Page Index:

Umhlanga

Valley of a 1000 Hills

Natal Sharks board

uShaka Marineworld

Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom

Gateway

The Umgeni River Bird Park

Shakaskraal

The Durban Botanic Gardens (DBG)

Dolphin Coast

Durban

Battlefields

Elephant Coast

The Untamed Spirit of the Zulu Kingdom

North Coast/Dolphin Coast

Pietermaritzberg/Midlands

Drakensberg/Ukhahlamba

Zululand

UMHLANGA

From it's humble beginnings, Umhlanga has now become one of the prime holiday destinations in the country and feature some
of the best Hotels, Resorts, and Timeshare complexes to be found anywhere on the African continent. Every year millions of
tourists and South African's embark on a mini exodus from all over the country to come and relax on some of the best beaches
to be found anywhere and with close to 300 days of sunshine per year and with Shark nets maintained by the Sharks Board it is not
surprising why. Umhlanga is also blessed in that it is close
enough to the City of Durban some 20Km to the south to have access to the consumer variety and convenience of a big city, whilst still being far enough from the city to have a uniquely rustic "Village" atmosphere, far removed from the urban Rat Race Umhlanga is dotted with numerous roadside café's, coffee shops,
24hour Take-Aways,
Pub's, shops, convenience stores and restaurants, all within walking distance of the Umhlanga "Village" situated around the
Hillcon and Granada Centers. Boats can be launched from the Ski Boat Club and numerous Deep Sea Fishing Trips Scuba Diving Trips and Day Trips are available for individuals or groups.
If this is not enough for the demanding visitor there are also chartered flights available from Virginia Airport as well as Micro-light flights over the Coastline.

The Valley of a 1000 Hills

The evocatively named Valley of a Thousand Hills, 45 km from Durban, makes for a picturesque drive along the edge of densely folded hills where Zulu people still live in traditional homesteads, and which visitors rarely venture into. The spectacular landscape goes some way to soothing any misgivings you might have about ethnographic 'game viewing', but it's only worth a special effort if you're not exploring the KwaZulu Natal interior, where scenes like this occur in abundance. The trip to the valley and back can be done in half a day, but there are sufficient attractions laid on along the route to extend it to a full day's outing.
 

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Natal Sharks Board

Visit the only organisation of its kind in the world and learn about sharks and the prevention of shark attack.

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uShaka Marineworld

Durban's newest world class Saltwater Aquarium will have young and old delighted! With over 30 indoor and outdoor exhibits, uShaka Marine World includes a variety of marine life - see a dolphin, penguin and seal show, and marvel at the intelligence of these animals. This is Africa's largest dolphinarium, so be sure you're a part of it!

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Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom

is in Umhlanga, South Africa . The casino features 924 slots and thirty-seven table games. The property has eight restaurants and two hotels with 156 rooms.

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Gateway

is more than a shopping mall - it's billed as a "Theatre of Shopping" offering visitors, much more than the average shopping center. The impressive structure, situated alongside the N2 highway in Umhlanga Rocks, houses a vast array of shops, cinemas and restaurants PLUS a huge standing wave known as Drex, a mega skate park designed by international expert Tony Hawk, the highest climbing wall imaginable and a go-kart track, putt-putt course and a challenging 4x4 track
 

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The Umgeni River Bird Park

Is situated on Riverside Road, on the bank of the Umgeni River. From Durban, head north towards Umhlanga, and you'll find the Park just 10 minutes drive from the city centre. Follow the signs off the N2 or M4 Highways.
 

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Shakaskraal

Close to the village of Umhlali is the "one-street-town" of Shakaskraal, which is the site of Shaka's royal military homestead called KwaHlomendlini.
The town is full of character and shoppers will be guaranteed of picking up a bargain in any of the shops which line the street.
Culture forms and integral part of the town and traditional African doctors can provide an alternative medical opinions for a small price. Occupying an important site in the main street is the mosque which stands majestically above all the other buildings.
The locals will delight you in stories and anecdotes about the building which forms an integral part of village life.

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The Durban Botanic Gardens (DBG)

Traces its origins to colonial times, when it was founded in 1849 for the introduction and trial of potentially useful commercial crops.
The gardens later developed collections of sub-tropical trees, palms and orchids. The Durban Botanic Gardens remains a classic botanic gardens, reflecting the universality of the plant kingdom. It has, for over 100 years, had a fine mixed arboretum of African, Asian and American trees. The Gardens are a few minutes walk from the bustling Warwick Triangle, site of one of the largest retail medicinal plant markets in the country. The Gardens hosts approximately 500 000 visitors per year, many of whom are foreign tourists.
 

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Dolphin Coast

Come and explore the dolphin coast of KwaZulu-natal. A unique opportunity to see up close and learn about, the dolphins and whales that frequent our coastline.

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Durban

Is a sophisticated cosmopolitan city of some three million people - a city where east meets west - a city beneath which beats the pulse of Africa. A city known as Africa's best managed busiest port.

It's an exciting city in which to play, shop, and experience the nightlife and to relax. It's a city in which business and debate issues, which have far- reaching effects, not only on Africa but way beyond its borders, are discussed.

The world-class International Convention Centre has hosted a historic line-up of events.

Leisure facilities abound. Visit uShaka Marine World, Wilson's Wharf on the Victoria Embankment and the nearby BAT centre. Enjoy fine and traditional dining, entertainment and shopping in scenic surroundings. Shop till you drop in modern shopping malls. Grey Street and the Warwick Triangle boast vibrant locals shops and markets. Beachfront stalls sell traditional arts and crafts. Enjoy the excellent entertainment on offer at the city's theatres and clubs or take a township tour.

If it's peace and sheer beauty you are after, make for Durban's nature sanctuaries or parks. The Botanical Gardens are of particular interest - ask about their 'Music by the Lake' evenings - wonderful music played by KZN's Philharmonic Orchestra in wonder surrounds.

Sail, swim, run, and play tennis or alternatively stroll along or relax on the sun-drenched beaches watching the world go by.
Playground of the Zulu Kingdom.

Battlefields

Walk in the footsteps of famous military strategists- Shaka, Winston Churchill, Mahatma Gandhi and General Louis Botha - they were all here before you. The wind sighs and whispers the secrets and sorrows of great battles, made visible by lone forts and small graveyards on these undulating landscapes ringed with rocky outcrops.
The legacy of our Zulu Kingdom's critical, blood-soaked conflicts today lives peacefully -reconciled in this fascinating region's myriad Battlefield Sites, Historic Towns, National Monuments and Museums - and in HQS of the British regiments that make a 'pilgrimage' to these fields of bravery and supreme sacrifice.

Why leave all of this to the imagination, when knowledgeable guides will accompany you on tours of the Battlefields, talking you through each battle, debating the strategies used, the numbers who perished and the medals and rewards won by the brave.

If these legends inspire your adventurous spirit, there are more pleasurable ways of assuaging it than battle. White- water rafting down the rapids of the mighty Tugela, sailing on the Chelmsford Dam, and hunting in the designated hunting reserves - this region offers all of these pursuits.

Consummate shoppers will always find a way to practice their skill at tracking down a good bargain, and this area provides the chance at any of the large number of factory outlets selling everything from blown glass to pork sausages and baby products.
Legends of the Zulu Kingdom

Elephant Coast

This pristine eco-wonderland boasting 21 different ecological systems will satisfy even the most adventurous visitor. Some of the world's highest natural dunes, brilliant coral reefs, fever tree and palm savannahs, papyrus swamps and rolling acacia bushveld can be found in this land of natural and cultural diversity. It is home to the hospitable Zulu and Tsonga people as well as the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park, declared South Africa's first World Heritage Site.

Elephant coast accommodation options range from luxury game lodges to Zulu homestays and camping - comfortable places to stay to suit all pockets and from which to explore this exciting region.

For the brave, there are self-guided wilderness trails taking you closer to wildlife on foot, horseback or canoe.

The sea, lakes and beach provide more adventure. Scuba diving and snorkeling enable you to watch the 1 200 different species of marine life abounding in these waters. And taking a turtle tour is a must. Angling, either from the 200 kilometers of unspoilt beach, on the lakes or deep- sea, is a great sport - and while at sea, you might be lucky and spot a whale or two.
The Zulu and Tsonga people indigenous to this area will tell you about their traditional way of life, and share with you the history of places such as Ghost Mountain or Dingaan's grave. Keen shoppers can choose from an array of beadwork, pottery, basket ware and woodcarvings crafted with skills passed down through the ages.

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     An elephant cools off at Tembe Elephant Park, Elephant Coast.

To see elephants from the comfort of your home, visit the live webcam at Tembe Elephant Park www.zulucam.com

The Untamed Spirit of the Zulu Kingdom

Scuba diving is a popular sport with excellent deep-sea diving areas at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. Try surfing at the internationally acclaimed surf spots or go abseiling in the Oribi Gorge. Breathtaking is the way you would describe both the scenery and your feelings as you plunge over the edge and swing high over the deep gorge.
Every winter, there is the phenomenon of the sardine run - millions of sardines migrate up the coast and people come from far and wide to scoop up buckets of this natural harvest.
 

North Coast/Dolphin Coast

The Kingdom's north coast, also known as the Dolphin Coast, stretches from Zimbali to the mighty Tugela River. This is the playground of the bottlenose dolphins, which frolic in the waters close to shore and are visible all year round. It offers luxury, beauty, sport and history.
It is a place to indulge the senses - either in good restaurants offering fine dining, or partying in nightclubs. Tee off on the excellent golf courses, or for the sheer thrill of it - take to the air in a microlight and see this magnificent coastline as the seagulls see it.

Stroll or take a horse-ride along the shoreline at low tide and search for sea life. Climb rocky outcrops and enjoy a spot of angling.

The great Shaka Zulu is buried at Kwa-Dukuza, and Nobel laureate, Albert Luthuli, lies buried nearby. Walk a 'muti' (African medicine) trail through the Harold Johnson nature reserve or visit historic battle sites such as the Ultimatum Tree, Ndondakusuka or Fort Pearson. Zulu hospitality is warm and the people friendly. They are proud to show you their heritage.

The North Coast is also home to a large Indian community. Look out for their temples; sample their spicy foodstuffs or shop for fresh produce at any of the numerous markets.
The north coast is a place to relax, kick back, and savour your surrounds. Enjoy.
 

Pietermaritzberg/Midlands

Is home to quaint antique shops, markets, restaurants, art galleries and museums; and more recently a casino. This is the town in which the annual Canoe Marathon starts, and is the beginning or ending point of the world- renowned annual Marathon between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, which attracts about 15 000 participants.
The Midlands Meander, the first route of its kind in the country has opened up the wonders and beauty of the interior of KwaZulu-Natal. It has grown into an eclectic and fascinating mix of arts and crafts, world-class restaurants and homely comforts, with a wide range of sporting environmental and historical pursuits.

Take a few days to wander through the green fields and picturesque farms, home to prize dairy herds; staying along the way in country-style B&B's, or guest lodges.

The magnificent Howick Falls located in this area provide picnic facilities. Trout and bass fishing are plentiful and for the more adventurous there is paragliding off Bulwer Mountain or taking a slide across the canopy of Karkloof's indigenous forests.
 

Drakensberg/Ukhahlamba

The Zulu people named it the 'Barrier of Spears' and the Dutch Voortrekkers 'The Dragon Mountain'. Drakensberg, with its awe-inspiring basalt cliffs, snowcapped in winter, tower over riverine bush, lush yellowwood forests and cascading waterfalls, forms a massive barrier separating KwaZulu-Natal from the Kingdom of Lesotho - the only access being via Sani Pass, which at the top, boasts the highest pub on Africa, 3 000 metres above sea level.
Combing sheer natural beauty with a wealth of biological diversity, this 243 000 hectare mountainous region known the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park has been preserved and venerated for eons since the San bushmen roamed these slopes. Tens of thousands of paintings depicting their daily life can be found on the rock face and in December 2000, the park received international recognition and was declared a World Heritage Site.

And of course, there are the mountains, which must be conquered. The fearless may choose to try sheer rock or ice- climbing - or you may prefer the adrenaline rush provided by abseiling, white water rafting or taking a helicopter ride to view the mountains from above. If you prefer the gentler and more leisurely pace of walking the many well- marked hiking routes on both lower and upper slopes, you can watch out for the 290 species of birds, 48 species of mammals, or the rare varieties of plantlife found in the park.
The soul of the Zulu Kingdom
 

Thukela Falls.

Zululand
 

The sheer majesty of this region will take your breath away. Under the hot African sun, the cobalt blue Indian Ocean, Mangrove swamps and limpid lagoons, give way to rolling green hills and indigenous forests which shimmer in the distance before they reach the Drakensberg mountains.

While you are here, enjoy the welcoming wide smiles extended to you by the local people. Enjoy the comfortable accommodation in major towns, game lodges, to seashore cottages, Zulu homes or floating Lake Chalets.

Teeming private and provincial game reserves offer game- watching facilities as well as hiking and nature trails.

But it is probably 'the Zulu experience' which will linger longest in your mind long after you have left this area. Take an ox wagon to Zulu villages of bee-hive huts and experience traditional Zulu hospitality, or a rural wedding ceremony and if you wish, visit a sangoma (traditional healer). You cannot leave without a visit to Ulundi, the site of the final battle fought in the Anglo-Zulu war. Nearby, Zulu kings lie buried in the Emakhosini Valley. In total contrast are the township tours showcasing modern Zulu life including tarvens, shebeens and traditional medicine shops.

Further inland lie tea plantations, cattle ranching and pretty historical towns such as Vryheid and Paulpietersburg where you can relax in the therapeutic sulphur springs.
The heart of the Zulu Kingdom.