From KSh1,019,244 pps
Fugitives' Drift Lodge
Battlefields, KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Cultural visits | Bird watching | Scenic flights | Boat excursions | Fishing | Canoeing
HomeDestinationsKwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is rhino country, beaches, and the Drakensberg. The north, around Hluhluwe and the private reserves, is the safari. The mountains are a different, cooler holiday.
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KwaZulu-Natal Holidays - Discover KZN
Home to teeming game reserves and echoing battlegrounds, flanked by mountain peaks and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, the province of KwaZulu-Natal has everything that South African holidays are famous for: long golden beaches, abundant wildlife, a diverse and welcoming people, and a sunny sub-tropical climate.
It’s easy holidaying country and if you're looking for an independent-minded self-drive vacation, KwaZulu-Natal is a top choice. Well-maintained roads run right up the coast and into the interior which means you can easily swop the beach for the big game reserves and – unlike the tamer Garden Route – on a KwaZulu-Natal holiday you can also include activities such as scuba diving, battlefield tours and horse riding in the spectacular Drakensberg Mountains.
The north of the province is where South Africa becomes Africa. Wild footprint-free beaches lie alongside some of the country's top game reserves, and traditional Zulu homesteads cluster together on steep hillsides close to historic battlefields. Further south, the landscape softens as country lanes wind through the English shire-like pastures of the Natal Midlands and down to the vibrant city of Durban.
KwaZulu-Natal Safaris
Northern KwaZulu-Natal is one of South Africa's top wildlife destinations with a collection of game reserves known for excellent rhino and big cat sightings, superb bird watching, and beautiful scenery ranging from woodlands and wetlands to palm savannahs and coastal forests.
What's more these reserves lie close to the iSimangaliso / Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, which means a KwaZulu-Natal safari can easily be combined with footprint-free beaches and the best scuba diving in South Africa: teeming coral reefs, whale sharks, dolphins and breeding turtles are among the highlights of the KwaZulu-Natal coast.
Phinda Game Reserve
Cradled between the Lebombo Mountains and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, Phinda Game Reserve is Big 5 country and home to healthy populations of other classic African mammals such as black rhino and cheetah. The bird watching here ranks among the best in South Africa with 415 recorded species, and keen scuba divers will be delighted to know that diving adventures can be arranged from Phinda – making it an ideal safari and beach destination.
Being a private game reserve means that Phinda offers a very exclusive and tailored experience. There are no crowds or queues, and the six luxury lodges and exclusive-use villas are famous for their exceptionally high standard of guiding, placing a firm emphasis on giving their guests an interactive wildlife experience.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
A pioneer of conservation, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi is one of the oldest and most prestigious wildlife reserves in South Africa, and is responsible for bringing the white rhino back from the brink of extinction in the 1950s and 1960s. Home to all of Africa's Big 5, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi comprises two sections: the northern Hluhluwe area is characterised by evergreen forest and is good for sightings of black rhino amongst the thickets, while the southern Umfolozi section has open acacia savannah making it perfect for predators, elephants, white rhino and giraffe.
Just north of Hluhluwe, Thanda is set on a 14 000-hectare private game reserve and has a well deserved reputation for excellent big game viewing and birding as well as providing sightings of rare species such as African wild dog. A top choice for a luxurious Big 5 safari, Thanda recently won “Africa's leading luxury game reserve” at the 2012 World Travel Awards, and its bush villas and safari-style tented camp are members of the prestigious “Leading Hotels of the World” group.
uMkhuze Game Reserve
The uMkhuze Game Reserve was named after the Mkuze River which forms the northern and eastern boundary of the park. uMkhuze is known for its exceptional bird watching – over 420 species have been recorded – and a walk through the fig forest on the river bank is sure to be a highlight for birders and nature lovers alike. uMkhuze also offers game drives in search of rhino, giraffe, zebra and antelope, and there are a number of hides overlooking pans where fish eagles swoop to catch their prey.
Pongola Game Reserve
Pongola Game Reserve lies in the Lebombo Mountains on the border of Swaziland. This beautiful reserve has four of the Big 5 (no lions) and offers a fantastic mix of KwaZulu-Natal safari activities including game drives, guided walking safaris, boat cruises and tiger fishing on lovely Lake Jozini.
With so much variety on offer, compact and beautiful KwaZulu-Natal really does offer a world of experiences in a single holiday.
What travellers most enjoyed about KwaZulu-Natal
Beaches
Cultural interactions
Scenery
Self-drive
Wildlife and safari
The Top Places to Visit in KwaZulu-Natal
From the clear air of the Drakensberg Mountains to its beach-lined tropical coast, KwaZulu-Natal is a truly diverse province with places of interest ranging from Big 5 game reserves and popular seaside towns to luxurious country estates and historical battlefields.
Not sure where to start? Our selections of where to go in KwaZulu-Natal will help you plan a phenomenal safari and beach holiday blending warm sea, wildlife and tons of exciting activities.
Durban: Cosmopolitan City with Broad Beaches & Warm Sea
The seaside city of Durban is the ideal springboard from which to begin your KwaZulu-Natal holiday. South Africa’s third largest city has a heady mixture of cultural flavours with Zulu women selling traditional beadwork outside Victorian-era buildings, and modern shopping centres sandwiched between Indian temples and fragrant spice markets. The city’s biggest attraction, however, is the golden sands and warm sea of its broad city beaches.
KwaZulu-Natal Coast: From Holiday Towns to Wild Reserves
The KwaZulu-Natal coastline stretches some 600km from the developed South Coast – a holiday haven for golfers and visitors who want to spend sunny days on safe swimming beaches – up to the far wilder Elephant Coast with the colourful coral reefs and turtle breeding grounds of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
During the Christmas season, the beachfronts around Durban are packed with local holiday makers and the temperatures sizzle, but even at this time of year, you can still find a romantic retreat and quiet stretch of beach on the province’s remote Elephant Coast.
Northern Safari Region: Big 5 Game Viewing
KwaZulu-Natal’s Northern Safari Region is a wild and beautiful area with a cluster of Big 5 reserves which offer game viewing on a par with the Kruger Park, South Africa's best-known reserve – and bird watching that is even better. Spend your mornings and afternoons on classic game drives in search of rhino, elephant and big cats, then in the evening return to your glass-fronted suite or luxurious safari tent to enjoy fine cuisine and outstanding service.
The Battlefields: Historic Battles & Tales of Bravery
Some of the bloodiest and most important battles in African history were fought on KwaZulu-Natal soil. These battlefields have hardly changed since the last soldiers fell, and with expert guides taking you back in time with spine-chilling tales of courage, victory, defeat and reconciliation – all it requires is a little imagination for the surrounding grasslands and rocky outcrops to come to life with the titanic struggles between the British army, Boer commandos and Zulu warriors.
Natal Midlands: Gourmet Cuisine & Beautiful Countryside
The green fields and tree-lined lanes of the Natal Midlands have made many travellers compare this region to the English Cotswolds. It’s a complete contrast to the rest of the province and where to go in KwaZulu-Natal to explore potters’ shops, galleries, and craft studios and linger over a four-course lunch before easing any twinge of guilt with a hike into the foothills of the magnificent Drakensberg Mountains. The Midlands is a peaceful and at times indulgent place to stay with a number of world-class spas offering pampering treatments and boutique guesthouses serving up award-winning cuisine.
Drakensberg Mountain: Hiking, Rock Art & Wonderful Views
The rising peaks of the Drakensberg form South Africa's tallest mountain range. Drakensberg means “dragon mountain” in Afrikaans or “barrier of spears” in the local Zulu language, but for all its ferocious names this magnificent mountain range is a top choice for an active family holiday: enjoy gentle riverside ambles or challenging hikes; go horse riding, mountain biking, bird watching and fly fishing; waterfalls and rock pools make for summer swimming while in winter the peaks are dusted with snow.
The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park has been granted World Heritage Status in recognition of its awesome natural beauty and rich collection of San rock art – over 3,000 individual paintings at 600 sites.
When to go
May to September
Dry winter in the bush, and the clearer game viewing. Mornings are cold.
Summer
Greener, stormy afternoons, and the beach season on the coast.
Travel advice
Health
Split the advice: tablets are a question for the northern parks, not automatically for a Drakensberg hotel. Ask a clinic.
KwaZulu-Natal Tours & Safaris
KwaZulu-Natal tours and safaris embrace a part of South Africa well known for its coastline of broad beaches, Big 5 safari reserves and historic battlefields. Add to this the gourmet delights and award-winning spa treatments offered in the Natal Midlands, and world-class scuba-diving along the wild Elephant Coast – and you’ve got a world of experiences in a single holiday.
We have a wide selection of tours around KwaZulu-Natal which explore all the best elements this exciting province has to offer but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, one of our well-travelled African Safari Experts will easily point you in the right direction.
Recommended KwaZulu-Natal Tours & Safari Holidays
From KSh1,019,085 to KSh1,141,120 pps
Highlights
Hike or horse ride in the Drakensberg. Go fly-fishing in the Kamberg Valley.
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A fantastic combination with easy travelling. Experience the amazing Phinda reserve with its abundance of animals.
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Spot the Big 5 in Phinda Game Reserve. Special safari activities for children.
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Click to save to your wishlistSelf-drive South Africa's KwaZulu Natal
11 days This safari is a Hidden GemHighlights
Hike or horse ride in the Drakensberg. Go fly-fishing in the Kamberg Valley.
Destinations visited
KwaZulu-Natal South Africa
From KSh1,019,085 to KSh1,141,120 pps
Highlights
Hike or horse ride in the Drakensberg. Go fly-fishing in the Kamberg Valley.
Destinations visited
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Click to save to your wishlistSouth Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Beach & Safari
9 daysHighlights
A fantastic combination with easy travelling. Experience the amazing Phinda reserve with its abundance of animals.
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A fantastic combination with easy travelling. Experience the amazing Phinda reserve with its abundance of animals.
Destinations visited
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Click to save to your wishlistRomantic Cape, Kruger & KwaZulu-Natal
Ready-To-Book 13 days This Positive Impact Safari includes a donation to a Community initiativeHighlights
Explore the many wonders of Cape Town. Discover splendid art at a top wine estate.
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Cape Town Cape Winelands KwaZulu-Natal South Africa Timbavati Game Reserve
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Explore the many wonders of Cape Town. Discover splendid art at a top wine estate.
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Click to save to your wishlistFamily KwaZulu-Natal & Mauritius
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Spot the Big 5 in Phinda Game Reserve. Special safari activities for children.
Destinations visited
KwaZulu-Natal Mauritius South Africa
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Spot the Big 5 in Phinda Game Reserve. Special safari activities for children.
Destinations visited
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Popular tours and safaris in KwaZulu-Natal
Priced itineraries that pass through this place. Nights can still change when the quote is drawn up. Nothing is paid until you accept it.
From KSh307,072 to KSh448,597 pps
Sustainable Cape Luxury
4 daysHighlights
A visit with a local community.
Destinations visited
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh369,395 to KSh510,271 pps
Eco-Retreat: The Grootbos Experience
4 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
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Train Journey to Vic Falls
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Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh425,226 pps
Pretoria to Cape Town Journey
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Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Cape Town | South Africa
From KSh523,904 pps
Train Journey to Vic Falls
4 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Botswana | South Africa | Zimbabwe
From KSh557,014 to KSh603,107 pps
5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives on each full day on safari. Park and permit fees for the places on this route.
Destinations visited
Kruger Private Reserves | South Africa
From KSh810,851 to KSh814,097 pps
Mid-Range 5-Day Essential Kruger Park Safari
5 daysHighlights
Morning and afternoon game drives.
Destinations visited
Sabi Sands Game Reserve | South Africa
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Morning and afternoon game drives.
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Best KwaZulu-Natal Accommodation
Offering incredible service, magical locations and fine cuisine, our list of KwaZulu-Natal accommodation includes safari lodges tucked away in remote reserves; seaside hotels and beach lodges; country homes on grand estates; and guest houses overlooking the historic battlefields of Zululand.
KwaZulu-Natal’s famed attractions such as the Drakensberg Mountains, the Battlefields region and the rustic Midlands provide the setting for a selection of exclusive and luxurious accommodation where adventures abound. There is excellent accommodation in big game country too – and several of KwaZulu-Natal’s parks and reserves rank among the best in the country.
Consider combining a few days in KwaZulu-Natal with a Big 5 safari in Kruger or even a lazy beach holiday on the island on Mauritius; our experienced Africa Safari Experts can easily recommend accommodation and itineraries based on your requirements.
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Travellers
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Activities
Game drivesNight drivesGuided walking safarisPrivate vehicle with driverSpecialist guidesCultural visitsConservation projectsStar gazingSleep-out experience available
Wildlife Experiences
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Food & Drink
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Aerial activities
Hot air ballooningHelicopter flightsScenic flightsMicro-lightingBungee jumpingSky diving
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Sport & Wellness
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From KSh212,905 to KSh220,045 pps
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From KSh30,510 to KSh40,245 pps
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From KSh45,435 to KSh61,665 pps
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From KSh74,645 pps
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Enquire for pricing
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From KSh36,350 pps
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From KSh181,750 to KSh209,010 pps
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From KSh181,750 to KSh186,940 pps
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From KSh74,645 to KSh88,280 pps
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KwaZulu-Natal stays
7 stays. The rate is per person sharing.
- Battlefields, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
From KSh787,480 to KSh1,847,623 pps
Phinda Forest Lodge
KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Bird watching | Wine tasting | Scenic flights | Canoeing | Spa treatments | Cultural visits
Enquire for pricing
Phinda Mountain Lodge
KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Bird watching | Scenic flights | Boat excursions | Canoeing | Yoga | Horse riding
From KSh1,437,978 pps
Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
KwaZulu-Natal Safaris, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Conservation projects | Bird watching | Boat excursions | Hiking | Yoga | Spa treatments
From KSh1,437,978 pps
Sala Beach House
KwaZulu-Natal Coast, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Conservation projects | Bird watching | Boat excursions | Hiking | Yoga | Spa treatments
From KSh902,388 pps
The Oyster Box
KwaZulu-Natal Coast, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Cultural visits | Bird watching | Wine tasting | Scenic flights | Boat excursions | Canoeing
From KSh787,480 to KSh1,019,244 pps
Thonga Beach Lodge
KwaZulu-Natal, South AfricaActivities travellers enjoyed
Cultural visits | Bird watching | Scenic flights | Boat excursions | Canoeing | Wine tasting
Costs
A northern private reserve is a real safari price. A berg hotel is not.
Say which one is on the quote. International flights into Durban or Johannesburg are extra.