KwaZulu Natal Travel Map
KwaZuluNatal Province in South Africa can be divided into the North Coast (above Durban, and including the Elephant Coast), the South Coast (below Durban), and the interior which incorporates the Drakensberg, Midlands, Battlefields and Zululand.
Geographically, KwaZulu Natal is sub-tropical along the low-lying coast, extending inland to a region characterised by plains and rivers, and then to the two mountain ranges of the Drakensberg in the west and the Lebombo Mountains in the North. Enjoy a safari in KwaZulu Natal at the world-famous game reserves of Hluhluwe and Umfolozi where you can encounter the renowned Big Five. The Natal Parks Board played a significant role in the conservation of South Africa’s wildlife by saving the white rhino from extinction. Travel up the Elephant Coast and explore iSimangoliso World Heritage Site (formerly the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park.)
History lovers will enjoy a journey back in time at the battlefields of Isandlwana and Rourke's Drift where the historic battles were fought between the British and the Zulus. The Anglo Boer war was fought from Spioenkop and Ladysmith to Talana at Dundee. Those with anthropological leanings can visit tribal villages, which offer a glimpse into Zulu culture and traditions.
For those who enjoy active, fun and sun-filled holidays, Durban and the North and South Coasts of KZN offer beautiful beaches, ideal for surfing, snorkelling, and fishing, swimming and diving holidays. The balmy KwaZulu Natal climate and pleasant water temperatures are ideal for year-round, out-of-door adventuring. uShaka in Durban is a wonderful marine world centre for families, offering education, entertainment, shopping and loads of water-based fun for all ages. Whales and dolphins are sighted off the coast, while in the north the beaches attract rare and endangered turtles, which lay their eggs in the warm golden sands.
Looking for great golfing in KwaZulu Natal? There are more than 60 superb golf courses particularly along the coast, including the famous Zimbali, Selbourne and Umdoni golf courses, as well as the Links course at Prince's Grant near Stanger.
Use our KwaZulu Natal map, and the information on specific KZN regions below, to plot your travels through the region. And wherever your KwaZulu Natal travels take you, Portfolio can guide you to the best, quality and luxury KZN accommodation in a range of B&Bs, guest houses, farm stays and safari lodges in this South African province.
Battlefields
The natural beauty of this region seems to clash with the fact that there has been so much bloodshed here. It is indeed amidst these picturesque hills and unique rock formations of this vast terrain that the mighty Zulu nation collided with the bullish British in a series of skirmishes that saw spear and firearm vying for victory. The Battle at Isandlwana changed the Empire when 1 700 British soldiers were wiped out by the Zulu army on 22 January 1879. Near Isandlwana, Louis Napoleon, heir to the French Bonaparte throne, died on patrol in 1879, ending the dynasty. Visit the Anglo Boer War sites of the Battle of Talana and Spioenkop and the Ladysmith Siege Museum. Stay at our quality Battlefields accommodation in Isandlwana and Dundee.
Drakensberg
Dragon Mountain, or Ukahlamba (barrier of spears) as it’s known in Zulu, is a basalt and sandstone barricade between the lush KwaZulu Natal coast and the drier interior. Most of the range forms part of the Ukahlamba-Drakensberg National Park where numerous hiking trails, fascinating San rock art, and wonderful game watching and birding prospects abound. Portfolio offers Drakensberg accommodation in Battlefields, Bergville, Champagne Valley, Kamberg Valley and Spioenkop.
Durban and Environs
Durban is the capital city of KwaZulu Natal, a vibrant city and popular tourist destination loved for its golden sands and warm ocean waves, beloved by surfers. Portfolio offers benchmarked quality Durban accommodation in Berea, Gillitts, Greyville, Kloof, Morningside, Musgrave and Westville.
Elephant Coast (Maputaland)
Extends from Kosi Bay to St Lucia: If lush, tropical vegetation comprising fig trees, ferns and forests of palms and evergreens, populated by colourful birds, is your idea of Paradise, you’ve found it on KZN’s Elephant Coast. Come and enjoy unspoiled natural beauty, encounter the Big 5, watch dolphins and commune with nature. Stay in quality and luxury Elephant Coast accommodation in Kosi Bay, Mkuze, Mtubatuba and St Lucia.
Midlands
The Midlands Meander is South Africa’s first and largest arts and crafts route, extending around 80 km from Pietermaritzburg to Mooi River. Along this route a miscellany of artists and craftspeople create and sell their wares – from weavers to potters to wine makers and more. While sojourning in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, why not stay at one of our benchmarked accommodation establishments at Curry’s Post, Howick, Mooi River, Nottingham Road or Rosetta.
North Coast (Dolphin Coast)
From Richard’s Bay to Kingsburgh: Where King Shaka consolidated his Zulu empire. The illegitimate son of a chief, Shaka grew into a redoubtable warrior and, when his father died in 1816, he took over as King. The story goes that his royal handmaidens gathered salt from the tidal pools along the North Coast while hundreds of bottle nosed dolphins played in the nearby waves. Today the handmaidens are gone, but the dolphins remain. There are numerous benchmarked North Coast guest houses, B&Bs and other accommodation options on our books – stay at any of the following places: Ballito, La Lucia, Salt Rock, Shaka’s Rock, Umdloti, Umhlali, Umhlanga Rocks and Zimbali Golf Estate.
South Coast
From Amanzimtoti to Port Edward: Once known by the Zulus as Ugu – the Edge of the Great Water - this 120 km stretch of coastline is widely known today as the Golf Coast due to its collection of eleven quality golf courses. Portfolio has a range of South Coast quality accommodation in places such as Amanzimtoti, Margate, Pennington, Port Edward and Southbroom.
Zululand
The traditional homeland of the Zulu nation – known as The People of Heaven. It comprises the Zulu-dominated region of the northern KwaZulu Natal province, extending along the coast of the Indian Ocean from the Tugela River in the south to the Pongola River in the north. Hluhluwe is a popular location for tourists and we offer a fine selection of Zululand accommodation in the area.
Contact Portfolio for all your KwaZulu Natal accommodation needs, advice and online bookings.