Zululand
Zululand offers the best of two worlds – an idyllic coastline with the opportunity for ocean activities including whale watching, and a wilderness area that stretches inland with endless rolling hills, meandering valleys and grassy plains teeming with wildlife.
The fascinating culture of the Zulu people, rich in tradition and symbolism, is visibly evident in this captivating region, where King Shaka once forged the mighty Zulu nation. Travel to historic battle sites in Ulundi, or visit the remarkable Emakhosini Valley, where several Zulu kings lie buried.
Experience traditional Zulu hospitality and customs by attending a ruralwedding ceremony, or watching as a sangoma (traditional healer) communes with the spirits. Book a township tour that takes in local taverns (shebeens) for a local cuisine experience, and traditional medicineshops filled with curiosities.
Zululand has many private and provincial game reserves. The Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is home to many species of antelope and a large populations of elephant, buffalo and giraffe, as well as predators such as the lion, cheetah and elusive leopard. The Ithala Game Reserve, situated outside Louwsburg in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, offers an abundance of diverse wildlife, adventure trails, open-vehicle game drives and guided walks, where one may encounter elephant, white and black rhino, leopard, giraffe, kudu, tsessebe, waterbuck and eland. Birding enthusiasts can view over 400 species on the Zululand Birding Route, or wander along a remarkable canopy walkway in the Dlinza Forest near Eshowe.
Other attractions include therapeutic sulphur springs at Paulpietersburg, the historic Fort Nonqayi at Eshowe, and beautiful traditional craftwork, such as woven Ilala palm baskets & intricate beadwork. Richards Bay, the harbour city situated just two hours’ drive north of Durban, is a blend of industrial, eco- and cultural-tourism, and The Tuzi Gazi Waterfront offers a hotel as well as numerous shops, pubs, restaurants and walk-on moorings. Accommodation ranges from luxury game lodges, chic, tented safari lodges, self-catering bush chalets, friendly B&Bs and bush campsites.
For more info please visit our website at www.zululand.kzn.org.za
