Kwazulu-Natal Province is a subtropical, beach and mountain paradise for tourists, the Kingdom of the Zulu has something for everyone in magnificent natural beauty. From coast to coast, the beaches and picturesque villages attract 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, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and the Great St Lucia Wetland Park, as well as the game parks and famous battlefields. Diverse cultures, from the San Bushmen with their rock art, the Zulu villagers with their fearsome warriors and colorful dancing maidens, the Griqua hikers with their pioneering spirit, and the Indian restaurateurs with their coveted spicy 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, don’t play philosophy.
CLIMATE:
Coastal areas enjoy a subtropical climate with year-round sunshine, although rainstorms can occur in summer. Humidity is lower 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 diving destination, conditions are good year-round, but best from April to September. The water temperatures here are usually above 20 degrees Celsius and in summer they can reach 29 degrees Celsius. Midlands is a summer rain fall area with hot sunny summers and cold winters, with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing in parts.
SHOPPING:
Shopping is a high 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 leatherwork, ideally interspersed with stops at cozy inns for country dishes and homebrews with names like ‘Pickled Pig’ or ‘Pie Eyed Possum’. Zulu ethnic pieces on beaches, cultural villages, and curiosity centers, for example, the workshop, include intricate beads, wood carvings, baskets, and pottery. In Durban, options range from luxury goods in shopping malls to markets in central India, where you’ll find the best curry spices in the country and quality African handicrafts at the African Art Center in 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 BEST ATTRACTIONS:
uKhahlamba-Drakensberg:
Park A gigantic mountain range full of ecological treasures, this World Heritage site also has exceptional cultural properties at approx. 6000 San rock art sites showing the earliest rock art specimens where color and dimension were introduced. Many endemic and threatened species can be found here, for example the bearded vulture and unique alpine vegetation is produced. Well-marked trails make the area a hiker’s paradise, other ideal outdoor activities include fly fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, ice climbing, rappelling, paragliding, horseback riding, and 4×4 trails. Do not miss the famous amphitheater, the cathedral peak, the castle of the giants, the second highest waterfall in the world: the Thukela falls and the majestic Mnweni valley in the north to central area. In the south, find 26 peaks that exceed 10,000 feet (3050 m).
Great Wetland of Santa Lucía:
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 interconnected ecosystems can be found including a marine system, a coastal dune system, lake systems, swamps, and an interior system of ancient coastal terraces and dry savannas. Don’t miss out on whale watching and also visit Sodwana Bay, a world-class diving destination also popular with anglers. Here the rare ‘fossil’ fish, the coeolacanth, believed to be extinct, was recently captured on video.
Durban and surroundings:
Durban, the third largest city in South Africa, is Africa’s most successful convention destination and its ‘Golden Mile’ beachfront offers magnificent swimming beaches and sports facilities. Apart from this, the cultural mix of the city offers excellent entertainment and shopping, from energetic Zulu dancing to the famous hot Indian curries. Try a traditional rickshaw ride as you explore.
The central region:
Often compared to the Midlands in England, this area included wide open areas of rolling green hills, lush pastures, and extensive woodlands. Follow Midlands Meander, a world-class cottage cottage industry along a well-organized route and don’t miss Howick Falls. Ideal for outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, it also features the best sporting events, such as the Midmar Mile, the largest indoor swimming race in the world.
South coast:
A number of small resort towns cater to fun-lovers throughout the year. Excellent conditions for bathing, surfing, fishing, diving and watching dolphins and whales. 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 bathing, surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling, rock fishing and skiboat, or exploring rock pools.
Zululand Playgrounds:
The largest concentration of game parks in the province, with the large game reserves of Mount Mkuze and the main attractions of Hluhluwe-Umfolozi. Besides the observation of the five great animals (lion, buffalo, rhinoceros, leopard and elephant), the reserves are also famous for their birds, especially Mkhuze, hippos, crocodiles and giraffes. While in the area, don’t miss one of the traditional Zulu villages; in some you can even sleep in beehive huts. In September, the annual Royal Reed Ball at the royal residence of King Goodwill Zwelithini in Nongoma is not to be missed.
The battlefields:
Rich in history, this province boasts the highest 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 the stories of a specialized tour guide.
Valley of 1000 hills:
From approx. A half hour drive from Durban, you can explore a tourist trail of craft shops, restaurants and magnificent scenery. Highlights include the PheZulu Safari Park for its Zulu warrior dance, ethnic curiosities, bush walks, sangomas, crocodiles and snake parks; the 3-hour Choo Choo train ride through the valley on the last Sunday of each month and the raptor display in the air, where raptors can be seen flying over the valley demonstrating their hunting techniques.