Kwazulu-Natal

KwaZulu Natal – A land of icons

It is the Kingdom of the Zulu nation and a province of historical and natural icons. It was here that the infamous Shaka Zulu united the regions tribes into a fearful army, Mahatma Gandhi sparked a movement, and colonial and native forces fought some of the most famous battles in history. It also attracts the highest number of domestic tourists in the country.

Tourism in KwaZulu Natal revolves around three factors, the beach, the bush and the berg. The continuous stretch of beach from the Mozambique border to the Wild Coast attracts every type of visitor. The remote northern beaches of the Zululand and Elephant Coast area are incorporated into pristine wildlife reserves and are highly revered for scuba diving, turtle tours and whale watching. As one moves closer towards Durban the beaches take on more of a surfing and sun tanning vibe.

Durban itself is a relaxed city with no specific focus. Much of the architecture reflects its colonial past but today it is an even mix of African, Indian and European cultures. Durban is Africa’s busiest port and the city itself contains many top quality restaurants, nightspots and shopping centers. Both north and south of the city are numerous tourist-orientated towns with well-maintained facilities. The beach towns along the South Coast collectively boast nine 18-hole golf courses, two of which are ranked in the top 12 in the country.

KwaZulu Natal has two World Heritage Sites. One of them is the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. It contains the most important of the provinces conservation areas and some of its most exciting destinations. Within the park are a number of game reserves, including Hluhluwe Umfolozi, where through an ambitious conservation project, the white rhino was brought back from near extinction. There are numerous retreats in this region that have mastered the concept of the luxury safari, and there are just as many opportunities to rough it and get as close to the wilderness as your character will allow. The lake system of Kosi Bay in the most northern part of KwaZulu Natal is one of the most genuinely unique and unchanged parts of the country and gives one a very rounded experience of what this area is all about. 

The provinces second World Heritage Site is the 243 000 hectare mountainous region known the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, commonly referred to as ‘the berg’. All types of pleasure seekers visit the mountain range all year round from hikers to 4x4 enthusiasts. The small towns and resorts in the foothills of the berg are well prepared for the tourist trade and have much to offer in the way of time passing activities. Delving deeper into the mountains themselves however gives one an awesome impression of the their natural qualities.

KwaZulu Natal has shed its status as “The last outpost of the British Empire” but maintained an ethos of quality tourism. In every corner of this province you will find a worthwhile experience that will add value to your journey.

KwaZulu Natal Tourism:  031 366 7500