Washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, KwaZulu-Natal with its subtropical coastline, sweeping savannah in the east and magnificent Drakensberg mountain range in the west, generously caters for just about every taste imaginable.

Known as the Kingdom of the Zulu, KwaZulu-Natal is a rian mixture of African, European and Indian cultures. This province boasts two World Heritage Sites – the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and the Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park.

KZN offers fantastic beaches, sunny and warm weather, all year round along the tropical coast, game parks, rolling green hills, numerous sugar cane plantations and relics of the great battles in South African history.

Traditionally, a popular holiday destination for domestic holiday-makers flocking to its sandy shores and wonderful surf, KwaZulu-Natal is South Africa’s busiest local holiday destination.

Major Attractions:

• Beaches

Some of South Africa’s best beaches can be found along the Natal coastline, namely Umhlanga Rocks, Ballito, Shaka’s Rock, Shelley Beach (on the North Coast), Uvongo and Margate (on the South coast) – to mention just a few. These beaches offer safe swimming and fantastic surfing possibilities.

Durban also boasts spectacular beaches including Addington Beach, South and North beaches and Dairy beach and its the home of major International surfing & beach sport competitions.

• Durban’s Grey Street

Grey Street is home to Durban’s Indian district and is the best place to enjoy spicy local food. Here, you will find the Juma Musjid Mosque and its gilt-domed minarets (1927) – the largest mosque in the southern hemisphere. Wander around the area and the bazaars and buy some of the incredible spices and textiles in the province from local Indian vendors.

• The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park

An eco-tourism wonderland of beautiful lakes, swamps, forests and marshlands surrounding the estuary of Lake St Lucia. This area was declared South Africa’s first World Heritage Sites – and is no doubt one of the most beautiful wetlands areas in the world and also the biggest in the Southern Hemisphere. Some of South Africa's best-protected indigenous coastal forests are found here at Dukuduku and Kosi Bay. Countless species of animals including hippo, crocodiles and elephant, as well as abundant plant and sea-life are found in this abundant sub-tropical eco-system.

• Mountains and Dragons

The Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park was declared a World Heritage Site in 2000. This mountain wilderness, bordering Lesotho, is a vast national park boasting the highest mountain range in South Africa.

Known to the Zulus as the `Barrier of Spears’, the Drakensberg or `Dragon Mountains’ mountain range is truly spectacular. Often referred to as Little Switzerland, this part of the world offers spectacular waterfalls, mountain peaks and rock faces adorned with ancient San rock art. It is a favourite spot for hiking and fly-fishing.

• Sodwana Bay

Some of the best diving and snorkelling opportunities in South Africa are on offer in Sodwana – a veritable mecca for those who love underwater adventure. The area is also famous for big-game fishing.