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Kwazulu Natal - The Zulu Kingdom

Densely populated KwaZulu-Natal is a subtropical region with a highly appealing mix of scenery and attractions. These include the following:

  • Superb beaches situated both north and south of the province's commercial centre, the large port and holiday centre of Durban. KwaZulu-Natal has 600km of coastline along the warm Indian Ocean.
  • A spectacular mountainous area inland formed by part of the country's major internal mountain chain, the Drakensberg, or "Dragon Mountains".
  • A historically rich district peppered with many battle sites of the famous civil Anglo Boer War fought between the two colonisers, the British and the Dutch, and the wars between the indigenous African inhabitants and the colonisers.

KwaZulu-Natal's population is one of the country's most diverse. The indigenous Zulu culture of this region is well known for its historical warrior tradition and its brave resistance to colonisation.

It is easy to arrange visits to cultural villages and actual settlements where you can learn about the life, history, culture and customs of the Zulu people.

KwaZulu-Natal also has a very distinct British influence and many of its residents are of British heritage. In addition, Durban has one of the world's largest Indian populations outside of the Indian sub-continent. This is because the British imported contract labourers from India in the 19th Century to work on the sugar plantations.

Durban, South Africa's third-largest city, is Africa's busiest port. It is famous for its wonderful climate, holiday attractions, subtropical landscapes, water sports and laidback beach culture. KwaZulu-Natal's 600km of coastline offers superb beaches, a subtropical climate and the warm Indian Ocean. Inland, it also offers an outstanding wilderness and bush experience, with a number of luxury safari companies operating in the superb tropical bushveld regions. This is an attractive alternative for customers who have already been to the Kruger National Park and want to try something different. The province offers a mix of great historical richness, diverse scenery and adventure tourism, some of the world's best beach destinations, and a vigorous indigenous Zulu culture.

KwaZulu-Natal's "must-do's"

Blue Flag beaches
The North and South Coasts of KwaZulu-Natal offer excellent beach resorts. The following beaches have Blue Flag beach status: Margate Main Beach, South Beach, Hibberdene Beach, Ramsgate Beach, Marina Beach, San Lameer and Umhlanga Rocks, Main Beach.

Durban
This lovely city has something for everyone. Take the time to discover its eclectic cultural mix, live music venues, the Golden Mile on the city waterfront, Victorian, Edwardian and art deco architecture, fabulous Oriental and African cuisine and the freshest seafood, state-of-the art shopping malls, craft markets, flea markets, casinos, as well as the biggest aquarium in the southern hemisphere, Ushaka Sea World.

Wildlife
The magnificent Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Park, is the largest park in KwaZulu-Natal.

The Drakensberg
The Drakenberg is a magnificent mountain range, which is known in Zulu as "Ukhahlamba", the "Barrier of Spears". This World Heritage site offers a range of activities, from awesome hiking trails, rock climbing, trout fishing, horse riding and ballooning, to scenic beauty and health spas. It also offers a wide range of accommodation, including small luxury hotels.

Zulu culture
Modern Zulu culture is evident everywhere. For those who want a more traditional experience, a visit to the "living museum" of PheZulu is recommended. In this Zulu village, you can witness traditional cooking, thatching, spear making, dancing and a form of divination known as bone throwing.

Unspoilt coastline
The Greater St Lucia World Heritage site is found in Maputaland, near the Mozambique border. It is one of the world's greatest wetland and marine sanctuaries, preserving 20 different ecosystems. This pristine area of lakes, estuaries, lagoons, forested dunes and coral reefs offers wonderful walking trails, bird and game watching, fishing and world-class diving.

The Battlefields route
This route in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal Midlands is most memorable, especially when experienced with an expert guide who will explain the various battles fought in the area during the 19th century.

The Midlands Meander
The Meander started many years ago by a voluntary collection of craft makers who enticed visitors to venture off the beaten-track and explore their studios and galleries. It has grown into an eclectic and fascinating mix of arts and crafts galleries, world-class restaurants and homely comforts, with a wide range of sporting, environmental and historical pursuits.

Experience the wonder of the Midlands Meander. Discover the people, the beauty and the tastes of the region. You'll discover a new way of life, a new set of priorities, and you'll experience the country at its best.

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