Few regions of the world can match the extraordinary beauty and diversity of this province of South Africa. From the Drakensberg mountains, to the unspoiled Indian Ocean beaches, from coral reefs to golf courses, from craft shops to spice markets, rhinos to whales, battlefields to beaches, KwaZulu Natal has it all. Stretching from the borders of Swaziland and Mozambique in the north to Lake St Lucia in the south, KwaZulu Natal’s unspoiled wetland parks are African wilderness at its best. A new road and airstrips have recently opened this isolated region to visitors, now renamed the Isimangaliso Wetlands Park.
When to go to KwaZulu Natal
KwaZulu Natal is an all-year destination, although it is humid and hot in the South African Summer (December - February) and it can be chilly high up in the Drakensberg Mountains in the winter (July - September).
Greater St Lucia / Isimangaliso Wetlands Park
The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park is flanked by the Indian Ocean, and has over 200 kilometres of untouched sandy beach, coral reefs, pristine estuaries, lake systems and has recently been designated a World Heritage coastline.
The Game Reserves
Among the highlights of the region are its game reserves including Hluhluwe-Umfolozi, the jewel in KwaZulu Natal’s crown. It’s a vast reserve, covering 95,000 hectares, and is worldfamous for its work in conserving the White rhino. There are also several well-known private reserves in the area, including Amakhosi, Thanda and Phinda Reserve.
Zululand
In the centre of the region is Zululand, the area and its people rich in history and tradition. A visit with one of our expert guides to the famous battlefields of the Zulu Wars is a most moving and memorable experience. Durban, the vibrant provincial capital, provides some fascinating contrasts, and the beach resorts of Umhlanga Rocks, Ballito and Shaka’s Rock are very popular.
Drakensberg Mountains
And finally, on the east side of the province are the astonishing Drakensberg Mountains which soar to altitudes of over 3,000 metres. From here it is possible to take the Sani Pass up into mountainous Lesotho.