Activities in Kwa Zulu Natal
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Shakabarker Tours
Shakabarker Tours operates out of St Lucia and conducts a range of excellent wildlife tours, including a chameleon tour.
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Natal Sharks Board
This research institute is dedicated to studying sharks, specifically in relation to their danger to humans. With the great white shark – a big shark with a fearsome, but largely undeserved reputation for attacks on humans – frequenting the KwaZulu-Natal coast, this is more than an academic interest. There are audiovisual presentations and shark dissections at 9am and 2pm Wednesday to Thursday and 2pm Sunday. The public can accompany the Sharks Board personnel on their boat trips.
The Natal Sharks Board is signposted; it is about 2km out of town, up the steep Umhlanga Rocks Dr (the M12 leading to the N3).
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Project Gateway
Project Gateway is a recently launched community-based initiative that runs several projects to help local people, including a shelter for homeless people and a primary school. It’s housed in the former city prison, Old Pietermaritzburg Prison. A craft centre, fabric-printing shop, fashion school and cafe were opening at the time of research. The area around here has a reputation for being a little edgy; go in groups and don’t wander in the surrounding streets.
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Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve
In the shadow of the ramparts of Cathedral Peak, Cathedral Peak Nature Reserve backs up against a colossal escarpment of peaks between Royal Natal National Park and Giant’s Castle, west of Winterton. With the Bell (2930m), the Horns (3005m) and Cleft Peak (3281m) on the horizon, this is a beautifully photogenic park. Hikers must register with the park office before setting off on walks; be sure to obtain instructions and times regarding the hikes, including that to Cathedral Peak.
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180° Adventures
The Umkomaas River and mighty Tugela River (uThukela in Zulu, meaning 'the Startling One') are the rafting places in KwaZulu-Natal. The Umkomaas offers some of the best white-water rafting, especially from November to April, when you can rip through Grade II-IV rapids. 180° Adventures organises rafting on both rivers and canoeing trips on nearby rivers can also be organised.
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Wild 5 Extreme Adventures
Organised activities are offered by Wild 5 Extreme Adventures, at the Oribi Gorge Hotel. It offers a 100m Wild Swing (free-fall jump and swing) off Lehr’s Falls (R350), abseiling (R250), white-water rafting (R495), horse riding (R200 per 1½ hours) and a zip-line across the gorge (R200). It’s located 11km off the N2 along the Oribi Flats Rd.
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Calypso Diving
The PADI-qualified operator, Calypso Diving, offers open-water diving courses (from R2400), and advanced courses and dives in nearby wrecks and elsewhere. Beginners’ practice dives take place in uShaka’s lagoon aquarium. Certified divers can also dive in uShaka’s ocean aquarium (R350).
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Umko Rafting
The Umkomaas offers some of the best white-water rafting in South Africa, especially from November to April, when you can rip through Grade II-IV rapids. Umko Rafting runs an action-packed four- to five-hour trip plus a more lazy river ride of about 18km with great scenery and a few rapids to keep you alert and busy.
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Vergelegen Nature Reserve
The Vergelegen Nature Reserve has trout fishing. There are no established campsites in the area, but you can camp on hikes (R40). The turn-off is 44km from Nottingham Road, off the Lower Lotheni–Sani Pass road, at the Mzinga River. From there the area is another 2km.
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Durban Africa Walking Tours
Perhaps the best way to experience Durban is in the company of a professional tour guide. Durban Africa runs interesting three-hour walking tours of the oriental and historical regions of the city, as well as township tours. It can also provide a list of tour guides.
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Hluhluwe Game Reserve Safari
12 hours (Departs Durban, South Africa)
by Viator
Spend a day on safari in the magical Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Located in the heart of Zululand, this huge, well…Not LP reviewed
from USD$185.82 -
Mountain Splendor -The Kingdom of Lesotho
12 hours (Departs Durban, South Africa)
by Viator
Leave Durban and travel through the Natal Midlands to Himeville. Hop into a four wheel drive vehicle and enter Lesotho via the Sani Pass, where you will visit a…Not LP reviewed
from USD$185.82 -
Monk’s Cowl
Within uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, Monk’s Cowl, another stunning slice of the Drakensberg range, offers superb hiking and rock climbing. Within Monk’s Cowl are the two peaks Monk’s Cowl and Champagne Castle.
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Casea Charters
Casea Charters is a family-run fishing charter business operating from Umhlanga. Rods, tackle and bait are supplied, and you can keep your catch at no additional fee. Whales and dolphin sightings are often an added bonus.
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Pietermaritzburg Tourism
Pietermaritzburg Tourism organises city walking (R150 per person) and driving (R150 per person) tours. There are normally a minimum of three people and your own transport is required for the driving tours.
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uShaka Surf and Adventures
For beginners, the best place to grab a board and a lesson is through uShaka Surf and Adventures on the uShaka Beach (R150 per lesson or board hire R50 per hour). Kayak tours (R150) are also available.
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False Bay
North of the Western Shores region, and accessed via Rte 22 east of Hluhluwe Village, False Bay offers forest walks and an attractive campsite right on the lake shores.
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Lynski Fishing Charters
Dozens of outfits offer sport-fishing charters across Durban. Prices for Lynski Fishing Charters include food, drinks and a day's fishing (maximum four to six people). Ask how the boat got its name.
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Durban City Sightseeing Tour with Ushaka Marine World
8 hours (Departs Durban, South Africa)
by Viator
Discover the highlights of the city of Durban, with the morning dedicated to showing you the cultural and historical contrasts of this city.Travel along the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$87.64 -
Shakaland - Zulu Cultural Center
8 hours (Departs Durban, South Africa)
by Viator
Visit an authentic Zulu kraal, Shakaland, and watch the day to day activities of the people of this village. Learn the A to Z of Zulu life from the people…Not LP reviewed
from USD$134.23 Advertisement
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Windsports
Kite-surfing is available through Windsports. A full course (three two-hour lessons, covering everything from safety to surfing) costs around R900. Gear hire is available for R300 per day.
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Durban City Sightseeing Tour
3 hours (Departs Durban, South Africa)
by Viator
Experience Durban, a city of contrasts on the Durban City Sightseeing Tour. Shaped by the early Colonial settlers, see the city has developed from the…Not LP reviewed
from USD$41.60 -
Themba’s Birding & Eco Tours
Birdwatching is a delight in St Lucia and beyond. Official and recommended guides include Themba of Themba’s Birding & Eco Tours.
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African Queen
The luxury yacht, African Queen, cruises dolphin waters for three hours. Several other boat and charter trips can be arranged from Wilson's Wharf.
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Avian EcoTours
Avian EcoTours offers birding walks and excursions around Durban and elsewhere. Guide Terry Walls is also passionate about wildlife conservation.
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