KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, is a place of great scenic beauty. From mountains and midlands to pristine beaches, its natural splendour is seldom rivalled. Its rich culture and historical heritage combine to offer a fascinating glimpse into one of South Africa's greatest nations and significant historical events.
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, holds many wonders. Mountain scenery, rolling midlands, bush and beaches come together to offer a compelling and intriguing KwaZulu Natal tourism experience. All this is underpinned by the legacy of the Zulus and the wars which played out here, completing the picture of KwaZulu Natal's alluring tourist attractions.
KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, is regarded as the Zulu kingdom, for it spawned this mighty African tribe. The nation is highly regarded for its military tactics, introduced by King Shaka and successfully employed in wars against the Boers (Dutch-speaking farmers) and British.
Ample opportunities exist for visitors to immerse themselves in the Zulu culture at villages around the province, while extensive battlefields tourism routes bring these Zulu-Boer-British wars to life.
KwaZulu Natal's cultural heritage also includes the San (Bushmen), with tens of thousands of San rock paintings to be seen in the Drakensberg mountains.
These exquisite mountains are a World Heritage Site and a major leisure attraction, offering walks, hikes and adventure activities. They house the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park with its abundant biodiversity, including 290 bird species and 48 mammal species.
This mountainous terrain gives way to the rolling hills of the midlands where you can indulge in the treats of the famous Midlands Meander. This tourism route features almost 200 destinations, focused around the arts, crafts and cultures of this region.
Travel through the beautiful Valley of a Thousands Hills to Pietermaritzburg and Durban, where you can uncover the liberation efforts of icons such as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi on the Freedom Route.
From Durban, explore the beautiful coastline with its pristine beaches, from Port Edward in the south to Kosi Bay in the north.
The north is also home to birding hotspot, Zululand; the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, another World Heritage Site; and several luxury game reserves offering authentic African safaris.
