Blood River Monument, Kwa-Zulu Natal © SATOUR
Zululand Battlefields
Zululand, ancestral home of the Zulu people and site of many a
bloody battle between the British, the Boers and the Zulus during
the 19th century, is best explored as a self-drive adventure,
although many tours are available from Durban. Every town in this
area of northern KwaZulu-Natal has a story to tell or an event to
commemorate and tourism offices throughout the region provide maps
and guides to assist visitors in making the most of the history,
culture, scenery and wildlife. The landscape varies from plains, to
rolling hills, river valleys and lush forests. This land once
encompassed the Zulu kingdom led by legendary Shaka Zulu, who
clashed with the British and the Boers in many epic battles. Centre
of the Zulu nation is the small town of Eshowe. King Shaka was born
close to the town, and it was also the site of a 10-week siege
during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. Other towns of note are
Ladysmith and Dundee, near which were fought the historic battles
of Rorke's Drift, Blood River and Isandlwana. There are numerous
'living museums' in the form of Zulu cultural villages open to
visitors in the area.
Telephone: 031 366 7500 (Tourism KwaZulu-Natal);
Website: www.battlefields.kzn.org.za
St Lucia, Kwa Zulu Natal
Greater St Lucia Wetland Park
In the far north of Kwa-Zulu Natal are a string of nature
reserves and game parks, of which the largest and most exciting is
the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, dominated by the fascinating St
Lucia estuary and lake system. It covers five distinct ecosystems
varying from dry thorn scrub to tropical forest and is bordered by
giant dunes, beaches and tropical reefs. Big Five game viewing is
on offer, and this is the only place in the world where you will
see hippos, crocodiles and sharks co-habiting in the same lagoon.
There are comfortable rest camps in the park. The Wetland Park has
been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Telephone: 033 845 1000 (KZN Wildlife);
Opening time: Open 24 hours daily, office hours are daily 8am to 4.30pm;
Admission: Entrance to St Lucia village is free. An entrance fee is applicable to all the reserves
The start of the Midmar Mile © South African Tourism
Midmar Dam
North-west of Durban in the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal is the
Midmar Public Resort Nature Reserve, offering accommodation, picnic
sites and recreational opportunities around the huge Midmar Dam. At
the main entrance is the Midmar Historical Village, a reproduction
of a 19th century redbrick village with tree-lined streets, a
village church and Hindu Temple. Many of the buildings are
originals that have been relocated to the site from towns and
villages elsewhere in the province. There are also vintage steam
train rides on offer and Shire horse carriage rides, as well as
several shops, restaurants and exhibition halls. Midmar is also the
centre of the Midlands Meander arts and crafts route, which winds
through the Midlands along the R103 road, taking in more than 65
participating attractions dotted across the countryside, ranging
from herb farms to antique shops and artists working with stained
glass. The huge dam stages the annual Midmar Mile, the world's
largest open water swim.
Drakensberg Amphitheatre © SATOUR
Drakensberg Mountains
The jagged peaks of the Drakensberg (Dragon Mountains) tower
over the eastern border of Kwa-Zulu Natal with Lesotho, providing a
paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The mountains abound with hiking
trails, climbing routes, 4x4 trails, pony treks and adventure
pursuits, all accessible from numerous resorts in the lower
reaches. Some of the more popular resorts are Champagne Castle,
Cathkin Peak and Cathedral Peak, while Giant’s Castle and its
game reserve are famed for the more than 500 rock paintings left
behind by the San people on cave walls. Eagles soar around the
peaks in the Royal Natal National Park in the north, where the
dramatic scenery includes the Amphitheatre, a five-mile long (8km)
curved basalt wall. The region is largely untamed, and
criss-crossed by lengths of rugged dirt roads. The only road
that breaches the mountain range and crosses the border to Lesotho
is the hair-raising Sani Pass, which is topped by the highest
pub in Africa.
Telephone: 031 366 7500 (Tourism KwaZulu-Natal);
Website: www.drakensberg.kzn.org.za
