| |
The majestic Zulu
Kingdom is known for its proud history, dynamic cultures,
breathtaking scenic beauty, sandy beaches and warm all-year-round climate.
The Zulu Kingdom is divided into eight tourism sub-regions: the vibrant city
of Durban, the seaside resorts of the North
Coast, the Elephant Coast, which
includes South Africa's first World Heritage Site, namely the Greater St Lucia
Wetland Park and the oldest game reserve in Africa, Hluhluwe/Umfolozi, famous
for saving the white rhino from extinction, the diversity of Zululand,
the tranquil South Coast, the rolling
hills of the Pietermaritzburg
Midlands, the historic Battlefields
and the Drakensberg region,
incorporating the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park,
the second World Heritage Site in the Zulu
Kingdom.
Durban
is an economic hub built around the busiest port in Africa.
It is the gateway to the natural wonders of KwaZulu-Natal. From here the scenic Pietermaritzburg
Midlands, the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park,
a World Heritage Site, the game parks of Zululand
and the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, another World Heritage Site, famous battlefields,
and the golf-courses of the North and South
Coasts are within easy driving distance. Durban is a unique cultural mix of the colonial European, Indian, and
Zulu communities, and this is reflected in the architecture, fashions, sights
and sounds of the city. Brighton
Beach on the seaward side of the Bluff has a tidal
pool. Addington, South and North beaches along the main beach-front all have
life-saving facilities, changing-rooms and refreshment facilities. Country Club Beach near Water Wonderland has life-saving
facilities. All have shark nets.
uShaka Marine World has been developed out of a vision to create
a world-class entertain-ment and tourism destination for Durban. uShaka Marine World incorporates fresh
and sea water, natural materials and the re-creation of a wreck of a 1940s cargo
ship, home to the fifth largest aquarium in the world by volume of water. This
is coupled with indigenous African imagery, lush vegetation and maritime images
of the Port of Durban. Treasure World comprises
food and beverage outlets at a height of 10 metres above sea level, overlook
much of the park and the Indian Ocean beyond. Sea World
and Dolphin World comprise a salt-water aquarium with indoor and outdoor displays
and exhibits and a 1200-seater dolphin stadium. Wet 'n Wild World is a fresh-water
entertainment wonderland, featuring separate swimming-pools for kids and adults,
relaxing river rides and high-speed chutes for the adrenaline junkies. Phone:
031 328 8000 or visit www.ushakamarineworld.co.za
The Ricksha Stands are situated on Marine Parade. A ride in
a ricksha, drawn by a brightly dressed and beaded Zulu, is a must for every
visitor. Durban City Hall,
Smith Street, was opened in 1910 and is a replica of the Belfast
City Hall in Northern Ireland. The formal gardens link the
City Hall and the Post Office, which was originally built as the City Hall.
The third floor houses the Durban
Art Gallery, which has displays
of South African and overseas works of art. On the second floor is the Durban Museum, which has displays from the
natural history of KwaZulu/Natal and exhibits of birds and mammals including
the most complete skeleton known of the dodo, extinct since 1650. Open daily.
Phone: 031 300 6212. Victoria Street Market has a magnificent array of exotic
oriental items for sale as well as spices, curry powders, sweetmeats and tropical
fruit. Phone: 031 306 4021.
The Botanic Gardens, Sydenham Road, Berea, incorporates a lovely wooded
garden with many varieties of trees from all over the world, including a magnificent
Jade vine. The Orchid House has more than 3 000 plants, including blooms from
many other countries. Phone: 031 201 1303. The Sugar Terminal in Maydon Road offers daily conducted tours for
the public. Large groups by appointment. Phone: 031 365 8100. The Old House,
31 St. Andrews Street, also known
as the Natal Settlers
Museum, is a replica of the house built by John Goodricke
on the same site in 1849, which was later enlarged. Open daily. Phone: 031
300 6250. Minitown, Snell Parade, features a display of well-known buildings
scaled down to 1/24th of their size. Miniature ships, aeroplanes, trains, buses
and cars moving around the town create a lively atmosphere. Phone: 031 337
7892.
Umgeni River Bird
Park Riverside Road, Umgeni Phone: 031 579 4600 Fax: 031 579 4574 E-mail:
urbpmark@iafrica.com Website: www.umgeniriverbirdpark.co.za
Umgeni River
Bird Park is situated in attractive
natural surroundings, including a spectacular 20m high waterfall and lush vegetation,
1,5 km from the Umgeni River Mouth, and 6 km from the city centre. The park
houses some of the world's rarest birds such as macaws, parrots, Giant Asian
hornbills, toucans, cranes, pheasants, flamingoes and other species including
indigenous birds. The free-flight bird-show, highly educational and loads of
fun, is unique in Africa and displays endangered species
in free, unrestricted flight. The free-flight bird show takes place at 11h00
and 14h00 every day except Mondays. Drinks and light lunches are served at
the kiosk. The park is open daily 09h00 to 17h00.
The Amphitheatre, Snell Parade, is a sunken garden filled with
subtropical flowers, pools and fountains. The Japanese Gardens, Durban North,
are open daily. Phone: 031 563 1333. The Natal Maritime Museum is located
at the Small Craft Basin at the end of Aliwal Street. There are three multi-ton
exhibits: the “Ulundi” steam tug (1927) and “J R More” (1966) and minesweeper
SAS “Durban” (1957). These exhibits provide an interesting window on Africa's
largest port. Phone: 031 300 6324. The Kwa Muhle Museum, 130 Ordinance Road,
focuses on Durban's twentieth century history. Phone: 031 300 6313. The International
Convention Centre has hosted major international conventions, such as the World
Economic Forum, the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and the XIIIth
World Aids Conference. Contact Durban Africa Phone: 031 304 4934 E-mail: funinsun@iafrica.com
or visit www.durbanexperience.co.za
Zululand is a vast land
of bush, forests and lakes stretching from the Tugela River to the Mozambique
border. Situated on the way to Richards Bay, Mtunzini,
a delightful, protected resort at the mouth of the Mlalazi River, has a natural
tidal lagoon and beaches, fringed by dune forests. Extensive mangrove swamps
and palm and fern groves create a serene atmosphere. The 1 000 ha Mtunzini
Nature Reserve has more than 300 recorded bird species, including the rare Palmnut
Vulture. The Umlalazi Nature Reserve, 1.5km east of Mtunzini, comprises several
small lakes and a lagoon, surrounded by forested coastal dunes and mangrove
swamps.
Eshowe is the former
administrative capital of Zululand. Fort Nonqayi is still bears testament to
events after the Anglo-Zulu War of 1869. The aerial boardwalk in the Dlinza
forest is a great hideaway and offers excellent birding opportunities. The
high-lying forests of the Ongoye Forest Reserve offer excellent birding opportunities.
Guides from the Zululand Birding Route are knowledgeable and experienced. Emakhosini
Valley promises to become a significant cultural centre of the Zulu Kingdom.
The graves of six Zulu Kings lie within this valley, along with Dingane's Kraal
and the site of Piet Retief's slaying. Ulundi, the former capital of the Zulu
Kingdom and the site of the final battle of the Anglo-Zulu War, is an interesting
town that has an excellent cultural museum. Also have a look at the magnificent
tapestries in the Ulundi legislative buildings and the reconstruction of the
original site of King Cetshwayo's homestead at Ondini.
Empangeni, originally
established as a mission station, is now an agricultural area with substantial
forestry plantations. Richard's Bay,
a deep water port and busy commercial centre, has vast areas of untouched indigenous
vegetation, and many natural lakes and marshes. Pongolapoort Dam, also known
as Lake Jozini, a beautiful, man-made lake, designed to irrigate the surrounding
agricultural land, is home to hippos and crocodiles and is known for its tiger-fishing.
Pongola, situated in a valley in the foothills
of the Lebombo mountains, is an area rich in Anglo, Zulu and Boer history.
Contact the Uthungulu District Muncipality Phone: 035 799 2500. E-mail: tourism@uthungulu.co.za
or visit www.zululand.kzn.org.za
Elephant Coast
The Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park, acclaimed internationally for its
conservation efforts, including its pioneering work in saving the white rhino
from extinction, is situated in typical bushveld country in northern Zululand.
The park incorporates two of Africa's oldest reserves, both founded in 1895.
Besides the Big Five, the park has an astonishing variety of wildlife, and is
home to the largest population of southern white rhino. For more detailed information,
phone: 035 562 0966. Other game reserves include Phinda, a region of fascinating
diversity, Mkuzi, which offers a variety of walking trails, and Itala, home
to the only herds of tsessebe in KwaZulu-Natal.
The Dukuduku Forest Reserve preserves one of the few remaining
tropical coastal forests. Dukuduku, meaning “the place of hiding”, was used
as a sanctuary for men and cattle during the struggle for succession following
Cetshwayo's death. eTshaneni, “the place of the small stone”, is also known
as Ghost Mountain. The mountain is known for unusual occurrences, including
flickering fires, strange calls and eerie noises. St Lucia, in the south and
the gateway to the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, is surrounded by five distinct
ecosystems. Guided boat tours enable visitors to view hippos, crocodiles, go
deep sea fishing and whale or turtle watching and learn about the mangrove ecosystems
of the lake. The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site and world
class eco-tourism destination, incorporates Lake St Lucia itself, home to the
largest single hippo population in Africa, and a huge variety of habitats, ranging
from the Lebombo Mountains to grasslands, forests, wetlands, mangroves, dune
forests, stretches of beach and off-shore coral reefs. For more information,
phone: 035 590 1247.
From the northern banks of Lake St. Lucia, the area previously
known as Maputaland extends northwards right to the Mozambique border. It comprises
an enormous wilderness area with over 20 ecosystems, and is one of the last
authentic African wilderness areas. Activities include game-viewing, bird-watching,
scuba-diving, snorkelling, lake canoeing, fishing and cultural excursions.
The tranquil plains have been inhabited since the 1650's by a mixture of Thonga,
Zulu and Swazi people. Ndumu Game Reserve borders Mozambique and Tembe Elephant
Park is home to the last truly wild elephants of southern Africa. The Coastal
Forest Reserve, encompasses Lake Sibayi, the largest fresh-water lake in southern
Africa, and includes a coastal strip stretching from Sodwana to Kosi Bay, where
it joins the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.
Sodwana Bay has some of the best marlin fishing in the world,
and the coral reefs and crystal-clear waters provide excellent scuba-diving
conditions. The Kosi Bay estuary and lake system is a large unspoilt wilderness
area, containing hippos, crocodiles and many traditional fishing kraals. The
Communities near the Kosi Bay mouth have used a unique fish trap system to catch
fish for centuries. At certain times of the year, endangered leatherback and
loggerhead turtles lay their eggs in the coastal dunes along this stretch of
coastline. A number of operators offer canoe trails on the Bhangazi Lake of
the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia, on the Muzi Pan between Hluhluwe
and Sodwana Bay and on the Kosi Lakes in the north Contact the Elephant Coast
Tourism Association Phone: 035 562 0353. E-mail: res@elephantcoastbookings.co.za
or visit www.elephantcoast.kzn.org.za
South Coast
Stretching from Durban all the way to Port Edward, the South
Coast is a combination of endless beaches, rocky outcrops, sub-tropical bush,
cane-fields and hills covered with hibiscus blooms. Amanzimtoti, the Place
of Sweet Waters, has a long stretch of sandy beach and protected sea-bathing.
The 300-acre Ezulwini Nature Reserve, situated on the outskirts of Umkomaas,
contains over 100 bird species. Scottburgh,
58 km from Durban, is built on a headland on a rugged part of the coastline.
The Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve is situated just beyond Scottburgh.
The greatest shoal on earth describes the huge shoal of sardines
that leaves Africa's west coast to follow the plankton- rich cold ocean current
that flows up the South Coast during the winter months. 50,000 common and bottlenose
dolphins, thousands of sharks, shoals of different species of game fish, seals
and tens of thousands of sea birds all follow the huge shoal, competing for
nature's bounty. In an amazing spectacle of combined hunting skills, copper
sharks and dolphins team up by herding sections of the shoal closer to the surface,
making it easier for sea birds to plunge in and take their share. Hundreds
of humpback whales salute the ocean extravaganza by lifting their large tails
as they move up the coast during their winter migration. Sardine Hotline 082
284 9495.
Port Shepstone, 120 km from Durban, was founded in 1867 and
until 1900 it was a busy port handling sugar, lime and marble. The use of the
harbour fell away in 1901 with the building of the South Coast Railway Line
which still ends at Port Shepstone. Oribi Gorge, which is approximately 24 km
long, 400 metres deep and 5 km wide, is situated 11 km off the N2 near Port
Shepstone and has various viewing sites. Features include the famous Overhanging
Rock, Baboons' Castle, waterfall and other breathtaking rock formations.
Margate, 140 km from Durban, is built above a long sandy beach which has an
electrical shark barrier and a large tidal pool. Margate has its own airport.
Southbroom, about 9 km beyond Ramsgate, provides excellent facilities for watersports.
Giant fossilised trees are to be found at Fossil Head, 5 km beyond Port Edward.
Adjacent to the Eastern Cape border is the Wild Coast Casino.
Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, south of Port Edward, is known for
its abundant bird-life and rare and protected plant species. Contact Hibiscus
Coast Tourism Phone: 039 312 2322 E-mail: margate@hibiscuscoast.org.za Website:
www.southcoast.kzn.org.za The Southern Explorer is a definitive route guide
detailing nine exciting tourism routes on the South Coast of Kwazulu-Natal.
The guide outlines accommodation, restaurants, arts and crafts, outdoor adventure,
rural tours and many other attractions. The Southern Explorer is available
free of charge. Phone 039 316 8221 for more info or e-mail info@southernexplorer.co.za
Pietermaritzburg
Midlands
Pietermaritzburg,
situated in an amphitheatre in the valley of the Umzindusi River, has tree-lined
streets, parks and elegant buildings. The Church of the Vow, 340 Church Street,
is one of the oldest buildings and was constructed by the Voortrekkers in 1840
in terms of a covenant made before the battle of Blood River when Dingaan's
forces were defeated. Converted to a museum, it now houses a collection of
Voortrekker relics. Near the museum is the Memorial Church, fronted by statues
of Gerrit Maritz and Piet Retief. The Tatham Art Gallery has an interesting
collection of 19th and early 20th century works by English and French painters.
The Old Natal Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly Buildings in Longmarket
Street house antiques from the early days. The Old Government House in Church
Street near the railway station was built in the 1860s. St Peter's Church,
Church Street, built in 1857 has beautiful stained-glass windows. The Queen
Elizabeth Park, 8 km from the city centre on the road to Johannesburg, contains
a variety of fauna and flora. The road to World's View, which affords a superb
view of the city, is directly opposite the park. Visit www.pmb-midlands.kzn.org.za
The Midlands is a beautiful part of the country, nestling between
the coast and the Drakensberg.
Often compared to the English midlands, the area has forests, rivers and well-kept
farms. Traditionally the economy of the area has revolved around agriculture
- mainly dairy, forestry and the rearing of thoroughbred horses. In recent
years the emergence of a world class arts and crafts cottage industry has developed
into several well-organised tourism routes, such as the Midlands Meander and
the Boston Bulwer Beat. Major attractions besides the craft routes include
the Umkomaas Valley with its wilderness adventures, the Howick Falls in Howick,
with a drop of 95 m and most impressive during the rainy season, and the Midmar
and Albert Falls Dams. Fort Nottingham, a national monument near Nottingham
Road, was erected in 1856 to protect the settlers against the plundering
Bushmen.
Battlefields
Steeped in history, the central and northern part of KwaZulu-Natal
is a land of great natural beauty that masks a turbulent history. For a 70-year
period, starting in the late 1800s, this peaceful area was the scene of a series
of bloody battles between British forces, Boer commandos and great Zulu armies
that shaped the history of southern Africa. This fascinating history can be
rediscovered at countless battle sites, museums and historic buildings. Numerous
battle site routes have been developed by tour operators based in the main battlefields
towns. These routes can best be experienced on a tour with knowledgeable guides,
or as a self-drive adventure. The local tourism offices have brochures and
maps, showing the many different routes.
The Battle of Isandlwana, in 1879, is where a Zulu force of
over 20 000 impis, armed mostly with spears and shields, attacked and overwhelmed
the British camp, killing over 3 000 soldiers. Resident guides bring to life
the desperate two-hour struggle that took place on the slopes of this strange-shaped
hill. At Rorke's Drift, later on the same day, some 100 British soldiers repulsed
a force of 4 000 Zulu warriors after a 12-hour battle. A museum now stands
on the site of the original battle. The 11 Victoria Crosses awarded for bravery
remains the most ever awarded for any one military encounter. Near Estcourt
in 1883, the Voortrekker leader Gerrit Maritz established one of the earliest
settlements in a bend in the Bushmans River. A monument erected to the memory
of Maritz, the Gerrit Maritz House and a Voortrekker cemetery, still stand on
the site, which is now a private farm. At Colenso, the R.E. Stevenson Museum
contains mementoes of the battle of Colenso. A monument to Lieut. Roberts V.C.
was erected near the railway line. The Armoured Train Memorial and Cemetery
commemorates where the Boers ambushed a British armoured train in 1899 and captured
war correspondent Winston Churchill. The Bloukrans National Monument commemorates
the massacre of Voortrekkers by Dingaan in 1838. Ladysmith, where the Boers
besieged the British forces for 118 days in one of the best known campaigns
of the 1899-1902 Anglo-Boer War, is surrounded by many places associated with
this siege.
At Spioenkop, part of
the British forces sent to relieve Ladysmith were trapped in their trenches
on a hill in a thick mist and shot by the Boer snipers. This forced the British
relieving forces, under Sir Redvers Buller, to retreat and totally alter the
direction of their attack on Ladysmith. The Battlefields area also offers visitors
the opportunity to learn about Zulu culture and enjoy hiking trails, visits
to nature reserves and craft centres. Visit www.battlefields.kzn.org.za
Drakensberg
The uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park has been declared a World Heritage
Site for both its outstanding natural environment as well as the ancient San
rock paintings found in the caves and overhangs. The mountain range separates
the low-lying coastal belt from the high-lying plateau of the interior. The
peaks rise to heights of over 3 000 m and the scenery is spectacular. There
are a number of national parks in the area, and many possibilities for hiking.
The Drakensberg is a popular tourism area throughout the year, and even though
there is significant snowfall on the peaks in the winter months, the winter
days are sunny and crisp and there is little rain. Underberg is the gateway
to the resorts along the southern Drakensberg. To the south-east it overlooks
the Umzimkulu River while to the north the Drakensberg Mountains tower to a
height of over 3 000 m. Himeville, a village 4 km from Underberg, grew up around
a fort, built in 1898. This fort is now the gaol. The Himeville Nature Reserve
has two trout lakes and angling is permitted throughout the year. The Vergelegen
Nature Reserve, near the headwaters of the Umkomaas River, offers trout angling.
Accommodation is available. The Loteni Nature Reserve abounds in bird-life
and game. There are facilities for accommodation, horse-riding and trout-angling.
The Kamberg Nature Reserve, in the foot-hills of the Drakensberg, is an angler's
paradise. Giant's Castle Game Reserve, the only place in the world where the
rare Lammergeyer is found, is situated on a plateau which lies below the steep
face of the Drakensberg Mountains. San paintings and artefacts can be seen
in the Bushman's cave museum. Arrangements can be made at the camp office for
mounted trails. In the Royal National Park, the mountains form an enormous
amphitheatre, and Mont-Aux-Sources at 3 248 m is the highest peak in the country.
Other features are the Tugela Falls which cascade 800 m over the edge of the
amphitheatre, the Rugged Glen Nature Reserve and the gorge carved out of the
escarpment by the Tugela River. Contact Drakensberg Tourism Phone: 036 448
1557 E-mail: drakensbergtourismass@mweb.co.za Website: www.drakensberg.kzn.org.za
|
