Located in the heart of the South African Province of KwaZulu Natal, the Midlands form the temperate zone between the subtropical coast and the Drakensberg Mountains. A favourite destination of the early colonial settlers, their mark still remains in the names and the area’s agricultural legacy. A popular tourist route,’The Midlands Meander’ traverses this spectacularly scenic region. Visitors can choose from a range of accommodation options, sample incredible cuisine, explore the famed battlefields and historic landmarks, enjoy a variety of thrilling adventure activities and visit numerous arts and crafts shops which sell locally-made goods. Highlights include the impressive Howick Falls, the Zulu Mpophomeni Township Experience, and the majestic Drakensberg Mountains.
KwaZulu-Natal, near the border with Lesotho, Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve is renowned for its dramatic mountain scenery, spectacular hiking trails, and excellent rock-climbing opportunities. Easily accessed from the town of Winterton, the reserve encompasses soaring sandstone cliffs, rolling grasslands, and crystal-clear mountain streams. Visitors can explore a network of trails catering to a range of fitness levels, from leisurely walks to challenging hikes. Highlights include the ancient San rock art sites of Ndedema Gorge and the rewarding ascent of Cathedral Peak, one of the Drakensberg’s most iconic summits. The climb offers breathtaking views of neighbouring peaks, including Giant’s Castle, The Bell, and Cleft Peak. A four-star hotel within the reserve provides comfortable accommodation, while day visitors can enjoy the region’s outstanding natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
Stretching from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward, South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal South Coast is all about stunning beaches, excellent fishing and fantastic golf locations. Well-developed resort towns dot this lush coastline and cater to every need from diving to dining, with top-notch golf courses often forming the basis of holidays to the area. Animal lovers flock to the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, home to 150 bird species including Giant Kingfisher and Hamerkop. Adventure sport enthusiasts can take a brave leap at the Oribi Gorge’s Wild Gorge Swing, the highest swing in the world, equivalent to a 55 storey building. The KwaZulu Natal South Coast offers visitors an endless summer with a variety of activities including excellent swimming, snorkelling, hiking, birdwatching, dolphin spotting and viewing the annual sardine run.
Encircled by the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park, St Lucia is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. St Lucia lies on the magnificent St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres. It features abundant wildlife, pristine natural beauty, and offers a wide range of wonderful activities. This haven of tranquillity offers excellent mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to thrilling night drive safaris, hippo and crocodile cruises, and many comfortable accommodation options.
Resting in the Msunduzi Valley in the heart of Zululand, the Manyoni Private Game Reserve lies in the province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. It boasts excellent game viewing opportunities, rich cultural traditions, and significant conservation efforts. It was established when a group of private landowners partnered with the WWF and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife to remove all internal fences and today it stretches over 23 000 hectares of magnificent African bushveld. This private reserve is home to a wide selection of wildlife including a variety of endangered species and the world-renowned Big Five. The area’s vast range of diverse habitats allows the reserve to support an array of wildlife species while also attracting an abundant variety of birdlife. Providing a safe haven to over 70 mammal species, Manyoni is home to impressive populations of giraffe, kudu, nyala, wildebeest, zebra and much more.
Stretching along the far northeastern coast of South Africa within the greater iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Maputaland Marine Protected Area is a remote marine wilderness known for its coral reefs, warm Indian Ocean waters, and untamed coastline. Beneath the surface, vibrant reefs shelter tropical fish, sea turtles, rays, and seasonal whale sharks, making the area one of the country’s premier diving and snorkelling destinations. Offshore, dolphins cut through rolling swells while waves crash against long stretches of dune-backed beach. Nearby Sodwana Bay offers boat launches, scuba excursions, and turtle nesting tours during the summer months. The region’s beauty feels wild and uncrowded, though the environment can be humid and rustic, and activities are highly dependent on weather and sea conditions.
