Our Top Five / Most Visited / KwaZulu-Natal >>

Here is our list of the top four most popular places to go in KwaZulu-Natal. Unbelievably, we couldn’t think of five destinations that many foreign tourists go to, because ‘KZN’ is often overlooked by international travellers. But stunning mountain scenery, culture, an all-year warm climate, game reserves and beaches make this a long-time favourite with South Africans. In no particular order….

Greater Saint Lucia Wetland Park (KZN Coast)

A fantastic example of conservation at its best, St Lucia Wetland Park is an expanse of varied and un-touched wilderness. Twitchers will love the birds drawn to the unique flora that grows in the wetlands. Beach lovers will appreciate the wide open beaches bordered by some of the largest forested dunes in the world. There is plenty of game within the reserve, but you have an especially good chance to see hippos and crocs. Consider doing one of the many hikes – some of which are overnight – or even the excellent horse-ride safaris.

The Battlefields (Zululand)

The names of places like Rorke’s Drift and Islandlwana ring through the annals of history and you can’t escape from the horror and romanticism that are synonymous with these places, made more famous by Michael Caine and the film ‘Zulu’. Without context, these places be a bit of an anti-climax and the museums are generally disappointing, but with a good guide and story-teller they will come alive. We’ve heard great things about the overnight hikes where you camp under the stars. And because it’s in the middle of Zululand, there are literally “bloody thousands of 'em”!

Durban & Umhlanga Rocks (KZN Coast)

The third city of South Africa, on paper Durban has a lot going for it… A beachfront on the balmy Indian Ocean, hot all-year round and a cultural melting pot famed for its unique cuisine from its large Indian population. However in reality all the platitiudes flatter to deceive... we’d like to love it, but the city centre is unattractive and although the beachfront is getting there, you’d be better heading north for some more remote beaches. However the ‘Shark Tank’ rugby ground is without doubt the best party in the country when big games are on. Nearby Umhlanga Rocks is a good alternative place to stay and still be within striking distance of town – more affluent, reasonable ‘resort’ hotels, some excellent restaurants and a good beach.

The Northern Drakensberg (Drakensberg)

The Drakensberg mountain range is in our favourite five destinations in the whole of SA. Unfortunately not enough international travellers find the time to see them, or only see the northern end of the range around Royal Natal National Park. The southern end of the range is like a well-kept secret. But how you hide a long range of mountains several thousand metres high confounds us. The ‘Dragon’s Teeth’ run all the way down the eastern border with Lesotho – from the intimidating, plunging cliff faces of The Amphitheatre and Cathedral Peak in the north and central Drakensberg to the more penetrable and rolling Midlands. There are some excellent hotels and dining options along the way. But ask for advice before heading into them – several people die hiking every year in these formidable mountains. An awe-inspiring place to break the long journey from the Eastern Cape or Durban to Johannesburg.