KwaZulu-Natal

Photo by Roger De la Harpe Click on the image for larger version

Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) with its subtropical coastline, sweeping savannah in the east and magnificent Drakensberg mountain range in the west, generously caters for just about every taste imaginable.

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 St Lucia Wetland Park and the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park. KZN offers fantastic beaches, sunny weather, game parks, rolling green hills, numerous sugar cane plantations and relics of the great battles in South African history.

Traditionally, a popular holiday destination for holiday-makers from other provinces flocking to its sandy shores and wonderful surf, KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s busiest local holiday destination.

Durban enjoys an average temperature of around 27 degrees C (81 degrees F) during the month of January, and a daily maximum of roughly 22 degrees C during July.

GETTING TO KNOW KWAZULU-NATAL

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Durban. Bustling Durban is the hub of the province’s business and industry and pulses with all the energy of a major port city. Luxury hotels abound on Durban’s beachfront, and this city is often referred to as South Africa’s Miami Beach.Durban is one of the fastest-growing urban areas in the world. Its port is the busiest in South Africa and also one of the 10 largest in the world.

Pietermaritzburg. Pietermaritzburg has a strong colonial heritage, however, this vibrant town has a great mix of Indian, Zulu and English-speaking people. The city is often referred to as the best-preserved Victorian City in the country.

Some major attractions in the area:

Photo by Roger De la Harpe Click on the image for larger version

• Zulu Heartland. KwaZulu-Natal is referred to as the Kingdom of the Zulus. To the west of the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game reserves (150km north of Ulundi), one can explore cultural museums that concentrate on local history. Near Ondini, one can find the reconstructed royal enclosure of Cetshwayo, the Zulu King. The fascinating Vukani Collection Museum is found at Eshowe and boasts one of the best collections of Zulu art and culture in the world. Shakaland and Gingindlovu are also worth a visit.

• Mountains and Dragons. The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. This mountain wilderness, bordering Lesotho, is a vast national park boasting the highest mountain range in South Africa. Known to the Zulus as the `Barrier of Spears’, the Drakensberg or `Dragon Mountains’ mountain range is truly spectacular. Often referred to as Little Switzerland, this part of the world offers spectacular waterfalls, mountain peaks and rock faces adorned with San rock art. It is a favourite spot for hiking and fly-fishing.

• On Safari. Famous for its rhino conservation programme and big five sightings, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is the largest of KZN’s reserves and boasts a fantastic cross section of wildlife. Mkuzi and Ndomo game reserves are also popular, and walking safaris in these reserves are spectacular.

• The Dolphin Coast. The glorious Dolphin Coast stretches from Umhlanga Rocks, north of Durban, to the mouth of the Tugela River. The area boasts wide beaches and the warm ocean is the perfect playground for dolphins. The main holiday resorts consist of Ballito, Salt Rock and Umhlanga Rocks – all three offer five star hotels, however, self-catering accommodation is a firm favourite amongst local holidaymakers.. . .