KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal : Located on the east coast of South Africa and often abbreviated to simply KZN, KwaZulu Natal was formed in 1994 when the non-independent black statue of KwaZulu, home of South Afria’s Zulu people, merged with the Natal Province after Apartheid. The province is widely regards as a cultural melting pot due to the unique blend of African, European and Indian influences. KwaZulu-Natal was named after the Zulu nation, who have resided here for a few centuries.
Bordering Mozambique, Lesotho and eSwtini (formerly Swaziland), the region comprises of big cities, such as Durban and Pietermaritzburg; rugged stretches of coastline and surfer beaches along the Elephant Coast, the domineering mountain ranges of Drakensberg (Mountains of Dragons); as well as Big Five sightings as Hluhluwe Game Reserve.
KwaZulu-Natal is known for its stunning natural wonders and wildlife reserves, including the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Mountains, iSimangaliso Wetland Park (a UNESCO World Heritage site), Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, Royal Natal National Park, Oribi Gorge, the Natal Midlands and several private game reserve home to the Big Five.
From the dramatic peaks of the Drakensberg escarpment to the tropical beaches along the Indian Ocean, a trip to KwaZulu-Natal offers array of stunning landscapes, wildlife viewing opportunities and interactions with local cultures. The province boasts two UNESCO World Heritage sites; the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, home to southern Africa’s highest mountain range, over 30,000 San Painting, and 500 caves and the Isimangaliso Wetland Park with Africa’s largest estuarine system and more than 500 bird species. The hiking and biking trails in the area lead visitors through wetland, woodland and grassland.
The coastline’s warm waters offer surfing, kitesurfing, canoeing, snorkeling and fishing. Dolphins play in the surf while whales make their seasonal migration to Mozambique. In the night, the Durban Ballito and Umhlanga beachfronts come to live with pubs, clubs, lounges and restaurants.
Natal has a fascinating history reflected in the Battlefields and region where Zulu warriors, Boer garrisons, and British troops closed two centuries ago.
The KwaZulu-Natal Climate
The climate in the KwaZulu-Natal Province is tourist friendly all year round. Sea temperatures are also relatively stable averaging 21 degrees all year, providing possibilities for a diversity of aquatic activities in any season, including diving, fishing, swimming, boating and surfing. The major winds that influence KwaZulu-Natal climate changes seasonally. In summer, northerly winds bring regular rain. While in spring and early autumn southerly winds some cold fronts and infrequent rain.
- Summer (October – April), Min 24°C/75°F Max 32°C/90°F
- Winter (May – September), Min 24°C/75°F Max 32°C/90°F
Brief History of KwaZulu-Natal
Despite their defeats in battles with the Boers and the British during the nineteenth Century, the Zulus have remained an active force in politics of South Africa and are particularly strong in KwaZulu-Natal. The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP), formed in 1975 by former ANC Youth League member Mangosuthu Buthelezi and currently country’s fourth-largest political party, has long been associated with Zulu Nationalism and draws most of its support from Zulu nationalism and draws most of its support from Zulu-Speaking people. The IFP and ANC were originally allies in the fight against apartheid, but the IFP’s ardent nationalism soon proved to be a major hassle for the ANC, who responded with attacks on opposing IFP members. A bitter and violet conflict between the two parties ensured during the 1980s and 1990s, which, according to some, claimed around twenty thousand lives. Although the fighting is now restricted to isolated and increasing rare – incidents, the political rivalry continues. It is the ANC, however, which has gained the upper hand in KwaZulu-Natal and is currently in control of the provincial legislature.
The South Africa President, Jacob Zuma, a Zulu from KwaZulu –Natal, has played an important role in trying to end the violence between the ANC and IFP. Often he makes speeches in Zulu, and has retained strong support among his people despite his controversial political carrier.
Attractions to Visit in KwaZulu-Natal
- uKhahlamba – Drakensberg Park
uKhahlamba – Drakensberg Park is a World Heritage Site comprising a spectacular mountain range that stretches for over 200 kilometers, offering a nature-lover’s smorgasbord of majestic mountains, valleys, waterfalls and streams to explore. The park is also home to ancient San Rock art.
- ISimangaliso Wetland Park
ISimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site extending from Kosi Bay in the north (near to the Mozambique border) to Cape St Lucia in the south. A mix of five different ecosystems, this wetland wilderness boasts a wealth of biodiversity and is home to crocodiles, hippos and the leatherback turtle.
- Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is one of the oldest and most celebrated game parks in Africa. Covering over 96,000 hectares, the park is home to the Big 5, many species of antelopes and incredible birdlife. Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve is world-famous for its conservation of both endangered rhino species, the square-mouthed white rhino and hook-lipped black rhino.
- The Sardine Run
Known as the “Greatest Shoal on Earth” the annual sardine run, which takes place along Natal’s South Coast is a sight to behold. Thousands upon thousands of sardines make their way along the coast during winter-followed closely by a number of predators including sharks, dolphins, whales and seabirds.
- The Midlands
The Midlands regions has been likened to a typical English countryside, with its rolling hills, green lawns, streams and rustic atmosphere. Picture –postcard scenery and fresh air attracts visitors needing a break from the chaotic city life on most weekends and on holidays.
- Sodwana Bay
Located along the province’s Eastern Coast, Sodwana Bay is characterized by pristine beaches, crystal clear waters and numerous reefs renowned for spectacular scuba diving. Also, this region happens to be favored by the famous coelacanth.
- Oribi Gorge
The Oribi Gorge was created over millions of years as Umzimkulwana River scythed its way through the rugged landscape. This spectacular gorge is home to more than 300 bird species and features spectacular scenery including overhanging rocks and horse-shoe river bends.
The Oribi Gorge features one of the world’s biggest bungee swings.
- Thukela Gorge
The Thukela Gorge lies between the source of the mighty Tugela River in the Drakensberg. It is a popular destination for hiking and a one-day hike takes walkers from the lower reaches of the river along contour paths right to the head of the gorge and up a chain ladder to the top of the escarpment. The view from the top is spectacular.
- Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens
The Pietermaritzburg Botanical Gardens were established in 1870s with the aim of propagating and conserving rare and endangered indigenous plants. The gardens boasts domestic varietals, camphor trees, giant figs, magnolias and swamp cypresses. Over 150 bird species have been attracted by the profusion of flora in the garden.
- The Valley of a Thousand Hills
With thousands of rolling grassy hills, this verdant valley is home to the Zulu and scoured by the Mngeni River. Way above the river, overlooking the valley below are craft outlets, along with restaurants where visitors can have the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the beauty of this region.
When to go to KwaZulu – Natal
KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a sub-tropical climate and experiences sunshine all year, including humid summers between October and April, and mild winters between May and September. However, with varied topography (Drakensberg has peaks reaching 3,000 metres), you will find both cooler and warmer weather in different areas of the large province.
Also, there are a lot of dun festivals and events happening in the region throughout the year, which may wish to attend. The Dusi Canoe Marathon from Pietermaritzburg and Durban takes places across three days in February, Grape Crushing Festival helps produce the local wine in April and the famous Sardine Run (the Greatest Shoal on Earth) in June sees millions of sardines followed by dolphins, sharks and whales migrate along the coast.
How Get to KwaZulu-Natal
With many international flights landing in Johannesburg, KwaZulu Natal is an easily accessible holiday destination in South Africa with good road and flight access. Johannesburg to Durban is about 570 km and will take roughly 61/2 hours by car. There are also plenty of flights into King Shaka International Airport in Durban, making it a speedy hop over at about 1 and a half hours of flight time from Johannesburg and only about 2 hours from Cape Town.
If you are driving from Johannesburg, incorporating the Midlands Meander into your journey is a great way to experience the countryside, explore plenty of quaint shops, try out local produce at restaurants, and much more.
Roads in KwaZulu Natal are in very good condition generally. However, when driving in this rainy seasons and through mountainous areas, it is always a good idea just to be cautious of the terrain’s effect on your vehicle.
