Best Things to Do in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) occupies South Africa’s eastern seaboard from Mozambique to the Eastern Cape, a province of 11 million that packs an extraordinary range of natural and cultural experiences into one administrative region. The things to do in KwaZulu-Natal include: Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest game reserve in Africa (established 1895), where the white rhino was saved from extinction; Hluhluwe has the highest density of rhino of any park in Africa and offers excellent Big Five game viewing within 4 hours of Durban. iSimangaliso Wetland Park (UNESCO World Heritage), in the northeast, encompasses 332,000 hectares of estuary, beach, lake system, and coral reef — the most biodiverse park in South Africa: hippos, crocodiles, whale sharks, leatherback turtles, and endemic bird species coexist within a 220 km coastal stretch. The Drakensberg Amphitheatre in Royal Natal National Park has the most dramatic mountain scenery in South Africa — a 5km basalt cliff face including the Tugela Falls (948m, the world’s second-highest waterfall). Zulu heritage: the Zulu Kingdom was the most powerful indigenous empire in South Africa’s history; the Battlefields of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift (where Zulu warriors defeated and then survived a British army) are key historical sites. The KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg Park (a collection of four reserves) is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its San rock paintings.

Best time to visit

June through August is generally best: the austral winter with dry, warm days (20-25°C), cold nights (8-12°C), low vegetation for game viewing, and the Sardine Run (June-July) when billions of sardines migrate north along the coast. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park leatherback turtle nesting season (November-January) is another prime wildlife event. The Drakensberg is beautiful year-round; summer (October-March) brings thunderstorms and sometimes snow (June-August) on the high peaks.

Getting around

King Shaka International Airport in Durban is the main gateway, 35 km north of the city center. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is 3 hours north of Durban on the N2. iSimangaliso Wetland Park entry points (St Lucia town, Cape Vidal, Sodwana Bay) are accessible by road from Richards Bay or Durban. The Drakensberg is 2.5-3 hours west of Durban. A rental car is essential for exploring the province; public transport does not serve the game reserves or mountain areas adequately.