Activities in Kwa Zulu Natal
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Royal Natal National Park
Spanning out from some of the range’s loftiest summits, the 8000-hectare Royal Natal National Park has a presence that far outstrips its relatively meagre size, with many of the surrounding peaks rising as high into the air as the park stretches across. With some of the Drakensberg’s most dramatic and accessible scenery, the park is crowned by the sublime Amphitheatre, an 8km wall of cliff and canyon, that is spectacular from below and even more so from up on high. Here the Tugela Falls drop 850m in five stages (the top one often freezes in winter). Looming up behind is Mont-aux-Sources (3282m), so called because the Tugela, Elands and Western Khubedu Rivers rise here; th…
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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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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
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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 manag…Not LP reviewed
from USD$185.56 -
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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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 livin…Not LP reviewed
from USD$134.08 -
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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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 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 bea…
Not LP reviewed
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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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Ushaka Marine World in Durban
3 hours (Departs Durban, South Africa)
by Viator
Durban's world class saltwater aquarium, Ushaka Marine World will have young and old delighted! With over 30 indoor and outdoor exhibits, Ushaka Marine World in…Not LP reviewed
from USD$55.67 -
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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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