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ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris

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The ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris (formerly the Protea Hotel Hluhluwe) has received several soft refurbishments, with further developments in the pipeline including an additional conference room, two four-bed, self-catering rondavels and a signature five-star, self-catering thatched Safari Lodge for six people.

The Lodge, set amongst the property’s many fever trees and indigenous vegetation, will allow families and groups to enjoy a true bush experience. The additional accommodation will be ready to welcome guests from 1 October 2017.

The hotel is a springboard for many of Zululand’s exciting activities including the nearby Emdoneni Cheetah Project, whale-watching or fishing at St Lucia Estuary and diving at Sodwana Bay. False Bay, on the western shores of Lake St Lucia, offers excellent birding and hiking trails and is just 12km away. The hotel has its own game vehicles so a visit to all these places can be arranged with ease.

Positioned as the future of the Ingeli Group, ANEW Hotels prides itself on its family-based philosophy that informs all dealings with staff and guests. Staff at both hotels recently participated in an extensive team build where they were mandated to develop the hotel group’s core values.

“HITEC stands for honour, integrity, team, excellence and courage and forms the basis of our values. It was important for us as hoteliers to get staff buy-in. Their wholehearted adoption of these five things shows in the enthusiastic and intuitive service they provide,” enthuses Eliot. 

“The development of ANEW Hotels took time, thought and preparation with a long-term vision,” CEO Clinton Armour says. “We want to present a great tourism product where the elements work well together. We know people are looking for modern experience delivery, underpinned by old-fashioned values. With our family culture, attention to detail and the personal touch, the ANEW Hotels brand is well placed to provide this type of experience.”

“The ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe & Safaris will always be a three-star hotel but with these great attributes, we are well placed to provide our guests with a four-star service.”

Check out their website and write down their contact details for your next holiday booking!

Tel: 035 562 4000

Email: reservations@hluhluwehotel.co.za

Durbanite
Author: Durbanite

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Attractions

What’s On at Westown Square, Shongweni

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Discover the heart of KZN at Westown Square in Shongweni – a vibrant, growing destination where shopping, dining and lifestyle come together in perfect harmony.
Here, local craft, artisanal homeware and unique products find a home, bringing the very best of our region to life.

At the centre of it all is The Town Square, your gateway to The Barn & Makers Market. Stroll through an eclectic mix of locally sourced art, beauty, fashion, homeware, food and
drink — all set alongside some of the region’s finest restaurants and exciting concept eateries.

More than just a market, The Barn is the beating heart of Westown. It’s where the community gathers each week for live music, entertainment, and a celebration of local talent.
#ItsTimeForTheWest

LOCAL IS LEKKER and we’re celebrating all things Heritage this month, in this beautiful province of KZN that we call HOME! There’s something for everyone, so follow us on social media to keep up to date.

THIS WEEKEND!
OPENING OF THE PADDOCK at Westown – 27 September

Westown is excited to celebrate the opening of The Paddock– a unique new place and the ‘home’ for Westown Trails. It’s fun for the whole family, whether you’re on horseback, on your mountain bike, running or walking. Our network of marked trails, suitable for a variety of sporting codes, enhances and extends the spectacular outdoor character the area is renowned for.
* Time: Hub Opens – 06:00
Official Start – 07:00
* Venue: The Paddock at Westown
* Cost: No cost and complimentary bike and wash service from Cycle Science Shongweni

SPRINGBOK RUGBY IN THE BARN
Come & support The Bokke at the Westown Square Fan Park in The Barn at Westown.
⁠⁠Catch the live action on the big screen – our DJ will be in the house for the pre-match warm-up and post-match fun.
Saturday 4 October – SA vs Argentina
*Time: 15:00
* Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Pre-match fun in the Rugby Kids Zone:

* The Garvz Sport Activation (13:00 -16:00) & Kids Activities (14:00 -16:00) including:
Baby Bok, toddler soft-play area, face painting, balloon sculpting and crafts activities

PASSION PAINT & SIP – 1 October

Release your inner artist with an evening of fun and creativity. This guided class is open to all, no matter your competency level. Be prepared to be surprised at what
you can create!

Date: Wednesday 1 October
Time: 18:30
Venue: The Barn at Westown Square
Cost: R250 pp incl. a complimentary drink & all materials to make your own work of art.
Booking: Quicket or WhatsApp Kirsty on 083 2555 736

OCTOBER SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME – Follow our social media pages
Westown Square is THE PLACE TO BE this October, with a School Holiday Programme to delight kids of all ages!!

FREE MOVIE NIGHT AT WESTOWN – 3 October
Bring your picnic blankets and camp chairs for a free outdoor movie night under the stars.
Food and beverages will be sold – no food/ beverages may be brought into the venue.
* Date: 3 October
* Time: 18:30
* Movie: How to Train Your Dragon
* Venue: The Bowl at Westown Square
* Cost: Free

BLASTER WARS – the ultimate interactive fun for kids aged 5 – 13 years. Jump into action-packed group games, bouncing from one awesome game to the next, all with hands-on
safety. Activities include:
​•​Blaster Wars fun battles and blaster games
​•​Target shooting challenges
​•​Fun races and games for all ages
Date: 7 & 8 October
Venue: Grass Area/Lawn on Level 4
Time: 11:00 -13:00
Cost: R120 per child
Bookings: Tel: 066 236 8100 or email: info@blasterwars.co.za

FRIDAY FLASHBACK
Get a jump-start on the weekend with our vibrant weekly Westown Wind-down. Turn after-work drinks into a full night out at Westown Square, as we dial back the clock, with our weekly 80s-themed Friday Flashback retro music experience with DJ Spike & James VN on the decks and Happy Hour food and drink specials.
Date: Every Friday
Time:  16:30-21:30
Cost: Free entry

SUNDAY SOUNDTRACK VIBES
Join a line-up of Durban’s hottest musicians, every Sunday afternoon, from 12:00-15:00 in The Barn at Westown Square. Choose a bite and beverage from a diverse selection of eateries and settle in for the afternoon.

– Sunday 5 October
A regular favourite at Westown Square, Angel is in the house for this Sunday’s session.
– Sunday 12 October
Popular songbird Carmen Rodrigues is back at Westown Square for a laid-back chill
interlude.

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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Events

Splashy Fen 2026 marks 35 years of music, mountains & memories

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South Africa’s longest-running and most beloved music festival is back!
From
2–6 April 2026, Splashy Fen will once again transform the Drakensberg into a music lover’s paradise for its 35th anniversary celebration.

Following the overwhelming success of Splashy Fen 2025 which sold out, fans are urged to secure their tickets early for the 2026 edition. This milestone year promises a festival experience like no other, packed with music, community, and adventure in the mountains.

Otter Club Tickets: 22 September – 5 October

If you joined us in 2025, you’re officially part of the Otter Club – our insider crew who gets the first shot at Splashy Fen 2026 tickets. From 22 September to 5 October, Otter Club members enjoy exclusive early access to the lowest-priced tickets of the season. Emails with a secret link have gone out, so check your inbox (or ask your group’s ticket buyer to share it).

After 5 October, Phase 1 tickets open to the public – but don’t wait too long, as Splashy tickets move fast.

👉 View Ticket Options

What’s on the cards for 2026

  • 6 stages of live music
  • 300+ artists, including international acts
  • More showers
  • 30+ food trucks, stalls & artisan vendors
  • Free activities: yoga, trail runs, art workshops & more
  • Park by your campsite (no long treks with gear)
  • Family-friendly atmosphere – kids welcome!

Whether you’re a riverside regular or prefer to glamp in luxury, there’s an option to suit your style. From powered campsites to glamping tents, you can secure your accommodation now and start planning the ultimate Easter weekend escape.

👉Check Out Accommodation

A Festival Like No Other

For 35 years, Splashy Fen has been more than just a music festival – it’s a gathering of friends, families, and music lovers in one of the most iconic festival locations in Mzansi. With breathtaking views, world-class acts, and an atmosphere like no other, Splashy Fen 2026 is set to be our biggest celebration yet.

Mark your calendars, dust off your camping gear, and fire up the group chats – the mountains are calling.

See you at Splashy Fen 2026!

Shelley
Author: Shelley

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News

Book Review: The Knight and the Moth

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“This is the first book of the “The Stonewater Kingdom” duology and is absolutely perfect for gothic romantasy lovers like myself!

The Knight and The Moth follows the story of a Diviner (A woman who receives visions from six God-like creatures known as Omens) and her journey to the world beyond an ancient cathedral, the only home she has only ever known. Her fellow Diviners start to go missing after a knight arrives at the cathedral and she has no choice but to seek his help in finding them. But searching for the missing Diviners leads her to discover a much darker truth.

This is not the typical magical world you expect, the focus more on magical objects than magical powers which was unique and refreshing. The whole story intrigued me and kept me reading and reading so I could unravel the lies and find out the truth along with the main character, Sybil. I enjoyed her development from an obedient servant to a defiant and strong woman who now sees the world and herself differently.

Of course there was romance…instant hate and banter vibes between Sybil and the knight Rory, that grew into something more. It was quite a slow burn with one or two spicy scenes but as an avid smut reader I would have preferred a bit more spice haha.

I adored the quirky and annoying sidekick…a stone gargoyle who constantly mixes up phrases and has a knack for calling everyone Bartholomew. Hilarious! I loved this character and all his peculiar traits, he definitely brought light and humour to the story and had me laughing at some very awkward and embarrassing moments.

There was a shocking discovery towards the end, everything just clicked and it all finally made sense! The last few chapters were action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat, ending with such a twist!

If you love secrets and betrayal this is definitely for you. The second book is scheduled to come out sometime in 2026 and I can’t wait to read the epic conclusion!”

Buy your copy here:
https://www.wordsworth.co.za/products/stonewater-kingdom-1-knight-and-the-moth-trade-paperback

Durbanite
Author: Durbanite

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