The province stretches from the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains to the coast in the southeast. Some highlights to see and do while in KZN include:
A visit to Route of the battlefields – Here great wars were fought between British, Boers and Zulus. There are more than 50 battle sites that can be visited. This is best done through an organized tour.
Natal Midlands – This is really a beautiful area with fertile landscapes, crystal clear waters, forests and it is also rich in history. Not to be missed is the Midlands Meander, which is very popular with arts and crafts enthusiasts.
The most evocative area is, of course Zululand – homeland of King Shaka at the beginning of the XIX century. This area also has some of the best game reserves. Don’t miss Shakaland at Eshowe.
Tea Dolphin coast – The Dolphin Coast is a malaria-free stretch along the north coast of KwaZulu Natal from Zimbali in the south to Tugela in the north. Includes resort towns such as Ballito, Sheffield Beach, Blythedale, Zinkwazi, Tinley Manor, Salt Rock, and Shakas Rock. It also includes the inland areas of Ndwedwe, Maphumulo, KwaDukuza, Shakaskraal, eNdondakasuka and Umhlali. Snorkeling, diving, surfing, fishing, dolphin and marine excursions, museums, crafts, bird skins, crocodile farms, game reserves, hiking, golf, horseback riding and many more.
Durban – The largest port in Africa, wide beaches, great nightlife and bustling markets. A visit to the Victoria Embankment, UShaka Marine World and of course the Golden Mile should not be missed. Also try the Victoria Street Market which has over 170 stalls!
Drakensberg – Rising more than 3,000 meters high, the Drakensberg cliff can often be seen covered in snow in the winter, providing wonderful photo opportunities. The area is very popular with hikers, climbers, trout fishermen, and tourists in general and is served by hotels, guesthouses, lodges, and campgrounds. For the more athletic, there are many trails in the mountains where the caves are used as night stops.
Natal Sharks Board – The Sharks Board is also worth a visit on Herrwood Drive. Here the life cycle of local sharks is studied to investigate how best to protect sharks and the swimming community.
Gateway Mall said to be the largest shopping center in the southern hemisphere. In addition to the shops and restaurants, there are a variety of activities here, from the cinema to an artificial surf wave.
Valley of the Thousand Hills -with its spectacular scenery and scenery- this is one of KwaZulu Natal’s best kept secrets. Many artists are drawn to the area.
Umhlanga Rocks – Luxury resort with safe beaches, vibrant nightlife, excellent restaurants and much more.
La Lucia Wetlands and Sodwana Bay Diving – this area achieved World Heritage status in 1999 and incorporates Mkuzi (a Big 5 reserve), Sodwana Bay (a world famous diving destination) and Kosi Bay (a natural paradise). There are ecosystems and a unique biodiversity that cannot be found anywhere else on earth, it is not difficult to see why the oldest name for Saint Lucia, given by Portuguese explorers, was “River of the Golden Sands”. Saint Lucia boasts 300 sunny days a year in the area with magnificent subtropical forests, prairies and lily-covered pans that abound with animal life.
Curry – Don’t miss out on wonderful Indian cuisine while in the area, especially Durban with a variety of Indian restaurants and markets. Try a Bunny Chow that was created in Durban in the 1940s. It consists of a hollowed out loaf of bread that is then filled with curry.