 Kwazulu-Natal is often called the “Garden of South Africa”. Tropical and subtropical regions fall within the boundaries of this beautiful province which has for years been a favorite amongst the travelers of South Africa. Travel Kwazulu-Natal to experience the Drakensberg, a mountain range 1046 km long, lying on the western border with Lesotho. The uKhalamba Drakensberg Park, a world heritage site, well known for its beautiful mountain scenery and San rock paintings, also lies within this area. Some of the peaks in the Drakensberg Mountains are higher than 3000m and are often covered with snow in the winter. The Greater St. Lucia Lake (also a world heritage site), the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, Mkhuze Reserve and the Ithala Park are some of the large conservation areas you can visit while you travel through Kwazulu-Natal. The subtropical and tropical vegetation is often very dense because of the humid conditions. Beautiful beaches are found on the coastline, which borders the Indian Ocean on the eastern side.
Kwazulu-Natal is the second largest contributor to the South African economy. Pietermaritzburg and Ulundi are joint capitals of Kwazulu-Natal. Other important urban centres are Durban, Pinetown, Richards Bay, Newcastle, Ladysmith, Port Shepstone, Stanger (KwaDukuza) and Amanzimtoti. Coal is mined and exported from Kwazulu-Natal. Forestry, sugar, tropical and subtropical fruit, dairy products and cattle are the main agricultural products of Kwazulu-Natal. Tourism and marine services are the most important tertiary activities, while a wide variety of products are being manufactured especially in the Durban-Pinetown area. IsiZulu, English and Afrikaans are often spoken. Remnants of British colonialism, together with Zulu, Indian and Afrikaans traditions contribute to an interesting cultural mix in the province.
Kwazulu-Natal is in the summer rainfall region. This area receives a high rainfall – Durban, the largest urban centre receives 1009 mm of rain annually. Snowstorms, mist and thunderstorms occur often in the mountainous areas of the Drakensberg Mountains. Humidity is sometimes very high, especially from January to March. Warm summer days and cool summer nights occur in the foothills of the mountains. Winter days are cool while winter nights can be bitterly cold in the mountains. The coastal areas experience moderate temperatures.
Attractions to consider when planning to travel to South Africa's Kwa Zulu Natal Province are the following:
• Durban and surroundings:
The Golden Mile with attractions such as paddling pools and walkways next to the main beaches. uShaka – Oceanarium and Waterworld. Umhlanga Rocks for ski boating, dolphin viewing and the National Sharks Board.
• Dolphin Coast:
Area between Umdloti and the Tugela River is well known for bottlenose dolphins. Includes coastal towns like Shaka’s Rock, Salt Rock, Ballito, Verulam, Stanger, Darnall and Umdloti.
• Zululand and the North Coast:
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park – one of the largest game parks in SA, hosts the big five. eMkhosini Valley – the birthplace of King Shaka. Umgungunglovu – the royal capital of Dingaan. The Greater St Lucia wetlands, a world heritage site, Sodwana National Park and Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. Well-known area for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and bird watching. Sibaya Lake is SA’s largest natural freshwater lake.
• South Coast (including Hibiscus coast) :
Safe swimming beaches like Amanzimtoti, Margate, Port Shepstone, Ramsgate, Uvongo, Scottburgh, Shelly Beach. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Umthamvuna Nature Reserve.
• Midlands:
Howick and Albert Falls, Midmar Dam, Midlands Meander – a scenic drive with art studios, potters, painters, herb gardens, cheese makers and others. Not as popular as some of the other attractions but the area has much to offer the tourist planning to travel to South Africa.
• Drakensberg:
Ukhalamba-Drakensberg Park, a world heritage site, contains 500 sites of San rock art. Sani Pass – the only road to Lesotho. The Royal National Park includes the Amphitheatre, Mont-aux-Sources and the Tugela Falls. Giants Castle Game Reserve, Lotheni Nature Reserve, Mdelelo Wilderness.
All the areas in this region are protected areas.
• Northern Natal and battlefields:
Itala Game Reserve and Chelmsford Nature Reserve. Battlefields Route and military sites includes Blood River and Majuba.
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