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KwaZulu-Natal Province:

Overview:

 

Known as the Kingdom of the Zulu, KwaZulu Natal is a melting pot of African, European and Indian cultures. KwaZulu Natal offers the visitor an interaction of natural wonders, modern facilities, fascinating cultures and a rich history - in a breathtakingly beautiful landscape with a variety of settings.  This province boasts two World Heritage Sites, the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the majestic Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.

Climate:

 

KwaZulu Natal has a varied climate due to its varied topography.  Generally, the coast is subtropical with inland regions becoming progressively colder. Durban on the South Coast has an annual rainfall of 1009 mm, with daytime temperatures from January to March averaging 28 °C (82 °F) with a minimum of 21 °C (70 °F). 

 

The temperature in winter months from June to August averages 23 °C (73 °F) with a minimum of 11 °C (52 °F). The Drakensberg can experience heavy winter snow, with light snow occasionally experienced on the highest peaks in summer..

 

Surfing in Durban Bannana Express Train Elephant in South Africa South Coast Beach

'© South African Tourism

 

Top Destinations:

 

Durban

 

Durban is South Africa's busiest port and beach resort. The city has the largest Indian population in the country, descendants of indentured labourers who came in the 1860's to work on the sugar cane fields. It is also the city where Mahatma Gandhi started a political career that eventually led him to great prominence in the struggle for independence in India.  Durban is a popular beach getaway but also has a number of cultural attractions.

 

Pietermaritzburg

 

Pietermaritzburg is situated in the green hills of the Natal Midlands.  It is the administrative capital of the province and is centrally situated between Durban, the Drakensberg and KwaZulu-Natal's game reserves on the main N3 highway between Johannesburg and Durban.  The town was named after the Voortrekkers Pieter Retief and Gerrit Maritz after the Voortrekkers defeated the Zulus in the Battle of Bloodriver.  The British subsequently took the town over, their influence can still be seen in the parks and architecture of some of the buildings.  Different museums to view include the voortrekker museum, comrades marathon house & natal museum.

 

 

 

 

South Coast

 

Margate, Port Shepstone, Scottburgh, Port Edward, sardines, golf, whales, dolphins, the Oribi Gorge, hibiscus flowers and golden beaches are some of the terms which people associate with this magnificent South Coast region of South Africa and the Zulu Kingdom.

Sub-tropical forests, blue lagoons, golden beaches, rocky coves, the warm Indian Ocean and sunny weather make KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast a popular year-round holiday resort for both local and international visitors. Accommodation varies from up-market hotels to camping facilities, and everything in between.

 

Umhlanga

 

Located on the east coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal, is the bustling and popular seaside village of Umhlanga Rocks. Umhlanga is the Zulu word for "Place of reeds" which makes reference to the natural, reed lined, lagoon formed by the Umhlanga River meeting the Indian Ocean to the north of the village.

 

There is the 26 hectare Umhlanga nature reserve on the southern bank of the river which consists of an estuary, dune forest and coastal forest. There are 2 nature trails open to the public through the Umhlanga nature reserve.

 

 

 

 

Main Attractions:

Drakensburg

 

The Drakensberg is the highest mountain range in Southern Africa, rising to 3 482 metres (11,420 ft) in height. In Zulu, it is referred to as uKhahlamba or "barrier of spears".  The Drakensberg Mountains, with their awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, form a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho.

 

Adventure activities in the Drakensberg region include hiking trails, bird watching, game viewing, horse trails and safaris, guided tours, 4x4 trails, quad biking, golfing, trout / fly fishing, white water rafting and rock climbing to mention but a few.  There are a number of accommodation options including backpackers, guest houses, B&B’s, hotels and resorts.

 

Battlefields Route

 

The Battlefields Route take you to some of the most significant battles fought on South African soil including The Battle of Isandlwana, The Battle of Rorke's Drift and The Battle of Spioenkop.  Knowledgeable tour guides will take you back in time to experience the history behind these events. Many of the battlefield sites have remained unchanged since the time of the battle.

 

Dolphin (North) Coast

 

The Dolphin Coast is one of South Africa's most popular and most beautiful holiday spots. Its name was derived from the numerous bottlenose dolphins that can be spotted playing in the waves along the coast.  Only a 30 minute drive from Durban, the area offers a relaxing "small coastal village" holiday atmosphere, with the necessary infrastructure for any business, shopping and entertainment needs.  Some of the main towns and villages include Ballito, Salt Rock, Shaka’s Rock, Zimbali.

 

South Coast

 

Sub-tropical forests, blue lagoons, golden beaches, rocky coves, the warm Indian Ocean and sunny weather make KwaZulu-Natal's South Coast a popular year-round holiday resort for both local and international visitors.

 

Accommodation varies from up-market hotels to camping facilities, and everything in between.  There are a number of excellent beaches to choose from including Ramsgate, Marina Beach and Lucien.  For the golfer, there are nine excellent 18- hole golf courses, two of which are rated amongst the top 12 in the country.  The sardine run– a phenomenon that takes place annually in winter whereby millions of sardines migrate up the coast, accompanied by dolphins and other large fish – attracts a number of people who collect up as many sardines as they can carry.