you in the wild. Once you get there, you realise, man, these little guys and girls are so cute – capuchin monkeys, ringtail and black-and-white ruffed lemurs, buff-cheeked gibbon, squirrel monkeys, black howler monkeys, spider monkeys, bushbuck, Natal duiker and more. The guided walk through the forest is usually about two to three hours, so dress comfy and wear comfy shoes. The guides are very clued up on these primates so prepare to have your knowledge on the animal kingdom sharpened.

To learn more, visit www.hiddenforest.co.za

Second stop: Crocodile Creek, Tongaat
I couldn’t believe that over 2 000 Nile crocodile, alligators and snakes live on this farm. The guide, Sean le Clus, was attacked several times by crocodiles, and he has the scars to show for it. His stories were just as fascinating as the tour, telling us about Mthakathi who killed a 12-year-old boy in Botswana and was sent to the farm in 2001. The tour ended with feeding the huge beasts chunks of pork meat and Le Clus getting into the pit with Hannibal, a 660kg beast. The facts and myths about these monsters were certainly fascinating. And if you’re interested in tasting crocodile meat, you can try some at their restaurant.

Find out more about these crocs by visiting https://crocodilecreek.co.za

Final stop: de Charmoy Estate, The Chocolate Garden, Canelands
After taking a look around this coffee garden/restaurant, I thought to myself: I could pack up and come live here. The highlight for me was that this event venue is home to Africa’s first chocolate garden boasting an array of chocolate-coloured and scented flowers, sunflowers and vines. There’s even chocolate mint. There is also a play area and a few animals to pet and feed in close proximity to the coffee garden so you don’t have to leave your meal to check on your little ones.

For more information, visit https://www.decharmoy.co.za

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