Msinsi Holding Dams: Perfect for Outdoor Adventures, Leisure Getaways, and Corporate Events

My visit to the Msinsi Holding Dams was a front-row experience to some of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal’s most underrated natural gems. Recently, Msinsi invited us, along with other key players in the travel sector, to explore their tourism offerings and learn about the exciting developments they have in the pipeline. As Isimanje Travel, we joined other Destination Management Companies, Tour Operators, and Travel Agents for a two-day, one-night educational tour covering all the dams under Msinsi’s management.

The journey began at the Msinsi Head Office in Hillcrest, where the team briefed us about the purpose of the tour, which is to strengthen their relationship with the travel sector and share plans aimed at positioning the dams under their management as some of the best tourism attractions in the province. And trust me, if the plans unfold as shared, Msinsi Dams are about to become top attractions in the tourism space.

Hazelmere Dam – Durban’s Outdoor Playground for Adventure and Music Lovers

After the morning brief and breakfast, we left for our first stop: the legendary Hazelmere Dam, tucked in the northern parts of Durban. For many Durbanites, this place is synonymous with the iconic Durban Jazz Festival, an event that once attracted thousands. Having attended the festival many times myself, I thought I knew Hazelmere like the back of my hand… until I arrived and realized the entire landscape had transformed.

The popular festival grounds are now submerged due to the dam wall being raised, a bittersweet moment, but also a huge opportunity. Visiting Hazelmere that day felt like discovering a brand-new place. New picnic areas are being cleared as work continues, making it ideal for outdoor lovers. Whether you enjoy picnicking, park runs (which happen every Saturday morning and are free), bird watching, canoeing, fishing, or bringing your own boat, Hazelmere has you covered.

Events can still be hosted here too, maybe not on the same massive scale for now, but perfect for intimate gatherings, weddings, corporate retreats, and daycations. Plus, it’s only 15 minutes from King Shaka International Airport and 35 minutes from Durban CBD. With future developments planned, including a restaurant overlooking the dam, Hazelmere is definitely one to watch.

Inanda Dam – Culture, Community, and Scenic Beauty in One Place

From Hazelmere, we made our way to Inanda Dam, and as always, driving through reminded me how close these dams really are, less than an hour apart when traffic behaves. Inanda Dam holds a special place for me because our company’s first major event was hosted here in 2009, and that event was packed to capacity. This dam is rich not only in natural beauty but also in cultural significance, sitting in the heart of the rural Inanda, KwaNgcolosi, and Maphephetheni communities.

Before exploring the site, we sat for a briefing led by Mr. Ncube, who shared the history of the dam, completed in 1989, and highlighted the surrounding traditional authorities and rural communities. The location of this dam makes it a unique tourism space where visitors to Durban or KwaZulu-Natal can enjoy nature while immersing themselves in authentic local culture. Inanda Dam offers camping, accommodation overlooking the water, fishing, outdoor event spaces, boat-launching slipways, and even a ferry that groups can book for a scenic boat tour. Just like Hazelmere, they also have exciting future plans, including adventure elements such as a zipline and trampoline area, features that will make this place even more attractive for travelers.

What truly lifted my spirits was seeing the clear progress in controlling the hyacinth invasion that has affected the dam in recent years. The team on the ground is doing incredible work, and Inanda Dam is on its way back to its glory days.

And because of its location within eThekwini, this dam is perfect for visitors exploring the Valley of 1000 Hills or the Inanda Heritage Route and looking to connect with local communities.

Nagle Dam – A Quiet Escape for Nature Lovers

Our third stop of the day was Nagle Dam, tucked inside the uMkhambathini Municipality, just past Durban’s western border. By the time we arrived at around 3 PM, everyone was hungry and ready for a very late lunch. On arrival, lunch was served in their beautiful conference and events venue, which comfortably hosts about 30 people (with the option to extend outdoors). This was my second time at Nagle Dam, and both visits gave me the same feeling: pure peace. It’s the kind of place you go when you want to disconnect, breathe, and recharge. And if you’re here for business, for things such as strategy sessions, team meetings, planning retreats, this place forces you to focus. No noise, no city rush, just calm.

While enjoying our late lunch, we received a briefing about what the dam offers: game drives, paddle boats, picnic spots, and a hiking trail that leads to their very own local “Table Mountain.” We couldn’t hike it this time, which simply means I must return because I want to see this famous Table Mountain for myself.

Another thing that stood out to me is that Nagle Dam is divided into two distinct sections. The first is the Sustainable Tourism Area, where we were based, received our briefing, and explored a bit. The second is the Wilderness Area, home to giraffe, zebra, nyala, and other wildlife. This is where the game drives take place, and yes, that’s yet another reason I need to come back.

Accommodation: currently they also have a cozy six-sleeper house with all the essentials, plus a private pool. Perfect for:

- A weekend away with friends, A romantic celebration, Visitors who love nature and the outdoors, Small group conferences or strategy sessions

I must admit, I was a bit disappointed with the limited accommodation options available during this visit. The tented accommodation they previously offered wasn’t available, and I’m assuming it’s part of their ongoing developments and will return soon. Those tents were perfectly placed, not too far from what I believe is the best spot on the dam. I’ll be on the lookout for their comeback. And before I forget, if you visit Nagle, make sure you ask about the underwater dam tunnel. It’s an engineering wonder and definitely worth seeing.

There is so much potential here, and once their planned developments come alive, Nagle Dam will become an irresistible destination.

Albert Falls Dam & Bón Accord Resort – Nature and Wildlife That Inspire

Arrival at Albert Falls

By the time we arrived at Albert Falls, the sun was already slipping away, and the sky was darkening. Our bellies were still full of the hearty lunch at Nagle Dam, and you could feel the shift among the travel trade crew, the “work mode” was winding down, and the “relax mode” was calling. At that moment, everyone started thinking about those “relaxing beverages,” so we politely asked our driver to take us to a nearby watering hole. He happily obliged, and after securing our refreshments, we headed to Albert Falls, where we would be spending the night and enjoying our drinks.

We arrived around 6 PM, checked into our cosy chalets, and were informed that transport would pick us up at 7 PM for dinner at Bón Accord Resort, just 15 minutes away. By 7 PM sharp, everyone was freshened up and ready to go. Dinner was proper African Shisanyama style, delicious, satisfying, and perfectly paired with the beverages we had picked up earlier. By 8:30–9 PM, after enjoying our meal, we all agreed to retire early. We had a full day ahead, and the road had taken its toll on everyone.

Waking Up at Albert Falls

I woke up early the next morning to a drizzle, cold air, and an overcast sky. But two things immediately lifted my spirits:

Impalas grazing peacefully outside the chalets on the lawns.
That breathtaking view even in gloomy weather, waking up here feels like medicine for the soul. Opening the door to the greenery and smelling the forest after a rainy night was simply incredible.

Since it was raining, I assumed the planned 7 AM morning hike would be cancelled. But by 7, the drizzle had stopped, the weather had improved, and the hike was back on. Some colleagues were late (because we all assumed it was off), so we only started around 8 AM, but wow, it was worth it.

The trail offered stunning views of the dam, fresh air, and the kind of peace only nature can provide. The highlight? Seeing giraffes up close during the walk. We also learned about different plants and animal behaviours. If you ever visit Albert Falls, do this hike, your mind and body will thank you.

Breakfast and the Big Briefing

After the walk, we freshened up and headed back to Bón Accord for breakfast. Once again, the host delivered again, delicious food, warm hospitality, and a full briefing about the attractions and offerings at both Albert Falls and Bón Accord.

Here’s what you can expect regarding accommodation when you visit Albert Falls and Bon Accord.

Albert Falls: 2-sleeper and 6-sleeper chalets (where we stayed)
Bón Accord: 4-sleeper family units, which can be converted into 8-sleepers through connecting doors.

Activities & Facilities

Albert Falls and Bón Accord offer a wide range of activities and facilities to make your visit unforgettable. You can enjoy scenic game drives, explore a beautiful walking trail, relax at well-maintained picnic spots, or host special events in spaces perfect for weddings, jazz events, and other gatherings. The site also features a versatile conference and events hall, a refreshing swimming pool, convenient slipways for boats, and excellent fishing spots, and trust me, even if you’re not a fishing person, this place might just turn you into one. Albert Falls dam is massive, probably the biggest dam in the Msinsi portfolio, and it has exciting future plans to make the experience even better.

The Game Drive – A Perfect Finish

After the briefing, the host took us on a game drive. For me, this was the trump card of the trip, the icing on the cake. We spotted wildebeest, zebras, impalas, warthogs, and of course, our photogenic friends, the giraffes. One thing about giraffes: they know how to pose for the camera. I also noticed how stunning the landscape was, it felt like being in the middle of a great safari movie. I genuinely felt like a movie star. If movie production houses aren’t considering this location, they’re missing out.

By the time the game drive wrapped up, it was already afternoon. We had one last lunch together, another fantastic meal, giving us time to network, exchange contacts, and take our final photos. If there’s one thing the travel trade loves, it’s taking photos. Occupational hazard, I guess. We then said our goodbyes, thanking our host for a truly memorable experience.

Why You Should Visit Albert Falls Dam and Bón Accord resort. Because they are perfect if you want to truly unwind. If you’re holidaying in KwaZulu-Natal and love nature, this is your spot. Bring the whole family. Try fishing. Go on a boat ride if you can. Take that hike. Explore the game reserve. Do it all. This place is peaceful, scenic, and beautifully equipped for both relaxation and adventure.

Final Thoughts

As Isimanje Travel, we want to officially give Albert Falls Dam and Bón Accord Resort our full stamp of approval, for now. For us, we consider them as one attraction, and this is a place we believe is truly ready for visitors from all walks of life. Yes, there are future development plans that will make the experience even better, but as it stands, the site is ready. The other dams are also impressive and worth visiting, but the winner for now was our last stop. As we return in the future and improvements are made at the other dams, I’m sure they too will become strong contenders for the top spot and earn the Isimanje Travel Stamp.

This Msinsi tour reminded me of just how rich, diverse, and special our local tourism offering really is, with each dam carrying its own identity, charm, and story. Whether you’re into nature, adventure, culture, or simply exploring new places, whether you’re a proud citizen of Durban and KwaZulu-Natal or visiting our beautiful province for the first time, these Dams deserve a place on your travel list.

For an even better, smoother, and more memorable experience, we encourage you to reach out to us so we can help plan your next trip. We’re always happy to listen, advise, and recommend the perfect destination, whether it’s for a holiday, a daycation, or a special event, matching you with a place that suits your style, desires, and needs. Durban KwaZulu-Natal is blessed, lets travel more, explore more, and supporting local tourism.

Let Isimanje Travel make your next getaway unforgettable. Contact us at bookings@isimanjetravel.com or call 083 484 9810.