KwaZulu Natal is one of South Africa’s most beautiful provinces and one of its most popular tourist destinations. It is a spectacular, multi-cultural, subtropical region flanked by the warm Indian Ocean and the striking Drakensberg mountain range. The province stretches from Port Edward in the south to the borders of Swaziland and Mozambique in the north. Although Durban is the most popular city in Kwazulu Natal, there are a myriad of other things to do there and an abundance of affordable accommodation to stay in.
Here are 10 amazing things to do in KwaZulu Natal (besides visit Durban)
1. Hike in Drakensberg
The dramatic Drakensberg mountains run along the west of the province. The Drakensberg region has been declared a Unesco World Heritage site because of its natural beauty and the profusion of San Bushman rock art found in the caves there. There are hiking trails to suit everyone here – from short strolls to strenuous overnight hikes, all amid breathtaking scenery.
Drakensberg Mountains
2. Safari in Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park
Hluhluwe Imfolozi Park has the honorary status of being the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa (1895). The reserve covers over 96000 ha and boasts the Big Five and many other species of animals as well as over 300 species of birds. Self-driving is permitted.
3. Visit the historic Battlefields
KwaZulu Natal is home to some of South Africa’s most significant battlefields, historic sites where battles took place over 200 tumultuous years. Professional tour guides will show you the sites and paint colourful pictures of the scenes that took place in them.
4. Swim at Blue Flag beaches
There are nine Blue Flag beaches in Kwazulu Natal. Two are in Durban. The rest are in the South Coast. The beaches are picturesque and the water is warm. Do you need any more excuses for lazy days at the beach?
Pennington Beach
5. Release your inner adrenalin junkie at Oribi Gorge
Release your inner adrenalin junkie at Oribi Gorge, a spectacular gorge surrounded by cliffs, forests and waterfalls. It is also home to the highest swing in the world. You will swing from one side to the other of the 165 meter gorge. Once you’ve ticked that off your bucket list, you can choose between a wide variety of other extreme adventures, like abseiling, ziplining and white water rafting.
6. Cruise on the St Lucia estuary
The picturesque Lake St Lucia, is part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is one of Africa’s largest estuaries. Over 800 hippos and 1200 crocodiles as well as flocks of pelicans and flamingos can be found there. Sunset boat cruises on the estuary are a must-do.
7. Ride a steam train
The Umgeni Steam Railway is committed to preserving railway heritage in South Africa There are train rides on the last Sunday of every month to give people an opportunity to experience a nostalgic railway trip, like in days gone by, and to raise money for their projects.
8. Play golf in the South Coast
There is a section of the South Coast of Kwazulu Natal which is also known as The Golf Coast. Golfers (like my husband) can choose from 9 eighteen hole golf courses within close proximity of each other. Enjoy the fresh ocean breezes and the sea views while you play.
Did you know that the first residential golf estate in South Africa was in the KZN South Coast ?
The Golf Course
9. Drink coffee at the world’s southern-most coffee estate
Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in Port Edward is the Southern-most coffee estate in the world. Here you can do a guided Crop to Cup coffee tour, which shows you how coffee is made. Read more about it here.
10. Go on a road trip
There are many spectacular road trips to be done in KwaZulu Natal. Here are some great road trip ideas from Durban.
Go on. Visit this beautiful province and tell me what your favourite things to do in Kwazulu Natal are…
Read about more things to do in Durban here.
Find flights to Kwazulu Natal here.
Read about things to do in Cape Town here.
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