9. Top Destination - KwaZulu Natal KwaZulu Natal, home to teeming game reserves and historical battlegrounds, flanked by mountain peaks and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the province of KwaZulu-Natal offers the ultimate holiday experience; long golden beaches, the warm Indian ocean and abundant surfing, a variety of wildlife, diverse and welcoming people, majestic mountains and a sunny sub-tropical climate. The name KwaZulu-Natal is derived from “the place of the Zulu” and “Natal” for Christmas, as the country was named on that day long ago by Portuguese explorers. If you are looking for a self-drive vacation, KwaZulu-Natal is a top choice as well-maintained roads lead from the coast into the interior. KwaZulu Natal is truly blessed with its coastline- over 600 km of sandy beaches stretching from Durban in the south and as far north as the Mozambique border. With a warm temperate climate, the KwaZulu Natal coastline offers holidaymakers the perfect destination to combine with the rest of Southern Africa. The stretch of coastline offers some of the worlds best scuba diving, snorkelling, whale and dolphin excursions. The Drakensberg Mountain Range spreads out over a distance of a thousand kilometres. The mountains were named Ukhahlamba or the Barrier of Spears by the Zulu people and the The Dragon Mountain by the early pioneers. As South Africa’s highest mountain range, rising to over 3 000 meters, the Drakensberg is a massive and strikingly beautiful rampart of deep gorges, game sanctuaries, Bushman rock art sites, pinnacles and saw-edged ridges, caves, overhangs and balancing rocks containing lush yellow wood forests and cascading waterfalls. The majestic mountains are the adventure tourists playground, perfect for nature photography, easy walking and simple relaxation. In the north of Kwa Zulu Natal, the pristine beaches lie alongside some of the country’s top game reserves, traditional Zulu homesteads and historic battlefields. Further south, the landscape softens as country lanes wind through the English shire-like pastures and lush sugar cane fields of the Natal Midlands, down to the vibrant city of Durban. The City of Durban, only one hour’s flight from Johannesburg, is located on the warm Indian Ocean coastline of KwaZulu Natal. With it sub-tropical climate, it is one of South Africas most popular beach holiday destinations. Hot summers and balmy winters make this city a popular all year attraction for outdoor activities. It is the ‘Sport Capital’ of South Africa, equipped with world-class facilities to host a variety of sporting events including surfing, golf, soccer, rugby and cricket. The natural harbour makes Durban the busiest shipping port off the east coast of Africa. Durban is one of the most culturally diverse locations in Africa. Along the ‘Golden Mile” beach front you will encounter families from various cultures including elegant sari-clad women, sun tanned surfers, traditional Sangomas (herbalists) and Zulu weavers. Explore a multitude of activities including township tours, Indian cultural tours, museums, art galleries, theatres, jazz clubs, night clubs, township taverns and township restaurants with authentic Zulu cuisine. With so much variety on offer, the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal really does offer a world of experiences in a single holiday. What to do in KwaZulu Natal: - Go Surfing - Durban is one of the most popular surfing destinations in the world - Take a ride on a Riksha - an iconic, colourful feature of the Durban beach front and an alternative form of transport - Go scuba diving - Visit the Battlefields - Horse riding, mountain biking and hiking in the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains - Dive with sharks at uShaka Marine World - Play Golf at Durban Country Club - Helicopter flight over the Drakensberg Mountains - Visit a local Zulu village to understand the culture and traditions of the local people Best time to visit KwaZulu Natal: KwaZulu Natals subtropical climate is kind to visitors and holidaymakers throughout the year whilst the warm Indian Ocean offers pleasant swimming conditions all year round Getting to KwaZulu Natal: The KwaZulu Natal region of South Africa is easily accessible from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth with daily flights. Durban’s King Shaka airport is one hour’s flight from Johannesburg
Posted on: Sat, 13 Sep 2014 07:00:00 +0000