Lapped by the Indian Ocean, the KwaZulu-Natal coast is a paradise of warm waters, sun-drenched beaches and lush wonderlands. From the bustling port city of Durban to the trendy resort towns of the North Coast and the sleepy little gems of the South Coast, this sunny South African region offers the perfect mix of natural beauty and tourist infrastructure.
With its long stretch of golden sand beaches, warm waters and tropical climate, visitors to Durban are offered a seaside retreat unlike any other in South Africa. Founded in 1823 as a tiny trading settlement, Durban now plays host to Africa’s largest port, making it an economic powerhouse. Visitors can stop off for a delectable seafood lunch at one of the charming restaurants set around the harbour and watch as mammoth cargo ships sail by. Durban boasts a variety of world-class shopping outlets as well as myriad charming crafts markets, which dot the beachfronts, offering a delightful way for visitors to immerse themselves in local culture. UShaka Marine World provides insight into the amazing marine creatures that inhabit the Indian Ocean, while an assortment of leisure adventures such as surfing, board sailing and scuba diving is readily available.
Northern KwaZulu-Natal is renowned for the pristine iSimangaliso Wetland Park, which boasts an amazing 21 different ecological systems. Further north lies the diving mecca of Sodwana Bay, which offers a wide variety of marine life found along its coral reefs, as well as seasonal sightings of whales and turtles, which come ashore to lay their eggs on the sandy beaches. Private nature sanctuaries such as &Beyond Phinda Private Game Reserve allow visitors to this unspoiled region to combine Big Five game viewing with a variety of beach activities and water sports.
Why Visit?
- The Golden Mile has a tinge of a once-grand British seaside resort.
- Durban is a sub-tropical city and major holiday resort, in addition to being the gateway to KwaZulu- Natal.
- Discover South Africa’s historical battlefields, and track black and white rhino in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Visit the uShaka Marine World, an aquarium and water theme park.
- Bell-Laden rickshaw drivers who carry tourists along the beachfront in their colourful two-wheel carts shouting and whistling.
- Wildfly – the biggest and best fly-fishing shop in the country.
- Home to popular beaches as well as the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and iSimangaliso Wetland Park – both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Climate
Summer (October – April)
Min 24°C/75°F Max 32°C/90°F
Winter (May – September)
Min 24°C/75°F Max 32°C/90°F
Summer rainfall.
Perfect for year round travel. Summer is hot and humid – perfect beach weather. Winter is warm and dry, and offers the chance to see the epic Sardine Migration off the coast.