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Travel tips for South Africa when visiting KwaZulu-Natal

Travel tips for South Africa when visiting KwaZulu-Natal

Kwazulu-Natal Province is a subtropical, beach and mountain paradise for tourists, the Kingdom of the Zulus has something for everyone amidst magnificent natural beauty. From coast to coast, the beaches and quaint towns beckon sunbathers who are drawn to the warm Indian Ocean and all the delights it offers. Outdoor enthusiasts love to explore the two World Heritage sites, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, as well as the game parks and famous battlefields. Diverse cultures, from San Bushmen with their rock art, Zulu villagers with their fearsome warriors and colorful dancing maidens, Griqua hikers with their pioneering spirit, and Indian restaurateurs with their hot and sought-after curries, enrich the province with a wide variety of experiences. to be had With all this on our doorstep, it’s no wonder Durban has become Africa’s premier convention destination, a true antithesis to the all work, no play philosophy.

AIR CONDITIONED:

The coastal areas enjoy a subtropical climate with year-round sunshine, although rain storms can occur in summer. Humidity is lowest in June and July, making it an ideal time to visit. The weather is also warm and sunny for most of the year in the Drakensberg, but in winter nighttime temperatures can drop below freezing and snowfall is not uncommon. At Sodwana Bay, a world-class diving destination, conditions are good year-round, but are best from April to September. The water temperature here is usually above 20 degrees Celsius and in summer it can reach 29 degrees Celsius. The Midlands is a summer rainy area with hot sunny summers and cold winters, with nighttime temperatures dropping below freezing in parts.

SHOPPING:

Shopping is an elevated activity in KZN with entire routes dedicated to this pleasure. The Midlands Meander offers a wide variety of arts and crafts including pottery, sculpture and leather work, ideally interspersed with stops at cozy inns to sample country food and home-brewed ales with names like ‘Pickled Pig’ or ‘Pie-eyed Possum’. ‘. ‘. Ethnic Zulu pieces at beaches, culture villages and curio centres, eg the Workshop, include intricate beadwork, wood carvings, baskets and pottery. In Durban, options range from high-end mall merchandise to central Indian markets where you’ll find the country’s best curry spices and quality African handicrafts at the Center for African Art in Tourist Junction. Also visit the Heritage Market in Hillcrest for more local produce. Other places to shop include: Point Waterfront Fleamarket, The Pavillion, Gateway Theater of Shopping, La Lucia Mall.

DESCRIPTION OF THE MAIN ATTRACTIONS:

uKhahlamba-Drakensberg:

Park A gigantic mountain range full of ecological treasures, this World Heritage Site also has outstanding cultural properties in the approx. 6000 San rock art sites showing early rock art specimens where color and dimension were introduced. Many endemic and threatened species can be found here, for example the bearded vulture, and unique alpine vegetation. Well-marked trails make the area a hiker’s paradise. Other ideal outdoor activities include fly fishing, rock climbing, mountain biking, ice climbing, rappelling, paragliding, horseback riding, and 4WD trails. Don’t miss the famous amphitheatre, cathedral peak, giants castle, the second highest waterfall in the world – Thukela Falls and the majestic Mnweni Valley in the north central area. In the south, there are 26 peaks that exceed 10,000 feet (3,050 m).

Great Santa Lucia Wetland:

Park A World Heritage site that is one of the last remaining subtropical areas containing its various original components of wild plants and animals. Five interrelated ecosystems can be found including a marine system, a coastal dune system, lake systems, swamps, and an inland system of ancient coastal terraces and dry savannah. Don’t miss out on whale watching and also visit Sodwana Bay, a world-class diving destination also popular with anglers. Here, the rare ‘fossil’ fish, the ceolacanthus, thought to be extinct, was recently captured on video.

Durban and surroundings:

Durban, South Africa’s third largest city, is Africa’s most successful convention destination and its ‘Golden Mile’ beachfront offers superb swimming beaches and sports facilities. Apart from this, the city’s cultural mix offers excellent entertainment and shopping, from energetic Zulu dancing to the famous hot Indian curry. Try a traditional rickshaw ride as you explore.

The central region:

Often compared to the Midlands in England, this area comprises wide open areas of rolling green hills, lush pastures and extensive woodland. Follow the Midlands Meander, a world-class cottage industry along a well-organized route, and don’t miss Howick Falls. Ideal for outdoor activities, including whitewater rafting, it is also home to top sporting events, including the Midmar Mile, the world’s largest indoor swim race.

South coast:

A series of small vacation towns cater to fun-seekers year-round. Excellent conditions for bathing, surfing, fishing, diving and dolphin and whale watching. Also known for its golf vacations with more than 12 golf courses.

North Coast:

Seaside resorts located in the territory of King Shaka, famous for its bottlenose dolphins. Ideal for bathing, surfing, diving and scuba diving, rock and boat fishing or exploring rock pools.

Zululand Playgrounds:

The highest concentration of game parks in the province, with the large bushveld game reserves of Mkuze and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi as main attractions. In addition to viewing the Big 5 (lions, buffaloes, rhinos, leopards, and elephants), the reserves are also famous for their birds, especially Mkhuze, hippos, crocodiles, and giraffes. While you’re in the area, don’t miss one of the traditional Zulu villages; in some you can even sleep in beehive huts. In September, the annual Royal Reed Dance at the Royal Residence of King Goodwill Zwelithini in Nongoma is not to be missed.

The battlefields:

Rich in history, this province features the highest concentration of Boer, British and Zulu battlefields in southern Africa. Numerous sites and routes can be explored with the major battle sites of Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, Majuba, Spioenkop, Thalana and Blood River brought to life by stories from a dedicated tour guide.

Valley of 1000 Hills:

Starting approx. Half an hour’s drive from Durban, you can explore a tourist route of craft shops, restaurants and magnificent scenery. Highlights include the PheZulu Safari Park for its Zulu warrior dance, ethnic trivia, bush walks, sangomas, crocodile and snake park; the 3-hour trip on the Choo Choo Train through the valley on the last Sunday of each month and the On Air raptor exhibit, where you can see raptors fly over the valley demonstrating their hunting techniques.

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