KwaZulu Natal is a province blessed with a wealth of beauty and history, the Drakensberg and continent's busiest harbour, the coast. About 26km from Durban is Inanda, which probably has more history per square metre than any other place in South Africa. It's a melting pot of Zulu, Indian and European cultures. KZN has over sixty game or nature reserves. Besides two World Heritage sites (WHS), the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park, the province offers warm waters, tropical wetlands, spectacular mountains and relics of some of the great battles of South African history. The roots of the Zulu nation are deeply embedded in the fertile soil of Kwazulu Natal, hence the popular title, Kingdom of the Zulu. Appropriately named "South Africa's Garden Province", the lush and green province forms the east coast of South Africa from the Mozambique boundary southwards to Port Edward. The province is a subtropical coastline, with widespread savannah towards the east and the majestic Drakensberg mountain range featured in the west. Its beaches, washed by the warm Indian Ocean, designates it as one of the country's most popular holiday destinations.
Natural lakes in Kwazulu Natal are confined to the north-east coastal plain and all of the water bodies large enough to warrant this description are contained within the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. The park system extends from the Mozambique border for more than 220 km south to Cape St Lucia. The width of the land portion varies from 1 km to 24 km. A Marine reserve component of 5km wide extends 155km along the length of the coast. The Park comprises the last remaining subtropical area containing its original diverse components of wild plants and animals on the south-eastern coast of Africa, and one of the last remaining in the world. Within the site are exceptional wetland, terrestrial and marine ecosystems with complement of species and migratory species. Landscapes are outstanding and the geomorphological processes by which they are formed are believed to be of universal importance given their evolution subsequent to the fragmentation of the Gondwana super-continent.
Mpumalanga Province facts
- Capital:
- Pietermaritzburg
- Area:
- 91481 km² (7,5% of South Africa)
- Population:
- 12 423 907 (Census 2022)
- Well-known city:
- Durban
- Languages:
- isiZulu (80%), English (16%), Afrikaans (2%)
- Age Dependency Ratio:
- 2,3
- Life Expectancy:
- 62,6 years
- Literacy:
- 65,1%
- GGP:
- R36267 million (14,9% GDP)
- GGP/Capita:
- R4559
- Human Development Index:
- 0,58
South Africa Provinces
Tourism attractions:
- Durban and the coast:
- Durban's Golden Mile has warm-water beaches, uShaka Marine World and the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The North Coast (Dolphin Coast) and South Coast (Hibiscus Coast) have resort towns and beaches, and the Sardine Run draws visitors in winter.
- Drakensberg:
- The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site known for the Amphitheatre, Tugela Falls, hiking and ancient San rock art.
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park:
- This World Heritage Site around St Lucia has hippos, crocodiles, whale watching and unspoilt beaches, and Sodwana Bay is a popular diving spot.
- Game reserves:
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, one of Africa's oldest proclaimed reserves, is famous for rhino conservation and Big Five game viewing. Other reserves include Ndumo and Phinda.
- History and culture:
- Zulu heritage sites such as Ulundi and the Zulu cultural villages, plus the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer War battlefields at Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift and Spioenkop. Pietermaritzburg has colonial-era architecture.
- Midlands Meander:
- A route of craft studios, farm stalls, restaurants and boutique accommodation in the KZN Midlands.
Why You Should Visit KwaZulu-Natal
Few places in South Africa pack as much variety into one province as KwaZulu-Natal. Within a day's drive you can swim in warm Indian Ocean water, hike beneath towering basalt cliffs and watch rhinos at dawn.
- Coast and sunshine.
- Durban's beachfront is a lively mix of surfing, street food and the bustle of a big port city, while the North and South Coasts offer quieter resort towns, tidal pools and mild weather for most of the year. Between the beaches and the Indian Ocean's warm current, it's a place where winter feels like spring.
- Mountains that take your breath away.
- The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg is a World Heritage Site with dramatic peaks, clear streams and some of the best hiking in the country. The Amphitheatre and Tugela Falls, among the tallest waterfalls in the world, are highlights, and the caves and shelters hold San rock art thousands of years old.
- Wildlife without the long trek.
- Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is one of Africa's oldest reserves and a conservation success story for both white and black rhino. Further north, iSimangaliso Wetland Park combines hippos, crocodiles, whales and coral reefs in a single World Heritage Site.
- A living history.
- This is the heartland of the Zulu kingdom, and visitors can learn about its traditions at cultural villages and heritage sites. The battlefields at Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift and Spioenkop tell stories that shaped the country, often with local guides who bring them vividly to life.
- Slow down in the Midlands.
- The Midlands Meander offers craft studios, farm kitchens and country lodges, a gentle contrast to the coast and the wild places.
Whether you want adventure, culture, wildlife or simply a good beach, KwaZulu-Natal delivers all of it, and the warmth of its people makes it feel even better. Pack your hiking boots and your swimsuit, because you'll need both.