|
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 Africas busiest local holiday destination.
KwaZulu-Natal forms South Africas east coast,
stretching from Port Edward in the south, to the Mozambique boundary, in the
north. From its early days, the province has been the scene of many fierce
battles - being the bone of contention between the Zulus and the Voortrekkers;
the British Empire and Boer settlers (Anglo-Boer War); the Zulus and the British
Empire. KwaZulu-Natal has the largest population in the country with some
nine million people living on 92 100 km2 of land. Seventy-five per cent of
its inhabitants are black, mainly Zulu-speakers. Some 15 per cent of the
population are Indian, while white people make up the remainder.
The KwaZulu coast has one of the greatest harbors
on the African continent, Durban, which geographically divides the North and
South Coasts. Visitors to KwaZulu-Natal can either disembark at Durban
International Airport or the Durban harbor, or make use of the extensive
national road network.
The KwaZulu-Natal climate known
to be a province that experiences eternal summer, although temperatures do
differ from region to region. This province has a tropical climate and rainfall
is generous during the summer months. During the Christmas holiday season, it
can get extremely hot and humid along the coastline, although temperatures are
milder as one moves inland.
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.
Durban
Bustling Durban is the hub of the provinces business and industry and
pulses with all the energy of a major port city. Luxury hotels abound on
Durbans beachfront, and this city is often referred to as South Africas 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.
Major attractions in the
area:
Beaches
Some of South Africas best beaches can be found along the Natal
coastline, Umhlanga Rocks, Ballito, Shakas Rock, Shelley Beach (on the North
Coast), Uvongo and Margate (on the South coast) to mention just a few. These
beaches offer safe swimming and fantastic surfing possibilities. Durban also
boasts spectacular beaches including Addington Beach, South and North beaches
and Dairy beach.
Durbans Grey Street
Grey Street is home to Durbans Indian district and is the best place to
enjoy spicy local food. Here, you will find the Juma Musjid Mosque and its
gilt-domed minarets (1927) the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. Wander
around the area and the bazaars and buy some of the incredible spices and
textiles in the province from local Indian vendors.
The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
An eco-tourism wonderland of beautiful lakes, swamps, forests and
marshlands surrounding the estuary of Lake St Lucia. This area was declared as
one of South Africas first World Heritage Sites and is no doubt one of the most
beautiful wetlands areas in the world. Some of South Africa's
best-protected indigenous coastal forests are found here at Dukuduku and Kosi
Bay. Countless species of animals including hippo, crocodiles and elephant, as
well as abundant plant and sea-life are found in this sub-tropical eco-system.
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 favorite spot for hiking and fly-fishing.
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.
On Safari
Famous for its rhino conservation programme and big five sightings,
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is the largest of KZNs 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.
Sodwana Bay
Some of the best diving and snorkeling opportunities in South Africa
are on offer in Sodwana a veritable Mecca for those who love underwater
adventure. The area is also famous for big-game fishing.
The Battlefields
A number of Battlefield tours are on offer in KZN where some of South
Africas most turbulent wars took place. The interior, north of the Tugela River,
marks the spot of gruesome battles between Boers and Zulus, British and Zulus
and, of course, the Boers and the British.
The Inanda Heritage Route
Visit the place where Mahatma Gandhi developed his philosophy of
passive resistance. Visit Ohlange, the school founded by the president of the
ANC John Dube or visit the Inanda Seminary, home to the largest Shembe church in
the province (two million members).
Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is picture postcard country. The rolling
green hills of the midlands are home to English-style country inns, guesthouses
and quaint bed and breakfast establishments. The area is known for its
polo clubs, delightful restaurants and a marvellous arts-and-crafts route.
Valley of a Thousand Hills
One of the most picturesque drives in the world is just 45km from
Durban, known as the Valley of a Thousand Hills. It is in these hills that Zulu
people still live in their traditional huts, the views are breathtaking to be
savored slowly.
Zulu Crafts
KwaZulu-Natal boasts a wide range of markets, craft shops and galleries
where one can purchase the finest Zulu crafts. Traditional baskets, woven beer
strainers, Zulu drums, shields and assegais, beadwork, pottery and regalia
- all can be purchased at reasonable pricess.
The Sardine Run
The South Coast sees the incredible annual migration of sardines, once
a year. Shoals of sardines can be seen in their feeding frenzy as they move from
the Natal South Coast to Mozambique. The sardine run is always followed by
dolphins, sharks and game fish.
Hiking the Oribi Gorge
The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a wonderfully scenic area offering
excellent hiking opportunities. The area boasts cliffs and forests and
spectacular hiking trails and picnic sites. Wildlife in the Oribi Gorge consists
of many antelope, although the oribi (after which the gorge is named) is rarely
seen.
The Hibiscus Coast
The coastline from Port Shepstone to Port Edward has been called the
Hibiscus Coast because of its lush gardens, luxury suburban homes, beach-side
cottages and friendly caravan parks. The area is known for fantastic beaches as
well as golfing opportunities. This is real bucket-and-spade country with the
towns of Margate and Uvongo being firm favourites.
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 favorite amongst local
holidaymakers.
|
