Save the date
29 July – 1 August 2027
Umhlanga, Durban · KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Followed by an optional safari tour through Zululand, ending 8 August.
In July 2027 the Oftebro family comes together in South Africa – from Norway, America, Canada, UK, Europe and other corners of the world. Proudly hosted by all in South Africa.
The Reunion will be three days on the glorious KwaZulu-Natal coast at Umhlanga, just north of Durban. We will begin with a warm reuniting of family members and meeting some new faces with a social get-together on Thursday evening, a full day together at the hotel on the Friday, a Saturday excursion to KwaMondi in Eshowe with lunch at the Country Club and return to the Protea hotel for a delectable traditional South African ‘braai’ that night. Finally, on Sunday morning there will be a closing ceremony before everyone goes their separate ways.
For those who want to make the journey count and experience this diverse country at it’s finest, there are two optional safari tours through Zululand to choose from afterwards, either a three or seven night tour.
Reunion29 July – 1 Aug 2027
Everyone joins the reunion weekend. What happens after that is up to you…
The main event
Thursday afternoon check-in.
Evening social get-together & welcome drinks. Friday family presentations including lunch and dinner. Saturday excursion to Eshowe including Kwa-Mondi Church, Norwegian cemetery, visit to Oftebro street, Eshowe high school and back to Umhlanga for a South African ‘braai’. Sunday morning reunion closing ceremony followed by lunch. Meals at the Protea Hotel Umhlanga included.
from R9 950 per person sharing
Optional · Short
Coach transfer North from Umhlanga to St Lucia. This journey into the heart of Zululand on an exquisitely curated safari escape will tantalise your senses with a guided wilderness drive in an open-topped game vehicle in the world-renound iSimangaliso Wetland Park aptly meaning A place of miracle and wonder due to its diverse eco-systems – a boat cruise among hippos and crocodiles and a sensational, full day out at magnificent Cape Vidal with a braai on the beach.
“The wetland park must be the only place on the globe where the world’s oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest land mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the Coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale).” – Nelson Mandela
Sampling South Africa’s culture with three enchanting nights in St Lucia, where estuary and wilderness meet.
from R9 000 per person sharing
Optional · Full
Beginning with the 3 night short tour in St Lucia, then branching off to Ghost Mountain Inn Game Lodge
Journey into the heart of Zululand on an exquisitely curated safari escape. Begin with three enchanting nights in St Lucia, where estuary and wilderness meet, before venturing north to Ghost Mountain Inn Game Lodge, nestled amid the wild beauty of Northern Zululand. Your journey culminates with two nights at the exclusive Bayala Game Lodge, set within a private Big Five game reserve.
Along the way, immerse yourself in four expertly guided game drives in search of Africa’s most magnificent wildlife, glide across tranquil waters on two scenic boat cruises, unwind with an indulgent spa treatment, and lose yourself in the rhythm of an unforgettable evening of traditional Zulu dance.
This is safari at its finest — a seamless blend of untamed wilderness and refined comfort.
from R34 000 per person sharing
All prices are indicative and will be adjusted and confirmed by November/December 2026 based on the final number of people attending.
KwaMondi – At Ommund’s Place
When Prince Cetchwayo, whom Ommund knew well, offered him an opportunity to settle at Eshowe, he moved up to Zululand with his family and established a new mission station there in 1861. The station was officially named Eshowe Mission Station. Locally it was called KwaMondi, meaning “At Ommund’s place” Ommund managed his station for the rest of his life. He served as a supervisor for the Norwegian missionary association from 1877 to 1887.
Norway, California, Chicago, South Africa — the family has been gathering for decades and the group photograph keeps getting wider! In 2027 it’s South Africa’s turn again.
Norway 2004
South Africa 2007
California 2010
Canada 2014
Norway again 2018
Chicago 2023
Places are confirmed on a first-come basis and final pricing is set on numbers, so the sooner the organisers know you are coming, the better.
Or contact Garry Oftebro directly — garry@oftebro.co.za · 082 801 8860