Title: Visit KwaZulu-Natal: 2026 Travel Guide for KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa | Expedia.com [KwaZulu-Natal Hotels](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-KwaZulu-Natal.d6051470.Hotel-Destinations)[Vacation Rentals in KwaZulu-Natal](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-KwaZulu-Natal.d6051470.Vacation-Rental-Destinations)[KwaZulu-Natal Flights](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-KwaZulu-Natal.d6051470.Flight-Destinations)[Things to do in KwaZulu-Natal](https://expedia.com/Things-To-Do-In-KwaZulu-Natal.d6051470.Travel-Guide-Activities)[Car Rentals in KwaZulu-Natal](https://expedia.com/Destinations-In-KwaZulu-Natal.d6051470.Car-Rental-Destinations)[KwaZulu-Natal Vacations](https://expedia.com/KwaZulu-Natal.d6051470.Destination-Travel-Guides) # KwaZulu-Natal ## South Africa ![Drakensberg Mountains which includes tranquil scenes, a small town or village and mountains](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6051541/f5d6ecad-aa1f-43aa-b48a-bcaa949cc829.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Durban showing a city, a high rise building and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1073/4f421e62-58b6-4d10-889d-4c520a664869.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Durban featuring a city, a marina and a bay or harbor](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1073/826be33f-bc6e-4a22-ab52-9b3d3be1dd8b.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Durban showing a luxury hotel or resort, a sandy beach and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1073/871debce-d2b0-4fde-ad01-abf882e8df1f.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) ![Durban which includes aircraft, an aircraft and general coastal views](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1073/14d3c75f-8e22-48db-9094-a8c19d6ab078.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh) #### This coastal province is known for its UNESCO World Heritage national parks, marine reserves, white-sand beaches and cosmopolitan cities. Natal, better known as Kwazulu-Natal, is a diverse province on the east coast of South Africa known for its wildlife parks, historic cities and pristine beaches. Explore rolling hills and farmland around the 19th century city of Pietermaritzburg, and soak up the beaches and city life of Durban. One of the largest nature reserves in South Africa is located along the province’s coast. Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, today known as iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage national park teeming with wildlife. See crocodiles, whale sharks, hippos, lions, coral reefs and more than 500 bird species. Take a game fishing trip along the coast to hook that Marlin of your dreams. Keen scuba divers won’t want to miss Sodwana Bay, one of the best dive sites in the country. Kwazulu-Natal is home to the Zulu tribe, the largest ethnic group in South Africa. Discover the Zulu culture on a tour of a village and visit the KwaZulu Museum at Ondini to see their craftwork, dress and weaponry. Get an insight into the San (Bushmen) culture at the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountains, where 4,000-year-old paintings adorn the rock faces. The best way to get around the province is by rental car, as public transport is generally not considered safe for tourists. Use taxis in the city. Kwazulu-Natal’s two largest cities offer culture, fine dining, historic architecture and parks. The capital Pietermaritzburg’s attraction lies in its 19th century architecture and museums. Learn about the Zulu culture, browse art galleries and take a walk through the surrounding farmland. Durban is an oceanfront city with shopping, live music, waterparks, casinos and zoos. See wildlife in the city at Durban’s Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary. The Mitchell Park Zoo is home to monkeys, racoons and antelopes. See snakes from South Africa at Durban’s Fitzsimons Snake Park. Its proximity to the coast means Kwazulu-Natal is known for its seafood-influenced cuisine. Try authentic street food such as Bunny Chow, curry served in a hollowed out loaf of bread. Finish the day with a locally brewed beer from one of several breweries around Kwazulu-Natal. ### Popular cities in KwaZulu-Natal [Durban Known for Beaches, Sea and Relaxing ](https://expedia.com/Durban.dx1073) The third-largest city in South Africa is an inviting coastal playground famous for its beaches, surfing and cosmopolitan vibe. ## Reasons to visit - uShaka Marine World - Durban Beach - Moses Mabhida Stadium [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Durban.dx1073)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Durban-Hotels.d1073.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [uMhlanga Known for Luxury, Entertainment and Cocktails ](https://expedia.com/UMhlanga.dx12095) Come to trendy uMhlanga and enjoy its cafes, entertainment, and spas. ## Reasons to visit - Umhlanga Rocks Beach - Gateway Theatre of Shopping - Umhlanga Main Beach [Explore City](https://expedia.com/UMhlanga.dx12095)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/UMhlanga-Hotels.d12095.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [St. Lucia Known for Beaches, Wildlife and Recreation ](https://expedia.com/St-Lucia.dx6124931) This small town on South Africa’s Elephant Coast is famous for its wildlife and outdoor adventures near the spectacular iSimangaliso Wetland Park. ## Reasons to visit - St. Lucia Estuary Beach - St Lucia Crocodile Centre [Explore City](https://expedia.com/St-Lucia.dx6124931)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/St-Lucia-Hotels.d6124931.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Ballito Known for Sea, Relaxing and Swimming ](https://expedia.com/Ballito.dx6051613) Come to relaxing Ballito and enjoy its whale watching, surfing, and adventures. [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Ballito.dx6051613)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Ballito-Hotels.d6051613.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Scottburgh Known for Relaxing, Sea and Sharks ](https://expedia.com/Scottburgh.dx6195875) Come to relaxing Scottburgh and enjoy its diving, golf, and beaches. [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Scottburgh.dx6195875)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Scottburgh-Hotels.d6195875.Travel-Guide-Hotels) [Margate Known for Beaches, Sea and Relaxing ](https://expedia.com/Margate.dx2280) Relax on the beautiful beaches, swim in the pristine water and learn to surf in this luxury oceanfront town on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. [Explore City](https://expedia.com/Margate.dx2280)[Find Hotels](https://expedia.com/Margate-Hotels.d2280.Travel-Guide-Hotels) ## Cities in KwaZulu-Natal ![Durban showing night scenes, general coastal views and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1073/e2a737ea-95cc-4104-886f-8544696176bb.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Durban The third-largest city in South Africa is an inviting coastal playground famous for its beaches, surfing and cosmopolitan vibe. ![St. Lucia which includes a city and street scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6124931/c27f1583-a774-4f2c-a327-0843c62ce239.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### St. Lucia This small town on South Africa’s Elephant Coast is famous for its wildlife and outdoor adventures near the spectacular iSimangaliso Wetland Park. ![Margate featuring a garden, a coastal town and tropical scenes](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2280/12fb5fd4-e5d1-4add-8662-ae5d2b4f2c72.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Margate Relax on the beautiful beaches, swim in the pristine water and learn to surf in this luxury oceanfront town on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast. ![Pietermaritzburg which includes heritage architecture, a church or cathedral and a city](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2924/64244f3e-1977-49d6-a298-6dc5570a2366.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Pietermaritzburg The "City of Flowers" is known for its colonial charm, gardens, historic buildings and rich mix of Zulu, Indian, Boer and British cultures. ![Hluhluwe showing land animals and zoo animals](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/1482/6d313747-b67b-4016-a033-1938a3739e67.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Hluhluwe Located on the Elephant Coast in KwaZulu-Natal, this small town is known for its natural diversity, national parks and recreational activities. ![Richards Bay featuring a bay or harbor and a house](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/2954/e93e7378-8792-4ec6-823a-522ab9e30a83.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=512&h=288&q=medium) ### Richards Bay On South Africa’s northeast coast is a busy port town, with picturesque wetland scenery, wildlife, sweeping beaches and abundant watersports. ![](https://a.travel-assets.com/mad-service/footer/bnaBanners/BEX_Footer.jpg) ## Go further with the Expedia app Save even more - get up to 20% on select hotels when you book on the app. Our app deals help you to save on trips so you can travel more and manage it all on the go. 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