KwaZulu-Natal: tours, safaris & places to stay
Big Five reserves, World Heritage wetlands, mountains and warm Indian Ocean beaches in one province.
KwaZulu-Natal packs more variety into one province than almost anywhere in Africa. In a single trip you can track rhino in Africa's oldest game reserve, watch hippos in the St Lucia estuary, snorkel a coral reef, hike the Drakensberg and walk the battlefields of the Anglo-Zulu War. Below is a quick guide to each region, followed by local businesses you can contact and book directly.
The Elephant Coast and Zululand
The north-east of the province is safari and coastal country. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is famous for white-rhino conservation and the Big Five, while iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's first World Heritage Site, runs from the St Lucia estuary up to Kosi Bay on the Mozambique border. Expect hippo cruises, turtle tours in summer, whale watching in winter, diving at Sodwana Bay and smaller reserves such as Mkhuze, Tembe and Ndumo.
The Drakensberg
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site for both its mountain scenery and its San rock art. It's South Africa's top hiking destination, from easy valley walks to multi-day treks, and the Amphitheatre in the northern Berg is one of the most photographed views in the country. Cooler weather makes it a good counterpoint to the hot coast.
Durban and the coast
Durban has warm Indian Ocean water, a long beachfront promenade and a strong Indian and Zulu food culture. North of the city, the Dolphin Coast towns are popular for beach holidays; to the south, the South Coast offers surfing, golf and diving at Aliwal Shoal.
The Midlands Meander
The rolling hills between Pietermaritzburg and the Drakensberg are home to the Midlands Meander, a route of craft studios, cheese makers, coffee roasters, country pubs and guest farms. It's an easy weekend away and a good stop between Durban and the mountains.
The Battlefields
Northern KwaZulu-Natal holds the sites of the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars, including Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift and Spioenkop. A guided tour with a local historian brings the stories to life and is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in the province.
Places to stay, tours & experiences in KwaZulu-Natal
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KwaZulu-Natal travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit KwaZulu-Natal?
KwaZulu-Natal is a year-round destination. The dry winter months (May to September) are best for game viewing and comfortable hiking; summer (November to March) is hot and green, with turtle-nesting season on the Elephant Coast.
Where can I see the Big Five in KwaZulu-Natal?
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the best-known Big Five reserve in the province, and there are several private Big Five reserves in Zululand. Many visitors combine a safari with a stay at the coast in St Lucia.
How many days do I need in KwaZulu-Natal?
Allow at least a week to see the Elephant Coast and one other region, such as the Drakensberg. Ten days to two weeks lets you add Durban, the Midlands or the Battlefields without rushing.
Is there malaria in KwaZulu-Natal?
Most of the province is malaria-free, but parts of the far north near the Mozambique and Eswatini borders have a seasonal risk. Check current advice with a travel clinic before you go.
How do I book the businesses listed on ZAtours?
ZAtours is a directory, not a travel agent. Contact or book each business directly using the details on its listing; ZAtours never takes a commission.