South Africa | KwaZulu Natal

Situated in the north east of South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal spreads from the soaring mountain peaks in the west down to the sub-tropical Indian Ocean coastline in the east. Its upper reaches take you through rolling green hills and endless golden beaches to the borders of Mozambique.

The Zulu Kingdom is guardian of two World Heritage Sites. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park on the Elephant Coast is made up of an intricate system of lakes, swamps, coastal forests and coral reefs. Lake St Lucia, the largest of the lakes, is fed by 5 rivers and provides habitat for a rich diversity of fish, birds and animals. On a boat trip up the lake you will encounter flamingos, pelicans, giant heron and fish eagles. Below the surface, crocodiles and hippos cruise the shallow waterways in search of food.

The marine reserve is a breeding ground for a number of species of endangered leatherback turtle. Tiger sharks, manta rays and giant moray eels hunt below the waves on this unspoilt stretch of coastline.

Close to St Lucia you will find some of the best Big 5 game viewing in the country in reserves like Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Africa's oldest game park. The Tembe, Ndumo and Mkuze reserves now protect areas once devastated by ivory poachers and have largely restored the natural habitat of the elephant.

The second World Heritage Site is the vast conservation area known as the UKhahlamba Drakensberg Park proclaimed for both its ancient San paintings and the value of its ecology. Stretching hundreds of kilometers along the Lesotho border, the towering basaltic peaks of the Drakensberg Mountains rise to over 3000m and are the source of the Zulu Kingdom's major rivers.

For adventure seekers the park is a dream destination for climbing, paragliding and quadbiking. Other holiday activities include hiking, horseriding and tubing the clear rivers. In the valleys of the foothills are superb trout and bass fishing locations where you can enjoy the peace and quiet while taking in sweeping views of Cathedral Peak and Giant's Castle.

Pietermaritzburg, midway between the mountains and the coast is a perfect base for exploring the Midlands of KwaZulu Natal. Steeped in African, British and Indian heritage, this historical town has fine examples of Edwardian and Victorian architecture. The surrounding region is famous for its many craft routes which take you through forested countryside, horse studs and dairy farms to the studios of potters, weavers, leather workers and artists. Overnight at one of the region's quaint country inns to experience good old fashioned Midlands hospitality.

For any traveller the coastal city of Durban offers a mix of modern western facilities and traditional cultural experience. Vibrant nightlife in the theatres, restaurants and clubs is typical of the energy that drives the people of KwaZulu Natal's capital. Shopping at the many markets in the city offers exciting opportunities to bargain for colourful fabrics, Hindu brassware and Zulu beadwork while savouring the aromas of incense and spicy ingredients for the perfect Indian curry!

Durban is full of museums and art galleries including the African Art Centre, the Natural Science Museum and KwaMuhle Museum - portraying the turbulent history of South Africa's apartheid era. Visit uShaka Marine world or explore contemporary African culture on one of a variety of Township Tours.

Durban is the gateway to KwaZulu Natal's South Coast - 150 km of sparkling waves, golden beaches, tranquil lagoons, indigenous forests and sugar cane fields. Plentiful sunshine, warm seas and friendly coastal resorts and towns make this area one of South Africa's most popular holiday destinations. The South Coast also offers superb fishing, scuba diving and surfing and is home to the world famous Sardine Run. This annual migration of massive shoals of sardines brings a following of gamefish, dolphins, whales and thousands of sea birds to create a spectacle that delights both visitors and locals alike.

No visit to this region is complete without looking back into the history of one of Africa's fiercest fighting nations, the mighty Zulu. Blood River, Rorke's Drift, Majuba, Dingaan and Shaka are all names that will come to life in a tour of The Battlefields. Today, visitors from far and wide come to explore the battlegrounds, gravestones and memorials of the The Voortrekker-Zulu War (1836), The Anglo-Zulu War (1879) and the Anglo Boer War (1899).

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