Kwa Zulu Natal
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Kwa Zulu Natal is the traditional seat of power for the Zulu tribe. The North Coast has the most southerly coral reefs in the world and is a paradise for scuba divers. The magical Drakensberg Mtns hide over 4000 ancient Bushman paintings.
The Zulu Kingdom
Known as the ‘garden province’ of South Africa Kwa Zulu Natal is a diverse land of untamed wilderness, broad beaches, coral reefs, coastal forests, wetlands, lush subtropical vegetation and soaring mountains. From the magnificent warm waters of the Indian Ocean the countryside rises through lush wildlife filled forests and wetlands to the foothills and finally to the massive heights of the Great Escarpment, known as the Drakensberg.
The Kwa Zulu Natal area is the home of the Zulu Kingdom and offers a kaleidoscope of natural wonders, ultra-modern facilities, fascinating glimpses of a multi-cultured people, a history rich in heroic deeds, bloody battles and ultimately, reconciliation - all set against a majestic backdrop of sun, sea, mountains and sky.
Durban is the largest city in the area and is the arrival point for most visitors. The city is among the southern hemispheres best known holiday playgrounds and is popular for its superb beaches, excellent surfing and lively entertainment.
Nature lovers will be delighted to find out that Kwa Zulu Natal has two World Heritage sites – the Drakensberg Mountain National Park and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park on the KZN North Coast. The KZN Safari areas of Phinda and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park offer big game safaris in unbeatably beautiful sub-tropical surroundings filled with birds and a vast number of different biomes which allow for diverse safaris.
Known as the ‘garden province’ of South Africa Kwa Zulu Natal is a diverse land of untamed wilderness, broad beaches, coral reefs, coastal forests, wetlands, lush subtropical vegetation and soaring mountains. From the magnificent warm waters of the Indian Ocean the countryside rises through lush wildlife filled forests and wetlands to the foothills and finally to the massive heights of the Great Escarpment, known as the Drakensberg.
The Kwa Zulu Natal area is the home of the Zulu Kingdom and offers a kaleidoscope of natural wonders, ultra-modern facilities, fascinating glimpses of a multi-cultured people, a history rich in heroic deeds, bloody battles and ultimately, reconciliation - all set against a majestic backdrop of sun, sea, mountains and sky.
Durban is the largest city in the area and is the arrival point for most visitors. The city is among the southern hemispheres best known holiday playgrounds and is popular for its superb beaches, excellent surfing and lively entertainment.
Nature lovers will be delighted to find out that Kwa Zulu Natal has two World Heritage sites – the Drakensberg Mountain National Park and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park on the KZN North Coast. The KZN Safari areas of Phinda and the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi National Park offer big game safaris in unbeatably beautiful sub-tropical surroundings filled with birds and a vast number of different biomes which allow for diverse safaris.
The KZN North Coast and the Kwa Zulu Safari areas allow visitors to combine both ocean and land safaris. They are located right next to each other and in many cases overlap, providing some very exciting safari and holiday options. You can strap a scuba tank to your back and explore colourful coral reefs teeming with marine life like turtles, whale sharks and ragged tooth sharks, or go on boat cruises through the St Lucia Wetlands inhabited by hippo, crocodile and numerous bird species before heading slightly further inland for a luxury Big Five safari – either in a 4x4 or even on foot for those who want to experience the thrill of walking among wild animals.
The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is an extensive wildlife and floral sanctuary and noted for its incredible scenic magnificence. From the jagged peaks of Giant’s Castle to the breathtaking expanse of the Amphitheatre this area is filled with wonderful hikes, rivers, the cry of eagles and crisp icy mountain air. It’s a nature lovers paradise where horseback riding, fishing and just ‘getting away from it all’ are first on the agenda.
A visit to the historic and beautiful Battlefields is a must for any history lover and will allow you to walk in the footsteps of famous military strategists and discover some of the forces that shaped South Africa into the land it is today. The legacy of the Zulu people has been memorialized, as have the brave deeds of those Boers and Britons who fought for their countries in this area.
Different types of tours and safaris cater for a wide range of varied experiences in the Kwa Zulu Natal region and the lodges and guesthouses cater for all tastes and budgets. The entire region is suited for those who love the outdoors – from the waterfalls and rivers of the mighty Drakensberg to the coastal wetlands of St Lucia and the endless surfing beaches on Durban’s South Coast this area is a water lover’s dream come true. If you need any help or advice about any of the regions within Kwa Zulu Natal, or if you would like to book a trip then don’t hesitate to contact one of our Travel Experts.
Highlights
Drakensberg Mountains »
A thousand kilometres of mountain majesty, the Drakensberg range is the adventure tourist's playground. It is also perfect for nature photography, easy walking and simple relaxation. Full of game sanctuaries, Bushman rock art sites, challenging peaks and cascading waterfalls, the views in the Drakensberg will compete with anything the rest of the world has to offer.The local Zulu name for Drakensberg is Quathlamba or ‘The Barrier of Spears’, an accurate description for Drakensberg that rises over 3000 metres in height.
Untouched Coastline »
Kwa Zulu Natal is truly blessed with its coastline- over 600km of sandy beaches stretching from Durban in the South right up to the Mozambique border in the North. With a warm temperate climate, the Kwa Zulu Natal coastline offers holidaymakers the perfect place in which to end any tour of Southern Africa. Here you can relax with a good book or for the more active, this stretch of the coastline offers some of the world's best scuba diving and snorkelling. Whales and dolphins are just two of the many different varierties of ocean creature that call this part of Africa home.
Insider tips
The beaches north of Durban such as Balito and uMdloti are amongst the best in the country.
A drive along the so-called Midlands Meander is great for finding excellent arts and crafts.
A half or full day hiking in the dramatic Drakensberg region is a must for any active traveller. A wide variety of walking trails are on offer here.
Tag on a couple of days in the scenic Battlefields region- well informed and often emotional accounts of the wars fought here are a great addition to any Kwa Zulu Natal itinerary.
Northern Kwa Zulu Natal's coastline is a veritable scuba diver's paradise with dramatic offshore reefs.
This region is earning a fast-growing reputation as one of South Africa's best Safari destinations.
When to travel
Kwa Zulu Natal's subtropical climate is kind to visitors and holidaymakers throughout the year. Rainfall is generous, especially during summer. Durban enjoys an average maximum temperature of 27 degrees celsius during summer and 22 degrees celsius in Winter.
June to August is arguably the best time to visit and the warm Indian Ocean offers pleasant bathing year round.
As Kwa Zulu Natal enjoys a subtropical climate, its the perfect spot in which to finish any trip in June, July or August when the weather in the Western Cape can be slightly variable. So having enjoyed Cape Town and the Whale Route's many attractions, one can easily head over to Kwa Zulu Natal for some "winter sunshine".
Getting there
The Kwa Zulu Natal region of South Africa is easily accesible for the visitor and holiday maker alike. The region's main Airport is Durban International which is located 16 kilometres from downtown Durban. There are regular air services into and out of Durban from all South Africa's major cities as well as a small number of International destinations.There are a wide variety of options for accessing Kwa Zulu Natal's many different regions.
Many people opt to self-drive in the region as its very safe and probbaly the best way to get a feel of this beautiful part of the world with its dramatic scenery and friendly people. Other main airports include Richard's Bay on the North Coast which provides easy access to that area's beaches and wetland reserves. Most safari lodges in Kwa Zulu Natal have their own landing strips and are a mere one hour flight from Johannesburg.
Recommended Tours & Accommodation in Kwa Zulu Natal
Thonga Beach Lodge »
Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the KwaZulu-Natal coast. This 24-bed lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the most unspoilt wilderness beaches left on the African continent. The lodge offers luxury accommodation, delicious meals and one of the best dive sites in South Africa.
Read more »Cleopatra »
Cleopatra is a gourmet getaway tucked deep into the KwaZulu Natal’s Drakensberg Mountains surrounded by the Giants Castle Nature Reserve. Beautifully situated on the edge of a trout filled dam, alongside the Little Mooi River, the soaring mountains rise majestically from the bottom of the garden.
Read more »Kwa Zulu Natal Explorer »
This itinerary takes you from the Drakensberg Mountains into the historic battlefields region, via a big five safari and on down to the Indian Ocean coastline. Perfect for those looking to get off the beaten track for some once in a life time experiences.
Read more »Kosi Forest Lodge »
Kosi Forest Lodge is a private lodge in the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve – an unspoilt wilderness that is part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, now recognised as a World Heritage Site. The lodge offers comfortable accommodation, fine cuisine and a host of estuarine, beach and wilderness activities.
Read more »Phinda Mountain Lodge »
Phinda Mountain Lodge consists of 20 private suites feature spacious en suite bathrooms, sitting areas and spectacular viewing decks. Between exciting game-drives, birdwatch from the pooldeck, or simply relax in the Lodge’s comfortable sitting area with its great vaulted ceiling and enormous fireplace.
Read more »Ultimate Family Holiday »
This exclusive safari and beach getaway offers the ultimate in privacy, big five game viewing and relaxation. A great family option, the children will be entertained by a kiddies safari program and also have the opportunity to discover a magical beach resort.
Read more »Makakatana Bay Lodge »
Makakatana Bay Lodge is the only privately owned and run safari lodge set within the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. Let Makakatana Bay create the Zululand safari of your dreams with luxury accommodation, spectacular African safaris and activities and breathtaking scenery.
Read more »White Elephant Safari Lodge »
White Elephant Safari Lodge is located in the beautiful Pongola Game Reserve. The sweeping views and tranquil setting provide the venue for a unique African experience. Eight luxurious safari-style tents ensure a secluded retreat in an unspoilt savanna bushveld teeming with game and birdlife.
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