The province of Kwazulu-Natal is a subtropical, beach and mountain paradise for tourists, the Kingdom of the Zulu has something for everyone amidst magnificent natural beauty. From coast to coast, beaches and quaint towns beckon sun worshipers who are drawn to the warm Indian Ocean and all the delights it has to offer. Outdoor enthusiasts love exploring the two World Heritage Sites, uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, as well as the game parks and famous battlefields. Diverse cultures, from the San Bushmen with their rock art, Zulu villagers with their fearsome warriors and colorful dancing maidens, Griqua hikers with their pioneering spirit, and Indian restaurateurs with their hot and coveted curries, enrich the province with a wide variety of experiences. to be had With all of this just around the corner, it’s no wonder Durban has become Africa’s premier convention destination, a true antithesis of the all work, no play philosophy.
CLIMATIZED:
Coastal areas enjoy a subtropical climate with year-round sunshine, although rain storms can occur in summer. Humidity is lowest in June and July, making it an ideal time to visit. The weather is also warm and sunny for most of the year in the Drakensberg, but in winter night temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfall is not uncommon. At Sodwana Bay, a world-class dive destination, conditions are good year-round, but are best from April to September. The water temperature here is usually above 20 degrees Celsius and in summer it can reach 29 degrees Celsius. The Midlands is a summer-rainy area with hot, sunny summers and cold winters, with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing in parts.
SHOPPING:
Shopping is an elevated activity in KZN with entire routes dedicated to this pleasure. The Midlands Meander offers a wide variety of arts and crafts including pottery, sculpture and leather work, ideally interspersed with stops at cozy inns to sample country food and home-brewed ales with names like ‘Pickled Pork’ or ‘Dog-Eyed Possum’. pie ‘. Zulu ethnic pieces on the beaches, cultural villages and curio centers such as the Taller include intricate beadwork, wood carvings, basketry and pottery. In Durban, options range from high-end mall merchandise to Central Indian markets where you’ll find the country’s best curry spices and quality African crafts at the Center for African Art at Tourist Junction. Also visit the Heritage Market in Hillcrest for more local produce. Other places to shop include: Point Waterfront Fleamarket, The Pavillion, Gateway Theater of Shopping, La Lucia Mall.
DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS:
uKhahlamba-Drakensberg:
Park A gigantic mountain range full of ecological treasures, this World Heritage Site also has outstanding cultural properties in the approx. 6,000 san rock art sites showing the earliest specimens of rock art where color and dimension were introduced. Many endemic and endangered species can be found here, for example the bearded vulture and unique alpine vegetation. Well marked trails make the area a hiker’s paradise. Other great outdoor activities include fly fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, ice climbing, rappelling, paragliding, horseback riding, and 4×4 trails. Don’t miss the famous amphitheater, Cathedral Peak, Giants Castle, the second highest waterfall in the world – Thukela Falls and the majestic Mnweni Valley in the North Central area. In the south, find 26 peaks that exceed 10,000 feet (3,050 m).
Great Wetland of Santa Lucia:
Park A World Heritage Site that is one of the last remaining subtropical areas that contains its various original components of wild plants and animals. Five interrelated ecosystems can be found including a marine system, a coastal dune system, lacustrine systems, swamps, and an inland system of ancient coastal terraces and dry savannah. Don’t miss out on whale watching and also visit Sodwana Bay, a world-class diving destination also popular with fishermen. Here, the rare ‘fossil’ fish, the ceolacanth, which was thought to be extinct, was recently captured on video.
Durban and surroundings:
Durban, South Africa’s third largest city, is Africa’s most successful convention destination and its ‘Golden Mile’ beachfront offers superb swimming beaches and sports facilities. Apart from this, the city’s cultural mix offers excellent entertainment and shopping, from energetic Zulu dancing to the famous hot Indian curry. Try a traditional rickshaw ride as you explore.
The central region:
Often compared to the Midlands in England, this area comprises wide open areas of rolling green hills, lush pastures and extensive woodland. Follow the Midlands Meander, a world class cottage industry along a well organized route and don’t miss Howick Falls. Ideal for outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, it also has the best sporting events, for example, the Midmar Mile, the world’s largest indoor swimming race.
South coast:
A number of small vacation towns cater to fun-seekers throughout the year. Excellent conditions for bathing, surfing, fishing, diving and dolphin and whale watching. Also known for its golf vacations with more than 12 golf courses.
North Coast:
Seaside resorts located in the territory of King Shaka, famous for its bottlenose dolphins. Ideal for swimming, surfing, snorkeling and diving, rock and boat fishing or exploring rock pools.
Zululand playgrounds:
The largest concentration of game parks in the province, with the large bushveld game reserves of Mkuze and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi as major attractions. Apart from the sighting of the Big 5 (lions, buffalo, rhinos, leopards and elephants), the reserves are also famous for their birds, especially Mkhuze, hippos, crocodiles and giraffes. While you’re in the area, don’t miss one of the traditional Zulu villages; in some you can even sleep in beehive huts. In September, don’t miss the annual Royal Reed Dance at the Royal Residence of King Goodwill Zwelithini in Nongoma.
The battlefields:
Rich in history, this province features the largest concentration of Boer, British, and Zulu battlefields in southern Africa. Numerous sites and routes can be explored with the major battle sites of Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Majuba, Spioenkop, Thalana and Blood River brought to life with stories from a dedicated tour guide.
Valley of 1000 Hills:
Starting approx. Half an hour’s drive from Durban, you can explore a tourist trail of craft shops, restaurants and magnificent scenery. Highlights include PheZulu Safari Park for its Zulu warrior dance, ethnic curiosities, bush walks, sangomas, crocodile and snake park; the 3-hour Choo Choo Train ride through the valley on the last Sunday of each month; and the On Air Bird of Prey exhibit, where you can watch birds of prey fly over the valley demonstrating their hunting techniques.