Probably one of the most diverse provinces in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal offers travellers a little bit of everything – warm oceans and good waves, quaint little towns to explore, majestic mountains for hiking, a world class city with diverse cultures, as well as a gateway to three neighbouring countries: Lesotho, Swaziland and Mozambique.
We check out the top 15 below, so if you’re keen to explore more of this captivating province, take a look at this list of much-loved holiday spots in KZN:
1. Ballito
Located only 45km from Durban, Ballito has fantastic beaches and an array of superb hotels, restaurants, shopping and vibrant nightlife, firmly establishing it as KZN’s top destination.
2. St Lucia
Gateway to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the booming eco-village of St Lucia offers an enticing selection of things to do ranging from scuba diving, to turtle tracking and guided walking safaris.
3. South Beach
Durban has been making waves as one of South Africa’s must-visit destinations over the past few months. If water, waves and sunbathing babes are your thing, lively South Beach near uShaka Marine World is the place to be. Make the most of your time in the city
4. Umhlanga Rocks
Situated 20km north from the centre of Durban, the seaside resort of Umhlanga Rocks has a swathe of chic apartments and a red-and-white lighthouse overlooking the lovely beach. It is also home to two of the top 10 South African hotels where the richest of the rich check in!
5. Shakas Rock
Shakas Rock boasts one of the Dolphin Coast’s most picturesque beaches with a fun tidal pool and a ski-boat launch site. It draws less crowds than neighbouring Ballito and has a super chilled vibe.
6. Uvongo
Uvongo is a lively holiday town offering one of the best swimming beaches on the South Coast as well as a lagoon complete with its own waterfall! It also has a selection of decent restaurants, pubs, shops and activities.
7. Umdloti Beach
Photo credit: bookings.com
This subtropical seaside resort town and conservancy is renowned for frequent dolphin sightings, good surf and a lovely swimming beach.
8. Durban North
Durban North’s excellent swimming beach, great surf and magnificent ocean views are a quick 15-minute drive north of central Durban. If you enjoy good food in quaint surroundings, the super cute Freedom Cafe is an absolute must-try.
9. Margate Beach
Photo credit: www.kzn-southcoast.com
Margate is an immensely popular spot during the December holidays. Its beaches are perfect for swimming, snorkelling, water skiing and surfing. There is also loads to keep the whole family entertained from markets and shopping, to lively nightlife and great dining. One of these days the KZN south coast will also be home to KZN’s first official nude beach at Mpenjati, about 20km from Margate.
10. Shelly Beach
Photo credit: Afristay
Named for the millions of miniature cowrie shells that wash up on the shore, Shelly Beach offers a horde of outdoor activities and entertainment, including the creepy yet cool Pure Venom Reptile Park, where you can spot everything from crocodiles to colourful birds of paradise, as pictured above.
11. The Bluff
Situated atop a hill south of Durban harbour, The Bluff is a well-established seaside suburb that has developed into an immensely popular holiday spot.
12. Amanzimtoti
Photo credit: amanzimtotiguesthouse.co.za
Amanzimtoti is the perfect holiday destination for families, offering an array of activities including shopping and restaurants as well as safe swimming, surfing and fantastic shore and deep sea fishing.
13. Underberg
Photo credit: www.drakensberg-info.co.za
Magnificent views and outstanding fly-fishing, hiking and mountain biking activities characterize this flourishing gateway to the southern Drakensberg.
14. Warner Beach
Apart from exceptional surfing and long beaches just begging to be walked along, Warner Beach is also located close to Aliwal Shoal, one of KZN’s top dive sites, making it a prime destination for those in search of watery adventures.
15. Bergville
Photo credit: www.drakensberg-info.co.za
While KZN is often associated with its tropical beaches and warm water, the Midlands offer a wonderland of charming country life. Bergville is a soothing stopover and convenient base from which the explore.
Source credit: www.traveller24.com
