This vast country is undoubtedly one of the most culturally and geographically diverse places on earth. Fondly known by locals as the 'Rainbow Nation', South Africa has 11 official languages and its multicultural inhabitants are influenced by a fascinating mix of African, Asian, and European cultures.
Spend your days: discovering the gourmet restaurants, impressive art and nightlife scenes and fine beaches of Cape Town; enjoying a typical local braai (barbecue) in the Soweto township; browsing the bustling Indian markets in Durban; or sampling some of the world’s finest wines at the myriad wine estates dotted around the picturesque Cape Winelands.
Due to its rich and turbulent history there are plenty of historical attractions to explore including the Zululand battlefields of KwaZulu-Natal, the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg and Robben Island, just off the coast of Cape Town.
Above all else, South Africa’s attraction lies in its remarkably untamed wilderness with its astonishing range of wildlife roaming freely across massive game reserves such as the world famous Kruger National Park.
With all of this variety on offer, it is little wonder that South Africa has fast become Africa’s most popular tourist destination.
St Lucia is situated on the North East of Zululand a mere 2,5 hours from Durban, the main city in KwaZulu-Natal province. St Lucia lies on the St Lucia Estuary which is one of the largest in Africa stretching over 85 kilometres.
The area offers tropical warm climate year round. The area known as iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the UNESCO World Heritage Site bordering St. Lucia town, this reserve stretches from St Lucia to the border of Mozambique in the north. St Lucia is a great stop and the perfect gateway to discover the area, with numerous accommodation styles and budgets - there is virtually something for everyone.
St Lucia features a wide range of activities, such as mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and deep-sea fishing. Visitors can also look forward to night drive safaris and hippo and crocodile cruises. (ITT)
Situated north of Durban along South Africa's scenic coast, Kosi Bay lies only two kilometres from the Mozambique border. It encompasses a pristine lake system consisting of a series of four lakes that form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eventually drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian Ocean.
Beach-goers can enjoy a calm, quiet beach and a river mouth with exceptionally clear water that is home to an abundance of fish species. Snorkelling in the river mouth will show a tropical, colourful marine life. Other fauna in the area include duikers, hippopotamus, crocodiles, bull sharks, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles – which lay their eggs on the beach – and a diverse bird life. An interesting fact about Kosi Bay is that it is home to the Kosi Raffia Palm, which has the largest leaf of any plant in the floral kingdom. (ITT)
Located on South Africa’s northeastern coast, the Maputaland Marine Protected Area falls within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three protected areas, Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Rocktail Bay. The reserve extends all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south. This gorgeous sub-tropical paradise includes immaculate forests and wetlands dotted with lakes and marshes as well as coral reefs and deserted golden-sand beaches and forest-clad coastal dunes. The local wildlife includes numerous bird species, reptiles and freshwater fish, making this an ideal destination for nature-loving travellers. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy excellent diving opportunities at one of the world’s top dive sites at Sodwana Bay with its magnificent reef complex. (ITT)
Zululand is the unofficial name of the northern sector of the province of KwaZulu-Natal, and lies north of the Tugela River. The further north towards eSwatini, (formerly known as Swaziland) you travel, the drier it gets and the more you will find bush type vegetation characterized by the majestic, green barked Fever Trees. As you head south towards Durban there are numerous pine and eucalyptus plantations, followed by the sugar cane growing region. Richards Bay is a deep water port, and is the largest city in Zululand.
The well watered valleys have been home to the proud Zulu Nation, their beautiful Nguni cattle and an abundance of wildlife for centuries. Today Zululand is a fascinating mix of tribal lands, game reserves, the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Isamangaliso Wetlands Park, with its vegetated dunes, and commercial agriculture.(ITT)
With its beautiful beaches, lively wining and dining scene, and rich cultural heritage, Durban is KwaZulu-Natal’s tourist hub. There is swimming and surfing available and because of the sub-tropical climate the water is warm all year round.(summer 25-28 degrees) Known as the Golden Mile, this stretch of beaches and amusement parks is Durban’s major attraction with the recently developed UShaka Marine World at the southern end providing a world class aquarium and other entertainments.
No trip to Durban is complete without having a Bunny Chow. This locally traditional meal is a hollowed out 1/4 or 1/2 loaf of bread, filled with curry (beef / lamb / chicken / vegetarian) and eaten with your hands. A true sample of local cuisine. (ITT)
