Durban & KwaZulu-Natal North Coast Adventures

KwaZulu-Natal’s temperate climate and range of outdoor activities make it South Africa’s top destination for tourists seeking world-class experiences.

Steeped in history and boasting a diversity of people and destinations, the province offers a range of activities – fishing, extreme sports, hiking explorations, sea and wildlife adventures.

One of nature’s annual extravaganzas is the Sardine Run. Millions of tiny silver fish heading north from spawning and feeding grounds off the Eastern Cape reach the southernmost seaside resort town of Port Edward, pursued by the most well-equipped and voracious predators on earth – both ocean-going and airborne. These relentless hunters occasionally drive pockets of the giant sardine shoal ashore, where equally frenzied humans join the cast of this natural phenomenon.

Demanding events include the three-day Dusi Canoe Marathon, the Midmar Mile and Durban Beach Africa, an international surfing event, several gruelling cycle races such as the Amashovashova road race from Pietermaritzburg to Durban, and the Comrades Marathon annually in June. This is arguably the greatest ultra-marathon in the world, where athletes come from all over the globe to conquer the 90 km between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. There are also some of SA’s finest golf courses.

The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains, a World Heritage Site, cater for music and art lovers, hikers and nature seekers, anglers and birders, rock climbers, shoppers, historians, golfers and mountain bikers. The Sani Pass, named after the San people, is a dramatic 4x4 trip climbing 1 330 m over 6 ½ km. The road to the ‘Roof of Africa’ snakes upwards beneath towering cliffs, past tumbling waterfalls, colourful plants and unique wildlife.

The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, now called the Isimangaliso Wetland Park – also a World Heritage Site – offers wilderness trails, horse trails, fishing, snorkeling, scuba-diving, whale-watching boat tours, turtle-spotting tours and kayak trips. Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Park, Africa’s oldest game reserve, and home to the Big Five, as well as Tembe, Ndumo and Mkuze reserves, all offer unique glimpses into the Zulu Kingdom’s animal wonders.