An unmissable region of powerful Zulu kings, big game safaris, golden beaches and serene country hideaways, KwaZulu-Natal is a tourism leader in South Africa.
Tailor-made trips and getaways that incorporate all the gems of this must-see province are a brilliant way to experience all that Kwa-Zulu Natal has to offer.
Enter the region through the vibrant gateway city of Durban, a tourist hotspot with world-class beaches and plenty of entertainment. Check into the Quarters in suburban Morningside and enjoy the charm of an elegant Victorian hotel close to the bustle of the city.
Leave the hype of the city behind and head to the Midlands, a lush expanse of countryside crisscrossed by rivers and stretching from the Drakensberg foothills in the west to the coast in the east. The Midlands Meander is an attractive 80km route of artists, potters, cheese makers, brewers, snack makers and a variety of local artisans displaying a fabulous array of wares. All this amongst farmland, glistening dams and majestic views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Stay at Hartford House, a beautiful country house on a thoroughbred stud farm, where the food and wines are superb, the accommodation sumptuous and the atmosphere divinely romantic.
Travel a little closer to the Drakensberg peaks, the ideal base for adventurers, hikers and those who enjoy the views. Scenic waterfalls, stunning mountain trails, and ancient rock art sites make for an enchanting world. Cathedral Peak Hotel is a family favorite in the heart of the Drakensberg, offering just about every activity imaginable. Foodies will want to head to Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse in the Kamberg Valley, to delight the senses with extravagant and extraordinary meals.
The Battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal capture the stories of heroic battles fought between the Zulus and the British. Great tours of the battle sites of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift are offered at the Fugitives’ Drift Lodge & Guest House and Isibindi Zulu Lodge. Both are located in picturesque nature reserves. Further west is Three Trees at Spioenkop, a colonial-style guest house in the Drakensberg foothills.
The Elephant Coast includes the best of terrestrial and marine ecosystems, and invites big game safaris, fishing, bird watching and plenty of ecological action. The region has an impressive variety of five major game reserves.
Perched above a waterfall in Zululand, the Mkuze Falls Big Five Game Reserve offers a unique safari. It is your choice whether you opt for a stylish chalet or an air-conditioned tent. Either way, expect to meet the big five and soak up all the sights and sounds of the African bush. Not far from here is AmaKhosi Safari Lodge, a superbly luxurious lodge that also offers world-class game viewing. Its sumptuous riverside suites provide a rest in the lap of pure luxury.
The Pongola Game Reserve is the oldest in South Africa and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. White Elephant Safari Lodge, an attractive tented camp perched on top of the Jozini Dam, has earned recognition as a conservation partner and leader in the Space for Elephants project.
The Isimangaliso World Heritage Site (formerly Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) is a pristine asset and features the largest marine lake in Africa. Situated within the proclaimed reserve, Makakatana Bay Lodge boasts an estuary setting of lake, forest, dune, wetland, spiny savannah and coral reef waters. It is recommended to reserve at least three days to enjoy the Makakatana experience. Hippo and crocodile safaris are one of many beckoning experiences.
Also located in the St. Lucia area, Hluhluwe River Lodge is an adventurer’s dream and offers safaris in the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, bird watching, botanical outings, horseback safaris, self-guided walks, quad biking and boat cruises. boat. It’s the kind of place that welcomes the whole family, young and old.
From here you may want to travel further north to idyllic Mabibi Bay, where Thonga Beach Lodge is off the beaten track and provides unique barefoot luxury in a dune forest just above the high water mark. of the ocean. It’s a great destination for snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks and dolphins, canoeing on Lake Sibaya, or just lounging on a pristine shoreline. If you plan your visit between November and February, prepare for an incredible turtle tracking experience.
If forests are anything to go by then Kosi Forest Lodge in Maputaland is a must. Modern and oh-so-romantic, the lodge offers canoeing on a placid lake, hikes through raffia forests, and day trips to stunning beaches.
The southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal is tropical and temperate, offering access to the warm Indian Ocean. Golfers would feel right at home at the Selborne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate, a charming country hotel located on a magnificent golf estate in Pennington. It caters for the whole family, with a dedicated children’s program and a health and beauty spa for the self-deluded. Not far from here is Lynton Hall, a stately guest house in grand Indian colonial style.
Known as the Dolphin Coast, the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal is a subtropical region of delights, the center of the Zulu Kingdom and a very popular holiday destination. If it’s luxury you’re after, stay at Hotel Izulu, a boutique hotel in a sun-soaked setting in Ballito, offering an on-site spa and access to all of KwaZulu-Natal’s attractions.