Sacred journeys and temples in KwaZulu-Natal

MMore inspiration from the East can be found at the Buddhist Retreat Centre in Ixopo, 90km south of Pietermaritzburg. This venue runs an annual programme of Buddhist retreats combined with yoga, the arts and even cooking. Alternatively, you can book a personal retreat. Enjoy the peace of the rolling hills, make use of the meditation spots and tuck into tasty vegetarian cuisine. What’s more, Ixopo is a birder's paradise. 

When it comes to natural beauty, there’s little to beat the Drakensberg mountains. Their soaring rock formations have inspired all manner of spiritual and mystical experiences. 

The San people related their supernatural experiences in paintings and engravings throughout the mountain range. A visit to any of the resorts within the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a World Heritage Site, will offer the possibility of visiting rock-art sites. You’ll learn more about the beliefs of the San, which still resonate today. 

The award-winning Fordoun Hotel is near Nottingham Road in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands. TThe hotel cooperates with traditional African healer Elliot Ndlovu. Ndlovu offers traditional treatments and creates products that utilise extracts from indigenous healing plants. He also consults with guests at the spa. 

Whether you are interested in meditation, traditional healing or ancient hunter-gatherer philosophy, KwaZulu-Natal has plenty to offer anyone embarking on a spiritual journey. 

Lear more about the Drakensberg area with our #MeetYourSouthAfrica guide here 

TTravel tips & planning info 

Who to contact 

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple 

Bhaktivedanta Swami Circle, Chatsworth     

Tel: +27 (0)31 403 3328 50  

Email: temple@iskcondurban

The Buddhist Retreat Centre

The Buddhist Retreat Centre is well sign-posted and off District Road D64, which branches off from the R56 between Pietermaritzburg and Ixopo. 

Tel: +27 (0)87 809 1687 
Cell: +27 (0)82 579 3037 
Email: bookings@brcixopo.co.za 

The Fordoun Hotel  

+27 (0)33 266 6217 
Email: reservations@fordoun.co.za  

KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Office 

Best time to visit: Soul-searching shouldn’t be limited to a certain time of the year, and the Drakensberg is beautiful year-round. 

Around the area: Other sites worth visiting include the Umbilo Shree Ambalavaanar Alayam Temple, Sigananda Shezi's grave, Fort Kwamonde and the numerous battlefields scattered all over the KwaZulu-Natal. 

What to pack: Pack comfortable walking shoes if a hike through the Drakensberg mountains sounds good. 

Where to stay: You can stay over at the Buddhist Retreat Centre and the Fordoun Hotel. There are also wonderful resorts and small family hotels throughout the Drakensberg region. 

What to eat: Enjoy a vegetarian meal at the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple restaurant. 

Get around: Hiring a car will allow you to explore the area at your leisure. 

What it will cost: Costs will vary depending on where one stays. The Buddhist Retreat Centre offers weekend packages and getaways. There's no charge to visit the Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple, but donations are welcome. 

Length of stay: You could easily spend a week exploring the highlights in the beautiful province of KwaZulu-Natal. 

PPlanning a trip to South Africa? Meet Your South Africa guides, the people that know the country best! Read the Meet Your South Africa magazine here

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