⚠️ SAFETY WARNING: Due to high crime rates and potential for civil unrest, government agencies (including the US, UK, and Australia) advise travelers to reconsider travel to this region. Durban city center and specific areas require high vigilance. Families are strongly urged to consult their own government's official travel advisory before considering a trip, as circumstances and risk assessments vary.
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) offers a diverse mix of beach, bush, and berg (mountain). The Drakensberg Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage site perfect for active families. Resorts here cater specifically to children with horse riding, tubing, and guided hikes to see San rock paintings. The Falcon Ridge Bird of Prey Centre puts on spectacular flight shows that educate kids about raptors.
On the coast, the climate is subtropical with warm winters. Durban is the central hub, home to the Golden Mile beachfront and uShaka Marine World, which houses the southern hemisphere's largest aquarium and a massive water park. While the city center requires caution, the northern resort towns like Umhlanga and Ballito offer secure promenades, tidal pools, and family-oriented hotels.
Further north, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a unique ecosystem where you can see whales offshore and hippos in the estuaries on the same day. The nearby Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is the oldest proclaimed nature reserve in Africa and is famous for its rhino conservation efforts. It provides a more hilly, lush safari landscape compared to Kruger.
Click a region to explore
Activities & Best Times
Hiking, wildlife, outdoor exploration, ecotourism
Home to the UNESCO-listed Drakensberg mountains and iSimangaliso Wetland Park, offering world-class hiking and unique subtropical safari experiences. Winter months provide dry, clear conditions ideal for wildlife viewing and mountain trekking, while summer brings heavy humidity and mountain storms.
Urban tourism, museums, historical sites, architecture
Durban offers a distinctive blend of Zulu heritage and colonial history alongside a world-class culinary scene and botanical gardens. The mild winter and autumn months provide pleasant walking weather, whereas the peak summer months are excessively humid and rainy.
Sport tourism, fitness activities, active recreation
Boasts significant infrastructure for hiking, canopy tours, and world-renowned cycling routes in the Midlands. The dry winter season is optimal for endurance activities to avoid the intense heat and afternoon thunderstorms common in the summer.
Beach resorts, marine activities: diving, snorkelling, kite surfing, wind surfing, sailing
Features iconic coastal areas like the Golden Mile and iSimangaliso's pristine beaches with warm Indian Ocean currents year-round. Autumn and spring offer the best balance of warmth and low rainfall; summer months are hampered by high precipitation and tropical humidity.
Scenic drives, countryside tours, route-based travel
Famous routes like the Midlands Meander and Sani Pass provide diverse landscapes and high-quality rural infrastructure. Peak months offer the best visibility and road safety, particularly for the challenging Sani Pass, which can become treacherous during the summer rains.
Learning experiences, scientific sites, historical education
Includes unique marine research facilities like the Sharks Board and Sea World, though they are secondary attractions for international visitors. Best visited during the cooler, drier months for comfort when navigating the indoor/outdoor campus layouts.
Events, celebrations, seasonal attractions
The annual Sardine Run is a globally unique marine event occurring in mid-winter that attracts wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. This is a highly specific seasonal phenomenon with limited appeal outside the June and July window.
Amusement parks, family entertainment venues
uShaka Wet 'n Wild and Splash Waterworld offer regional family entertainment, though they lack the scale of international mega-parks. The mid-year months offer pleasant temperatures for water parks without the intense rainfall of the peak summer season.
Attractions (60 total)
Road Trips & Scenic Drives
Battlefields Route
Estcourt
Approximately 500km circuit (3-5 days), paved main roads with some well-maintained gravel access. Covers 82 historic sites including Isandlwana, Rorke's Drift, and Spion Kop through dramatic savanna and hill country.
Visit website →Midlands Meander
Howick
80km network of scenic routes (1-3 days), paved surfaces. This premier arts and crafts route features rolling green hills, artisan studios, the Howick Falls, and the Nelson Mandela Capture Site.
Visit website →Sani Pass
Himeville
9km steep ascent (3-4 hours), gravel/rocky track (STRICTLY 4WD ONLY). The highest pass in South Africa, climbing 1,332 vertical meters to the Lesotho border with hair-raising switchbacks and alpine scenery.
Visit website →Oliviershoek Pass (R74 Scenic Drive)
Bergville
45km mountain pass (1-2 hours), paved. High-altitude scenic road connecting KwaZulu-Natal and the Free State, offering spectacular views of the Northern Drakensberg and Sterkfontein Dam.
Visit website →The Elephant Coast Route (N2 and R22)
St Lucia
240km coastal drive (2-4 days), paved. Connecting the iSimangaliso Wetland Park to Kosi Bay, passing through diverse ecosystems including coastal forests, wetlands, and pristine sandy beaches.
Visit website →Valley of a Thousand Hills (1000 Hills Experience)
Botha's Hill
60km scenic drive (half to full day), paved roads. Winding route along the Old Main Road (M13/R103) offering panoramic views of the Umgeni River valley and traditional Zulu culture villages.
Visit website →Art Gallery / Fine Art Museum
Durban Art Gallery
Durban
Housed within the majestic Durban City Hall, this gallery showcases extensive collections of African and international art, ranging from historical artifacts to contemporary pieces.
Visit website →Tatham Art Gallery
Pietermaritzburg
One of South Africa's leading regional art museums, it features a diverse collection of British, French, and South African art within a beautifully restored Victorian building.
Visit website →KZNSA Gallery
Durban
This vibrant contemporary art space offers rotating exhibitions, a design shop, and an outdoor cafe, making it a hub for local creativity.
Visit website →Phansi Museum
Durban
Located in a historic Victorian house, this museum preserves a world-class collection of traditional Southern African beadwork, wood carvings, and cultural artifacts.
Visit website →Botanical Garden / Formal Gardens
Durban Botanic Gardens
Durban
Africa's oldest surviving botanical garden, featuring a world-famous collection of rare cycads, an orchid house, and lush lawns perfect for family picnics.
Visit website →KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden
Pietermaritzburg
A historic garden established in 1874, best known for its iconic century-old avenue of London plane trees and its focus on conserving eastern South African flora.
Visit website →Beach / Coastal Recreation Area
Durban Golden Mile
Durban
A famous 6-kilometer stretch of sandy beaches and a paved promenade perfect for surfing, swimming, and coastal strolls.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
St Lucia
A UNESCO World Heritage site offering pristine coastal landscapes, massive sand dunes, and diverse wildlife from hippos to sea turtles.
Visit website →uShaka Marine World
Durban
A world-class marine theme park featuring a massive aquarium built into a shipwreck, water slides, and dolphin shows.
Visit website →Cape Vidal
St Lucia
A stunning beach destination within a marine reserve known for its high vegetated dunes and excellent snorkeling during low tide.
Visit website →Umhlanga Rocks Promenade and Lighthouse
Umhlanga
A popular coastal walkway featuring the iconic red-and-white lighthouse and the architectural 'whale bone' pier.
Science Museum / Natural History Museum / Discovery Centre
Durban Natural Science Museum
Durban
Located within the historic City Hall, this museum features impressive life-sized dioramas, a rare dodo skeleton, and a popular Tyrannosaurus Rex replica.
Visit website →KwaZulu-Natal Museum
Pietermaritzburg
One of South Africa's top national museums, it houses extensive natural history collections, including life-sized mammal displays and significant cultural heritage exhibits.
Visit website →St Lucia Crocodile Centre
St Lucia
An educational discovery center located at the gateway to the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, dedicated to the biology and conservation of crocodiles and local wetlands.
Visit website →Farm Park / Petting Zoo / Rural Experience
Flag Animal Farm
Ballito
The largest animal rescue farm in the province, offering interactive animal encounters, pony rides, and extensive play areas for children.
Visit website →Phezulu Safari Park
Bothas Hill
A cultural and wildlife park offering insight into traditional rural Zulu life alongside a reptile park featuring crocodiles and snakes.
Visit website →Piggly Wiggly Country Village
Lions River
A quintessential country experience featuring a variety of craft shops, a farm stall, and family activities set against a scenic rural backdrop.
Visit website →Duck 'n Deck Animal Farm
Bothas Hill
A relaxed animal farm providing a variety of friendly farm animals to feed, exotic birds, and a tea garden in a tranquil valley setting.
Visit website →Swissland Cheese
Lidgetton
A charming alpine-style goat farm in the Midlands where visitors can feed goats and sample award-winning artisanal cheeses.
Visit website →Hiking & Cycling Routes
Giant's Cup Trail
Underberg
59km moderate 5-day hike with 2,300m elevation gain. This is the Drakensberg's premier managed long-distance trail, winding through the foothills of the southern uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park.
Visit website →Karkloof MTB Trails
Howick
100km+ network of easy to expert mountain bike trails with varied elevation gain. Features world-class singletrack through mist-belt forests. Bike rental: Karkloof Country Club (karkloofclub.co.za).
Visit website →Sentinel Peak and Tugela Falls Hike
Phuthaditjhaba
12km moderate to challenging 6-hour day hike with 600m elevation gain. Features chain ladders and provides access to the top of the world's tallest waterfall. Guided tours: Drakensberg Hiker (drakensberghiker.co.za).
Visit website →Cathedral Peak Hike
Winterton
19km challenging to expert 9-hour day hike with 1,600m elevation gain. A iconic non-technical peak climb offering 360-degree views of the central Drakensberg.
Visit website →Holla Trails
Ballito
360km network of easy to expert cycling routes and trails through sugar cane farms and coastal forests. Elevation varies by route. Bike rental: Sugar Rush Park (sugarrush.co.za).
Visit website →National Park / Nature Reserve
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Hluhluwe
Africa's oldest proclaimed nature reserve, world-renowned for its white rhino conservation efforts and spectacular Big Five safari opportunities.
Visit website →Royal Natal National Park
Bergville
Located in the northern Drakensberg, this park is home to the world-famous Amphitheatre, a spectacular five-kilometer-long rock wall.
Visit website →Giant's Castle Game Reserve
Estcourt
A premier hiking destination in the central Drakensberg known for its dramatic mountain scenery and ancient San rock art sites.
Visit website →Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
Port Shepstone
A breathtaking canyon carved out of sandstone, offering dramatic views, diverse birdlife, and family-friendly forest trails.
Visit website →Castle / Palace / Historic Site
Isandlwana Battlefield
Nquthu
The site of the historic 1879 Anglo-Zulu War battle, featuring distinct white stone cairns set against the dramatic sphinx-shaped Isandlwana Hill.
Nelson Mandela Capture Site
Howick
A world-class heritage site featuring an iconic laser-cut steel sculpture of Nelson Mandela against the scenic backdrop of the Natal Midlands.
Visit website →Rorke's Drift Battlefield
Dundee
A historic mission station and museum commemorating the famous defense of the outpost during the Anglo-Zulu War.
Fort Nongqayi Museum Village
Eshowe
A white-walled fort built in 1883 that now houses a museum complex showcasing Zulu culture, papyrus weaving, and colonial artifacts.
Blood River Heritage Site
Dundee
A unique historic site featuring 64 life-size bronze wagons arranged in a defensive laager formation, commemorating the 1838 battle.
Visit website →Ondini Cultural Museum
Ulundi
The reconstructed royal capital of King Cetshwayo, offering a glimpse into the traditional architecture and history of the Zulu Kingdom.
Talana Museum
Dundee
A sprawling museum park located on an 1899 battlefield, featuring exhibits on military history, coal mining, and glass blowing.
Visit website →Zoo / Wildlife Park / Safari Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park (St Lucia Estuary)
St Lucia
This UNESCO World Heritage site offers boat tours to see massive hippopotamus and crocodile populations in a unique estuarine environment.
Visit website →Crocworld Conservation Centre
Scottburgh
A family-oriented conservation park featuring large crocodile enclosures, bird aviaries, and a snake park set in botanical gardens.
Visit website →Natal Lion Park
Camperdown
A convenient day-trip safari destination where visitors can see lions, elephants, and other African wildlife in a natural setting.
Visit website →PheZulu Safari Park
Bothas Hill
Families can enjoy traditional Zulu culture alongside crocodile and snake parks with breathtaking views of the Valley of 1000 Hills.
Visit website →Landmark / Monument / Iconic Urban Attraction
Moses Mabhida Stadium
Durban
An iconic sporting landmark known for its massive 106-meter arch and the SkyCar which offers panoramic views of the city and coast.
Visit website →The Golden Mile
Durban
Durban's iconic beachfront promenade featuring wide sandy beaches, surfing spots, and a vibrant urban atmosphere for families.
Major International Festival / Cultural Event
Sardine Run
Margate
June to July, multi-week duration, natural migration of millions of sardines attracting predators like whales, sharks, and dolphins. Known as the 'Greatest Shoal on Earth,' it draws thousands of international divers and photographers. Families can enjoy boat-based viewing tours, beach festivals, and educational marine exhibits.
Visit website →Historic Town / Village / Cultural Area
Shakaland Zulu Cultural Village
Eshowe
A living museum offering an immersive Zulu cultural experience with traditional dancing, spear-making, and beehive-style huts.
Visit website →Dumazulu Traditional Village
Hluhluwe
The largest Zulu kraal in Zululand where visitors can learn about traditional basket weaving, beadwork, and social hierarchies.
Visit website →Aquarium / Sea Life Centre
uShaka Sea World
Durban
One of the world's largest underground aquariums, built inside a massive shipwreck with glass viewing tunnels and diverse Indian Ocean marine life.
Visit website →KwaZulu-Natal Sharks Board Maritime Centre of Excellence
Umhlanga
A unique marine education center providing insights into shark conservation through a specialized museum and informative educational displays.
Visit website →Adventure Park / Outdoor Activity Center
uShaka Wet 'n Wild
Durban
A world-class water park featuring the highest slide in Africa, diverse river rides, and swimming pools within the uShaka Marine World complex.
Visit website →All Out Adventures
Bergville
A family-focused activity center in the Northern Drakensberg offering cable tours, a 'bungee bounce', and internationally recognized mountain bike trails.
Visit website →Big Rush Big Swing
Durban
The world's highest stadium swing, launching from the iconic arch of the Moses Mabhida Stadium with views over the Indian Ocean.
Visit website →Drakensberg Canopy Tour
Cathkin Park
A high-altitude zipline experience in the Central Drakensberg, providing bird's-eye views of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg World Heritage Site.
Visit website →Karkloof Canopy Tour
Howick
An eco-adventure through the second-largest indigenous forest in South Africa, featuring steel cables and wooden platforms 30 meters above the forest floor.
Visit website →Wild 5 Adventures
Port Shepstone
Located at Oribi Gorge, this center offers the world's highest gorge swing, a 165-meter suspension bridge, and zip-lining over dramatic cliffs.
Visit website →Natural Feature / Scenic Site
Howick Falls
Howick
A magnificent 95-meter waterfall easily viewed from a public platform, ideal for a quick and scenic family stop in the Midlands.
Water Park / Splash Park / Aquatic Centre
Splash Waterworld
Amanzimtoti
A vibrant beachside water park offering a variety of speed slides, tube rides, and dedicated shallow pools for younger children.
Visit website →