Must-see attractions in KwaZulu-Natal

  • Vasco da Gama Clock

    Durban

    This florid Victorian monument on the embankment, just east of Stalwart Simelane St, was presented by the Portuguese government in 1897 to mark the 400th…

  • Main Cave

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    The Giant’s Castle area is rich in San rock art. It's thought that the last San lived here at the beginning of the 20th century. To see some of these…

  • Injisuthi

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    Injisuthi features some of the most spectacular views in the Drakensberg. On the grounds of what used to be a private farm, this KZN Wildlife park is home…

  • Dargle Valley Pottery

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Started by famous South African potter Ian Glenny, this old-school, ‘70s-style pottery place is at the earthy and rural end of Ardmore's range of arts…

  • Siege Museum

    KwaZulu-Natal

    This museum, next to the town hall in the old Market House (built 1884), which was used to store rations during the Anglo-Boer War siege, may be small but…

  • King Shaka Visitor Centre

    KwaZulu-Natal

    The King Shaka Visitor Centre is worth visiting for limited but clear historical and chronological information about Shaka and his kingdom. Inside you'll…

  • Wilson’s Wharf

    Durban

    This once-hip waterside development is now a little tired, but it’s the best place to get a view of Durban’s harbour and its activities. The harbour is…

  • Umlalazi Nature Reserve

    KwaZulu-Natal

    This reserve has walking trails through the pretty dune and forest ecosystems and is great for birders. Visit the Indaba Tree, where John Dunn held his…

  • Isandlwana Battlefield

    KwaZulu-Natal

    The Isandlwana Visitors Centre has a small museum; the entrance fee includes the battlefield. The battlefield itself is extremely evocative. White cairns…

  • Giant’s Castle

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    The Giant’s Castle ridge is one of the most prominent features of the Berg and the park that surrounds it remains one of the most popular destinations in…

  • Ncome Museum

    KwaZulu-Natal

    The important Ncome Museum offers the Zulu perspective of the Battle of Blood River, as well as other other conflicts between the Zulu and Boers. The…

  • Himeville Museum

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    One of the best rural museums in the country. Housed in a retired fort dating back to 1899, the museum now contains an incredible array of bric-a-brac,…

  • Spirit of Emakhosini Monument

    KwaZulu-Natal

    This monument comprises a massive bronze Zulu beer pot, surrounded by 18 bronze reliefs depicting Zulu life, and seven large horns symbolising the seven…

  • Umgeni River Bird Park

    Durban

    Found on the Umgeni River, north of the centre, this bird park makes for a relaxing escape from the throng. You can see many African bird species in lush…

  • KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Spread over 4200 sq metres, these gardens have exotic species and indigenous mist-belt flora. Guided tours are offered on weekdays and there's a weekly…

  • San Rock Art

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    Of several San rock-art sites within the park, this is the only one open to tourists. Siyaphambili Elijah tours, whose representatives you can usually…

  • Mission Rocks

    iSimangaliso Wetland Park

    Mission Rocks is a rugged and rock-covered shoreline known for the rock pools that have a fabulous array of sea life on view during low tide. It's…

  • Mt Tabor Lookout

    iSimangaliso Wetland Park

    Hikers should head to the Mt Tabor lookout, where three trail loops lead to spectacular views of Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean. It's about 4km before…

  • Blue Lagoon Beach

    Durban

    This playful beach once had a reputation for being dangerous, but after an extensive revamp it's now a haven for families. There are playgrounds, food…

  • Mphafa Waterhole & Hide

    The Elephant Coast

    Located next to a rocky cliff face, this waterhole is a particularly picturesque place to view wildlife, especially elephants, giraffe, buffalo and…

  • St Paul’s Church

    Durban

    On the eastern side of the main post office you’ll find a square with an old vicarage and the 1909 St Paul’s Church.

  • Falcon Ridge

    Drakensberg & uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park

    Falcon Ridge, with awesome raptor-flying demonstrations and talks, is 7km from the Drakensberg Sun turn-off.

  • Addington Beach

    Durban

    This popular beach is located beside uShaka Marine World. It's good for swimming and popular with families.

  • Dairy Beach

    Durban

    Consistent waves due to a good beach break make this a hot surfing spot on Durban's Golden Mile.

  • Emmanuel Cathedral

    Durban

    Built in 1903; parts of the old St Joseph's church (1852) were incorporated into the building.

  • uShaka Beach

    Durban

    The somewhat sheltered beach at uShaka Marine World marks the southern end of the Golden Mile.

  • North Beach

    Durban

    A popular and often crowded swimming beach north of the harbour on Durban's Golden Mile.

  • Bats Cave

    iSimangaliso Wetland Park

    At low tide you can walk the 5km from Mission Rocks to this bat-filled cave.

  • Laguna Beach

    Durban

    A popular beach for water-sport activities such as jet skiing.

  • New Beach

    Durban

    Popular outdoor venue for parties and concerts.

  • South Beach

    Durban

    Popular swimming beach on Durban's waterfront.

  • Ondini

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Established as Cetshwayo’s capital in 1873, Ondini was razed by British troops after the Battle of Ulundi (July 1879), the final engagement of the Anglo…

  • Juma Mosque, Indian area.

    Juma Mosque

    Durban

    The largest mosque in the southern hemisphere; call ahead for a guided tour.

  • Spioenkop Nature Reserve

    KwaZulu-Natal

    The Spioenkop Nature Reserve is a tranquil spot surrounding a dam on the Tugela river that zebras, white rhinos, giraffes, antelope and over 290 bird…

  • Mgungundlovu

    KwaZulu-Natal

    The military settlement of Mgungundlovu (Ungungundhlovu), Dingaan’s capital from 1829 to 1838, is southwest of Ulundi on Rte 34 (the road linking Vryheid…

  • Shakaland

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Created as a set for the telemovie Shaka Zulu, the slightly Disney-fied Shakaland beats up a touristy blend of perma-grin performance and informative…

  • Emakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park

    KwaZulu-Natal

    Ulundi lies within the Valley of the Kings, the name of which is officially promoted as Emakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park. The area is of great…

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