A must-see region of powerful Zulu kings, big game safaris, golden beaches, and quiet rural retreats, KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s tourism leader.
Bespoke tours and getaways incorporating all the gems of this tour-worthy province are a brilliant way to experience all that Kwa-Zulu Natal has to offer.
Enter the region through the vibrant gateway city of Durban, a tourist destination with world-class beaches and loads of entertainment. Check into Quarters in the suburb of Morningside and enjoy the charm of an elegant Victorian hotel close to the hustle and bustle of the city.
Leave the hype of the city behind and head to the Midlands, a lush stretch of country criss-crossed by rivers and stretching from the foothills of the Drakensberg in the west to the coast in the east. The Midlands Meander is an engaging 80km trail of artists, potters, cheesemakers, brewers, snack stops and a variety of local artisans showcasing a fabulous array of wares. All this amid farmland, glistening dams, and majestic views of the Drakensberg Mountains. Stay at Hartford House, a beautiful country house located on a thoroughbred stud farm, where the food and wines are excellent, the accommodations sumptuous, and the atmosphere divinely romantic.
Travel a little closer to the peaks of the Drakensberg, the ideal base for adventurers, hikers, and those who enjoy the views. Scenic waterfalls, stunning mountain trails, and ancient rock art sites make for an enchanting world. The Cathedral Peak Hotel is a family favorite in the heart of the Drakensberg and offers almost every activity imaginable. Foodies will want to head to Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse in the Kamberg Valley, to indulge the senses with extravagant and extraordinary meals.
The battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal capture the stories of heroic battles fought between the Zulus and the British. Superb tours of Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift battle sites are offered at Fugitives’ Drift Lodge & Guest House and Isibindi Zulu Lodge. Both are in scenic nature reserves. Further west is Three Trees at Spioenkop, a colonial-style guesthouse in the foothills of the Drakensberg.
The Elephant Coast includes the best of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and invites to big game game safaris, fishing, bird watching and lots of ecological action. The region has an impressive variety of five large game reserves.
Perched above a waterfall in Zululand, the Mkuze Falls Big Five Game Reserve offers an exclusive safari. It is your choice whether you opt for an elegant chalet or an air-conditioned marquee. Either way, expect to meet the Big Five and take in all the sights and sounds of the African bush. Not far from here is AmaKhosi Safari Lodge, a superbly luxurious lodge that also offers top-notch game viewing. Its sumptuous riverside suites provide a jungle break in the lap of pure luxury.
The Pongola Game Reserve is the oldest in South Africa and is home to a wide variety of wildlife. White Elephant Safari Lodge, a hugely attractive tent camp located on the Jozini Dam, has earned recognition as a conservation partner and leader in the Space for Elephants project.
The Isimangaliso World Heritage site (formerly the Great St Lucia Wetland Park) is a pristine asset and boasts the largest marine lake in Africa. Situated within the proclaimed reserve, Makakatana Bay Lodge boasts a lake estuary setting, forests, dunes, wetlands, spiny savannas, and coral reef waters. It is recommended that you reserve at least three days to enjoy the Makakatana experience. Hippopotamus and crocodile safaris are one of the many exciting experiences.
Also located in the St. Lucia area, Hluhluwe River Lodge is an adventurer’s dream, offering safaris to the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, bird watching, botanical tours, horseback safaris, self-guided hikes, quad biking, and boat cruises. It is the kind of place that welcomes the whole family, young and old.
From here, you may want to travel further north to idyllic Mabibi Bay, where Thonga Beach Lodge rests off the beaten track, providing exclusive barefoot luxury in a dune forest just above the ocean high tide mark. . It’s a great destination for snorkeling, swimming with whale sharks and dolphins, canoeing on Lake Sibaya, or just lazing along an unspoiled shoreline. If you plan your visit between November and February, get ready for an incredible turtle-tracking experience.
If the forests have any appeal, then Kosi Forest Lodge in Maputaland is a must. Modern and very romantic, the lodge offers canoe rides on a peaceful lake, hikes through raffia forests, and day trips to stunning beaches.
The southern coast of KwaZulu-Natal is tropical and temperate, offering access to the warm Indian Ocean. Golfers will feel right at home at the Selborne Hotel, Spa & Golf Estate, a charming country hotel set on a magnificent Pennington golf estate. It caters for the whole family, with a dedicated children’s program and a health and beauty spa for the delusional. Not far from here is Lynton Hall, a stately guest house in grand Indian colonial style.
Known as the Dolphin Coast, the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal is a subtropical region of delicacies, the center of the Zulu Kingdom, and a popular vacation destination. If it’s luxury you’re after, stay at Hotel Izulu, a boutique hotel in a sunny setting in Ballito, offering an on-site spa and access to all of KwaZulu-Natal’s attractions.