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Interesting places to visit in KwaZulu-Natal

Writer's picture: HAPPINESS NOSIPHO MBATHAHAPPINESS NOSIPHO MBATHA

Updated: Feb 15, 2021

KZNSA Gallery

Gazing at art is the right kind of escape you need from the city and there are plenty of spaces in Durban to do that. The KwaZulu Natal Society of Arts or KZNSA Gallery has different gallery spaces (Main, Mezzanine and Park) that allow for grand and intimate exhibitions. If you interested in artistic expressions then you might want to consider stopping by at this gallery. Visit their website for exhibitions and opening hours.



Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary

If you are interested in bird watching then Amanzimtoti is the place for you. You can see as many as 150 bird species at the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary while walking through one of the three bird hides found here. There is also a forested self-guided trail where you will be surrounded by indigenous trees and a pond where to watch waterfowl in their element. The landscape gardens are also great reason enough to visit.



Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve

The Beachwood Mangrove Nature Reserve is a magnificent spot to enjoy nature. This nature reserve is only open for a half-day once a month so treat yourself to its system of trails and spot mudskippers, fiddler crabs and different birds. It’s opened every third Saturday from 08:00 to 13:00 and bookings prior to your visit are required.



KwaMuhle Museum

What was once the Native Administration Department is now the KwaMuhle Museum where you can get a chance to learn about the history of Durban’s urban residents and the interactions between the city’s cultures. The department was known for its labour control system and the museum’s main attraction, ‘The Durban System’, shows this. There are photographs of early township life, cultural organisations and groups and the history of black political trade unions.



Durban Natural Science Museum

It might be South Africa’s smallest natural science museum, but it turned 130 this year and will educate many about the past of our natural environment for years to come. There are fascinating displays like the almost complete skeleton of the dodo and the life-size T-rex model. The museum also has the largest collection of birds in Africa and a display of 750000 identified insect species.



uShaka Marine World

A trip to KZN is incomplete without spending a day at the 40-acre uShaka Marine World theme park. The park has four sections, the highlight of which is uShaka Sea World. It is the fifth-largest aquarium in the world, designed around five shipwrecks where you can go scuba diving and participate in other fun activities. uShaka Wet ‘n Wild features the highest water slide in the southern hemisphere. uShaka Beach is a sandy beach with a large pier that goes out into the ocean, and finally, uShaka Village Walk simulates an African village with restaurants, cafés, and other shops.



KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board boat tour

While in Durban, why not stop by Umhlanga and join the KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board crew for a boat tour on an early morning? Enjoy watching the safety system at play and learn about sharks, and you may even get to see dolphins, turtles, and rays. This a great why to explore the underwater life, so if you are feeling adventurous this tour should be on top of your list.



Umhlanga Lighthouse from Lighthouse Bar

The lighthouse in Umhlanga is always a glowing fascination to visitors. Located on the premises of The Oyster Box hotel, Lighthouse Bar is a colorful establishment with a fantastic view of the Umhlanga Lighthouse and the beach. Try their signature drink, the Umhlanga Schling, made with ingredients unique to Durban such as cane sugar and cane spirit. This one of the best ways to view the beautiful lighthouse structure with cocktails on the side.



Dine at The Cargo Hold

If you choose to visit uShaka Marine World, make sure to reserve a table for lunch or dinner at The Cargo Hold. Located on board the infamous Phantom Ship, where guests can dine in style surrounded by the deep blue in one of Durban’s most remarkable settings. Enjoy some of the spiciest, fruitiest, and most exotic flavors procured from the freshest produce in KwaZulu-Natal. Sample expertly prepared meals while witnessing the beautiful ocean view and the sharks swimming in the tank. Try the grilled crayfish or langoustines, a mouthwatering dish prepared with herbs, spices, lemon, and olive oil.



Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World

Located at the northern end of the Golden Mile, Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World is a complex that houses cinemas, many restaurants, a beach bar, its own semi-private beach and of course, a casino. A great spot to spend time with friends, this casino also offers both smoking and non-smoking areas where you can test out your luck in a comfortable environment.



Swing into Moses Mabhida Stadium

One of the host stadiums for the 2010 World Cup, this multipurpose sporting arena has evolved into a venue for a variety of surprising activities. A particular highlight, if you’re feeling brave, is the appropriately named Big Rush Big Swing, where you can strap yourself in and dive 80m (263ft) to experience the world’s biggest swing (as recognised by the Guinness Book of Records).



The Dolphin Coast

This is one of South Africa's most popular and most beautiful holiday spots. Situated on the East Coast north of Durban offers wonderful holidays and has provided fond memories for countless South African and International holidaymakers. The beautiful region stretches from the Tongaat river south of Ballito to the Umhlali river, with numerous resorts along the coast. This is a great escape and an ideal spot for relaxation.



Umhlanga Rocks

Umhlanga Rocks is a very popular holiday resort, just 17km (10 miles) north of Durban. Umhlanga is also home to the Natal Sharks Board which regularly prepares interesting audio-visuals, lectures, shark dissections and other demonstrations to the public.



The Drakensberg

Drakensburg is a scenic, breathtaking beauty and one of the most popular destinations in the country. Mountain peaks rise above dense forests to deep valley and cascades feed clear streams. This spectacular region includes uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with basalt peaks that are some of the highest in the country and San (Bushmen) rock paintings, as well as Royal Natal National Park with the Amphitheatre, a five-kilometer-long rock wall with one of the world's highest waterfalls tumbling from above.



Sodwana Bay National Park

On the Elephant Coast, Sodwana Bay National Park is one of South Africa's best diving destinations. Part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the reserve lies on the shores of the Indian Ocean with South Africa's southernmost coral reefs shimmering just offshore with schools of colorful fish. Divers can see caves, pinnacles, and both hard and soft corals, as well as an incredible array of aquatic life, including lionfish, crayfish, moray eels, rays, and many species of sharks.



The KwaZulu-Natal Battlefields Route

During the 19th century, central Zululand, now part of KwaZulu-Natal, was the site of many historic battles between the Zulus, Boers, and British. Today, sightseers can explore this rich history on the Battlefields Route. Knowledgeable guides take visitors to see battle sites, museums, memorials, forts and share fascinating details and descriptions of these historic events. A visit to this route is a great way to learn about the Anglo Zulu war.



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