Last spring, I travelled to Durban, South Africa, to attend a travel trade fair and, after a few intense days of networking, I finally discovered KwaZulu-Natal, the region in the spotlight this year.

My journey truly began the moment I left Durban and its high-rise buildings behind to head towards Ballito, on the edge of the Indian Ocean. Once the potholes were avoided (they can catch you off guard, especially at night) and I was settled into the hotel (watch out for the monkeys sneaking in through open windows, I lost a few sweets that way), I set off on foot with a real sense of freedom to explore the neighbourhood and grab a bite in one of the beachfront restaurants, with the moonrise over the ocean as a backdrop.

The next morning, I did not regret getting up at 5 a.m. to admire the magnificent sunrise over the ocean from my balcony and, as a bonus, to watch surfers start their day with their boards under their arms.

After a hearty breakfast and some valuable tips from the owner on how best to explore the region, I left this little corner of paradise behind and drove towards St Lucia and its hippopotamuses. I stayed just long enough to enjoy a cruise on the estuary, a peaceful moment between crocodiles and hippos, guided by a friendly guide, with a hot cup of coffee and some rusks. As you will have understood by now, in South Africa you will always find something to drink, something to eat and someone to talk to.

I would have loved to stay longer here, as the slow pace and village atmosphere surrounded by nature and guesthouses (and hippos) truly invite you to slow down. A small tip: plan one to two nights to fully enjoy it.

My journey then continued towards the Hluhluwe–Umfolozi Reserve, the oldest in Africa, where I was welcomed by traditional KwaZulu drums and dances. I met the ranger who would guide the afternoon safari. The reserve can be explored with your own vehicle, but given the number of elephants I encountered, I was glad not to have to manoeuvre among the herds myself.

Right at the entrance of the park, a magnificent white rhino cautiously approached the jeep, while several springboks and other rhinos moved through the bush. The open jeep then continued along the reserve’s rolling terrain. It was the dry season and many male elephants were in musth, asserting their dominance and creating a few adrenaline-filled moments for visitors who suddenly found themselves stuck in the middle of a herd. I certainly would not have liked to be in the place of the guy who had to reverse at full speed, facing a very angry male determined to prove his dominance over a good old jeep.

Unfortunately, I did not spot any big cats during this game drive, although we could smell the remains of a freshly killed prey at one point. But observation, tracking and waiting always make the experience intense, and this reserve is my favourite so far.

I spent one night at Falaza Game Park & Spa, staying in a very comfortable safari tent with an outdoor shower under the trees, a pure moment of relaxation. Each tent is set within the gardens, where impalas and springboks come to spend the night.

When you stay here, you can choose between a game drive in the Hluhluwe Reserve, as I did, or two shorter game drives in the Falaza Reserve, which is not Big Five, either by jeep or on foot. One thing is certain, on my next visit, that is the experience I will book.

To sum it all up, these few days in KwaZulu-Natal truly allowed me to discover a part of South Africa I did not know, far from the crowds, with plenty of activities and a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere.

As an amateur photographer, my two highlights were the sunrise over the Indian Ocean, coffee in hand from the comfort of my room, which definitely helps, and observing elephant families in Hluhluwe.

One thing is certain, next time I will add a few extra nights in St Lucia and in the iSimangaliso wetlands at Thonga Beach Lodge, just to slow the pace a little more and truly disconnect after intense safaris.