KwaZulu Natal is one of very few places in South Africa to offer a mountain, beach and safari getaway in one place. With its gorgeous climate and warm waters, KwaZulu Natal is a favorite for those long weekends and school holidays, boasting a number of exciting activities. Here are the top destinations in KwaZulu Natal not to be missed on that next holiday.
Drakensberg Mountains
The Drakensberg Mountains is perfect for nature lovers and thrill seekers, offering a variety of accommodation options that cater to the needs of couples and families. Besides the beautiful mountain views, one is able to enjoy a number of outdoor activities, including hot air balloon rides, helicopter flights, hiking, San cave paintings, tubing, treetop canopy tours, mountain biking, horse riding, birdwatching, abseiling, exhilarating 4×4 tours up the Sani Pass, visits to Falcon Ridge Birds of Prey Centre and Dragon peak Reptile Centre, wine tasting and golfing.
Golden Gate Highlands National Park
Golden Gate Highlands National Park nestles in the foothills of the Maluti Mountains in north-eastern Free State. This national park is great for outdoor enthusiasts and a great option for families as there are no predators present in the park. Animals frequently seen include black wildebeest, various antelope species and zebra.
There are several self-catering accommodation options to choose from within the park and one can enjoy a range of activities, including self drives, canoeing, abseiling, hiking and nature walks, horse riding, swimming and cultural tours. Nearby, one can also participate in ziplining, white water rafting, quad biking, fly fishing, skiing, snowboarding, and take a trip into Lesotho.
Durban
Durban is a great option if you are looking for a vibrant city and beach destination. It does get busy during long weekends and school holidays but there are a number of accommodation options that line the northern and southern coastline. Visitors to Durban can enjoy a number of gorgeous beaches, enjoy deep sea fishing, scuba diving, shark cage diving, or take a trip to Ushaka Marine World which overlooks the ocean and boasts a huge oceanarium – complete with a dolphin, seal & penguin show; a waterpark, various restaurants and shops, and a huge play area that hosts various fun-filled activities for the kids.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park
Only four and a half to five hours drive from New Castle is the oldest game reserve in Africa, dating back to 1895 and spanning across 96 000 hectares. The park is home to 86 animal species, including the Big 5, and boasts more than 300 species of birds. Deemed to be one of the best conservation areas in South Africa, Hluhluwe is home to the largest population of White Rhino in the world.
There are various accommodation options to choose from within the park, ranging from self-catering to luxury lodges; as well as various hotels and lodges located in the city centre. All of these accommodations offer guests the option of self driving the park or booking guided game drives in open safari vehicles.
