KwaZulu Natal

KwaZulu Natal, one of the smallest provinces in South Africa, is known for its proud history, dynamic cultures, breathtaking scenic beauty, diversity, sandy beaches and a warm all-year-round climate. KwaZulu Natal is set against a majestic backdrop of sun, sea, mountains and sky. It stretches from the southern borders of Swaziland and Mozambique to the Eastern Cape border in the South. The Kingdom of Lesotho, the Free State and the Gauteng Provinces flank it on the inland.

KwaZulu-Natal includes the vibrant cities of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the seaside resorts on the South Coast and the Dolphin or North Coast, the game parks of Zululand and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park - a World Heritage Site, the historic Battlefields, the East Griqualand regions, the rolling hills of the Midlands, the diversity of Zululand and the dramatic soaring peaks of the Drakensberg mountains where the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is situated - one of the two World Heritage Sites in the region.

With its awe-inspiring mountain scenery of basalt cliffs, sparkling clear streams and rivers, riverine bush, indigenous yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, the Drakensberg is a place of majesty and peace.

Port Edward

Offering safe swimming and excellent fishing, Port Edward, the last resort on the South Coast, is just a few minutes from the Wild Coast Casino. Take the slippery trip down South Africa's longest supertube ride, or browse through the arts and crafts shops that mark the start of the South Coast Wildabout Arts and Crafts Trail which winds its way up the coast to Southport.

Port Shepstone

Port Shepstone is the largest town on the South Coast with close on 20km of coastline fringing the town. Take a ride on the Banana Express, an old steam train which runs inland along a narrow gauge railway-line. The coastline offers many attractions including abseiling, ocean game drives, walks along the beaches, swimming and birding tours.

Scottburgh

Popular with holiday-makers this pretty town has a grassed, protected bathing beach, a tidal pool and numerous activities to keep you occupied. Kids and adults alike love the rush as you skid down the supertube. A miniature railway for the little ones and bowls, fishing and golf for the adults make this a wonderful family resort. Visit the 35ha TC Robertson Nature Reserve where visitors can experience six ecosystems on a self-guided trail. Just 4km outside of Scottburgh you will find Croc World home to alligators and Nile crocodiles.

Umzumbe

100km from Durban is the peaceful coastal village of Umzumbe. Set amongst sub-tropical, indigenous vegetation and located on one of the most beautiful beaches along the KwaZulu Natal south coastline, this tranquil village offers a stunning bathing beach, wonderful diving and lovely gully from which to fish. The Umzumbe River mouth offers wonderful sightings birders with numerous species of waders and water-birds making this their home.

Zululand

Zululand, or as it is also known, the Elephant Coast, is a vast land of bush, forests and lakes stretching from the Tugela River to the Mozambique border.

Eshowe

It was here that King Cetshwayo set up his headquarters. Perched on the crest of a hill, Eshowe offers visitors the opportunity to view Zulu basketry, carvings, pottery and tapestries which make up the Vukani collection held at Fort Nongqayi in the Zululand Historical Museum. Try some thing a little different, take a stroll just below the canopy of the Dlinza Forest on the aerial boardwalk set up particularly for birding enthusiasts.

Hluhluwe

Adjacent to the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Hluhluwe, named after the thorny monkey rope growing on the banks of the Hluhluwe River, is renowned for its beautiful game reserve, False Bay and the Charters Creek lake system.

Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park

There are many game and nature reserves along the North Coast. The biggest and oldest reserve, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, comprises of two sections functioning as completely separate units. The Umfolozi segment occupies the fertile countryside between the White and Black rivers where you’ll find generous flood plains, well-treed wetland and woodland Savanna, dense bush thickets and natural pastures. Hluluwe, which derives its name from the thick lianas or “monkey ropes” that entwine the riverine trees is somewhat smaller, hillier and is an enchanting mix of misty forest, grassy hills and emerald-fringed watercourses. Internationally acclaimed for its conservation efforts, particularly in its all most single handed conservation of the white rhino from extinction, Hluhluwe-Umfolizi can now claim to be one of the finest of the world’s game reserves.

Itala

Itala, where six rivers wind their way through the bushveld, is home to the only herds of tsessebe in KwaZulu-Natal.

Mtunzini Nature Reserve

Mtunzini Nature Reserve, situated at the mouth of the Mlalazi River, has a natural tidal lagoon and beaches, fringed by dune forests. Extensive mangrove swamps and palm and fern groves create a serene atmosphere. Over 300 bird species have been recorded in the area, including the rare Palmnut Vulture.

Mkuze

Situated in northern Zululand and overlooked by Ghost Mountain, Mkuze is close to the Mkuze Game Reserve and Lake Jozini.

The Dukuduku Forest Reserve

The Dukuduku Forest Reserve preserves one of the few remaining tropical coastal forests. eTshaneni, “the place of the small stone”, is also known as Ghost Mountain. The mountain is known for unusual occurrences, including flickering fires and eerie noises. Here you will find the secret cave which was the burial site of the Shangaan chiefs.

Mkuzi Game Reserve

Mkuzi Game Reserve is different from the region’s other major reserves because of its flattish, mostly open terrain where a profusion of game is easily visible. Mkuzi adjoins the Greater St Lucia Wetland.

Pongola

Pongola, named after the Pongola River, is central to the Zululand region. Originally farmed for sugar cane and cattle, the land is slowly been reclaimed and converted to private game farms. Its lush, undulating hills, with the back-drop of the Lebombo mountains ensure some of the best game-viewing and varied bird-life. Sodwana Bay, renowned for its and the colourful coral reefs and crystal-clear waters, ensure visitors excellent scuba-diving, snorkeling and deep sea fishing. This area is rich in Boer, Anglo and Zulu history.

Lake Sibaya

Sibaya was once a sea estuary but the lakes clear, placid blue waters are now separated from the Indian Ocean by a massive rampart of forested dunes, the highest vegetated coastal dunes in the world. Sibaya is home to crocodiles, hippo as well as to 10 or so species of marine fish that have, over the millennia, adapted to their changed environment. The Kosi Bay estuary and lake system is a large unspoilt wilderness area, containing hippos and crocodiles. Witness the local fisherman fishing in the estuary with their traditional fishing kraals. In summer, endangered leatherback and loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs in the coastal dunes along this picyuresque stretch of coastline. Pongola, situated in a valley in the foothills of the Lebombo Mountains, is an area rich in Anglo, Zulu and Boer history.

The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park

St Lucia , situated in the south is the gateway to the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Here there are five distinct ecosystems. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is a World Heritage Site and world-class eco-tourism destination. This is one of the worlds most fragile and remarkable conservation areas in the world. The wetland incorporates the wondrous 275 000-ha reed fringed Lake St Lucia linked by a narrow channel to the sea and home to the largest single hippo population in Africa, a pan which teems with a splendid variety of birds, marshland, flood plains and papyrus swamp, palm veld, the Lebombo Mountains, broad grassland, semiarid savannah, high dunes and a long strip of the Indian Ocean, notable for its offshore coral reefs and incredible marine life. Guided boat tours enable visitors to view hippos, go deep-sea fishing and whale or turtle watching.

Maputaland extends northwards from the northern banks of Lake St. Lucia to the Mozambique border. This area comprises an enormous wilderness area boasting over 20 ecosystems, and is one of the last authentic African wilderness areas. Activities include game-viewing, bird-watching, scuba-diving, snorkeling, lake canoeing, fishing and cultural excursions. Lake Jozini, a beautiful, manmade lake is home to hippos and crocodiles, local and migrant bird species, and is popular for its tiger-fishing. Ndumo Game Reserve offers over 420 species of birds. The rich aquatic vegetation exposed by the seasonal ebb of the Pongola River attracts such species as the pelican, flamingo, black egret, herons as well as the Pels' fishing owl, African fish eagle and an array of small waders. The scenic variety in the area encompasses a remarkable diversity of habitats from the river's lush flood plain to the dry sandveld and patches of woodland and evergreen forest. Tembe Elephant Park is home to the last truly wild elephants that once roamed across the countries borders between South Africa and Mozambique. The Coastal Forest Reserve encompasses Lake Sibaya, South Africa’s largest fresh-water lake which includes a coastal strip stretching from Sodwana to Kosi Bay, where it joins the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.

Battlefields

Steeped in history, the central and northern part of KwaZulu-Natal is a land of great natural beauty that masks a turbulent history. For a 70-year period, starting in the late 1800s, this peaceful and intensely atmospheric area was the scene of valour and supreme sacrifice where a series of bloody battles between British forces, Boer commandos and great Zulu armies shaped the history of southern Africa. Walk in the footsteps of famous military strategists - Shaka, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and General Louis Botha. This fascinating history can be rediscovered at countless battle sites, museums and historic buildings. The scenic and tranquil landscape of the northern regions of KwaZulu-Natal was once the focal point of major military engagements, which changed the course of the British Empire and shaped the future of South Africa. Lone forts and small graveyards mark these fields where many perished making the ultimate sacrifice for this country.

Numerous battle site routes have been developed in the main battlefields towns. For self-drive, maps can be obtained from the local tourism offices, alternatively experienced guides can talk you through each battle and help you relive the campaigns of these brave men.

One of the important battle sites is Isandlwana Battlefield. At Isandlwana Hill in 1879, in a desperate two hour struggle, a British force of some 1700 men was virtually wiped out by a Zulu army of over 20 000 impis, armed mostly with spears and shields. Just 80km from Dundee you will find white cairns which mark the positions of buried British soldiers.

Later on the same day at Rorke's Drift, on the banks of the Buffalo River just 42km from Dundee, another famous battle took place at the site of the military hospital in the Swedish mission station Oskarberg. Evading burning assegais thrown onto the hospital roof, some 100 British soldiers, retreating room by room, fought off a force of 4000 Zulu impis in a 12 hour engagement. Several hundred Zulu impis and 17 British soldiers died in the battle. A record number of 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded to the defenders in this battle. The hospital still stands and now houses the Rorke's Drift Battlefield & Museum. Click here to view the many important battlefields in the area.

The Battlefields area offers visitors the opportunity to learn about Zulu Culture. One can take a walk along one of the hiking trails or visit the nature reserves or local arts and crafts centre's in the area. You will find this scenic area has much to offer.

Dundee

Dundee is the centre of the coal mining industry. It is also a town rich in history. Situated on the site of the Battle of Talana Hill, where the British launched an attach on the Boer position in 1899, is a museum which houses interesting mining artifacts. You can also visit a Victorian farmstead, a miners house and a military museum. The town has a number of old churches dating back to the early 1900's as well as building of architectural significance.

Estcourt

This bustling town is the centre of the agricultural, industrial and tourism industry. Fort Durnford, built in 1874 to protect the towns people from a zulu attack, overlooks the town. Today you can visit the fort, now a museum, and view artifacts from archaeological finds and the battlefields as well as industrial exhibits and a traditional Zulu hut. Opposite the fort you can visit the Zaailager Museum which remembers the Voortrekker history in the area.

Vryheid

Vryheid, once the capital of the New Republic, is the northern gateway into Zululand and the Battlefields route. Dotted across the countryside are memorials and battlefield sites such as the Blood River monument, the battlefields of Hlobane, Holkrans and Kambule and the British entrenchments on the Vryheid Mountain/Lancaster Hill.

Weenen

Rich in Voortrekker history and on the battlefield route, Weenen, meaning "weeping" because of the massacre of the Trekkers by the Zulus is a small town on the banks of the Bushman's River 40 km outside Estcourt.The museum is situated in a small building erected by Andries Pretorius.

East Griqualand

For the birding enthusiasts, East Griqualand offers a diverse array of bird-life, including the rare wattled crane. Golf, paragliding, hiking or fishing are just a few of the pursuits this stunning area has to offer. Surrounded by mountains on three sides East Griqualand covers wide expanses of grassy plains, bubbling streams and wetlands teeming with life.

In the mid 1850's colonialism had begun to overtake the Zulu Kingdom. This wild and beautiful area was considered no-man's land where smugglers and gun-runners had free rein. This no-man's land was soon to be possessed by 2000 Griquas migrating from Philippolis in the Southern Free State. In 1863 the Griqua people under Adam Kok, who was to die in 1875 after falling off a cart, lay claim to the area after been ousted off their land by white settlers. Living in a laager for ten years, they then re-established themselves in Kokstad where they took over numerous farms that had been laid out for them.

The towns of Ixopo, Kokstad and Matatiele all fall into the mountain triangle of East Griqualand. This picturesque area offers a wide and varied array of outdoor activities. Trout and bass fishing are a popular attraction for the area. Mountain trails for 4X4 and mountain bike enthusiasts are carved out of the steep slopes and plateaux.

Ixopo

Ixopo, just 80 km from Pietermaritzburg, lies between the Umkomaas and Umzimkulu Rivers. Due to the proximity to these two rivers, water sports such as canoeing, whitewater rafting and kayaking are just some of the activities available. The Umkomaas valley area offers breathtaking views, particularly near Hella Hella where the cliffs drop off 240 metres to the valley below. Game viewing and bird-watching are also options in this area.

Kokstad

Situated in the Umzimhlava valley, 190 km from Pietermaritzburg, between Mount Currie and the Ingele Mountains, lies the town of Kokstad. The scenic town of Kokstad has a fascinating history. Monuments in the town include the grave site of Adam Kok and the original town hall built in 1910, which is now used as the library. You can also visit the site of Adam Kok's laager in the foothills of Mount Currie, situated in the Mount Curry Nature Reserve, just 5 km's north of Kokstad.

Matatiele

Founded in the 1860's Matatiele serves the local farming and trading communities. Here in the grounds of the Matatiele Town Hall, you can view the gun memorial erected for the soldiers of the district who fell during World Wars 1 and 11. Originally a Dutch Reformed Church constructed form Sandstone, the Matatiele Museum, now a national monument houses exhibits depicting the local prehistory and cultures of the region from the stone age of the San hunter-gatherers to the present day. Take a leisurely stroll around the nearby Wilfred Bauer Nature Reserve or take in a little fishing, but do make a point to see the descriptively named, crossbred zedonk!

Drakensberg/Ukhahlamba

For a totally rejuvenating experience nothing beats the Drakensberg. The Drakensberg, with its awe-inspiring mountain scenery of basalt cliffs, sparkling clear streams and rivers, riverine bush, indigenous yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, is a World Heritage Site and has been recognized as a “Wetland of International Importance” by the Ramsar Convention. Covering 243 000 hectares, this mountainous region known as the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was the home to the San bushmen who left tens of thousands of paintings depicting their daily life on the rock faces of the mountains. Separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho, it can only be accessed via Sani Pass, which at the top is 3 000 metres above sea level.

Climbing, hiking, or for a total adrenaline rush, abseiling, white water rafting or a helicopter flip over the mountains are all pursuits available. For those who prefer a more gentle leisurely walk there are many well- marked hiking trails on both the lower and upper slopes. 290 species of birds and 48 species of mammals, as well as some rare varieties of plant-life are found in the park.