Experience Adventure and Culture in the Zulu Kingdom of KwaZulu-Natal

The Drakensberg Mountains – South Africa’s highest mountain range at 11,422ft (3,482m) – are a place of mind-blowing scenery and lush greenery, and is easily one of KZN’s biggest draws. Named uKhaklamba (Barrier of Spears) in isiZulu and translating as ‘Dragon Mountains’ in Afrikaans, the Drakensberg Mountains are home to some of the best hiking trails in the country. One of the most popular hikes is the Amphitheatre Trail – which involves over five hours hiking a mountainous amphitheatre surrounded by majestic natural beauty. Oh, and if you’re looking for somewhere to crash after your hike, check out the Amphitheatre Lodge. Alternatively, the Drakensberg Canopy Tour is a family-friendly activity in the Blue Grotto Forest, home to over 150 bird species – including the rarely spotted Bush Blackcap. Three hours swinging through treetops, among all those cascading streams and rolling waterfalls, will create memories you’ll cherish forever.

Taking its name from the seemingly endless hills and valleys that tower over the Umgeni River, the Valley of 1,000 Hills has been home to the Zulu people for hundreds of years – with its fair share of blood-strewn history and Shaka Zulu heritage. Here, you can experience local life by talking with village elders and enjoying a tasty braai (barbecue) lunch at a shisanyama. If you’re here on Saturday morning, head to the Shongweni Farmers and Craft Market for some fresher-than-fresh fruit and veg, straight from the traders’ hands.

Feeling brave? Hire a 4×4 and take the 5-mile (8km) drive along Sani Pass from South Africa to Lesotho. Naturally, the views are incredible and it’s a memorable way to see the untouched beauty of South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. Gear up for one incredible drive between the borders before hitting the top of the Pass – where you’ll find the Lesotho border and the ‘highest pub in Africa’ for a quick pit-stop. Be warned, though: once a mule track-turned-pioneer-path, the Sani Pass is a rugged drive and not for the fainthearted.

Head along the South Coast towards Port Shepstone before stopping over at Oribi Gorge, the adventure hub of KZN. From ziplining over the canyon and horseback riding through the valley to abseiling off cliff faces, you’re in for a wild day out here. With lesser-known waterfalls, such as the Samango Falls, and over 300 bird species to spot, you’d be hard-pressed to do it all in a day – although it is worth a shot. There’s also the Lake Eland Game Reserve nearby – ideal for an afternoon spent spotting (more) wildlife or perhaps as a tranquil place to rest for the night.

You probably haven’t heard of the Inanda Valley, just north of Durban, but this often overlooked part of South Africa is threaded through the country’s modern history. It was here that John Dube, founding President of the African National Congress, built the Ohlange Institute, the country’s first educational institution founded by a black person. This is also where Mahatma Gandhi spent most of his time in South Africa, living here for several years at his Phoenix Settlement, and famously protesting his right to sit where he wanted on a train in KZN. Later in the 20th century Inanda became home to thousands of people displaced by the Apartheid regime. After the freedom struggle in South Africa finally led to its first democratic election, it was back at the Ohlange Institute that Nelson Mandela cast his vote in 1994. Explore all this history and more as you discover the remarkable heritage of the Inanda Heritage Route.

Located inside the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the St Lucia Estuary is one of the larger estuaries in Africa, with a total length of 52 miles (85km) South to North. Locally renowned as the ‘home of hippos’, St Lucia offers thrill-seekers the unique opportunity to paddle a kayak through calm waters – while you keep an eye out for over 800 hippos, as well as 1,200 Nile crocodiles and countless birds. Only have a few hours to get out on the water? The golden hour-to-sunset window is your best bet.

Take a trip to Durban, South Africa’s third-largest city, also known as the country’s ‘Playground’, to discover its gorgeous coastline.
Think golden sands, warm turquoise waters and a climate that feels like you’re in the tropics all year round. With its incredible Golden Mile beaches, Durban is a surfer’s haven. Head up north and you’ll find another great wave-catching spot at Umhlanga Rocks – where the village is filled with local pubs and restaurants. Wherever you decide to hit the surf in Durbs, your sun-filled adventure starts here.

No exploration of KZN can be completed without a proper taste of its culinary creations. The food here speaks not only to the surrounding landscape but also to the region’s people and their cultural heritage. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Durban, home to the aptly named Durban curry. Originating from the city’s large Indian community, the Durban curry is a spicy, deeply flavorful concoction most often made with chicken (though other meats and even veggie alternatives are also common) and signified by its striking red color. It’s the embodiment of cultural fusion, the best of both worlds, and not to be missed when exploring KZN. We recommend heading to Victoria Street Market in Durban for a spice kick on the go, dine in at Palki or get fishy with it at Seabelle Restaurant north of the city. Wherever you are, make sure you don’t leave Durban without gobbling up some delicious bunny chow.

Keen to escape big city life for a weekend? Head south to Umzumbe, a quaint little surf town around an hour from Durban. Here you’ll find Mantis and Moon, a locally owned and operated yoga-surf-backpacker retreat nestled in its own jungle just minutes from the beach. Ideal for travellers looking to find their zen among the chaos, Mantis and Moon offers a range of wellness activities and retreats, as well as the quintessential backpacker experience in Mzansi. With its blend of curious travelers and friendly regulars, this place has magic in its waters – and it’s not just the surf.

Although South Africa, and especially KZN, is fantastic to visit any time of year, there are some factors to take into consideration where seasonal travel may be preferred. If you’re looking for fewer tourists, better wildlife viewing and a more relaxed travel experience, then the ‘shoulder season’ from May to October is likely best for you. However, if you’re more keen on a beach holiday – with marine wildlife experiences and greener landscapes after the summer rains – it’s better to visit from March to April, or later in the year from October to November, both of which are off-peak periods offering a quieter, more relaxed experience.

Learn more about this beautiful country with our Locals’ Guide to South Africa.