Phindile Makwakwa, the acting chief executive officer of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), said, "After the kids have gone back to school, couples are often on the lookout for a short romantic holiday to reconnect and have some personal time together away from the hustle and bustle of work and family commitment.

"As KZN, we are a destination that caters for everyone, from the budget conscious to those that have bulging wallets; from young couples looking for adventure to more mature ones looking for easy-going experiences." 

Some of these are:

1. EXPLORE THE MIDLANDS MEANDER
The Midlands Meander is without doubt the "Romeo & Juliet Route" of KZN, with an English countryside feel about it. The route offers everything from laid-back farm-style cuisine to fine dining in stunning, scenic locations. There are also a variety of places to visit including Karkloof Falls, Beacon Hill, and a selection of nature reserves. You can visit different studios or workshops of great craftspeople where you can purchase sentimental trinkets for the love of your life.

2. THE NELSON MANDELA CAPTURE SITE, HOWICK
We have all been impacted by Tata Madiba. This to-do is surrounded by gorgeous scenery and has a sense of legacy about it. It also has a very significant sculpture made up of 50 steel columns between 6 and 9.5 metres high and forms an image of Nelson Mandela from a certain vantage point.

3. LAKE ST LUCIA
There are many hideaway retreats on the Elephant Coast. These KwaZulu-Natal lodges provide a romantic retreat combined with a range of features, facilities and activities.

Lake St Lucia is one of the 10 jewels of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also Africa's largest estuarine system and home to over 800 happy hippos, 1 200 crocodiles, pelicans, and flamingos. Activities include boat cruises, scuba diving and nature trails.

5. GIANT'S CASTLE GAME RESERVE, DRAKENSBERG:
If you want to enjoy blissful peace and quiet with your partner, you can go for a game drive, go fishing or go on a self-guided walk, and spend some much-needed time in nature. For a small fee, you can also visit one of the biggest and best sandstone caves in Southern Africa that contains San rock art.

6. DURBAN'S BEACHFRONT PROMENADE
Stroll down the beach with your beloved, following the eight-km self-guided path. There are plenty of shops, restaurants and bars along the way to explore.

7. MOSES MABHIDA STADIUM - THE BIG SWING
'The Big rush, big swing' allows you to jump over the world cup football pitch, 106 metres above the ground, and swing out at 120 kph, in a massive 220-meter arc.

8. CHILL AT SHONGWENI DAM
Shongweni Dam and game reserve is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy spectacular natural surroundings. If you want to be a bit more active than that, there
are game drives, rock climbing, abseiling, mountain bike rides or guided canoe journeys. 

For more information isit: www.zulu.org.za/dokzn/experiences/do-kzn-romance