If you’re looking for exciting things to do in KwaZulu-Natal, you’re in for a treat.
This province is renowned for its stunning beaches, thrilling safari parks, lush green hills, and extensive sugar cane and banana plantations. But that’s not all – KwaZulu-Natal has a diverse landscape featuring everything from beautiful beaches to towering mountain ranges.
Beyond its natural beauty, this region boasts a vibrant cultural heritage that adds depth and intrigue to your visit. Whether you’re an adventurer, nature lover, or culture enthusiast, KwaZulu-Natal has various activities to explore. Make sure you also discover the most romantic getaways in KZN.
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1. Karkloof Canopy Tour
Nestled in KwaZulu-Natal’s Midlands, the Karkloof Canopy Tour offers thrilling outdoor escapades.
Drivers begin with safety briefings and gear preparation, then hop on a 4×4 to reach the valley’s peak. The adventure starts from elevated launch platforms, where you glide on steel cables amidst lush trees.
Guides ensure your safety as you travel the canopy, revealing splendid forest views, a 20m waterfall, and a pristine stream below. Pause on platforms to soak in nature’s wonders, like giant ferns and incredible birdlife, including the elusive narina trogon and energetic samango monkeys.
Stay refreshed with included drinks. Book ahead for timed tours. Alcohol isn’t allowed before driving.
Pack warm clothes, comfy shoes, and rain gear, and arrive 15 minutes early. Get ready to swing through the treetops in the unpredictable Karkloof wilderness.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Address: Karkloof Rd, Howick, 3290, South Africa, Midlands
Contact: 076 241 2888
2. Mavela Game Lodge
Embark on a thrilling adventure at Mavela Game Lodge, nestled within the Manyoni Private Game Reserve. Climb aboard a custom 4×4 Toyota Land Cruiser, guided by an expert. During the 3-4 hour journey, spot remarkable wildlife and learn about the surrounding ecosystem. Expect close encounters as your guide ventures off-road for the best views.
The morning safari starts just before sunrise. Dress comfortably in layers and don a broad-brimmed hat as days can warm up.
Afternoons offer another game drive tailored to your group’s interests, with a twilight stop for drinks. As night falls, seek elusive nocturnal creatures equipped with blankets and ponchos.
Mavela also offers walking safaris led by skilled guides. These 3-hour treks allow you to appreciate nature’s details, from tiny creatures to ancient cultural beliefs, and perhaps even track the Big 5. A walking safari replaces a vehicle-based one but is a must-try.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:00 am – 7:00 pm
Address: Mavela Game Lodge Manyoni Private Game Reserve
Contact: 035 940 0996
3. Rickshaw Ride along the Beachfront
Experience the charm of a beachfront rickshaw ride in Durban. Adorned with intricate bead headdresses, the 20 skilled rickshaw pullers showcase local culture. Feel the excitement while exploring aboard ‘tuk-tuk’ style 3-wheelers.
They unveil the 6-kilometre Golden Mile along Durban Beachfront to enhance city transport. A Zulu cultural gem, these rickshaws embody tradition, embodying the unique nature of KwaZulu-Natal.
Amid the ride, encounter Zulu artisans peddling hand-crafted treasures, enriching the beachfront journey.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 7:30 am – 5:00 pm
Address: Durban beachfront, Durban
Contact: 031 332 5671
4. Farewell Square
Farewell Square, nestled in historic Durban’s heart, traces the city’s humble beginnings.
In the early 19th century, it served as the save-haven of Durban, emerging from a settlement of traders and hunters. The square takes its name from the illustrious Francis Farewell, a prominent figure of that era.
The surroundings reveal captivating landmarks, notably the 1910 City Hall, an exquisite replica of Belfast, Ireland’s counterpart, gracing the southern edge. Within City Hall, the Natural Science Museum beckons with its intriguing insect collection on the first floor, while the celebrated Durban Art Gallery awaits on the same level.
Every Wednesday, the City Hall steps come alive with melodies and dances. Adjacent stands Durban’s local history museum, residing in the venerable Old Court House, the city’s inaugural public tower, constructed in 1866.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, All hours
Address: 1105 Church St, Durban Central, Durban
Contact: 031 304 4934
5. Phezulu Game Estate
Discover the allure of Phezulu Game Estate, your private haven within the historic Valley of 1000 Hills. Craft your ideal family dwelling, boasting panoramic views and timeless charm.
Revel in hikes, bike rides, wildlife spotting, 4×4 trails, and serene sunsets. Unwind as indigenous creatures graze amidst the estate foilage.
Phezulu suits families and retirees, offering a secure lock-up-and-go lifestyle without high walls. Enjoy nature’s embrace and relish unique attractions, from 4×4 game drives and Zulu cultural displays to a crocodile and snake park. Savour eclectic dining, interesting crocodile feasting, and the finest KZN curio shops at Phezulu Safari Park.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm; Saturday – Sunday, Closed
Address: 9 Mountain Rise Rd, Phezulu, Outer West Durban
Contact: 031 777 1464
6. Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary
The Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary calls nature lovers with its unmatched charm. This beloved destination boasts expansive, glistening waters embraced by lush green meadows.
While one side of the sanctuary contains beautifully manicured gardens, the other features touch native woodlands.
Wander through the tranquil 30-minute self-guided path through the heart of the forest. Here, you can marvel at various winged wonders as the sanctuary shelters around 150 bird species. Keep your eyes peeled for the elegant spurwing geese, white-faced duck, the stealthy greenback heron, the majestic giant kingfisher, and the distinctive hamerkop. Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, where nature’s melodies fill the air, is a paradise for bird enthusiasts.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 6:00 am – 6:00 pm
Address: 61 Umdoni Rd, Amanzimtoti
Contact: 031 903 1203
7. Bierfassl Restaurant & Pub
Discover Bierfassl Restaurant & Pub, founded in 1999 amidst the Midlands of KwaZulu-Natal. A charming Austrian-themed haven awaits, offering robust meals that satisfy diverse palates. As you relish Bavarian, Austrian, and provincial delights, little ones revel in the kids’ zone.
Explore over 35 global brews, including local drafts from Nottingham Road Brewery, with delightful wines as savouring options.
Attention, dog lovers! Uncover the doggy menu under the menu tab.
The restaurant is pet-friendly, with kids’ entertainment, live music and televised sports. Engage in wine, beer, and gin-tasting sessions.
Breakfast tempts with cinnamon-tinged pancakes and bacon-cheese-mushroom omelettes. Indulge in a mature beef fillet crowned with mushroom-bacon essence—Savor Tomahawk steak garnished with fried onions. The Viking burger reigns—beef, chicken-pineapple, spare rib, wild boar-cranberry choices abound.
Taste Austrian wonders, including Huhnerschitzel, Jager Schnitzel, and Oktoberfest baby chicken.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 9:00 pm –
Address: Rawdons Estate R103 KZN Midlands, Nottingham Road
Contact: 033 266 6320
8. The Valley of a 1000 Hills
The Valley of 1000 Hills, surrounded by the Mngeni River, is a breathtaking masterpiece. Nestled between Durban and Pietermaritzburg, this valley is not just about stunning landscapes.
It celebrates KwaZulu-Natal’s unspoiled beauty, wildlife, culture, history, and vibrant spirit.
Sitting between the urban sprawl of Durban and Pietermaritzburg, this valley is a meeting point for the Umgeni and Msunduzi rivers, offering unrivalled natural splendour.
This region also holds a rich tapestry of culture and history, once home to Zulu tribes and, later, the scene of fierce battles during the Boer and British territorial disputes. Today, battlefield tours and local museums are poignant reminders of the sacrifices made for this extraordinary land.
The Valley of 1000 Hills unfolds its beauty between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, with folded hills extending endlessly.
Be sure to experience charming villages, art galleries, country pubs, nature reserves, and farms set against breathtaking vistas.
Opening hours: Monday – Sunday, All hours
Address: 47 Old Main Rd, Bothas Hill, Durban
Contact: 0313222854
9. The Talana Museum
Located within a 20-acre heritage park amid the historic Talana battlefield, the Talana Museum stands as a tribute to the growth of the coal-mining town of Dundee.
It houses various exhibits spanning war, agriculture, mining, industry, and daily life. The museum rests at the foot of the eponymous hill, Talana, meaning ‘the shelf where precious items are stored’ in Zulu.
Situated just beyond Dundee’s charming town, it proudly holds Grade 1 listed status, with some structures dating back to the founding of South Africa.
Wander through displays unveiling the daily routines of early settlers, insights into the lives of Zulus and Bushmen, and local industrial heritage from the Consol Glass Collection and Corobrick.
Take advantage of the self-guided trail on the Talana battlefield or optional audio tours of neighbouring battlefields like Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift. The museum offers experienced guides, plus a restaurant and curio shop.
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, 7:30 am – 4:30 pm; Saturday – Sunday, 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Address: R33, Dundee, KwaZulu-Natal
Contact: 034 212 2654
10. Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market
Hidden in Shongweni Valley, the Shongweni Farmers & Craft Market overlooks Kirk Falls. Every Saturday and the last Sunday, the market comes alive.
Local vendors offer fresh produce, deli treats, crafts, and art. Live music from talented artists like Qadasi and Tanner Wareham adds to the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a family-friendly space where kids can play freely and enjoy activities like train rides and pony adventures.
There’s even a nature trail for those seeking experience. For adults, the Standing Room in the main hall offers our craft beer and gin. Come rain or shine, the market is open undercover and fully wheelchair accessible, inviting all to savour the Shongweni experience.
Opening hours: Saturday, 7:00 am – 1:00 pm; Sunday, 8:00 am – 1:00 pm
Address: 457 Mr551 Rd, Shongweni Resource Reserve, Shongweni
Contact: 031 777 4686
