Kwa Zulu

Natal

The coast of KwaZulu Natal (KZN) was first sighted by the Portuguese discoverer Vasco da Gama on Christmas Day 1497, during the journey which took him to India. As Christmas is translated in Portuguese as Natal, this gave the original name to the region.

The first part of this Province current name, KwaZulu meaning the place of the Zulu, has been added more recently, and it was later decided to keep both names together as the final name for the Province of KwaZulu Natal.

KwaZulu Natal, is one of the smallest provinces in South Africa, it stretches from the southern borders of Swaziland and Mozambique to the Eastern Cape border in the South. Inland is flanked by Kingdom of Lesotho, the Free State and the Gauteng (previously Transvaal) Provinces.

Known for its scenic diversity, KwaZulu Natal is justly proud of its untamed wilderness, broad beaches, lush subtropical vegetation, sugar and banana farms, hills and towns of the Midlands and the soaring peaks of the Drakensberg (3459m / 11,349ft, Injasuti peak).

Durban is a strategic gateway into Africa making it an obvious choice for holidays, conferences, conventions, sporting and business events. Situated on the east coast of Southern Africa it is a vibrant cosmopolitan metropolis where different cultures and traditions mingle happily.

The region enjoys a subtropical climate with temperatures seldom lower than 15 degrees in winter and reaching 32 degrees during the months of summer. Bathers can enjoy the sunshine and the beaches throughout the year. Humidity is very high during Summer (December to March).

The road that leaves north of Durban will take you on the most beautiful drive through endless fields of sugar cane, along the Dolphin Coast - one can see the dolphins riding the waves - and to the rolling hills of Zululand leading you into South Africa's biggest concentration of private game ranches and game conservation areas, Zululand & Maputaland.

Then, and inter-connecting with Umfolozi, there is the Hluhluwe Game reserve (280^km North). Both Umfolozi and Hluhluwe, now joined as a single reserve, are well known for their role in the preservation of the White Rhino which, as a consequence, is now out of the endangered species list. Mkuzi Game reserve, follows about 335^km to the north of Durban.

In the northern Zululand area you may also find excellente private game reserves.

The Ubizane Game reserve which accommodates the well known Zululand Tree Lodge, just outside Hluhluwe, is a fine example of luxury in the bush.

A few kilometers to the north you may find the trip of a "life time" in the famous Phinda Game reserve and resource center.

Also in Zululand, and not to be missed, are the protected areas of St. Lucia & Cape Vidal, and the Sodwana Bay National park which together make up the Wetlands complex of Zululand.

The great protected area of the Wetlands, commonly known as the St. Lucia Wetlands, extends from the Mapelane Nature Reserve in the south through St. Lucia, Cape Vidal, False Bay Park, and Sodwana Bay National Park in the north. It also includes the reserve areas of Fannie's Island, Charters Creek.

St. Lucia Estuary is one of the few areas left in KwaZulu Natal with healthy stands of ncema grass (Juncus kraussii). Every year thousands of people come to St. Lucia Estuary to harvest ncema. This plant is important in Zulu culture, being used to make sleeping and sitting mats. The cutting season opens on the 1st May and lasts until no tall Ncema is left. Please exhibit caution when driving into the area during this period as the traffic can be unpredictable.

The warm waters of the Indian Ocean wash onto endless golden sandy beaches that stretch along the east coast of South Africa. The last remaining indigenous coastal forest carpets a vast area of protected wilderness - sanctuary to many birds and animals, a great variety of fish and home to crocodile and hippo. Trails meander through some beautiful country, with base camps dotted throughout the area.

The Zulu Nation is rich with culture and tradition. The yearly Reed Dance ceremony has been a private event until recently, when the costum was relaxed, and limited numbers of visitors were allowed to attend this Zulu Royal festival.

To visit a Traditional Zulu Village is an experience of a "life time". You can see the Sangoma at work, you may even have your future read through the bones, view the traditional Zulu dances and way of life.

Extending from the North Western border of Kwazulu Natal to the Thukela Region, the Drakenberg Mountains form an area of magnificent beauty.

 Its mountains raise as high as 3000m, and host some of the most popular South African Nature Reserves. Well known names, such as Mount-aux-Sources and the Natal Royal National Park draw the attention of local as well as overseas tourists to enjoy the unique, majestic and breathtaking views.

The Drakensberg mountains are synonymous with rare and exquisite flora - such as cycads, variety of wildlife - both antelopes and pedrators, and bird sanctuary - Bearded Vulture, Martial Eagle, Cape Vulture and others.

Known to the Zulu people as Ukhahlamba, or the Barrier of Spears, the Mountains of the Dragon are the source of the Tugela River, the largest in the Province. In this river you can see the most spectacular waterfall, the Tugela Falls which is the second highest waterfall in the world.

 The escarpment is frequently covered in snow during the winter months. The area will then be transformed into a postcard like picture of winter wonderland.