KwaZulu Natal Travel Guide

The borders of the province of KwaZulu-Natal stretch from the southern borders of Swaziland and Mozambique to the Umtamvuna River 160 km South of Durban. KwaZulu-Natal is the only province with a monarchy specifically provided for in the constitution. Scenically diverse it includes untamed wilderness regions, broad, sandy beaches and sunshine almost throughout the year, lush subtropical vegetation, the farmlands, towns and hills of the midlands and the soaring mountain peaks of the mighty Drakensberg mountain range.

Inland and North of the Tugela River is the area known traditionally as Zululand. Starting in 1816 this is where the famous Zulu Nation under King Shaka rose to power and numerous historical sites, cultural villages and craft centres are to be found in this region. Also present are many game reserves and sanctuaries and the close proximity of the ‘Big Five’(plus many smaller animals) to pristine beaches, superb scuba diving, deep sea fishing and unsurpassed birdwatching make this a ’must see’ tourist destination. The complete spectrum of game can be seen in reserves such as The Hluhluwe Umfolosi Park, Mkuze and Itala where habitats range from rolling grasslands to bushveld.

On the Western border of Kwazulu Natal are the mighty Drakensberg Mountains. Traditionally made up of a patchwork of reserves and forestry areas the whole region has now been amalgamated into one huge conservation area - the uKhahamba Drakensberg Park. This park protects the fragile catchment areas of many of the Kwazulu Natal rivers and also offers spectacular mountain scenery and superb hiking opportunities.

In the North Eastern corner of Kwazulu Natal is the area known as Maputaland. Flanked in the East by the sea and the West by the Ubombo Mountains it stretches South from the Mocambique border to the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Maputaland is a rare remaining area in Africa, where man has not yet caused destruction of the complex set of interlocking ecosystems, a place of great natural beauty and a place of great ecological importance.Running the length of the coastline, just inland of the majestic dunes, lie a series of lake systems. Crocodile, Hippo and a rich variety of bird life can be found. Further inland Elephant, Giraffe, Rhino and antelope can be seen in typical African bushveld, sand forests or swamp forests. Spectacular coral formations along the coastline attract scuba divers and the pristine beaches attract breeding marine turtles. Year after year the giant Leatherback and the loggerhead turtles return to follow an ancient nesting ritual which has been taking place for thousands of years.

Or 'The Kingdom of the Zulu' as it is commonly known, has everything that the country and indeed the continent is famous for - beaches, wildlife, mountains, and an abundance of ethnic culture. A beautiful province with spectacular weather and wild vegetation.

Durban is the biggest city in the province and is serviced by the country's principal harbour. It's mixed communities of African, European and Asian result in a unique blend of culture and architecture, making it a city that is certainly worth visiting.

The coastline of Kwazulu Natal is famous for it's subtropical conditions, which mean that even in winter the climate is extremely temperate and pleasant. Dolphins and banana trees characterise the 250km ribbon of holiday coast, which stretches to the north and south of Durban. South Africa's best snorkelling and scuba diving sites, Sodwana Bay and Aliwal Shoal are found in this province.

A two hour drive up the north coast of Durban will take you to the most striking and beautiful piece of Kwazulu Natal's coastline commonly known as the Zululand coast. This area has a wonderful, unspoilt and remote feel and offers some of the most breathtaking sea frontage in South Africa, with fishing spots galore.

South Africa's premier mountain wilderness, the Drakensberg is also found in Kwazulu Natal. If dramatic scenery is what you are after, the Drakensberg is the place for you. Emerald green peaks, spattered with sharp edged cliffs and cut with plunging waterfalls, make way for fern carpeted forests and undulating grasslands. Summer afternoons are characterised by dramatic thunderstorms, and winter days are dry and warm. This area is also home to the richest collection of San rock-art in the country.

Accommodation ranges from upmarket lodges to rustic self-catering, tented camps:

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KwaZulu Natal

KwaZulu Natal