A Complete Guide to KZN

Lush, wild and vibrant are just a few words that are used to describe KwaZulu-Natal, or KZN, in South Africa. KwaZulu-Natal is celebrated for its white sandy beaches, dramatic mountains, pristine parks and wetlands — all together known as the seat of the mighty Zulu nation. In this complete guide, we will explore the marvellous holiday destinations in KZN and what makes them so special. So, grab your scuba diving gear and let's take a dive into our complete KZN travel guide…

Location

KwaZulu-Natal is located in the northeastern section of South Africa and borders the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Encompassing savannah, beaches, wetlands, rolling hills and mountains, KZN stretches across a hefty 94.361 km squared and is often referred to as one of South Africa’s wildest provinces.

How to get there

With many international flights landing in Johannesburg, KZN is an easily accessible holiday destination with good road and flight access. Johannesburg to Durban is about 570 km and will take roughly 6 ½ hours by car. There are also plenty of flights into King Shaka International Airport in Durban, making it a speedy hop over at about 1 ½ hours of flying time from Johannesburg and only about 2 hours from Cape Town. 

If you are driving from Johannesburg, incorporating the Midlands Meander into your journey is a wonderful way to experience the countryside, explore plenty of quaint shops, try out local produce at restaurants, and much more. 

The roads in KZN are generally in very good condition. However, when driving in the rainy seasons and through mountainous areas, it’s always a good idea just to be cautious of the terrain’s effect on your vehicle.

Best time to travel

KZN has a sub-tropical climate, which is fantastic for a beach holiday or a hiking adventure, but there are a few things to note. Firstly, summers — from about October to March — can be quite hot and humid and winters — from April to September — are cooler and drier. While the winter times are great for wildlife viewing in the various parks and reserves, the Drakensberg Mountains experience much colder winters, so it can be exceedingly cold from May to August. So, the best idea is to choose your season based on what you want to do. Summer and winter can both be extreme in certain areas (think snow on the Drakensberg), so the best time to visit all the areas within KZN is during the shoulder seasons which runs from March to May, and from September to November.

What to do

Main attractions 

KZN has a wide array of stunning natural spaces to explore, from the towering Drakensberg to the pristine beaches along the Elephant Coast, the picturesque Midlands Meander and the golden sands of the Dolphin Coast. Each location has its own distinct set of activities that are equally sustainable and varied. KZN also offers a unique and diverse cultural and food experience. As the seat of the Zulu nation, places like Zululand offer an insight into this vibrant culture. A mix of Indian, colonial and indigenous African influences — along with exceptional cuisine — have created a great foodie scene with standout dishes like shisa nyama and bunny chow.

Activities

Hiking

Explore one of the many famous hiking trails that wind through the lush and breathtaking Drakensberg Mountain Range — as well as the Valley of 1000 Hills — or chart a course along the Elephant Coast, swapping beaches for wetlands and spotting wildlife as you go.

Surfing

Thanks to the temperate waters of the Indian Ocean, KZN offers some wicked surf spots along the Dolphin Coast to let loose and enjoy a friendly atmosphere that goes along with the area.  

Scuba diving & Snorkelling

Home to some of the best scuba diving spots in South Africa — including Sodwana Bay and Aliwal Shoal — KZN offers warm waters, great visibility and an underwater wonderland that will make for a truly unforgettable experience. There is ample opportunity to trace brightly coloured coral reefs by snorkelling.

Mountain Biking

KZN’s dramatic landscapes are not only explorable by foot. Grab a mountain bike and zoom along Drakensberg trails or take a leisurely ride through the Midlands Meander.

Wildlife & Safari

Undoubtedly a must-see safari destination, KwaZulu-Natal’s diverse landscapes equal a fantastic range of biodiversity. Go on a Big 5 safari in Africa’s oldest proclaimed nature reserve, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, which is also considered to be a rhino stronghold and full of plenty of other wonderful wildlife. KZN also boasts the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and colossal coastal area that is a haven for all sorts of wildlife and sealife, ranging from turtles to the Big 5 and rare birds. When visiting KZN, you can explore these and the many other wildlife-rich areas in a variety of ways. Experiences range from wilderness walks to boat safaris, game drives and even canoeing experiences.

Where to stay

How to include KwaZulu-Natal in your sustainable South African adventure

With so much to see and do, you could spend an age in KZN. However, 10 days to 2 weeks is also great if you want to really get the chance to explore all the unique and diverse locations that this province has to offer. 

Have a look at some of our customisable KZN trips and start to plan your next adventurous escape:

Insider tips

• Malaria can occur seasonally along the Elephant Coast, so always check with your health practitioner about the medication before you leave.

• Make sure to pack a waterproof jacket to protect yourself from summer showers.

• The best time to see turtles hatching along select areas of the Elephant Coast is between November and January.
  

KwaZulu-Natal has so much to it and is best experienced first-hand. So, are you ready to explore the wild and wonderful places that KZN has to offer?