KwaZulu Natal is a world in one province: to the North of Durban you will find the best of South African game reserves and pristine beaches, to the West lie the majestic Drakensberg Mountains and temperate Midlands while to the South there await superb golf courses, fishing spots and miles of subtropical coastline.
Known as the Kingdom of the Zulu, KwaZulu Natal is a melting pot of African, European and Indian cultures. This province boasts two World Heritage Sites, the Greater iSimangaliso-St Lucia Wetland Park and the majestic Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. KwaZulu Natal offers superb beaches, sunny weather, game reserves, rolling green hills, numerous sugar cane plantations and relics of the great battles in South African history. Battlefield Tours in this part of the country cover the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer Wars.
One can also discover the Midlands Meander, a beautiful route dotted with villages that are home to weavers, potters, woodcrafters, leather workers, artists, herb growers, cheese makers, beer brewers and much more. In the background, loom the breathtaking Drakensberg Mountains, the majority of which lie in this province. The Drakensberg has some of the highest mountain peaks in Southern Africa. The Drakensberg’s endless peaks make for some of the best hiking in the country. Other things to do here include horse trails, canopy tours, white water rafting, mountain biking, trail running and abseiling.
Our recommended Kwazulu Natal accommodation:
Drakensberg and Battlefields: Montusi Mountain Lodge, Fugitive’s Drift Lodge, Three Trees, Cleopatra, Hartford House
North coast: Zimbali Lodge, Oysterbox Hotel
St Lucia: Makakatana Bay, Thonga Beach, Rocktail Bay, Kosi Forest Lodge
Safari Lodges: Phinda Private Game Reserve, Pakamisa, White Elephant