A Complete Guide to KwaZulu-Natal
Written by Courtney Drysdale
Lush, wild and vibrant are just a few words that are used to describe KwaZulu-Natal, or KZN, in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal is celebrated for its white sandy beaches, dramatic mountains, pristine parks and wetlands — all together known as the seat of the mighty Zulu nation. In this complete guide, we will explore the marvellous holiday destinations in KZN and what makes them so special. So, grab your scuba diving gear and let's take a dive into our complete KZN travel guide…
Location
KwaZulu-Natal is located in the northeastern section of South Africa and borders the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Encompassing savannah, beaches, wetlands, rolling hills and mountains, KZN stretches across a hefty 94.361 km squared and is often referred to as one of South Africa’s wildest provinces.
How to get to KZN
With many international flights landing in Johannesburg, KZN is an easily accessible holiday destination with good road and flight access. Johannesburg to Durban is about 570 km and will take roughly 6 ½ hours by car. There are also plenty of flights into King Shaka International Airport in Durban, making it a speedy hop over at about 1 ½ hours of flying time from Johannesburg and only about 2 hours from Cape Town.
If you are driving from Johannesburg, incorporating the Midlands Meander into your journey is a wonderful way to experience the countryside, explore plenty of quaint shops, try out local produce at restaurants, and much more.
The roads in KZN are generally in very good condition. However, when driving in the rainy seasons and through mountainous areas, it’s always a good idea just to be cautious of the terrain’s effect on your vehicle.
When to go to KZN
KZN has a sub-tropical climate, which is fantastic for a beach holiday or a hiking adventure, but there are a few things to note. Firstly, summers — from about October to March — can be quite hot and humid and winters — from April to September — are cooler and drier. While the winter times are great for wildlife viewing in the various parks and reserves, the Drakensberg Mountains experience much colder winters, so it can be exceedingly cold from May to August. So, the best idea is to choose your season based on what you want to do. Summer and winter can both be extreme in certain areas (think snow on the Drakensberg), so the best time to visit all the areas within KZN is during the shoulder seasons which runs from March to May, and from September to November.
What to do
Main attractions
KZN has a wide array of stunning natural spaces to explore, from the towering Drakensberg to the pristine beaches along the Elephant Coast, the picturesque Midlands Meander and the golden sands of the Dolphin Coast. Each location has its own distinct set of activities that are equally sustainable and varied. KZN also offers a unique and diverse cultural and food experience. As the seat of the Zulu nation, places like Zululand offer an insight into this vibrant culture. A mix of Indian, colonial and indigenous African influences — along with exceptional cuisine — have created a great foodie scene with standout dishes like shisa nyama and bunny chow.
Activities
Hiking
Explore one of the many famous hiking trails that wind through the lush and breathtaking Drakensberg Mountain Range — as well as the Valley of 1000 Hills — or chart a course along the Elephant Coast, swapping beaches for wetlands and spotting wildlife as you go.
Surfing
Thanks to the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean, KZN offers some wicked surf spots along the Dolphin Coast to let loose and enjoy a friendly atmosphere that goes along with the area.
Scuba diving & Snorkelling
Home to some of the best scuba diving spots in South Africa — including Sodwana Bay and Aliwal Shoal — KZN offers warm waters, great visibility and an underwater wonderland that will make for a truly unforgettable experience. There is ample opportunity to trace brightly coloured coral reefs by snorkelling.
Mountain Biking
KZN’s dramatic landscapes are not only explorable by foot. Grab a mountain bike and zoom along Drakensberg trails or take a leisurely ride through the Midlands Meander.
Wildlife & Safari
Undoubtedly a must-see safari destination, KwaZulu-Natal’s diverse landscapes equal a fantastic range of biodiversity. Go on a Big 5 safari in Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserve, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, which is also considered to be a rhino stronghold and full of plenty of other wonderful wildlife. KZN also boasts the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and colossal coastal area that is a haven for all sorts of wildlife and sealife, ranging from turtles to the Big 5 and rare birds. When visiting KZN, you can explore these and the many other wildlife-rich areas in a variety of ways. Experiences range from wilderness walks to boat safaris, game drives and even canoeing experiences.
Where to stay
Basic
The St Lucia Eco Lodge
Escape to pristine St Lucia and explore the wild iSimangaliso Wetland Park — on boat, foot or on a game drive — from this thoughtful eco-lodge offering all the comforts of home.
Witsiehoek Mountain Lodge
Settled at the base of the northern Drakensberg Mountains, this cosy and sustainable lodge is the perfect entry point from which to explore the area and learn about what makes it so special. Guests can visit Tugela Falls, look out for rare bearded vultures and much more.
Hluhluwe Bush Camp
Explore iSimangaliso Wetland Park from this secluded, off-grid camp that overlooks False Bay Park. Relax by the campfire or explore the Kambusha bush trail built by the camp.
Mid-level
Montusi Mountain Lodge
Only a short distance from the Royal Natal National Park, this family-run lodge is the ideal location from which to launch your hiking adventure. Unwind after a day of exploring on your private verandah and admire the mountains that surround you.
Nambiti Plains Private Game Lodge
Set in malaria-free, untouched bushveld this safari lodge offers thoughtful accommodation and an unforgettable Big 5 experience. Go on a game drive before enjoying a gourmet dinner against the backdrop of the African bush.
Fancy
Three Tree Hill Lodge
This thoughtfully designed and charming lodge sits at the base of the Drakensberg Mountains. Guests can explore the area through a range of activities, including mountain biking, horseback riding and hiking.
mFulaWozi Wilderness Mthembu Lodge
Located in Zululand, this 5-star luxury lodge by Wilderness is surrounded by gorgeous bushveld views and offers an unforgettable Big 5 safari experience, along with culinary delights and exquisite South African wines.
Phinda Rock Lodge
Perched high above the bushveld and overlooking Leopard Rock, the Elephant Coast’s Phinda Rock Lodge is a luxury getaway offering specialist safaris. Sculpted from rock into organic curves and shapes, this lodge pairs elegant design with a one-of-a-kind wild setting.
How to include KwaZulu-Natal in your sustainable South African adventure
With so much to see and do, you could spend an age in KZN. However, 10 days to 2 weeks is also great if you want to really get the chance to explore all the unique and diverse locations that this province has to offer.
Have a look at some of our customisable KZN trips and start to plan your next adventurous escape:
The Best of KwaZulu-Natal Luxury: Shores to Sanctuaries in 14 Days
Experience the high life with this safari-packed trip, with some brilliant beaches thrown in, that explores the wildest and most luxurious corners of KZN — all with an eye for sustainability.
KwaZulu-Natal in 12 Days: Best-for-Budget Mountains, Wetlands & Wildlife
Get a taste of everything KZN has to offer, all without breaking the bank! With beaches, safaris and much more, there’s something for everyone with this trip!
2 Weeks of Exploring the Drakensberg Mountains, the East Coast & Protected Wilderness
Rejuvenate at the Dolphin Coast, before getting in on some Big 5 excitement paired with breathtaking mountain views.
Insider tips
Malaria can occur seasonally along the Elephant Coast, so always check with your health practitioner about the medication before you leave.
Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket to protect yourself from summer showers.
The best time to see turtles hatching along select areas of the Elephant Coast is between November and January.
KwaZulu-Natal has so much to it and is best experienced first-hand. So, are you ready to explore the wild and wonderful places that KZN has to offer? Hop on over to our website, and check out our Instagram and trips to find out how you can make your next sustainable KZN trip a reality!
