Nearby Attractions in KwaZulu Natal

Shark Cage Diving

Situated Only forty minutes away from Durban International Airport and five minutes from Scottburgh on the KZN South Coast - We’ve got it! No dirt roads! No border posts! Plus the safest scuba dive launch site on the Natal South Coast - "Rocky Bay” Landers Dive Centre - Specialise In Soft Cage Shark Diving, Shark Diving Trips, Shark Viewing, Coral Reef Diving & Diving The Aliwal Shoal In South Africa.

Click here to view our maps of KZN.

There are several Tourist information services in the Province:
Tourism KZN, Zulu Kingdom
Ezemvelo, KZN Wildlife
La Mercy Beach information website
Umdloti Tourism information website.
Umhlanga Tourism information centre.
Durban Tourism Information.

There are a number of Specialist Tour operators offering short and longer tours of the area. Contact us for details.

Luthuli Museum

Dedicated to the life and legacy of an extraordinary leader, a man who fought for human rights and dignity, a trip to the Luthuli Museum in Groutville will leave you in awe and humbled.

It is an encounter not to be missed and an opportunity to fill in the gaps of South Africa’s political history.

Take the time to walk through the original 1927 home of Chief Albert Luthuli where he met other top ANC leaders like Nelson Mandela. Take the time to listen to Chief Albert Luthuli’s speech presented in 1961 in Oslo, Norway when he accepted the Nobel Peace Prize. Walk through the garden where he met with former US Senator Robert Kennedy.

Entrance is free. Every visitor receives a guided tour. 

The museum is situated at 3233 Nokukhanya Luthuli Street, in Groutville. It is about six kilometres from the N2 freeway. It is open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am to 4pm and on Sundays and Public Holidays from 11am to 3pm.

Telephone (032) 559 6822/4 or email luthulimuseum@luthulimuseum.org.za

If you do opt for a self-drive exploration of the area, here are a few tips:
Make sure you have a good map of the area. There are many minor roads only shown on a good map. An excellent free map, sponsored by Braby's, is available from Zulu Kingdom, Tourism, KZN for more information. It really is the best map of the Province we have come across - for charting minor roads.
* Petrol can only be purchased with cash (rands only!), with garage cards issued by the major South African banks and debit cards. That is the law!...... Credit cards cannot be used
* Major roads are often toll routes. Payment rules are same as for petrol purchases
* If you are not familiar with the area you are planning to visit, or the route you are planning to take, make sure you have done your homework, and know what to expect!
* There are very few banks or cash machines north of Ballito, until you hit Maputo in Mozambique!!
* Don't expect frequent petrol or refreshment stops. Don't expect any at all on more minor roads. There are usually petrol and refreshment places near toll booths so look out for the toll booth plaza signs.
* Check if a 4x4 vehicle is needed to reach your intended destination as many roads are not tarred and can be difficult to pass after inclement weather. Some establishments offer a pick-up service for the last few kilometres of the journey.
* Don't expect that campsites will have electricity and potable water. Check first!
* Relax and enjoy your exploration of the Province. It has so much to offer.

Here are a few of our favourite places. Click here to view our map of KZN

KZN North Coast
A trip to the market in Verulam for fresh produce and spices. Market is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday morning.
Lunch at Beach bums at Casaurina Beach – right on the beach, extensive menu for young and old. Listen to the crashing waves, and occasional live music!!
Thompson's Bay: lovely sandy bay, fishing opportunities from the rocks where King Shaka Zulu insisted his warriors prove their bravery by jumping off into the wild ocean below and huge tidal pool. This is a must at Spring high tide, when the vast waves sweep the rocks. Click here to check for spring high tides.
Zinkwazi Lodge: quiet secluded spot for a light lunch and a river walk. Boat trips are available, and there is a campsite and chalets for those who want to stay a little longer.
Mtunzini: not too far away for a short break away from Umdloti Beach. Set in a coastal forest and mangrove swamps. Several camping opportunities, restaurants and bars. Umlalazi Game reserve can be booked through Ezemvelo, KZN Wildlife. Check out the Fiddler Crabs.
St Lucia and nearby Cape Vidal: ideal destination for a few days away from Umdlotibeach, with lots to do for all the family. Watch the hippos and crocs from the deck at the ski boat club, lots of B&B's, restaurants and bars. Long beaches and boat trips from the estuary. Some great campsites run by Ezemvelo, KZN Wildlife, which we regularly use.
St Lucia is also the gateway to Cape Vidal, which is now reached by tarred roads, so a 4x4 is no longer required. The quieter alternative with cabins, camping and great snorkelling. Can be booked through Ezemvelo, KZN Wildlife
Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game reserve: easily combined with a trip to St Lucia, Hluhluwe is a 45 minute drive inland from the coast. The big 5 are all represented here, and meals and accommodation available at Hilltop Camp, with panoramic views across the reserve. The adjoining Ubizane Game Reserve is a great place to stay and boasts one of the most beautiful tree-top restaurants in Africa.
False Bay: a further hour or so driving from St Lucia into the Greater St. Lucia wetlands. Great views of False Bay from the Drifters Inn e-mail for central reservations.
Ndumo Game Reserve: One of those great secrets. Tucked out of the way on the border with Mozambique. Rest camp and campsite run by Ezemvelo, KZN Wildlife. Bird watching, game viewing, and some beautifully situated hides. Quite a drive from Umdloti/La Mercy, so stay for a few nights.

Northern KZN Battlefields

Home to the largest concentration of battlefields in the Southern Hemisphere. Here Boer, Brit and Zulu clashed in bloody conflict. Not really our thing!!!!..

KZN South Coast

The KZN South Coast is much more built up than the north coast but we have managed to find a few secluded gems, that we are really cautious about sharing!!!!
The Bluff area, and south to Treasure Beach - On the south side of Durban harbour. Great harbour views and old fashioned seaside resorts. Cafes and swimming pools.
Clanstaal: Just south of Umkomaas. Secluded Beach. Rustic, but charming campsite. Best of all check out the Chief's Cabin, and Deck. Sea Views, cold beer and good food. Sunday lunch is a favourite.
Bazely: Another secluded beach, a hamlet with a few private holiday homes and a family holiday resort.
Port Edward: Located at the southern tip of KZN, just before crossing into the Province of Eastern Cape. A charming, traditional, seaside town. Great fishing. Lots of accommodation and catering options.

Midlands Meander and Drakensberg

Travel inland to the KZN Drakensburg Mountains, and linger on the Midlands Meander along the way. For further information try: Zulu.org
Personal favourites include the Kamberg Mountains, Highmoor camp (it is very high!!...warm clothes needed) Cathedral Peak and Didima. There is a luxury hotel at Cathedral Peak, but a cheaper, and very comfortable alternative in Didima. Opened about 6 years ago and well run by Ezemvelo, KZN Wildlife. Ezemvelo also have a rest camp at Kamberg.

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