KwaZulu-Natal, one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations, is the province with the second largest population. This verdant region includes South Africa’s lush subtropical east coast. Washed by the warm Indian Ocean, it stretches from Port Edward in the south, and northwards to the Mozambique boundary. In addition to the magnificent coastline, there is the sweeping savanna in the east, and the majestic Drakensberb mountain range in the west that offers some of the country’s most awe-inspiring landscapes. Within the area is a vast 243 000-hectare sweep of basalt summits and buttresses. This section was formally granted World Heritage status in November 2000, and was renamed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. Visitors can enter the province through the King Shaka International Airport at La Mercy, north of Durban or use the extensive national road network. There are also two major harbours – the port of Durban, which is one the busiest in Africa, and Richards Bay, which is an important coal-export harbour. There are several tertiary institutions of learning, such as the University of KwaZulu-Natal and the Durban Institute of Technology. KwaZulu-Natal is the only province with a monarchy specifically provided for in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996.

Durban North

Durban North is a large upmarket suburb spreading from Durban's Umgeni River to lavish La Lucia in KwaZulu-Natal Province. Most of Durban North overlooks the Indian Ocean which is within walking distance from many parts. Gateway Mall in neighbouring Umhlanga, is a big attraction, as are two thrilling casino complexes - Sibaya just beyond Umhlanga and Suncoast "down the road" on Durban Beachfront.
The views from the beachfront make the Dolphin Coast a relaxation destination and the sight of bottlenose dolphins playing in the Indian Ocean is worth the trip, no matter the distance travelled to get to the Durban North Coast. Beachwood Golf Course in Durban North is one of the finest links courses in the country, the municipal Windsor Park Golf Course is just on the other side of the Umgeni, and a few kilometres from there is Durban Country Club Golf Course which often hosts the SA Open.
Most of this beautiful part of the world was once a coastal dune forest system and there are still parts of it preserved in the Mangrove Swamps, and the Umgeni Bird Park bears testimony to the number of birds attracted to the area.

Durban is the hub of business and social activity in the province and is the most rapidly growing urban area in KwaZulu-Natal. The port of Durban is the busiest in Africa with good links to the rest of the continent. Durban has excellent entertainment centers and theatres and boasts the largest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere.
The city is known for its beautiful lively beaches and is surrounded by quaint resort towns for quick getaways. Durban is made up of several "sub-towns" and suburbs. Pinetown, The Bluff, Umhlanga, and Westville are all major suburbs that form part of the city of Durban. English is widely spoken and understood and is one of the official languages of the Province.

Although the beachfront pulls thousands of Jo’burgers down to “Durbs” every year, the city’s main interest lies in its gritty urbanity. There is a seemingly endless struggle to reconcile competing cultures. Durban’s second-largest group is its Indian population, whose mosques, bazaars and temples are juxtaposed with the Victorian buildings of the colonial centre. The bustling harbour area is always photogenic and the swanky northern suburbs are packed with fashionable cafés, restaurants and bars.

Pietermaritzburg

Since 1838 the town of Pietermaritzburg was the Capital of Natal. Today the Provincial Capital of KwaZulu-Natal has grown in size and number. This town sits on one of the great natural wonders of KwaZulu-Natal, The Valley of a Thousand Hills. Pietermaritzburg is an ideal place to stop and rest en route to Drakensburg and the Battlefields.

One of the toughest marathons in the world takes place between the cities of Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Alternating where the race starts each year. One year you run downhill and the next year, you run uphill. It makes no difference which city you start the race, either way it's a grueling 90km run. Surprisingly, Pietermaritzburg is one of the most Victorian cities in the world.

Howick

This quaint town just outside of Pietermaritzburg is known for its dairy farming, cattle ranching and timber plantations. Here, you will find elite residential homes and retirement villages. Howick is a prosperous place and is ideal for people looking to settle in a quiet town surrounded by vast green lands.

Hluhluwe

Home to the Big Five, Hluhluwe is the tourist point of the northern regions of KwaZulu-Natal. It boast two of the most prominent nature reserves, Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park and St Lucia Reserve. Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Park is flocked by tourists each year. This Big Five safari game lodge has luxury tented camps and is KwaZulu-Natal's focal point for exclusive game viewing.

St. Lucia

The Town of St.Lucia is nestled on the mouth of the grand St.Lucia Estuary and is located on the southernmost point of St.Lucia Wetlands Park. The town on the whole has not many things to offer the traveler, but is an ideal base to explore a number of adventure activities around the area. Whale-watching, biking, hiking, kayaking and wildlife safari tours are all enough to make your stay in the town of St.Lucia more than worthwhile!

Umhlanga Rocks

It is debatable whether or not Umhlanga is a town on her own or forms part of the city of Durban. Be that as it may. Umhlanga Rocks is 20 kilometres from the city centre of Durban. It is a well-known sea-side town/suburb with elite residential homes and prominent business offices.

Some of KwaZulu-Natal's most beautiful beaches and holiday accommodation in Umhlanga can be found here. The area is famous amongst surfers and water sports enthusiasts. And is home to the largest shopping mall in the Southern Hemisphere, The Gateway Theatre of Shopping.

Richards Bay

This bay sits on KwaZulu-Natals fertile South Coast. Richards Bay was originally a holiday town but is now a well developed port. There are direct rail connections for mining exports, particularly coal. Birds are attracted to the area because of the abundance of fish and other sea creatures.

Scottsburgh

Scottsburgh is a popular sunny resort along the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, initially the town was to be used as a bay to export sugar, but this plan was not fruitful as it offered no shelter from rough seas. In 1892, a lighthouse was built in Scottsburgh to mark the abundant shoal of fish in this particular coastline. Scottsburgh today, is a busy resort town and trading centre. It has fine beaches with strict shark-protected tidal and bathing areas, a breeding farm for crocodiles and small railway and coastal forest bird watching opportunities.