One of those places that feels like it is taking over your mind the longer you spend there is in KwaZulu-Natal. Before I got there, I was mainly thinking of safaris and beaches, but then I started checking out, there’s just about everything in this province, from mountains to coastal towns, wildlife reserves, waterfalls, forests, and cultural sites that make each trip so unique.
There are a variety of things to enjoy. You can be standing on a mountaintop one day, surrounded by clouds, and the next day you’re lying on the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, with fresh seafood at your table. It’s a place that’s always in motion and never static.
Once you’ve explored and researched some of the most memorable locations, here are five stunning destinations to visit in KwaZulu-Natal.
Breathtaking Destinations in KwaZulu-Natal
1. Drakensberg Mountains
2. uShaka Marine World
3. Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
4. Ballito
5. Midlands Meander
5 Breathtaking Destinations in KwaZulu-Natal
1. Drakensberg Mountains
In all honesty, one of the prettiest places I have ever been is in the Drakensberg Mountains. Photos don’t do it justice: the cliffs, rolling green hills, waterfalls, and mountains are nearly as unreal as the view in the photos!
The air is fresher, quieter, and calmer here. There’s one thing I love about it: it’s just getting up early and watching the mist slowly rise on the mountain. It is very quiet, like I can’t explain.
But there’s also plenty to do, too. Hiking is the main attraction, and there are beginner and advanced trails. One of the world’s highest waterfalls, Tugela Falls, is a great attraction.
Budget:
Admission to hiking areas: approximately R80 – R150
There are also several lodges and resorts, ranging in price from around R1,500 to R5,000 per night, depending on the luxury level.
Facilities & Perks:
The luxury lodges and cozy mountain cabins
Guided hiking tours
With heated pools in some resorts and spa facilities, you can relax and take in the effect of the heat.
While most places won’t pay for you to eat free, breakfast is usually included as part of your stay if you’re staying in a luxury all-inclusive lodge, the ideal place for nature, relaxation, and adventure.
2. uShaka Marine World
When travelling to Durban, uShaka Marine World is a must-see. Well, it’s an aquarium and more!
The most interesting part to me was the family friendliness and the vibrancy of the location. Aquarium with a shipwreck theme, water slides, restaurants, shopping areas, and direct access to the beach. The aquarium tunnel, where the sharks and giant fish swim over you, is particularly memorable.
Budget:
Petronas Aquarium Tickets (Adults): R220 – R280
Water Park Combo Tickets: R300 – R400
Facilities & Perks:
Around the Park restaurants and cafés
Low-cost lockers and changing amenities
The beach and hawkers are also available.
No free food, although certain packages of tickets offer a meal discount. It’s one of those areas that you can never walk past without being bored.
3. Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park is a park not to miss for wildlife enthusiasts. It’s one of the oldest game reserves in Africa and is highly regarded as a rhino reserve.
Here, the safari experience is raw and authentic. As opposed to some very commercial safari parks, this one is very much a part of the environment. The elephants, rhinos, giraffes, and zebras roam freely on the landscape, and that’s an experience that lasts well after the trip is over.
Budget:
Camping at the campsite: R150 per person per night
Safari lodges: from R1,200 to R6,000+ per night.
Facilities & Perks:
Guided game drives
Self-drive safari routes
Camps, lodges, and picnic areas,
Complimentary breakfast and dinner are a great value in some luxury lodges, too. If this is the first time you are going on a safari, it’s an amazing place to begin.
4. Ballito
The energy in Ballito is totally different from the mountains and safari parks. It’s lively, beachy, and laid back.
The beaches here are beautiful, particularly at sunset when the sky turns shades of orange and pink over the Indian Ocean. The promenade is something I really liked, you can walk for a long time, and stop at cafés and restaurants as you go.
Budget:
Beach access: Free
Restaurants: R1,200 per person for a meal, usually by the beach.
Facilities & Perks:
Modern beachfront hotels
The restaurant, café, and nightlife scene.
Access to surfing, swimming, and dolphin watching opportunities
Not all have free meals, but some resorts have a free breakfast. Ballito is perfect for those looking for a relaxed and organized beach getaway.
5. Midlands Meander
The Midlands Meander is as if you’re going back to a more relaxed, gentler world. Lots of small towns, art galleries, coffee shops, craft stores, waterfalls, and country views to be sure to stop every few minutes.
Its charm lies in its ambience. This isn’t about the destination as much as it is about the journey.
I enjoyed the little cafés and craft shops I saw along the way. It seems like a home from home and homely.
Budget:
The hiking is Free!
Guesthouses and boutique hotels: R800 – R3,500 per night
Facilities & Perks:
Warm and welcoming guest houses and lodges
Art studios, cafés, and restaurants
Walks and visits to waterfalls.
A few luxury hotels provide free breakfast using local produce, quite a cozy touch.
Conclusion
One such place is KwaZulu-Natal, which is a province that offers a lot of variety. You can look at the dramatic mountains of the Drakensberg Mountains, get a taste for marine life and a beach at uShaka Marine World, have an unforgettable safari at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, unwind by the coast in Ballito, or take a slow journey along the Midlands Meander.
One of the things you will be impressed by is the equilibrium between all the elements. Here, adventure and relaxation, culture and wildlife, and food combine.
Not all places have free meals or fancy amenities, but many do have breakfast, guided experience tours, or other relaxing elements that make the hotel stay worthwhile.
When you have the opportunity, make the time to visit KwaZulu-Natal. Don’t rush, don’t hurry, don’t rush from place to place. This area’s beauty is not only in the places themselves, but in the experiences between the places, the scenic drives, quiet mornings, ocean air, and unexpected places you find between.
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