KwaZulu Natal Travel Guide: Holidays, Things to Do, and Reviews

KwaZulu Natal Local History

One of the largest of the seven provinces in South Africa, KwaZulu-Natal was occupied centuries ago by the Nguni Bantu tribe. The Zulu chief Shaka had all but decimated the inland inhabitants by 1820 and was in full power of the area.

It wasn't until 1824 that white British immigrants settled at Port Natal and started a trading post, now called Durban. In 1837 the first Voortrekkers (Afrikaaners who left the Cape Colony to get away from British rule), crossed over the Drakensberg Mountains and started a settlement about 80km inland from Durban. They called it Pietermaritzburg after their leaders Piet Retief and Gert Maritz.

In 1838 the Afrikaaners came into conflict with the Zulus and defeated them at the Battle of Blood River, after this battle the Afrikaaners established the Republic of Natal. However, when the Voortrekkers laid siege to the Old Fort in Durban the British sent troops by sea and defeated them. The British annexed Natal in 1843 and many of the Voortrekkers moved further inland.

Many indentured Indians were brought to Natal to work on the sugar and cotton plantations along the coast. Later many more Indians arrived and so did more white settlers.

It wasn't until 1879 that the British and Zulu came into conflict. After the defeat of the Zulu by the British the colony was extended by successive acquisitions such as Zululand, which is north of the Tugela River. In 1902 the lands north of the Buffalo River were also added to the colony.

The Anglo-Boer war of 1899-1902 saw the Boers Forces invade Natal and being defeated at Ladysmith by the British.

The colony of Natal became a province of South Africa in 1910 with Pietermaritzburg its capital.

KwaZulu Natal Attractions

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The Battlefields Route This is an interesting journey for those interested in battlefields, there are many different areas in KawZulu-Natal that have memorials to those who died in the battles between the British and the Zulus as well as those between the British and the Boers. The most memorable are:

The Red Soldier this battle was fought between the British and Zulus and it was at Isandlwana on the 22 January 1879 that the British were defeated by the Zulu. There were a handful of British soldiers who managed to escape and made their way to Rourke's Drift.

Rourkes Drift Those soldiers who managed to escape Isandlwana got to Rourkes Drift encampment on the following day and raised the alarm at about 15:15. The officers after some discussion decided to stay and defend their position. There were about 100 British soldiers who quickly built a defensive wall with the maize bags from the army store. They also used biscuit boxes to reduce the perimeter in case it was needed. When the Zulu army advanced on Rourkes Drift they were about 4,000 strong. These 100 British soldiers held the Zulu army at bay for a 12 hour engagement, inflicting heavy casualties to the Zulus. They fought through the .

night with the Zulus advancing all the time until about 4:00am when they, the Zulu, retired utterly exhausted. The British soldiers all wounded in some way or another was only relieved when Lord Chelmsford's platoon arrived 3 hours later. Entrance is free and the visitor will also find a museum and coffee shop on site.

Drakensberg Mountains The name was given to this huge range of mountains in about 1877, by a father and son who reported having seen a dragon flying through the clouds. Having seen the massive basalt cliffs and soaring sandstone buttresses it is hard to imagine that the Voortrekkers actually crossed over it with their ox-wagons. The popular name for the Drakensberg is 'the Berg' and it offers many delights to both young and old. It is definitely the place to go if you just want to get away from it all. Peace and quiet is what the visitor will find and for the more energetic there are many hiking trails as well as mountain climbing and much, much more. The area is now a National Reserve where the visitor can see ancient San cave drawings. Restaurants and accommodation are available.

Valley of a Thousand Hills To drive through this valley is definitely a balm to the soul, what with its pristine beauty and stunning mountain scenes, it is a must for anyone visiting KwaZulu-Natal. However, this is not all you will find in this area there are also a Zulu Cultural villages, where visitors can experience a day in the life of a Zulu family. Scattered all through this area are curio stalls with authentic arts and crafts to be bought. You will find gracious hotels, pubs tea gardens and some really good restaurants.

Shakaland This is about an hours drive from Ballito and you will step back in time to experience the world of Shaka, King of the Zulu people. Here the visitor will be enthralled by the assegai-wielding impis who will invite you into their traditional home. You will be able to listen to stories of ancient teachings and myths. Meet a sangoma and watch traditional dancing and the beer ceremony and to top it all off enjoy a true Zulu lunch.

Olive and Oil Laid back mediterainian restaurant, relaxing romantic feel!
submitted by Anneline, 21/08/07

KwaZulu Natal Shopping

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There are plenty of places to shop in KwaZulu Natal from supermarkets to street vendors. The visitor to the area has an array of different areas from inland to the coast. Along the north coast you will find Umghlanga Rocks and Ballito where there are small to large shopping centres and craft stalls along the beach areas. While going in the opposite direction along the south coast towards Scottsburgh you will find a fairly large craft stall which sells anything from beadwork to baskets.

In Durban, Ballito, Umghlanga and further in land you will find a variety of speciality shops where you can buy clothing, gifts, trinkets, books, jewellery and arts and crafts.

KwaZulu Natal Activities

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Flag Farm Animal Farm Salt Rock - This farm offers and enjoyable time for both young and old. Flag Farm has Welsh ponies and some beautiful work horses. Take a ride on one of the cart horses around the yard, or enjoy a tractor ride. Children will be able to feed the chickens or milk a cow and there is a huge collection of birds, rabbits, pigs, coats and sheep. The farm also has a tea garden where the visitor can relax and enjoy a light meal.

Sugar Mill Maidstone/Tongaat Visit the sugar mill and see how sugar cane is processed into the sugar that we use in our everyday lives. From July through to December are the crushing season and the best time to visit. It is essential to book as the guided tours can be full on the day that you arrive.

Crocodile Creek Tongaat At this reserve you will be able to see how the guides handle the crocodiles. They will explain fascinating facts with regard to these African reptiles. The park is home to small little hatchlings and bigger adult crocs weighing in at 600kg.

Ushaka Marine World Durban This Park which has just recently opened offers the visitor an aquarium, beach and shopping with an entirely different flair. It also includes Sea World and Wild and Wet Park.

KwaZulu Natal Parks & Gardens

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Harold Johnson Nature Reserve This reserve can be found on the banks of the Tugela River and offers the visitor walking trails and a small variety of game and huge amount of different birds. It also has a traditional Zulu village where visitors can have experience how the villagers work and live. In the reserve visitors will also be able to see Fort Pearson and the Ultimatum Tree, these are both national monuments. Built in 1878 the fort was erected on a bluff overlooking the Tugela River at the Pont-crossing.

Hluhluwe and Umfolozi Game Reserves Both these reserves are part of the Natal Park Board and offer the visitor guided tours to see Rhino in the wild, there is accommodation for overnight visitors. For the bird watcher Mkuzi Game Park is nearby and has over 200 different species of birds.

KwaZulu Natal Beaches

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Willard Beach Ballito This is the main bathing beach in Ballito and has golden sand and sheltered coves. There are qualified life-guards on duty and the bathing area is protected by shark netting. This is also a very popular beach for surfing and body boarding.

South Coast Scottsburgh This very popular beach, as with all the beaches along the coast has fine golden sands, the water is warm and above the beach area is a lovely grassed area if you do not want to sit on the sand. There are also tidal pools and a restaurants and shower amenities available.

South and North Beach Durban - Both these beaches offer the visitor clean beaches with plenty of amenities within walking distance of the beach. Both beaches are very popular and both have qualified life-guards on duty seven days a week. North beach is very popular with surfers.

KwaZulu Natal Restaurants and Bars

KwaZulu Natal Restaurants

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Brookfield Farm - The farm and restaurant can be found in the Hilton Valley about 12 minutes from Pietermaritzburg. In this charming restaurant the atmosphere is warm and welcoming and you will find up to date country cuisine. Enjoy the tranquil gardens and open landscapes.

Bustles Cafe This restaurant situated in Hilton's Quarry Centre serves breakfast, delectable teas and a choice of mouth-watering lunches. They also have a wide variety of coffees, teas and cappuccinos including cakes, scones, muffins and desserts.

Els Amics This restaurant has been existence since 1977 and is situated in one of Pietermaritzburgs' old Victorian houses. It offers cosy dining with a full a la carte menu with a strong Spanish flavour. They are open for Lunch Tues-Fri and Dinner Tues Sat. As this is a popular restaurant booking is advisable.

Spur Steakhouse - For a relaxed night out with the family this restaurant offers a really good steak or burger which is served in a warm and friendly atmosphere. They also offer an excellent array of salads, hot vegetables and home-baked bread. Children are most welcome and the staff are well trained, to look after them while you enjoy your meal.

KwaZulu Natal Bars & Clubs

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Bedrock Cafe 10 Somme St., - Howick This sports bar-cum-night club also has a restaurant which serves light meals. There is also a disco to dance the night away.

Sailors Restaurant Shop 113 La Lucia This restaurant found in La Lucia on the north coast offers divine seafood as well as a variety of cuisines.

KwaZulu Natal children's activities

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Flag Farm Animal Farm Salt Rock - This farm offers and enjoyable time for both young and old. Flag Farm has Welsh ponies and some beautiful work horses. Take a ride on one of the cart horses around the yard, or enjoy a tractor ride. Children will be able to feed the chickens or milk a cow and there is a huge collection of birds, rabbits, pigs, coats and sheep. The farm also has a tea garden where the visitor can relax and enjoy a light meal.

Sugar Mill Maidstone/Tongaat Visit the sugar mill and see how sugar cane is processed into the sugar that we use in our everyday lives. From July through to December are the crushing season and the best time to visit. It is essential to book as the guided tours can be full on the day that you arrive.

Crocodile Creek Tongaat At this reserve you will be able to see how the guides handle the crocodiles. They will explain fascinating facts with regard to these African reptiles. The park is home to small little hatchlings and bigger adult crocs weighing in at 600kg.

Ushaka Marine World Durban This Park which has just recently opened offers the visitor an aquarium, beach and shopping with an entirely different flair. It also includes Sea World and Wild and Wet Park.

KwaZulu Natal Travel Guide

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