When the first British settlers arrived at Port Natal in 1824, the Zulu King Shaka and his subjects were firmly ensconced in the hinterland. Thirteen years later, a party of boer families trekked in from the Free State and between 1860 and 1911, shiploads of Indians arrived to work on the coastal sugar plantations. Since then, immigrants from around the world have brought with them dozens of different cultures, enriching the character of the province in countless ways.
KwaZulu-Natal extraordinary scenic diversity encompasses wilderness, sandy beaches, the soaring mountain peaks of the Drakensberg, and the farmlands, towns and hills of the Midlands. Peaceful and pastoral today, the Midlands were once the scene of violent clashes between Zulu's, Boers and Britons, and reminders are scattered throughout the region.
From Durban, South Africa major port, its a short and easy drive north and south, to delightful seaside resorts set on a coastline reputed to be one of the best angling regions in the country. Also easily accessible, the province game reserves are inhabited by huge numbers and varieties of animals and birds.
The Zulu People of KwaZulu-Natal
After Shaka became king of the Zulu people in 1816, he created a highly efficient fighting force and by brilliant military strategy and leadership, he forged a great Zulu nation. Today, the Zulu are the largest of South Africa ethnic groups, and most of them live in KwaZulu-Natal.
Traditional Zulu homes are beehive-shaped huts built around a central cattle enclosure. Cattle are used as lobola " the bride price " traditionally paid by the groom family to the bride father.
However, times are changing, and lobola is increasingly being paid in the form of money and presents such as cars and household appliances.
The Indian People of KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal is the main home of South Africa Indian population. Languages, especially among the older generation, include Tamil, Telugu, Hindustani, Gujarati and Urdu. The strictly regulated, patriarchal, extended family is less evident today and Indian languages are heard less often than before. Younger people tend to speak English as a first language, and they lead an increasingly westernized lifestyle. A generally hardworking and prosperous society, members of the Indian community are found throughout the upper echelons of commerce, industry and the professions.
KwaZulu Natal
is sub-divided into various tourist regions. The South Coast, the Dolphin Coast, the North Coast, the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, Zululand and the Drakensberg mountains.The South Coast starts at the Umtamvuna River mouth and continues to just before Durban. The South coast has numerous beaches such as Port Edward, Glenmore, Southbroom, Margate, Uvongo, St. Michael's, Port Shepstone, Umtentweni and Warner Beach. These beaches are all good for both swimming and surfing. The crocodile farm just outside South Broom is a definite must. This section of coast line is known for dolphin siting and excellent fishing. The nature reserves in this area are, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, where one can do walks from the Umtamvuna River mouth up into the mountains that surround the river, the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve where one can hike down into the Oribi Gorge and the Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve. The area is also known for White river rafting and the amazing scenery to be seen along the South Coast. Durban, the most cherished holiday area in South Africa because of its all year round summer climate and relative short distance from Johannesburg has something to offer for all. The Dolphinarium and Sea World Aquarium are firm tourist attractions in Durban where one can watch the Dolphins, Seals and penguins perform daily. The Natal Sharks Board at Umhlanga is the worlds leading authority on Sharks. They have daily shows including dissections where one can learn more about the Sharks that inhabit the waters off the South African coastline.
The Indian market and Durban Harbour with its maritime museum and Water world with all its water rides, are among the favorite tourist attractions in the Durban area. The city bustles with night life and a visit to the Durban Waterfront, the Botanical Gardens, the Japanese Gardens, the Umgeni River Bird Park and the numerous Flea markets is a must.
The Dolphin or North Coast starting at Umhlanga is the gateway to Zululand. At Umhlanga dolphin siting is almost a daily occurrence and Umhlanga hosts the largest game fishing competition in the Southern Hemisphere over the Easter period. At Tongaat one can visit the Crocodile farm in the Balito area. This section of coast line is also known for its power kiting, with Kite surfing proving to be a firm favorite on the beaches.
As one moves up the coast one comes across the North Coast towns of Shakas Rock, Salt Rock, Tugela Mouth and Richards Bay, the largest coal terminal in the world. Here we also find the Richards Bay Game Reserve. Approximately 35km from Richards Bay, Kwambonambi, a tranquil town with unbelievably beautiful forests and vegetation, is the backpackers gateway to St.Lucia, the Umfolozi Game Reserve, the Hluhluwe Game Reserve, the St. Lucia Game Park, the Nkuzi Game Reserve, the Mapelane Reserve, the St. Lucia Marine Reserve and the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park. Although these parks collectively do not have the land area of a tenth of that of the Kruger National Park they are home to all of the big five and have some of the best game viewing in KwaZulu Natal. The Umfolozi being sanctuary to the white rhino, can be traversed in a single
day and Hluhluwe Game Reserve, the most densely populated nature reserve in Africa, ensures that one will enjoy the days game viewing.
The parks around St. Lucia are an Eco-Tourists Mecca. Each being unique and almost completely independent of each other, yet totally reliant on the others for its survival. A look at this fragile eco-system is a definite yes for all nature lovers and conservationists.
Just above St. Lucia, Sodwana Bay is the premier angling and diving location in South Africa. Moving further north we come to Cosy Bay. Here we find the Cosy Bay Nature Reserve and the Temba Elephant Reserve. These nature reserves are definitely worth a visit.
Starting at Durban again and moving towards the interior, we have Pietermaritzburg, the Natal Midlands and the Drakensberg.
The Valley of 1000 hills is located between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The famous Comrades Marathon is run between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. The race is run uphill, Durban to Pietermaritzburg in one year and downhill Pietermaritzburg to Durban in the next year. This ultra marathon is a true test to even the toughest of athletes.
The Drakensberg mountains are one of South Africas true treasures. One has only to look at Cathedral Peak and Champagne Castle to see why they are the most photographed mountains in the world. These majestic mountains are also the home of the Natal Drakensberg Park and the Royal Natal National Park. It is possible to hike threw these Parks, sleep in caves covered with Bushman paintings and a cave with a waterfall guarding the entrance. One can climb the chain ladder and sleep on the top of the escarpment. Words can barely describe the true thrill and shear beauty of standing on the edge of the escarpment and gazing down on the seemingly endless valleys and hills. On a cloudy day it seems as if one can step onto the clouds.
Nestled between the Drakensberg mountain range and the North Coast we have Zululand. Zululand is the home of the Zulu Nation and is a true taste of pure Africa. One only has to spend a night in a Zulu village enjoying live Zulu dancing and a traditional meal of maize porridge and meat while drinking traditional African beer and participate in the daily activities of the tribe or spend a night in an larger in an Ox wagon to truly feel the tune of Africa. These experiences transport one back to a 150 years ago to a forgotten world. Eshowe in the heart of Zululand is the centre of a lot of the history relating to the Zulu Nation during this period and has been so till today. A visit to the towns history museum is highly recommended.
Generally, backpackers have traveled by hire car or on one of the many bus operators catering specifically into the backpacking industry while completing there trip from either Johannesburg or Cape Town to Durban. Durban does have any International airport and one can fly directly to Durban.
Between the coastal playgrounds and the majestic Drakensberg, there is an area of gentle pastoral beauty known as the Midlands. The highway meanders through rolling wooded hills and grassy plains scattered with towns, villages and hospitable country inns. On lush farmlands, plump cattle and thoroughbred horses graze. Although the great herds of highveld game which once wintered here are gone forever, sanctuaries throughout the region support large numbers and varieties of wildlife.
Snow-capped in winter, the Drakensberg is the countrys grandest mountain range and an ever-popular holiday destination. Known to the Zulu people as Quathlamba-" the barrier of spears "- the mountains provide a magnificent backdrop to the Thukela region.
Nestling in the valleys, fine hotels and leisure resorts offer comfortable accommodation and recreational options second to none. Fast-flowing rivers are frequented by anglers hoping for a record-breaking rainbow trout. Climbers scale the jagged peaks where eagles and bearded vultures fly, hikers and horse-riders follow nature trails. The less energetic shrug off city stress by drinking in the birdsong, the crisp clean air and the stunning views.
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