Durban Holidays
South Africa, Africa
South Africa likes to boast that it’s the “world in one country” – but KwaZulu-Natal’s beaches, climate, mountains, cities and historical attractions and wildlife means that it’s got at least a little of everything that most people come to South Africa to see. KwaZulu-Natal can be easily reached from Joburg.
What to Do in Durban
Durban, the capital of the province, is South Africa’s top seaside destination. Kids and teenagers will love the various attractions along the Golden Mile – the best of which is the uShaka Marine World aquarium, and the attached Wet’n’Wild water slide park. This is also a great area for bars and restaurants
Further north, the Dolphin Coast is a great base for dolphin and shark spotting, while the Valley of a Thousand Hills has traditional Zulu homesteads, and is one of the best places in the region to see Zulu dance performances. The interior is also the location of some key battles in South African history – anyone who has seen Zulu will be familiar with Rorke’s Drift and Isandlwana, while you can also visit Blood River and Ladysmith. The former was the site of a battle between the Boers and Zulus, while the latter was the site of a siege during the Second Anglo-Boer War.
The climate means that the beaches are nearly always warm, as is the welcome you'll receive in places where you can see traditional Zulu dancing, ceremonies and singing. Kwazulu-Natal has one of the biggest Indian populations outside the subcontinent, and the local curries can be hot, hot, hot – you can even buy a spice mixture called the "Mother in law exterminator".
The Ulhahlamba-Drakensberg National Park is a one of South Africa's prime wildnerness area, with towering peaks, ancient San rock paintings, and plenty of opportunities to explore – hiking is the best way to see the park. iSimangaliso Wetland Park has lions, hippos, leopards, elephants and many other animals, and is one of the best places in the province to view game. Pietermaritzberg is a great place to spend a day in, and is quieter than Durban.
