KwaZulu Natal boasts a climate that can be described as all year round - tourist friendly. Being on the eastern coast of South Africa and bordered by the warm Indian Ocean the province has a warm, subtropical climate. Winters have an average temperature of 23°C, are warm, dry and clear, with occasional frost in the interior and snowfalls in the higher mountainous areas. There is an average of 7 hours of daily sunshine in winter, some of the highest in the country. KwaZulu Natal summers are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging on 28°C, with summer experiencing the annual rains. Sea temperatures in KwaZulu Natal are also stable and warm, averaging on 21° C all year round, providing ideal conditions for water enthusiasts.

Kwazulu-Natal Beaches

The KwaZulu Natal coastline boasts six hundred kilometers of white sandy beaches on the warm Indian Ocean coastline. The beaches offer something for everyone, from protected beaches for family outings to the more untamed beaches that are a surfer's paradise. Scuba dive or snorkel on the Elephant Coast or enjoy the holiday vibe of relaxation and sport opportunities. From surfing, boating, fishing, whale and dolphin watching, to micro-lighing trips, Kwazulu Natal beaches offer a world class destination.

Shakaland

A visit to this traditional Zulu homestead. A must for any traveller out to explore the cultures of South Africa. Experience the magic of Africa in this traditional tribal village setting, as you see warriors wielding their spears and listen to the secrets of the tribe elders and the Sangoma witch doctors. Learn more about the local customs as you experience them first hand, from tribal dancing to traditional beer-drinking ceremonies. You will leave richer for the benefit of having experienced one of South Africa's best preserved ethnic settings.

Kwazulu-Natal Battlefields

Step back into the poignant memory of numerous battles that have taken place on African soil. Walk in the footsteps of Shaka, Churchill and Gandhi, while guides talk you through each battle, explaining strategies, losses, awards and the victories in these fascinating war stories behind colonial and ethic struggles. The legacy of the kingdom's bloody conflicts lives on in a series of battlefield sites, monuments, museums and towns. The region also offers beautiful scenery and a culture mix of the hospitable locals. Not just for the history buffs out there, this is for everyone, a fascinating time in world history took place here.

UShaka Marine World

A trip to this kaleidoscope of adventure and entertainment is a must for any visitor to Durban, with at least a day, or two, even three - required for the full experience. At the centre you will find the Sea and Dolphin world, a large aquarium and dolphin stadium, where the underwater world will amaze you and the antics the dolphins, seals and penguins are sheer entertainment. Children will love the touch pools, while the more adventurous can dive into the tanks of the offshore rocky reef exhibit. Next to the main complex you will find Beach World, where adventure seekers can enjoy non stop activities such as windsurfing, surfing, jet skiing, kite surfing, charters and more. The complex's Wet ‘n Wild World also offers great water entertainment for the whole family, from swimming pools and river rides to a supertubes rollercoaster fun. With all this on offer it will be no surprise if you don't find time to enjoy the never-ending shops and restaurants - here everything is for everyone, a beachfront blast.

Midlands Meander

The Midlands Meander is worth a visit to enjoy the heart of KwaZulu Natal. It started up in 1985 with a small number of crafter’s who put their talents together to create an arts and crafts route, and today this self-drive route from Pietermaritzburg to just north of the Mooi River boasts about 134 members. Choose from one of four tours and with the help of colour coded road markers, enjoy country roads filled with arts, crafts, monuments, potters farms, antiques and plenty of restaurants and places to stay. There is so much to discover through your leisurely trip, with a wide range of countryside sporting, environmental and historical activities.

Drakensberg / uKhahlamba Mountains

Named by the Dutch Voortrekkers The Dragon Mountain and the Zulu people The Barrier of Spears this World Heritage Site offers breathtaking basalt cliffs towering above lush yellowwood forests and scenic waterfalls. The mountains form the border between South African and the Kingdom of Lesotho, at the top of which you will find Africa's highest pub, via the Sani Pass, some 3000 meters above sea level. There are plenty of ancient San rock art sites and for the more adventurous the mountains and valleys offer, rock or ice climbing, abseiling, white water rafting, and helicopter flips. There are some beautiful guest establishments in the region, offering good bases to explore all that is on offer, and the Drakensberg is particularly beautiful in winter when snow covers the jagged mountain peaks.

Zululand

Be inspired by the sheer majesty of this region, offering diverse views of the brilliant blue Indian Ocean, Mangrove swamps, lush green hills and indigenous forests, with the Drakensberg Mountains standing proud in the distance. Enjoy the welcoming hospitality of the local people, who will accommodate you in everything from game lodges and seaside cottages to floating Lake Chalets and Zulu homesteads. The region offers plenty of game viewing opportunities as well as hiking and nature trails. Enjoy the true Zulu experience by taking an ox wagon through a mud-hut village or witness a traditional Zulu wedding ceremony before having your fortune read by a traditional sangoma (healer). After all the excitement restore your soul in the therapeutic sulphur springs of Paulpietersburg.

The Comrades Marathon

The Comrades is South Africa's most challenging and respected road race event, from Durban to Pietermaritzburg, encountering five major hills commonly known as ‘the big five’, interspersed with other landmarks and points of interest. The Comrades started in 1921 when 34 runners ran from Pietermartitzburg to Durban to pay tribute to their fallen comrades of the Great War. The race has grown to include some 13 000 runners from all over the world, and now takes place on the 16th of June every year, a national holiday called Youth Day. If you are not participating join the crowds of spectators to encourage the runners along the way, so that you too can get a taste of one of Africa's greatest races.

Splashy Fen

Thousands of people have flocked, every April to a farm near Underberg in KwaZulu Natal, to South Africa's longest-running and most well known music festival, Splashy Fen. Originally started off as a folk, light rock and traditional music festival, however it has evolved into the ultimate outdoor experience for music and nature lovers alike, with mainstream and alternative rock and pop music included in the mix. Stay in one of the local Bed and Breakfast establishments, or camp on site where electricity, telephones, ablutions, market stalls, medical and security have been set up. Enjoy three stages providing entertainment and see many local popular bands showcasing their talents. For all generations form the 60’s and upwards folks.

Awesome Africa Music Festival

This festival, hosted by Standard Bank, takes place in September every year, and was first held in 1999. Enjoy three stages of non stop music with over 200 artists from more than twenty countries coming to entertain the crowds. The festival aims to collaborate musicians from Africa with international artists. Past musicians have included South African legends Hugh Masekela and Abdullah Ibrahim. A must stop for visitors who enjoy cross-cultural music.

Adventure Canoeing

KwaZulu Natal boasts some of the country's best canoeing spots, and is home to the legendary 50 Miler on the Umsindusi and Umgeni Rivers in December, the famous Dusi Canoe Marathon in January, the Umkomaas Marathon in February and the Drakensberg Challenge on the Umzimkulu and the Tugela Marathon, both in March. These rivers are also available for casual canoeing adventures, enjoying the cool waters and beautiful scenery and spending peaceful nights camping on the river.

Game Fishing

For the adventurous in mind, a deep sea fishing charter assures an incredible day in KwaZulu Natal's south coast sub-tropical waters. Experienced boat skippers supply bait, tackle and appropriate beverages to ensure that all you have to do is enjoy the rush of catching game fish. Legendary’s like tuna, kingfish, sailfish to marlin, come guaranteed with the June to August seasonal sardine run. For the nature lovers, experience an encounter with the friendly dolphins who love to frolic around the boats, or spot a whale or two on their seasonal migrations.

The eMakhosini Valley

This is one of the richest historic sites in Africa, the birthplace of the Zulu Nation, the home of King Shaka and his legendary Royal Residence. It was here that Shaka conquered the Ndwandwe people, and Trekker leader Piet Retief was put to death by Shaka's successor, King Dingane. The eMakhosini Valley is also home to beautiful highveld grasslands, with roaming Steenbuck, Impala, Duiker and Reebuck, and the rare Secretary Bird, and Bald Ibis. The service of a Zulu Guide is recommended to truly understand the historical and cultural significance of this valuable site.

The Talana Museum

The Talana Museum in Dundee is where the first battle of the Anglo-Boer War took place in 1899, with the buildings from this battle still in existence today, including a cemetery and the original Scottish homestead of the town's founder, Peter Smith. Talana House, built by Smith's son, is home to a range of displays, including remnants of the South Africa's past. Fascinating guided tours to the nearby battle sites are on offer. Visitors can also see a typical coalminer's home, with a relaxing restaurant and array of souvenirs from the curio shop.

Port Natal Maritime Museum

Learn more about Durban's seafaring tradition with various interesting ships on display. See 75-year old coal-fired Ulundi, the 38-year old JR Moore tugboat which with its oil-burning engine that worked in the harbour, or the SAS Durban, a 42-year old naval minesweeper. Take a walk through the Britannia Exhibition Hall to learn about the whole nautical experience, from communication systems to weather prediction to star navigation. The children will love exploring while you learn more about Durban's maritime history.

Shopping

KwaZulu Natal offers a variety of shopping experiences, from lively open-air markets to the more commercial shopping malls. Most of the bigger towns and cities offer the usual centres with their standard chain-stores, restaurants and cinemas, including The Gateway at Umhlanga, the Pavilion off the N3 at Westville and The Workshop in Durban. A visit to the Indian shopping district in downtown Grey Street is a must to purchase spices, incense and Indian crafts, but go with a guide, just in case you meet an over enthusiastic vendor or two.