5 must-see places in KZN on World Tourism Day
Almost half a million domestic visitors chose KZN as their holiday destination last year.
As countries around the globe celebrate World Tourism Day on Thursday, 27 September, the KwaZulu-Natal’s tourism industry has good reason to reflect on the importance and success of the sector, which is boosting the economy.
According to statistics released by South African Tourism, almost half a million domestic visitors chose KZN as their holiday destination, compared to the same period last year.
Here are five must-see places in KZN, for local and overseas visitors:
Shakaland
A traditional Zulu Umuzi or homestead, divided into the home of the Zulus and hotel rooms. A unique resort built on the set of the movies, Shaka Zulu and John Ross. Feel the pulsating rhythm of mysterious and magical Africa as you re-live the excitement and romance of the days of Shaka, King of the Zulus, in this authentic re-creation of the Great Kraal overlooking the Phobane Lake.
Experience the sight of assegai-wielding warriors, share the fascinating secrets of the Sangomas and witness traditional customs such as tribal dancing, spear making and the beer-drinking ceremonies.
Call 035-460-0912, email res@shakaland.com, or visit https://www.shakaland.com
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site in December 1999 in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values.
The 332,000 hectare Park contains three major lake systems, eight interlinking ecosystems, 700 year old fishing traditions, most of South Africa’s remaining swamp forests, Africa’s largest estuarine system, 526 bird species and 25,000 year-old coastal dunes – among the highest in the world. The name iSimangaliso means miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this unique place.
Call 035-590-1633/1602 or email info@isimangaliso.com
KZN Midlands
The Midlands Meander is a collection of arranged routes that offer visitors hospitality in truly beautiful surroundings, outstanding accommodation, conference and wedding facilities, fascinating local events, fabulous cuisine and restaurants, revitalising outdoor activities and over-the-top adventure sports, historic landmarks, wildlife conservation, and best of all ‘shop-till-you-drop’ unique arts and crafts. An easy one-hour drive from Durban and four-and-a-half hours on the N3 highway from Johannesburg, there is much to explore and do in the Midlands.
The Midlands Meander is a region in beautiful KwaZulu-Natal that stretches from just beyond Mooi River in the north, Hilton in the south, Karkloof in the east and the foothills of the Drakensberg in the west.
Call 033-330-8195 or email info@midlandsmeander.co.za
The Drakensberg
An awe-inspiring and truly magnificent range of mountains, the majority of which lie in the KwaZulu-Natal Province and stretch well over 200 kilometres, forming a natural border between Lesotho and KwaZulu Natal, are known simply as ‘the dragon mountain’ or Drakensberg.
The description is apt considering that the average height of this series of mountains is 2,900 metres, with some of the highest mountain peaks in Southern Africa rising as high as 3,482 metres. What makes it so popular, besides its sheer majesty, is its accessible plateau and the numerous passes and slopes that make for some of the best and most strenuous hiking in the province and possibly South Africa.
The Drakensberg is not only about its famous mountain peaks – Giants Castle, Cathedral Peak, Mont-Aux-Sources – it is also graced with a number of lower peaks known as the foothills of the Drakensberg. The entire Drakensberg is riddled with incredible waterfalls, rock pools, mountain streams, caves, crisp mountain air, and special spaces that draw both visitors to South Africa and locals alike.
Within the Drakensberg of KwaZulu Natal lies the 243 000 hectare mountain region that is also a world heritage site, known as Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Not only does it boast some of the most incredible scenic beauty, but it also has over 600 examples of San rock paintings in caves around the park.
Ixopo – Buddhist Retreat Centre
Perched on a ridge at the head of a valley in the Umkomaas River system in KwaZulu-Natal, the Buddhist Retreat Centre looks out on a vista of indigenous valleys, forests and rolling hills receding like waves in the blue distance. Here, for more than 20 years people of all religions have come to experience peace and tranquillity. It is a gentle, sympathetic space where one can be still and get in touch with oneself and reflect on the things that crowd one’s life. CNN featured the BRC as one of the 10 finest meditation centres in the world.
For upcoming retreats, visit https://www.brcixopo.co.za/
