SELBORNE HOTEL, SPA AND GOLF ESTATE - KWAZULU NATAL:
Selborne Hotel, Spa and Golf Estate - A stately manor house surrounded by indigenous coastal forest is the tranquil setting of this luxury golf estate, hotel and health spa, close to the warm Indian Ocean and near Durban in South Africa. A private beach club is a few sandy footsteps to the beach.

Selborne was created in 1985 when Denis Barker was inspired to turn his dairy stud farm into the first golf estate in South Africa. His intent was clear - preserve the rich flora and fauna surrounding the manor house. Today, this sprawling Victorian architectural statement is the centrepiece of a family run retreat. Woven around the natural rock and contours and verdant indigenous coastal forest - home to duiker, mongoose, bushbuck and over 160 bird species - Selborne offers unequalled natural beauty and tranquility. The Selborne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate welcomes you to a very special lifestyle where all the cosmopolitan comforts and high standards of a refined and exclusive estate are only surpassed by the tranquil subtropical surroundings.

This sub-tropical retreat on the edge of the warm Indian Ocean is only 30 minutes south of Durban International Airport. A temperate climate and lush country setting ensure exceptional leisure. Take up the challenge of one of the most spectacular golf courses in southern Africa . Wild coastal forest frames a superbly manicured course where the only disturbance may be one of nature’s many creatures. Numerous water features demand accuracy but with the reward of breathtaking beauty at every turn.

ACCOMMODATION:
Centred in superbly manicured greens and lush fairways, the English Manor House boats beautifully decorated guest rooms containing fine antiques, Persian carpets and every conceivable luxury which travellers require. The delightful garden suites offer total privacy and each has its own private garden offering secluded privacy and tranquility. All have en-suite bathrooms, telephone, colour TV and satellite channels, refreshment centre, ceiling fans and air-conditioning.

Stirred by the dawn, the forest beckons you to wake after a night securely cocooned in luxury. The choice is yours… the stately Presidential Suite, a luxury Garden or Golf Course Suite, a standard luxury Suite or a privately owned, fully equipped self-catering Villa. At Selborne, discreet but attentive staff will create “home from home” in Africa, pampering you with the personal service one can only get from a family run hotel.

SUPERIOR LUXURY:
With stunning views over the golf course, Selborne’s Superior luxury suites include a double bed, satellite television, air-conditioning, fans, coffee and tea making facilities as well as a well appointed bathroom with separate bath and shower.

LUXURY:
Set in the tranquil surroundings of the indigenous forests, Selborne’s luxury suites include a double bed, satellite television, air-conditioning, fans, coffee and tea making facilities as well as a well appointed bathroom with separate bath and shower.

GARDEN SUITE:
The garden suites are delicately placed within the indigenous forests of the estate and offer its guests a tranquil retreat within a stylish spacious well appointed room that includes an entrance area as well as a bathroom with separate shower and bath. The room also has satellite television, air-conditioning, coffee and tea making facilities.

FAMILY SUITE:
The family suites are very much the same as the luxury rooms but have inter leading doors.

CUISINE:
Selborne is particularly proud of its reputation for providing creative cuisine. Authentic curries are prepared with original combinations of flavours and textures and the freshest seafood is served with flair.

Adding a touch of elegance, the restaurant is decorated in pale cream and green furnishings tinged with a hint of gold and French doors extend on to the patio, to enhance your fine dining experience. Meet or make friends in the plus cocktail bar and enjoy an aperitif or leisurely drink after a day of sunshine and golf.

GOLF:
Some call it the most spectacular 18 holes in southern Africa. Wild coastal forest frames a superbly manicured course where the only disturbance may be one of nature’s creatures. Within an hour or so of flying into Durban, you can be reveling in this masterpiece, or better equipping yourself at the indoor golf academy or pro shop.

ABOUT THE GOLF COURSE:
Mr Denis Barker, a well known local sugar farmer and dairy farmer purchased Selborne Park in 1979, which was used as his family home and to run his pedigree Jersey cattle herd. In 1985, following a visit to the United States and Canada, Denis decided to build a golf course on the property. Together with a handful of local friends who offered support and advice, Denis designed and built the beautiful 18 hole golf course with his younger son, Gary and Selborne duly became South Africa's first golf estate. In many ways, the privately owned and built Selborne golf course, which was voted 7th best in SA in its 3rd year, was the catalyst for what has become a booming "golf estate industry" with over 30 resorts now in the Southern African region.

GOLF LESSONS:
Resident PGA Teaching Professional Trevor Wilkes is rated by Golf Digest Magazine as one of the countries top 20 teaching professionals and has a variety of teaching options to improve your game.

TREVOR WILKES:
Selborne's Resident Teaching Professional
Rated by Golf Digest as one of SA's top 20 teaching professionals

Trevor Wilkes, a talented young South African golfer, turned Pro in 1950, in the same year as Gary Player and after finishing their apprenticeships together the two youngsters set off for Europe in 1956. They both hit the winners circle that year, Gary winning the Dunlop Masters at Sunningdale and Trevor the Daks at Wentworth. The two also featured in a dramatic finish at the S.A. Open at Durban Country Club in 1968, Gary triumphing on that occasion although it was Trevor who headed the money list at the end of the year. During those years, it was Trevor that everyone believed would be the “better player”, but history has its own way of telling its story!

After 18 years, 4 tournament victories and numerous top 4 finishes on Pro circuits on four continents, Trevor retired and returned permanently to his home, South Africa, where he became a full time teacher. Trevor has over the years acquired not only a South African, but also international reputation for his teaching skills, both on and off the course. He is a simply brilliant “golfing teacher” and well-known for his patience and motivation in this awesome game! In 1998 Trevor was awarded KZN Teacher of the Year Award.

Trevor joined Selborne in 1992. Should you wish to enjoy the benefits of Trevor’s teaching mastery, please contact Reception or meet with Trevor personally to discuss your requirements, in his office at the Indoor Golf Academy, opposite the Pro Shop at the Golf Clubhouse. He is available for lessons both on and off the course, to individuals, couples or groups.

THE HEALTH SPA:
There can be few locations more tranquil and therapeutic for a health and beauty spa. Managed by a professional team of dedicated and highly trained individuals, they define the ultimate spa experience by creating a haven to rest, relax and revitalize. Indulge yourself, perhaps with your partner, to a treatment in the double therapy suite or at the private beach club, to the soothing sound of the ocean.

Matis is the exclusive product supplier to the Selborne Health Spa.

THE SURROUNDING AREA:

THE GOLF COAST:
The South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa is home to the Golf Coast, the hidden gem of golf destinations in Africa. All the courses in the area are unique and are all within an hours drive of Selborne.

These courses include:
- Southbroom Golf course
- Umkomaas Golf Club
- Scottburgh Golf Club
- Umdoni Park Golf Course
- Port Shepstone Country Club
- Margate Country Club
- Southbroom Golf Club
- San Lameer Country Club
- Wild Coast Sun Country Club

DRAKENSBERG MOUNTAINS:
the Drakensberg mountains run for hundreds of kilometres along the western border of KZN reaching over 3000 metres into the African sky. Recently proclaimed a World Heritage Site, here visitors can see bushmen paintings dating back 8000 years. In KZN's many nature parks wildlife lovers can see the big five and thousands of other creatures great and small. On the sites of old battlefields historians relate fascinating tales of conflict between nations.

WILDLIFE:
KwaZulu-Natal has an astonishing array of wildlife. This province has diverse and spectacular landscapes with a wealth of plant and animal species to match.

Encompassing the sub-tropical abundance of the swamp forests, the mangroves and some of the highest forested coastal dunes in the world; evocative dry sandforest and bushveld; lakes and wetlands; grasslands, mistbelt forests and montane species living on the slopes of the Drakensberg Mountains.

Within 160 km the topography ranges from sea level to over 3000m in the Drakensberg - the moisture catching escarpment deeply incised by rivers, more rivers than any comparable area in southern Africa, that flow to the coast and the warm Mozambique current.

Sub-tropical conditions prevail in the northern coastal areas, frost and mist in the KwaZulu-Natal midlands and snow and ice in winter on the mountain peaks. Rain falls mostly in summer.

KwaZulu-Natal offers varied wildlife experiences ranging from wilderness trails in the Imfolozi Game Reserve (walking in White Rhino country), to sitting quietly in a hide at Mkhuze Game Reserve watching the natural world parade past. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, where your trail takes you into the territories of the hippopotamus and crocodile, has been internationally recognised for its species diversity.

SHOPPING:
Gateway Theatre of Shopping (55 minute drive from Selborne):
Gateway is one of Africa's largest super regional retail destinations. Customers can enjoy an unequalled choice of shopping and recreational activities from fashion, food, technology and lifestyle to extreme sports.

The wide range of retail outlets cover more than 290 stores ranging from convenience shopping to the extreme outdoors. National retailers include Woolworths, CheckersHyper, Truworths, Foschini, SuperSpar, C.N.A, The Mr Price Group, Clicks, Musica, Jet, Game, Edgars and CD Wharehouse. The centre also introduces you to top international fashion brands like Fubu, Hugo Boss, Timberland, La Coste, Quiksilver, Guess, Nine West and Mont Blanc with national brands like Hilton Weiner, Jenni Button, Vertigo, Aca Joe and Urban Degree.

Pavilion (40 minutes drive from Selborne):
If you are looking for the widest variety of shopping and entertainment in KwaZulu-Natal, The Pavilion is your unique pleasure experience. With an unequalled choice of shops, restaurants, cinemas, entertainment areas and banking facilities and home to fine curio and gift shops, jewellers, fashion outlets and major forex dealers all your needs are met under one roof!Seven days a week, day and night, The Pavilion is KwaZulu-Natal's number one shopping and entertainment destination for locals and tourists alike.

THE SARDINE RUN:
Every year around June, a natural phenomenon called the sardine run sees millions of these shiny silvery fish become the first link of the food chain on their trip northwards, becoming a free for all for locals with “sardine fever” as the shoals beach frequently in their flight from greedy predators.

THE ALIWAL SHOAL (10 minute drive from Selborne):
Selected as one of the top ten dives sites of the world by the Diver Magazine, the Shoal is a definite must.

During the months of June through to November you are sure to see Ragged Tooth Sharks as they congregate on the Shoal to mate. It is not uncommon to find 15 to 150 of these ferocious looking but docile animals on a single dive. In summer you have every chance of seeing huge Tiger Sharks and Hammerheads. Depending on conditions the best dives are Cathedral, Raggie Cave, Shark Alley and a number of other spots.

Should you tire of the sharks, you can always dive on any of the wrecks or go hunting for the huge (and I mean huge) Brindle Bass! Other species (depending on the season) include Manta, Devil and other Rays, schools of pelagic fish, whales, dolphins, and many, many more! Visibility varies from 5 to 40 meters, and the water temperature in summer is 24+ degrees Celsius and in winter not colder than 19 degrees Celsius. The depths vary between 6 to 18 meters with 30 -meter sites for the suitably qualified. The dives are all done without cages and afford the unique opportunity to see these animals in their natural environment!

uSHAKA SEA WORLD (40 minute drive from Selborne):
uShaka Sea World incorporates a unique shipwreck-themed aquarium (one of the five largest aquariums in the world), a 1 200-seater dolphin stadium (the largest dolphinarium in Africa), a seal pool and penguin rookery – and interactive activities in the dive tank, snorkel reef and touch pool. Explore the life size 1920s era cargo steamer run aground between rocks and lagoons – the centrepiece of uShaka MARINE WORLD. Wind your way below deck and become an intrepid explorer of shipwrecks in the shark-infested waters of South Africa’s east coast.

Look for unique sea creatures and other treasures in the 1600s Spanish Galleon; make your way carefully through the passenger steamer – the structural damage she suffered twisted some of her part upside down… she could fall apart any moment. Come nose to snout with the star of “Jaws” with just a few millimetres of glass between you as you traverse the wreckage of a 1970s cargo ship. See the one of the largest collection of sharks in the southern hemisphere and wind your way – carefully – through the half a kilometre of themed viewing tanks, past seven massive aquarium tanks and 25 smaller marine exhibits as you discover other dangers of the deep. Touch a star fish or feel a sea cucumber in the touch pool at the rocky shore. Swim with the sea creatures in the snorkel lagoon and make your way to the shark tank, imagining a little nibble on your toes. Take the plunge in the shark dive tank and be lowered in a protective cage to meet the world’s most fearsome marine predators. Be enchanted by the power and grace of the dolphins as they enthral you with a combination of strength, gentleness and agility – and don’t forget to watch them in action underwater at the specially designed viewing windows. The seals will enthrall you with their antics in a fun pantomime and a visit to uShaka Sea World is not complete without popping in to the penguin rookery to say hello to the best-dressed residents of uShaka MARINE WORLD.

HERITAGE SITES:
Two to three hours away are two World Heritage Sites - The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, with its mountains touching the sky at over three thousand metres and home to ancient san paintings, and The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, consisting of five individual eco systems and stretching 84 kilometres from Cape St Lucia to Ponto de Ouro just inside Mozambique.

SPORTING EVENTS:
If you are an avid sports enthusiast then Kwazulu/ Natal has a variety of international sporting events which are held in Durban annually. With it’s great weather (320 plus sunny days a year) and diverse communities, the people of Durban are sport crazy.

The Durban July - South Africa's premier horse racing event (July):
The Vodacom Durban July has maintained its status as Africa's Greatest Horseracing Event and the consistency in its quality and splendour will ensure it remains the foundation, the cornerstone and the very heart of racing in this part of the world.

The Mr Price Pro - International Surfing contest (July):
The Mr. Price Pro carries a proud tradition that spans over three decades as the longest running professional surfing event in the world. Longer even than the Pipeline Masters and is a cornerstone of the world tour that has crowned surfing’s world champions since 1976.

Sharks Rugby
Durban is home to the Natal Sharks rugby team where rugby enthusiasts can enjoy all the action of the Super 14, Currie Cup and International test matches within the 52 000 seater staduim of Kings Park.

The Comrades Marathon
Arguably the greatest ultra marathon in the world where athletes come from all over the world to combine muscle and sinew and mental strength to conquer the approx 90 kilometres between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban

Soccer
Two professional football teams – Manning Rangers and Zulu Royals keep the soccer fans loyal, although most local fans have allegiance to one of the older Gauteng clubs, like Pirates or Chiefs. Manchester United has a very big fan base in Durban.

BATTLEFIELDS:
Zulu wars, Shaka, Isandlwana, Rorkes Drift, Colenso, Spioenkop, Ladysmith, Dundee, Churchill, Blood River, Cetshwayo, Boers ... are some of the terms which are associated with this internationally renowned area of South Africa.

Witness to decisive events in the annals of three imperious, yet vastly disparate nations, our Kingdom of the Zulu's easily accessible Battlefields exude power and unmistakable presence...infusing the visitor with an inescapable sense of momentous occasion.

WEATHER:
Selborne has the best year-round-weather in South Africa, especially with its sunny, balmy winter months from May to August. Even in the middle of winter, visitors to Selborne can expect daily temperatures in the mid twenties with warm sunshine. For those who enjoy warmer subtropical weather, the KwaZulu-Natal region is the ideal destination, with hot, humid summer months.

DURBAN:
Africa's bewitching seaside playground in the sun, Durban has from its earliest days possessed a special charm...a certain mystique that adds 'something extra' to the meeting of warm Indian Ocean, radiant golden sands and lush sub-tropical greenery. The creation of Durban Metro beckons visitors to this sublime paradise with yet another bonus...the addition of three invaluable elements to our ever-evolving, ever-widening portfolio of irresistible attractions. To offer the broadest possible spectrum of unforgettable experiences, we've brought to your holiday doorstep the magnificent environment and cultural wonders of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, long and tranquil beaches of the South and up-market ambience of the historic and culturally-rich Sugar Coast.

Durban Metro is where the proud Zulu nation meets East and West...a wealth of influences to entertain and enthrall with traditional warrior dancers, mystic fire-walkers and colonial heritage. Sample the unique vibrancy of township life, the finest curries outside India and a calendar filled with thrilling, spectacular events.

We're sports-crazy and equipped for it...hosting countless international contests at our magnificent venues - including the beach. While estate golf inland features high on the list of courses that abound, you can also tee off alongside the ocean or pause on the green as the field thunders by on race day. Speaking of which, we host two of our country's premier horseracing draw-cards...but should you not fancy their odds, there are always the slot- machines and gaming tables of our Sugar Mill casino!

Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, Durban Metro after dark is abuzz with elegant lounges, funky taverns and cozy inns...distinctive local theatre and live music...trendy clubs, pubs and discos. Rave 'till dawn and catch sunrise over the vast Indian Ocean horizon - this is nightlife in a modern, authentic African metropolis!

From your luxury hotel, self-catering apartment or back-packers' lodge, all the delights of our 'mega-city' are linked by efficient transport services...the same network that connects you with the star attractions a little further afield. No less than two World Heritage Sites wait among the majestic Berg, teeming Bush, endless Beach and monumental Battlefields that lie within your easy reach.

Our Kingdom of the Zulu is a holiday destination quite unlike any other...its Durban Metro, a gateway equally unique. We look forward to introducing you to this vast array of thrilling adventures... beginning with the charismatic, multi-faceted and progressive city the Zulu people know as Thekweni.