Last Updated on March 5, 2024 by Lauren Melnick
This KZN guide was created in collaboration with South Africa Tourism. I hope you enjoy this roundup of some of the best things to do in KwaZulu Natal!
Like its rolling hills, towering mountains, and spectacular coastline, KZN is a province with endless layers.
While Durban usually steals the spotlight, it’s one of the least interesting parts of KZN.
Beyond the borders of Durban is where you’ll find the heart of KwaZulu Natal. The foothills are home to historical battles, while the coastline boasts some of the best scuba diving and whale watching in the country.
Further inland, you can explore Zululand and experience some of the most beautiful and unique vistas of South Africa.
The best part, though?
There is an entire food, craft beer, and gin scene brewing in the background.
I’ve explored different parts of KZN throughout the years, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned about the province, it’s that it is the epitome of “choose your own adventure”.
No matter what your travelling style, whether you’re a foodie, culture lover, history buff, or adrenaline junkie, there is something for you!
So without further adieu, here are some of the best things to do in KZN!
Psst…Want more KZN travel inspiration? Check out these other posts:
- The Ultimate iSimangaliso Wetland Park Travel Guide
- The Best Drakensberg Hikes That’ll Take Your Breath Away
- Babanango Game Reserve: Where Conservation & Community Meet
- Hiking the Mnweni Circuit: A Spectacular 3-Day Drakensberg Hike
- The Perfect Itinerary for an Epic South Africa Road Trip
- The Best Game Reserves in KZN for an Unforgettable Safari Experience
Table of Contents
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Adventurous Things to Do in KZN
- Book a Sunset Game Drive Through iSimangaliso Wetlands Park
- Dive With Sea Turtles at Sodwana Bay
- Camp on Top of the Highest Waterfall in Africa
- Drive to the Top of Sani Pass
- Book a Whale Watching Tour in St. Lucia
- Feel The Need for Speed With a Quad Biking Tour
- Hike into The Drakensberg Searching for Ancient Rock Paintings
- Go on Safari in South Africa’s Oldest Game Reserve
- Get a Dose of Adrenaline at Oribi Gorge
- Things To Do In KZN For Foodies And Coffee Lovers
- Fun Things To Do In KZN For History & Culture Lovers
- Off-The-Beat, Quirky And Alternative Things To Do In KZN
- Where to Stay in KZN
Adventurous Things to Do in KZN
Let’s start with my firm favourites. A visit to the province would be woefully incomplete without some of the top adventurous things to do in KZN on your itinerary.
Book a Sunset Game Drive Through iSimangaliso Wetlands Park
“iSimangaliso? Don’t know her.”
If that thought went through your head after reading the title, I’m stoked to introduce you to one of South Africa’s gems. The wetlands park is our first UNESCO World Heritage Site and stretches from St. Lucia to the Mozambique border.
Over the last couple of decades, iSimangaliso has re-introduced naturally occurring wildlife to the area, making it a unique safari destination.
On the Eastern Shores, you’ll drive past herds of grazing buffalo, zebra, rhino, and elephants and stop for lunch on the beach at Mission Rocks.
On the Western Shores, you’ll find more wildlife like giraffe, duiker, nyala, wildebeest, and more!
Want to improve your chances of spotting game without the hassle of driving yourself? One of the best things to do in St. Lucia is a sunset game drive with Heritage Tours.
You’ll stop for sundowners at a scenic lookout point and get to drive back to your hotel at dusk when the nocturnal creatures start to stir.
Read More: The Ultimate Isimangaliso Wetland Park Travel Guide
Dive With Sea Turtles at Sodwana Bay
Sodwana Bay is one of the top scuba diving destinations in South Africa and one of those places to go in KZN you need to visit at least once.
Time your trip up the north coast right, and you’ll be in time for the sea turtle nesting and hatching season.
Sign up for a midnight patrol with Ufudu Tours, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of an endangered loggerhead or leatherback laying her eggs!
P.S. November to March is the best time to catch a glimpse of the sea turtles.
Read More: The Ultimate South Africa Bucket List: 40+ Amazing Places to Visit
Camp on Top of the Highest Waterfall in Africa
What’s better than hiking to the top of the highest waterfall in Africa? Camping.
Wake up to a spectacular sunrise over Tugela Falls (if you’re lucky, you might see a cloud inversion) and explore the plateau of the Amphitheatre to your heart’s content.
You can buy your camping permits from Witsiehoek Lodge, and while the hike is possible to complete in a day, turning it into a one-nighter is an excellent introduction to multi-day hikes in the Drakensberg.
P.S. I run a Tugela Falls Overnight Hike trip. You can sign up for the waiting list here.
Read More: Hiking Tugela Falls: Africa’s Highest Waterfall
Drive to the Top of Sani Pass
Okay, so the end of Sani Pass isn’t technically in KZN, but the beginning of it is!
Sani Pass is a hair raising mountain pass with death-defying switchbacks that will take you into the Kingdom of Lesotho.
To conquer the pass, you’ll need a 4×4 and a passport. You won’t be allowed on the road without one, and if you do manage to sneak past, the chances of your car falling off the road is pretty high.
You’ll go through a border post at the bottom of the pass and again once you reach the top.
12/10 recommend staying at Sani Lodge Backpackers to watch the sunrise! You’ll get an epic birds-eye view over the spectacular Drakensberg mountains, and you can visit the highest pub in the world.
Book a Whale Watching Tour in St. Lucia
Did you know that St. Lucia is the best place in South Africa for whale watching?
Yup. It’s even better than Hermanus.
You’ll see higher numbers of whales here than further down the coast and a variety of species.
If you’re lucky, you might spot orcas, sperm, pilot, and humpbacks with their calves all in a single day!
Feel The Need for Speed With a Quad Biking Tour
I don’t have the greatest balance, which is why quad biking always makes me break out in a sweat.
While I might not be the fastest driver, I always end up enjoying the experience!
If you want to tackle some quad biking tracks, pull through to High Stakes in Cato Ridge. Your guide will take you on a trail to suit your level, and you can put the bikes to the test.
Other activities on the property include:
- Paintball
- Archery
- Motocross
- Ziplining
- Clay pigeon shooting
Hike into The Drakensberg Searching for Ancient Rock Paintings
The Drakensberg is one of those bucket list destinations in South Africa you can keep visiting and always find something spectacular.
Whether you’re hiking the towering Mnweni Pass, summiting Mafadi (the highest peak in South Africa), or conquering day hikes, the views never disappoint.
But inside Giant’s Castle (one of the best places to visit in the Drakensberg), you can combine the mountain range’s meandering pathways with its rich history.
Book a rock painting tour, trek one hour into the wilderness, and you’ll soon find 6,000-year-old art from the Khoi San.
The paintings are beautifully preserved, and your guide will teach you the meanings behind each figure and its importance to the Khoi San.
For example, did you know only women could paint with yellow?!
Read More: The Best Drakensberg Hikes That’ll Take Your Breath Away
Go on Safari in South Africa’s Oldest Game Reserve
I went on my first Hluhluwe-Imfolozi safari in 2019, and boy, did I fall hard.
It’s the oldest national park in South Africa (only 1hr 15min from St. Lucia) and is famous for its widely successful rhino conversation project.
With its proximity to the coast, you get a lush tropical game drive. It’s a stark contrast to the scenery you’d find in Kruger National Park, making it a unique safari destination in Kwazulu-Natal.
Book a half-day or full-day game drive with Heritage Tours & Safaris, or go on a self-drive.
Read More: The Best Game Reserves in KZN for an Unforgettable Safari Experience
Get a Dose of Adrenaline at Oribi Gorge
Fun fact: Greg and I had part of our first date at Oribi Gorge.
We went on a week-long road trip together, and our first stop was going on a game drive through Lake Eland and ziplining past herds of giraffe.
Other adrenaline-inducing activities include:
- The Gorge Swing: You’ll leap off Lehr’s Waterfall in Oribi Gorge. It’s the highest swing of its kind in the world.
- Abseil: Go down a 110m cliff face alongside Lehr’s waterfall.
- The Suspension Bridge: Walk along the 84-metre bridge, suspended 100 meters above the Gorge floor.
- Water Rafting: Choose from a day trip or opt-in for a two-day water rafting experience.
All these activities are available through Wild 5 Adventures!
Things To Do In KZN For Foodies And Coffee Lovers
Alright, let’s move onto KZN activities for foodies.
Here’s what to do in KZN if your number one travel priority is stuffing your face and sipping your way through a destination.
Get Your Caffeine Fix With a Coffee Tour at Beaver Creek Estate in Port Edward
Ever wondered what goes into making the perfect cup of joe? Then pull through to Beaver Creek Estate, the southern-most coffee estate in the world and book a coffee tasting tour.
Led by Jeff Stopforth, the current South African latte art champion, you’ll learn how the beans of a tiny red fruit turn into a delicious cup of coffee.
From growing the plants to harvesting and brewing a bean from decaf to a dark roast.
At the end of the tour, you can indulge in a bottomless coffee tasting of locally grown, signature, and single-origin blends.
P.S. Ask for the sea horse latte art!
Enjoy Lunch With a View at Blueberry Cafe Along the Midlands Meander
The Midland Meander is a foodie paradise. You could plan your whole trip around eating your way through the famous Nottingham Road, and your taste buds will never get bored.
The creme-de-la-creme of the foodie scene? Blueberry Cafe on Netherwood Farm.
It’s one of the best things to do in the Midlands!
The property has a beautiful backdrop of the Drakensburg mountains.
Especially the bathroom, seriously, it gets a 12/10 for the loo with the ultimate view!
Not only is the food delicious, but you can also feast your eyes on all the trinkets for sale and the decor. There is something to ogle at no matter where you sit.
Oh, and did I mention there are alpacas!?
Feast on All Things Nougat at Wedgewood Nougat
While artisanal delights are the name of the game along Nottingham Road, the foodie paradise has a worthy contender yapping at its heels – Howick.
Located on Birnamwood Road, Wedgewood Nougat is a must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Indulge in nougat ice cream, biscuits, and stock up on a wide range of mouth-watering flavours such as:
- Mint and dark chocolate
- Almond and milk chocolate
- Cranberry and almond
Sip on a G&T or Four at Nottingham Road Brewery
To me, there’s no better way to explore the Midlands Meander than with a belly full of delicious food and a boozy drink in hand.
The Nottingham Road Brewery offers another one of my favourite things – gin tastings.
For RX, you get to sample 4 different gin flavours:
- Rasberry
- Blueberry
- Grapefruit
- Standard gin and tonic with a slice of cucumber
For beer drinkers, you can opt-in for a tasting of their craft brews as well.
Taste Zulu Blonde Beer in Eshowe
If you’re from the UK and a frequent patron of pubs, you’ve probably heard of Zulu Blonde Beer.
Since launching in 2010, the brew is stocked in more than 800 pubs in the United Kingdom!
The brewery is also the smallest on the KZN Brew Route and deserves a spot on any beer lovers KZN itinerary.
Fun Things To Do In KZN For History & Culture Lovers
Want to brush up on your KZN history and learn about Zulu culture? I have some bad news, KZN might have too much to offer to visit in a single visit.
But if you’re up for the challenge, here’s what to do in KZN for history and cultural goodness.
Visit The Spion Kop Battlefield in the Drakensberg
What do Gandhi, Winston Churchhill, and Louis Botha all have in common?
All three of these important historical figures were at the battle of Spion Kop in 1899.
Imagine if something had happened and one of them perished? Imagine how that would have altered the history of not only South Africa but the world.
Your guide, Raymond (who owns Spion Kop Lodge), will take you on an insightful tour, re-telling all the astonishing events leading up to the British going to war with South Africa.
As you learn about the war’s historical significance, you’ll explore the battlefield and see the memorials honouring the fallen soldiers buried in unmarked graves.
Visit Fort Nongqayi for a Dose of Zulu History
For history nerds like myself, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Fort Nongqayi.
Built in 1883, the fort was never completed because the powers that be ran out of money.
Hey, at least it shows governments have never been good at managing money, even in the 1800s.
Inside the fort, you’ll find the History of Zululand museum, a must-visit cultural attraction in KZN. Your guide will take you through each exhibit, teaching you about the important events and people who altered the course of history.
The thing which blew my socks AND shoes off?
There was a white Zulu chief! John Robert Dunn had 42 wives, over 100 children, and some of his descendants still live in the area.
Stop By The Valley of The Kings in Eshowe
The Spirit of eMakhosini is a memorial to the seven fallen Zulu kings buried in the valley below.
A giant traditional Zulu beer pot marks the spot, and a diorama shows the kings’ burial sites.
While you’re there, you can visit Mgungundlov, the Royal Residence of King Dingane (the half-brother who murdered King Shaka) and kwaMatiwane, where Piet Retief and his men were killed and buried.
Of course, this is only touching the surface of the KZN battlefields route. Some of the other notable sites include:
- Gqokli Hill
- Hlobane and Devil’s Pass
- Rorke’s Drift
- Blood River
- Isandlwana
Visit The Nelson Mandela Capture Site
It’s time to brush up on your South Africa history, kids!
The Nelson Mandela Capture Site is an important place to visit in KZN for locals and tourists alike.
Our first democratically elected president was driving along the road on 5 August 1962, pretending to be a chauffeur for Cecil Williams. The Apartheid police were tipped off Mandela (who had evaded capture for 17 months) would be passing through and arrested him.
Today, there is a visitor centre and a shape-shifting sculpture to mark the site of his arrest. The museum is beautifully curated and tells the story of Mandela’s life and his 27-years in prison.
Tickets start at R100 for adults.
Go on a Zulu Village Walking Tour in the Drakensberg
I’m not a fan of village walking tours, but Elijah from Siyaphambili Tours changed my mind!
In 2-hours I learnt so much about Zulu history and culture, and got to see how a grassroots initiative like this can have such a powerful impact on the local community.
Elijah uses funds from his tours to help with various projects. For example, he has helped build two classrooms made from recycled materials and you can see how passionate he is about his home and work.
Part of the village walk includes a stop at the Sangoma. We learnt all about the different types of Sangomas, how the calling works, and how to spot a fake one.
Off-The-Beat, Quirky And Alternative Things To Do In KZN
While sightseeing in the province is more often than not restricted to the main attractions in KwaZulu Natal like Durban, there is a bucketload of offbeat things to do in KwaZulu Natal that most locals and tourists don’t take advantage of.
Wondering what to do in KZN, that’s a bit more off the beaten track? Add these things to your list!
Get High at the Dlinza Forest Aerial Walkway in Eshowe
Eshowe is a beautiful place to visit in KZN, and the Dlinza Forest gives you a chance to explore its beauty at dizzying heights.
…And you’ll get a history lesson along the way…
As you walk along the aerial walkway, your guide will tell you how the famous Shaka Zulu used the forest to hide women and children in times of war.
The forest is also the final resting place of another Zulu king, and there are various walking trails on the forest floor for your frolicking pleasure.
If you’re looking for lesser-known attractions in KZN to visit, be sure to give Dlinza Forest a try!
Explore The Smallest Desert in The World in Port Edward
Looking for things to do in Port Edward?
The Red Desert is the town’s unusual claim to fame.
Located along the South Coast, you’ll find the world’s smallest desert 10-minutes inland.
The red soil (only 200 meters in diameter and a total of 11 hectares) looks like a mini Arizona Desert. Legend has it it’s the site of an alien landing, but the truth is way less exciting.
Due to overgrazing by some stolen cattle and the wind, the terrain became eroded and led to the area’s desertification.
The entrance fee is R30, and you can buy a ticket by scanning the QR code next to the gate on arrival.
Spot The Mysterious Serpent Beast of Howick Falls
Love your local folklore? Then Howick Falls is right up your alley.
The Zulu people named the 300 feet waterfall, KwaNogqaza, which means the “Place of the Tall One”. According to legend, a beast with a serpent’s body and a horse-sized head lurks in the falls’ basin.
While there is a viewing platform for the falls if you want to go monster hunting, opt for the Howick Falls Gorge Walk. It’s an easy hike that will take a little over an hour to get to the bottom.
Read More: 15+ Wonderous Waterfalls In South Africa That Will Make Your Jaw Drop
Go On a Budget Adventure at Ngodini Bunduz
Ngodini Bunduz is a 40-minute drive from Eshowe and isn’t the kind of place you would find in a stock-standard South Africa Lonely Planet guide.
It’s an adventure and games campsite offering everything from outdoor massages, paintball, river tubing, quad biking, and more!
Once you’ve worked up an appetite, you can chow on a delicious nyama choma (the chakalaka here is perfection!) and have a few shots at the on-site bar.
Psst…If you’re looking for more of a party vibe, visit the Bunduz on the weekend!
Where to Stay in KZN
Here are some of my favourite places to stay in KwaZulu-Natal.
Fordoun Hotel and Spa in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands: Fordoun is an award-winning 5-star luxury boutique hotel. Expect a delicious menu (vegan options aplenty!), luxurious suites, room service, a spa with saunas, a weightless pool, and all the treatments your heart desires.
Bababnango Valley Lodge in Eshowe: Tucked away in the foothills of Eshowe, Babanango Valley Lodge is a luxury safari lodge in the heart of Zululand. It’s an incredible place in KZN to spend a night or three. The lodge is a community project and is in the process of becoming a Big 5 game reserve.
Read More: Babanango Game Reserve: Where Conservation & Community Meet
Mantis and Moon Backpackers in Umzumbe: Stay in a 360-degree glass treehouse with nothing but the lush South Coast forest surrounding your chalet. At Mantis and Moon you’ll fall asleep to the sound of the ocean and be a short walk from one of the best Blue Flag beaches in South Africa.
Read More: 10 Of The Best Backpackers In South Africa
Giant’s Castle in the Drakensberg: Giant’s Castle Reserve is home to no cellphone or WiFi signal. While you can’t check your emails, you can wake up to the spectacular Drakensberg mountain range and explore the numerous day hikes crisscrossing the reserve.
Spion Kop Lodge in the Drakensberg: For history buffs, you don’t want to miss out on staying at Spion Kop Lodge. It’s the best place to base yourself to explore the battlefield of Spion Kop and other important historical areas. And it doesn’t hurt the food here is scrumptious!
What are some of your favourite places to visit in KZN? Did I leave out any good ones? Hit ya gurl up in the comments below!
If you like it, then you should put a pin on it!
Gava H says
The eats looks yummy. 😋 Wedgewood Nougat and Road Brewery have sparked my Appétit. Feel like eating.
lauren says
The nougat is a 12/10!