KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The Zulu Kingdom is a kaleidoscope of natural wonders, modern infrastructure, multi-cultured people, and a history rich in heroic deeds. The climate is subtropical with endless sunny days and warm evenings. As a beach destination, there is swimming, surfing and scuba diving. Combining a beach holiday with a safari experience is easy in this province where there are excellent game reserves.

Visit the Battlefields of Isandlwana and Rourkes Drift to listen to stories of how fearless Zulus encountered the British Empire's sophisticated fire-power in the 1800's.

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Every town, historic building, battle site and memorial in the Battlefields region of KwaZulu-Natal has a fascinating story. The Boers, descendants of European settlers, claimed divine right to this 'Promised Land' five generations ago. The Zulus also believed the bountiful terrain to be their 'Heaven on Earth'. 70 years of bitter battles proved pivotal to South Africa's geo-political evolution. Our recommended accommodation is Isandlwana Lodge and Fugitive's Drift Lodge.

200 kilometres long, the Drakensberg mountains or uKhahlamba (the Barrier of Spears), is a majestic wonderland. Being both a nature and cultural destination, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site. It boasts natural beauty, rich ecological diversity, conservation of endemic and threatened species plus masterpieces of human creative genius - 35 000 San rock art images. Our preferred accommodation is Cathedral Peak Hotel and Cleopatra Farmhouse

Safaris in KwaZulu-Natal uniquely combine bush and beach. The Big 5 roam the tropical savannahs of Zululand in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, the oldest game reserve in Africa. It is renowned for its white rhino conservation, wilderness trails and game capture unit. The coral reefs of the Indian Ocean fringe the lakes and wetlands of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site. Our favourite safari lodges are andBeyond Phinda Private Game Reserve .

Compared to neighbouring Mozambique, beach holidays in northern KwaZulu-Natal are cheaper, easier to arrange and closer to get to from South Africa. The beaches are right on your doorstep. Time-share resorts, hotels, nature reserves, thatched huts, tented camps and golf courses can be found along the tropical coastline. There are protected safe family beaches as well as untamed beaches for surfers. We recommend Thonga Beach Lodge 

The warm Agulhas Current flowing down the KwaZulu-Natal coast allows the world's southernmost tropical reefs to flourish. The temps seldom drop below 20'C  summer or winter. Scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiasts from around the world visit the colourful tropical reefs and wrecks to see the stunning variety of sea life. The climate, the warm, clear water and excellent infrastructure and facilities make it a perfect diving destination. Sodwana Bay and Aliwal Shoal are the most popular dives.