KwaZulu Natal draws beach and surf enthusiasts with its subtropical carnival atmosphere and year-round summer sunshine, but this verdant province also offers much more – sweeping savannahs brimming with big game, Indian-influenced harbor cities and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains that stretch inland.
Spend your time here spotting the Big 5 during safari at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi, browsing exquisite pottery along Midlands Meander or discovering historic battlefields – just remember to take malaria prophylactics if travelling north of Tugela River!.jpeg)
Elephant Coast
The Elephant Coast of KwaZulu-Natal is an idyllic safari destination where wildlife meets the ocean, boasting abundant biodiversity and offering numerous ecotourism experiences that are sure to please both local and international travelers alike. From its pristine beaches of Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay on the Indian Ocean to iSimangaliso Wetland Park – where visitors can spot over 1 200 species of fish – and incredible diving opportunities with both hard corals and soft corals, as well as offering great whale watching tours from July – December!
This area, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site by UNESCO, features five distinctive ecosystems such as lakes, coastal forests, wetlands, lagoons and beaches. These areas support diverse animal and bird species – including one of South Africa’s largest populations of indigenous elephants.
KwaZulu-Natal’s Elephant Coast boasts many of the Big Five game reserves and makes an excellent location for safari holiday travel in KwaZulu-Natal. Visitors can experience Zulu culture through visits to towns and villages where visitors can gain an insight into traditional African ways of living; horseback riding tours, guided walking tours, as well as safari drives abound here.
South Coast
The South Coast is one of southern Africa’s scenic treasures, stretching from Mossel Bay on the Garden Route all the way through Storms Bay on Storms Bay in Eastern Cape and offering an abundance of picturesque scenes, towns and luxury hotels – something Micato guests have enjoyed on safari trips for over fifty years!
Miles of golden beaches dotted with exclusive residences and holiday towns line the equator-facing coast, while warm ocean waters teem with marine life that makes snorkelling or scuba diving popular activities here. Additionally, June-July brings immense shoals of sardines up the coast toward northward migration – creating an unforgettable spectacle and experience!
Families will also find this area an excellent destination, with numerous lodges featuring children’s programs and short game drives tailored specifically for young people. Additionally, this region hosts the Cradle of Humankind where Mrs Ples and numerous other hominin fossils were unearthed 2.3 Million Years Ago.
The South Coast offers some of the country’s finest golf courses and its rivers, lagoons and coastal forests provide a haven for birders with hundreds of species being seen here. Additionally, busy little towns provide plenty of delicious cuisine as well as friendly locals – perfect places for birders!
Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg is an astounding wilderness of sandy beaches, pristine Big Five safari areas and rugged mountain peaks referred to by Zulus as uKhahlamba; making it an incredible traveler’s destination. Explore villages in its valleys and hike its trails before meeting up with its people; also be sure to look for ancient San rock art dating back millennia as you discover this region’s treasure trove of rock art from San or Bushmen tribespeople!.jpeg)
Located a few hours northwest of Durban, uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is one of South Africa’s most breathtaking national parks and an UNESCO World Heritage Site. Notable sights here include Tugela Falls and Amphitheatre (a rock formation over three kilometres long and 1000 metres high) which boast spectacular sights – spectacular grazing antelope species like eland and mountain reedbuck are frequent visitors along with curious baboons as well as rare bird species such as long-toed tree Frog, mournful Rain Frog and Poynton’s caco.
This mountain range is becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction with resorts and hotels springing up along its slopes. Offering various hiking trails and the Claret Caves (on Lesotho’s border), which contain ancient San rock paintings.
Zulu Culture
KwaZulu-Natal, one of South Africa’s vibrant provinces, offers visitors a rich cultural experience. Durban (Thekwini in Zulu), its lively capital city is filled with shopping malls and top restaurants while the Midlands Meander offers cheese makers, pottery studios, art galleries and cheese makers in its beautiful countryside setting – plus it is also an ideal safari destination where visitors can see wild animals roam freely!
At uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in KZN, jagged mountain peaks and scenic sites abound. Particularly notable features include Amphitheatre; an impressive wall of rock five kilometres long and 1,000 metres high; Cathedral Peak’s impressive basalt tower; Tugela Falls and exceptional San rock art installations – perfect spots for hiking or horseback riding!
KwaZulu-Natal beaches are an irresistible draw for beachgoers and sunbathers, and Durban stands out as an epicenter of subtropical color and music year-round, serving as an idyllic holiday spot. Durban’s diverse suburbs boast various cultures; residents are known for being friendly; greeting visitors with “Sawubona”, meaning hello in Zulu language – one of South Africa’s largest ethnic groups, known for brightly-colored beads and baskets readily available from tourist venues across this city.