Best things to do in KwaZulu-Natal

Explore the lakes and bays of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a protected area and a World Heritage Site known for its scenic landscape, as well as staggering ecosystem and wildlife diversity. Numerous options exist for enjoying the park, most of which include 4x4 rides to reach various hiking trails, fishing spots, and game viewing locations. Depending on the sites you visit, you can discover dune forests, pristine beaches, crocodiles, lions, hippos, whales, and a plethora of other mammals, birds, and marine species. It can take days or even weeks to see everything the massive reserve has to offer, but the park boasts plentiful accommodations and amenities for those wishing to extend their stay.

uShaka Marine World, a spacious 40 acre (16 hectare) waterfront theme park boasts an aquarium, water park, and a rope adventure area. While there, you can enjoy dolphin and seal shows at the stadium, snorkel among schools of fish, or visit the reptile exhibit to observe snakes, crocodiles, spiders, and other creatures. Numerous pools and slides await you at the water park, while other attractions include a shopping mall, cafes, restaurants, a beach, and a children's play area.

The oldest botanical garden in Africa, Durban Botanic Gardens was founded in 1851 and features a scenic 15 hectare (37 acre) park, dotted with thousands of trees and plants, both indigenous to South Africa and from other parts of the world. The park boasts a substantial plant collection, especially cycads, orchids, and palm trees. Bask in the tranquil atmosphere as you roam the picturesque garden paths, admire the well-kept lawns, go bird-watching, or have a picnic in the shade.

The former hunting grounds of Zulu kings, Hluhluwe - iMfolozi Park Wilderness Area covers an area of over 960 sq km (370 sq mi) of African wilderness. Known for its conversation efforts, the park boasts one of the largest populations of white rhinos in the world. Aside from ample animal viewing opportunities, here you'll have the opportunity to walk two-self guided trails.

See the big five game animals at Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve. Spread over 8,900 hectares (22,000 acres) of diverse landscapes--grasslands, savannahs, riverine forests, and thornvelds--the reserve is home to more than 40 animal species, including zebras, giraffes, hyenas, hippos, and cheetahs. Accommodations range from tented camps to five-star lodges. The nearby attractions include the famous KwaZulu-Natal battlefields and Drakensberg Mountain Range (a World Heritage Site).

Explore the world of hippos and crocodiles at Saint Lucia Estuary, a World Heritage Site. In this area rich in bird life, expect to see flamingos and other migratory species, especially abundant during the rainy season when the water levels rise. You can also go on exciting safaris to spot rhinos, leopards, and the greater kudus.

Appealing to walkers, cyclists, and joggers, Golden Mile represents a developed stretch of Durban's coastline offering some of the best attractions in town. Highlights include a series of pubs, as well as an aquarium, skate park, museum of surfing, and several sandy beaches.

Stop by Nelson Mandela Capture Site to admire the striking monument dedicated to the late president and anti-apartheid activist. The statue marks the location where, in 1962, the police captured Mandela, who managed to evade arrest for 17 months. View the sculpture, designed by Marco Cianfanelli and made up of tall steel columns, aligned to create a portrait of Nelson Mandela that comes into view as you approach the memorial site.