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Introduction
South Africa prides itself in being `a world within one country´. Perhaps the same can be said for Kwazulu
Natal, South Africa´s most popular tourist destination as it boasts the widest range of interesting places
to visit and things to do. The combination of Berg, beach, bush and battlefields provides something for everyone.
From the warm Indian Ocean to the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains, Boer and Zulu battlefields to the World Heritage
wetlands of St Lucia - all are within reach and easily accessible. Africa´s largest port of Durban is the
holiday capital of Kwazulu Natal with its hotels and apartments and is perfectly situated for exploring the varied
coastline. Zulu history is filled with battles for land against other tribes and Europeans. Today the more gentle
side of Zulu life can be appreciated in the many sites where tribal skills are displayed - beadwork, basket making,
pottery, dancing, music and children´s games. Traditions, houses and costumes are often explained and demonstrated
for visitors. The Tugela, Mooi, Umkomaas and Umzimkulu rivers all rise in the Drakensberg Mountains and meander
down to the coast creating one of South Africa´s greenest provinces. Mile upon mile of sugar cane and timber
are interspersed with fruit growing -pineapples, lychees, mangoes and avocados, all of which are sold at fruit
stands along the road - at very reasonable prices. |
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Durban
Known as the gateway to the Kingdom of the Zulu, it has many beautiful beaches
with excellent surfing and diving, museums, art galleries, golf courses and of course, its famous spice market.
The racecourse which occupies a position in the centre of the city has its own annual fashionable meeting with
the Durban July. A handful of rickshaws still operate around the beach front area (in the 1930´s there were
over 1,000 in the city but traffic caused their disappearance). The cultural mix of Durban makes it different from
any other city in the world. Colonial Europeans, Indian, Muslim and indigenous Zulu communities have combined to
produce a unique society which makes itself evident in the architecture, fashions, food, sights and sounds. Alongside
exotic shops in the Grey Street area are modern, air conditioned shopping malls. Cruises in the harbour, Sea World
aquarium, the excellent Maritime Museum or a visit to some of the historic buildings in the city - some of the
many attractions of a vibrant modern city. |
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Battlefields
The beginning of the 19th century saw Zulu King Shaka attempting to gain total control over surrounding tribes
and this led to some very bloody battles. From 1820 until 1900, there were wars between Zulu and Ndwandwe, Zulu
and Afrikaner and finally English against Afrikaner and Zulu. Most of the battlefields are now only marked with
a commemorative plaque and stone but some have small museums (Isandlhwana, Ladysmith, Rourke´s Drift). The
largest museum is in Talana near Dundee, built on the site of the battle of that name and where today expert guides
can be hired for battlefield tours - much the best way to see the sights of the area as these guides are hugely
knowledgeable and will make a tour extremely interesting. It is also possible that your accommodation may arrange
a tour for you. Spion Kop (the origin of Liverpool football stadium area `The Kop´ because of the supposed
similarity between the steep sided Spion Kop and the high terraced end at Anfield) was the scene of a decisive
Boer War battle and the summit of the hill has countless graves and memorials to the British troops who died there
- a thought- provoking visit. |
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The Midlands
The Midlands are known for their mild climate, with dry winters and refreshing summer rain. Stretching from Hilton
in the South to Hidcote in the North, the Dangle Valley in the West to Curry´s Post in the East, all the
destinations are easily accessible from the N3, the main road from Johannesburg to Durban. Known as `The Midlands
Meander´, it has become a `must see´ area of the province with its
patches of forest, dairy farms and above all, the artists and craftspeople( now about 140) whose studios and craft
shops are all along the route. \Here you can find pottery, jewellery, leatherwork, glassware, furniture, candles,
hammocks, footwear, antiques, pianos - the list is almost endless!! Gastronomic delights await the hungry traveller
- many of the Midlands Meander restaurants have won dining awards. In addition to the top quality restaurants there
is a host of family orientated eateries and tea gardens, all serving traditional items and light meals. Locally
produced, often organic, eggs, poultry, fish, beef, pork, cheese, pickles, fruit and vegetables are part of the
secret of the quality of the eating experience. In the Valley of 1,000 hills, you can visit a Zulu Cultural Village
and enjoy a real Zulu welcome (tends to be quite noisy!) and introduction to some of the tribal customs. The spectacular
Howick Falls is just one of a number of perfect picnic spots. The falls plunge over 100 metres into the Umgeni
Gorge . The dramatic falls are a national Monument and the site of many local legends(many of which involve someone
throwing themselves from the top of the falls!) There is also an excellent handmade chocolate and nougat shop in
the Main Street. |
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Drakensberg
The Zulus call the jagged peaks of South Africa´s highest mountains `Ukhahlamba' or `barrier of spears´
and one can see how appropriate the name is. The choice of activities in the area - hiking, horse riding, birdwatching,
and trout fishing all give the visitor an opportunity to enjoy the mountains to the full. Add to the activities
the scenic beauty, San rock paintings, diversity of fauna and flora and the wide range of available accommodation
and you have a recipe for a perfect holiday. The sights to include in any visit to this stunningly beautiful landscape
should include Cathedral Peak, Champagne Castle, the Amphitheatre, Monk´s Cowl and Giant´s Castle.
If you are lucky enough to be in the area on a Wednesday, don´t miss the term time concerts of the Drakensberg
Boys Choir - the School is multiracial, world famous for its marvellous singing of classical, popular and traditional
native African music. |
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The Coast
Stretching from East London to the borders of Mozambique, the coastline of Kwazulu Natal
can be divided into several significant and different areas.
The Wild Coast between East London and Port Edward is the former Transkei and one of South Africa´s most
under developed. Rural communities have changed little and there is little or no public transport. The main N2
road gives access to most of the wonderful beaches and reserves along the coast but many roads are still untarred
and private transport(often 4x4) is needed to reach the more inaccessible beaches. There is always the possibility
of meeting stray domestic animals on the roads so special care has to be taken when driving. Morgan´s Bay,
Coffee Bay and the Umngazi river mouth all have superb beaches and good hotels/lodges/bungalows. Mkambati Game
Reserve offers cottages and lodge accommodation and is well known for its indigenous plants such as the Mkamvati
palm.
Durban is at the centre of 200 miles of holiday coastline. With its subtropical climate, uncrowded beaches and
warm ocean, this is a huge tourist attraction.
On the South Coast (South of Durban) there are some 30 resort towns offering a wide diversity of activities from
surfing to bird sanctuaries, steam trains to casinos. It is a land of endless bays, beaches and lagoons with a
string of vibrant resort towns. Along this stretch of coast are some of the best surfing beaches which attract
surfers from all over the world. Deep-sea fishing and scuba diving are readily available in the area. In June/July
the great sardine run occurs with huge shoals of these fish providing rich pickings for both the local folk and
also the thousands of bottlenose and common dolphins, humpback, southern right and minky whales which congregate
here for the annual feast. The South coast boasts some of the country´s best golf courses with particularly
beautiful courses at Margate and Southbroom.
North of Durban also boasts many lovely beaches, often backed by sugar cane and banana plantations. Many places,
like Ballito have a distinct Mediterranean feel to them. Although the Northern coast has escaped the rampant development
of the South coast towns, each year sees an increase in mainly holiday and retirement accommodation ranging from
small apartments to gated communities. Many of the beaches have tidal pools - great for safe swimming and also
watching the sea creatures in them. Resorts with their own wonderful identities include Umdloti, Shaka´s
Rock, Sheffield |Beach and Umhlali (don´t miss the crocodile reserve!). In Umhlanga Rocks, an up-market resort
town, a `must´ is a visit to the Sharks Board - one of the world´s foremost research facilities into
the habits and life style of sharks. Tours of the facility are available as are early morning boat trips with staff
to inspect the shark nets. A shark dissection may be available on some days.
The coast of Maputaland is a remote magical place with coral reefs, golden beaches, pristine estuaries and lake
systems. It incorporates the St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site and one of the most unspoilt wilderness
areas left in Africa -vast areas of it are only accessible by 4x4. There are magnificent diving opportunities,
snorkelling and deep sea fishing. Leatherback and loggerhead turtles seasonally come ashore to lay their eggs.
Whales and dolphins are regular coastal visitors. St Lucia itself is a popular holiday destination with a good
range of accommodation. Cruises on the lake give good viewing of hippos, crocodiles and the huge numbers of water
birds which live on and around the lake.
Sodwana Bay and the Mkuzi Game Reserve mark the northern extent of the Kwazulu Natal coastline. Deep sea fishing
and scuba diving are the main attractions here but access is not easy as the roads are few and far between and
often untarred. The coastal rewards for the persistent traveller are well worth the effort. . |
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Game Parks
Kwazulu Natal has a number of Game Reserves -Hluhluwe/Umfolozi, Ndumo, Ithala, Tembe Elephant Park and the St Lucia
Wetlands including Mkhuze Game Reserve.
Hluhluwe/Umfolozi has established a reputation for the part it has played in the re-introduction of the white and
black rhino and the relocation of elephant and lion from Kruger Park. Many of the roads are now tarred and even
those which are still dirt are easily driveable in a normal hire car.
Tembe Elephant Park is on the Mozambique border and is home to the gentle elephants which used to migrate between
South Africa and Mozambique and suffered greatly at the hands of poachers. The roads inside the park are 4x4 territory
as Tembe is a vast impenetrable wilderness.
Itala Game Reserve offers superb game viewing and self catering chalets. Mkuze has a good cross section of Maputaland
terrain with forests, open grassland and coastal dunes.
Ndumo Game Reserve, on the Mozambique border has earned a reputation from its work with protecting hippos which
were almost eradicated in this area.
All of the parks offer ranger guided game drives and walks and usually have excellent facilities, including swimming
pools, delicious food and comfortable accommodation. Many of them are designed to blend in with the bush so that
you can enjoy the sights and sounds of Africa in comfort and safety. |
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