Known as the garden province and home to the Zulu nation, KwaZulu-Natal is an enticing, spectacular and fascinating multi-cultural showpiece destination flanked by warm Indian Ocean and soaring peaks.
In this region lies the coastal iSimangaliso (Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park World Heritage Site. Landmarks like the mountainous ‘Barrier of Spears’ uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park World Heritage Site have been declared by UNESCO as world heritage sites. These sites are adorned with Stone Age cave paintings and timeless Indian culture in the footsteps of Mahatma Gandhi.
KwaZulu-Natal is a magnet for thrill-seekers in the great outdoors – from wave riders to hang-gliders, and golfers to mountain bikers. KwaZulu-Natal South Coast: nature’s annual extravaganza – the unforgettable cast-of-millions Sardine Run.
KwaZulu-Natal North Coast offers a year-round frolicking dolphins plus majestic seasonal whale migrations. The Elephant Coast boasts of the Big Five nature reserves of international repute amid Zulu customs in KwaZulu-Natal Zululand unbroken from antiquity. The Midlands has history-filled towns leading to adventure sports and game viewing, along with outlets for unique arts and crafts. The very famous Battlefields of yesteryear where Zulu, Boer and British now make pilgrimages of reconciliation lie in this region.
KwaZulu-Natal borders three other provinces and the countries of Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho. Its capital is Pietermaritzburg, and its largest city is Durban.
Durban is a sophisticated cosmopolitan city of over three million people – a city where east meets west – a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa – city known as the home of Africa’s best managed, busiest port.
Durban is an exciting city in which to play, shop, to experience the nightlife and to relax. It’s a city in which business and debate issues, which have far-reaching effects, not only on Africa but way beyond its borders, are discussed.
The world-class International Convention Centre Durban has hosted an historic line-up of events including conferences of a global scale.
A must visit is the uShaka Marine World, Wilson’s Wharf on the Victoria Embankment and the nearby BAT centre. Indulge in fine and traditional dining, entertainment and shopping in scenic surroundings. Shop till you drop in modern shopping malls. Grey Street and the Warwick Triangle boast vibrant local’s shops and markets. Beachfront stalls sell traditional arts and crafts. Enjoy the excellent entertainment on offer at the city’s theatres and clubs or take a township tour.
If it’s peace and sheer beauty you are after, make for Durban’s nature sanctuaries or parks. The Botanical Gardens are of particular interest – ask about their ‘Music by the Lake’ evenings – wonderful music played by KZN’s Philharmonic Orchestra in wonder surrounds.
Sail, swim, run, and play tennis or alternatively stroll along or relax on the sun-drenched beaches watching the world go by. Durban the Playground of the Zulu Kingdom.
