KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal, in eastern South Africa, is a spectacular region that showcases a microcosm of what makes South Africa such an incredibly diverse, eclectic and rewarding place to visit, and with two UNESCO sites, this area is a must for your bucket list.

Firstly, there's the pristine shoreline of the Elephant Coast, north of the Tugela River, where miles of breathtakingly isolated and laid-back beaches meet the bright blue of the Indian Ocean. Hidden beneath its clear-as-glass waters are colourful coral gardens sparkling like gems, inhabited by turtles, rays and tropical fish - an ideal location for fabulous snorkelling and scuba diving. The sub-tropical climate ensures hot sun and warm seas all year round making this the perfect destination to travel to at any time of year. The added bonus is that there are now direct flights from London to Durban – and with no jet lag, you can be on the beach by midday!

KwaZulu-Natal is steeped in history and is one of the best places to delve into Africa's ancestral traditions and Anglo-Boer War history. Explore the heart of Zululand, the Zulu Kingdom around Eshowe, where the people are fiercely proud of their culture, and the historic intrigue of the Battlefields. It was here where the British fought several battles against the Zulu people in the 1800’s and where Nelson Mandela was finally captured by the Apartheid Government, before being sentenced to 27 years in prison on Robben Island in the Western Cape.

Where flat, dry savannahs are fringed by the remarkable Drakensberg Mountains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, KwaZulu-Natal is a hiker's dream; staggering views over craggy escarpments and rugged peaks (some of the highest in Southern Africa), crystal clear waterfalls and thick, lush forests. One can also explore on horse riding and cycle trails, and for the dare devils, adventures ooze adrenaline with abseiling and zip lining on offer.

With a such a diversity of culture, one can experience a plethora of exciting local and international culinary delights, as well as a vibrant scene of traditional and contemporary music, dance, art and architecture, and street scenes are teeming with African life and markets. Throw in a Big Five (buffalo, elephant, leopard, lion and rhino) game spotting experience at the renowned Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park, world famous for the preservation of Africa’s white rhino populations, to complete your perfect adventure.

A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.
Tim Cahill