Best Holiday Destination in South Africa – KwaZulu-Natal

When I think about the key reasons why people travel to South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal offers them all, so I thought it would be interesting to look at those reasons and show you how KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) has the answer.

Stage. South Africa’s stunning landscapes and beautiful coastline are a big draw, and it’s safe to say that KZN has some of the best scenery in the country. First on the list would be the imposing and impenetrable Drakensberg mountains (their name in Zulu translates as “Barrier of Spears”). They are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offer a variety of visitor experiences, from short hikes to night trails, and from wildlife to millennial San rock art. From mountains that touch the sky, we move to golden beaches that meet the ocean. Along the Elephant Coast are miles and miles of deserted beaches, fringed by lush coastal forest and littered with the nests of endangered turtles – an awe-inspiring landscape if there ever was one.

Culture. With its eleven official languages ​​and many, many different tribes and ethnic groups, South Africa loves to show off its culture. In KZN, as the name suggests, this means Zulu culture. A proud tribe, built on the military might that gave the British nosebleeds at Isandlwana (more on which later), the Zulus are going to great lengths to preserve their traditional customs and practices, and a visit to a traditional farmhouse is a must. a way to see this in action; it’s also very likely that at some point during your stay in the province, you’ll be treated to an energetic, athletic and mesmerizing demonstration of Zulu dancing.

History. South Africa’s history, from the arrival of European settlers to the end of apartheid, is tumultuous and holds a special fascination. Most of that KZN history is the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars. Names like Isandlwana, Rorke’s Drift, and Spionkop resonate throughout the intervening century, and are brought dramatically to life by absolutely excellent battlefield guides. Immediacy is the key to these battlefield tours: you are standing in the exact spot where this soldier and that Zulu warrior clashed: in many cases we know their names and their backgrounds, we know how they fought and how they died. It’s incredibly moving.

Cosmopolitan city life. Cities like Cape Town are a big draw for visitors to South Africa, and Durban sits right in the front row of South African cities. Recent redevelopment, thanks in part to the FIFA World Cup, has transformed Durban. Next to the port is the impressive uShaka Marine Park, the beginning of a boulevard of several kilometers that connects the fantastic beaches of the city (Durban’s Golden Mile) with the impressive Moses Mabhida Stadium. Visitors can fly into the shiny new international airport and stay at an ever-growing variety of stylish boutique hotels and dine at fine restaurants. As a place to book your trips around the province, Durban is hard to beat.

Relaxation. South Africa is all about kicking back, relaxing and enjoying great weather, wonderful food and great local wines; Fortunately, KZN can also deliver on this front. Just outside of Durban you will find the Midlands, a beautiful area of ​​gently rolling countryside, dotted with perfect little country escapes. These hotels have made a real name for themselves by offering beautiful accommodations and the most amazing food: wholesome, decent meals paired with extensive and impressive winery selections. It’s an amazing way to relax for a couple of days (though not much longer if you look at your waistline!).

Wildlife. I saved the wildlife for last because for many people it’s a highlight of their trips to South Africa – save the best for last! I already mentioned the wildlife of the Drakensberg mountains: here you will find herds of huge and mystical elands, as well as the bearded vulture (or bearded vulture). But what most people want to see is a great safari, and KZN really delivers. It is a province at the forefront of ecotourism and conservation. The vast Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Reserve in the heart of KZN can lay claim to being the place where the rhino was saved from extinction, as all the initial white rhino breeding work took place here in the 1950s and 1960s. Nearby Phinda Private Game Reserve was one of the first game reserves to take farmland back to its native condition, letting natural vegetation regrow and reintroducing wildlife that had been absent for decades; The result is a wonderful reserve with excellent opportunities to see big game.

So when you add it all up, you can see that KwaZulu-Natal really does have it all. A two-week trip around the province will allow you to experience the best it has to offer and is a microcosm of all that is best in South Africa.