KwaZulu-Natal, (aka KZN) an east coastal South African province, is famous for its warm weather, pristine beaches, mountain ranges and safaris in typical African bushveld, and is a very popular holiday destination for tourists. The region is rich in history and cultural diversity, and you will find many villages showcasing the traditions of the indigenous Zulu people, allowing tourists to enjoy these cultural experiences first-hand.
The exciting safari areas which include the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and Mkuzi Game Reserves are located in the northeast of the province, and are home to many of the Big 5 including rhino, lion and buffalo. The Capital City Durban, often described as South Africa’s playground, is an Indian-influenced harbour city and a popular fishing and surfing spot.
It is advisable to have your own vehicle should you wish to visit more than one area, and incorporating bush & beach on a trip to KZN is definitely something we would recommend.
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Big 5
As well as the Big 5, wildlife experiences in Kwazulu-Natal include unique coral-fringed diving areas, some of which are among the most bio-diverse coastal waters in the world.
Birding
The diverse habitats and dramatic landscape of KZN is home to over 670 bird species, which makes this province the top birding choice in South Africa.
Drakensberg
Arguably the most scenic part of South Africa and stretching from Bushmen's Nek in the south to the Royal Natal National Park in the north, the mountainous wilderness that makes up the greater-Drakensberg area, covers an area of 240 000 hectares along a great natural barrier of mountains which forms the border between KZN and Lesotho. This scenically impressive area is the second World Heritage site in the province.
Game Reserves
Other highly sought after game reserves to mention are Thula Thula, Thanda, and Phinda. Unlike Hluhluwe Imfolozi, these are private reserves, focusing on high levels of service and comfort, combined with amazing cuisine and unparalleled wildlife sightings.
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve
KZN has some of the oldest game reserves in the country, including Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, located in the north, and which is the oldest proclaimed game reserve in Africa. With 96 000 Hectares of African Wilderness being traversed by numerous game roads, it is one of the best safari experiences in South Africa. The park, which boasts a wide range of lodges to suit everyone, is world famous for its conservation efforts in saving the likes of the Southern White Rhino from the brink of extinction.
Snorkeling
With endless summers, warm waters and heaps of unspoiled coastal regions to explore, it’s understandable why KZN is continually voted the number one dive and snorkeling location in South Africa.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a world heritage site and a nature lover’s paradise, located on the Elephant coast (aka Maputaland) offering magnificent dive and snorkeling opportunities. The 5+ mile reef of Sodwana Bay is extremely popular with divers, home to over 1200 species of fish and has even been named in the top ten best diving sites in the world. Wildlife enthusiasts will also enjoy witnessing the turtles that come ashore from around November to lay their eggs. iSimangaliso means “Miracle and Wonder” in Zulu and within this unique water wonderland, which combines wetlands, beaches, dunes, ocean and lakes, you will also find in the region of 800 hippos, even more crocodiles, and other big game such as the black and white rhino, elephants, wild dog, cheetah, and hyena.
Umhlanga
Umhlanga is perfectly located on the east coast of South Africa just north of Durban. It's only ten minutes south of King Shaka International Airport and being in the sub-tropics, it faces the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and offers wonderful South African accommodation, including self-catering apartments, luxury hotels, restaurants, safari lodges and B&Bs. The beautiful beaches and scenery found along this coastline attract visitors from around the world.
Exclusively situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the banks of the St Lucia Lake, Makakatana has just six rooms. Guests can enjoy an intimate experience here, not to mention a wide range of unforgettable activities. There are not many places in the world where one can explore vast wetlands, pristine beaches, experience wildlife, and enjoy boat cruises on Africa’s biggest marine estuary.
Experience barefoot luxury, scuba diving and marine safaris at this premier beach lodge, located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The thatched suites, carefully dotted around the forest yet only a stone’s throw from the sea, will ensure guest privacy and comfort with minimal impact on the environment. Come and discover this piece of paradise!
Thanda Safari is a private reserve situated in the wildlife region of northern KwaZulu-Natal and a multiple winner of the World’s Leading Luxury Game Reserve Lodge. Thanda offers three first-class camps and promises to deliver a life-changing wildlife experience while displaying a deep commitment to the Zulu culture and environmental conservation. Their menus are diverse, the cuisine outstanding and the hospitality impeccable!
Set high on a ridge in the Hluluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, this lodge commands spectacular views over 96 000 hectares of big 5 territory. There are three different room types available (including those suited to families) and with the chic eclectic design, a sense peace and relaxation emerges throughout the lodge.
Choose from the safari lodge, renowned for its gourmet cuisine, or the luxury tented camp where you will experience an authentic bush experience, each offering a unique atmosphere and one that will stay with you long after you have departed. Game drives are phenomenal in this private reserve, and the closeness to elephants simply breathtaking.
Enrich yourself in heritage at this majestic 5* hotel, beautifully situated on the Umhlanga beachfront. With remarkable views of the Indian Ocean, not excluding the iconic lighthouse, understated luxury, sophistication, elegance and hospitality second to none, this is one of South Africa’s most celebrated hotels.
