Known for its coastal beauty, and awe-inspiring interior, KwaZulu-Natal is a definite winner when it comes to having fun in the sun for most of the year. Not only will you enjoy fresh seafood cuisines at almost every restaurant you visit, you’ll also have plenty of opportunities to enjoy amazing adventures for all ages.

1. Seafood

Apart from bunny chow (half a loaf of bread with a curry filling), eating seafood somewhere along the coastline of KwaZulu-Natal is highly advised.

• John Dory’s restaurant is very family-friendly with wonderful childrens play areas, and they have seafood options that range from sushi to shellfish.

• The Oyster Box Hotel provides a romantic, intimate experience, along with a gorgeous view, making it ideal for couples.

2. Sparkling Waters

With miles of coastlines to explore, numerous blue flag beaches and plenty of colourful coral reefs, the KZN coastline is perfect for sun worshippers. Water lovers should definitely indulge in activities like fishing, surfing, snorkelling, and scuba diving.

• The pier in Durban is ideal for strolling along hand in hand at sunrise, or sunset.

• Margate is a great destination for families, especially due to the Funworld entertainment complex that has putt-putt, dodge’em cars, arcade games, and children’s rides.

• Dive at Umkomaas, due to its proximity to Aliwal Shoal, which is rated as one of the top dive sites in the world.

• Shark cage diving at Aliwal is also an option for those after something more adventurous.

• A 12km horse riding trailing on Durban beach which ends with a sunset picnic is perfect for couples after romance, and families after fun. Horseback beach Adventures are the only licensed beach riding establishment in the Durban area.

3. Sanctuaries and Reserves

With both natural and protected sanctuaries scattered around, KwaZulu-Natal offers many fantastic opportunities to see game, spend time in the natural flora, hike, bird watch, and picnic.

• Nature lovers will definitively enjoy a stay at an accommodation within the world heritage site of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Here, early morning jogs will set your soul at ease, and you can often spot indigenous animals like hippos, warthogs, and buffalo. Even scuba diving is possible!

• KwaZulu-Natal National Botanical Garden in Pietermaritzburg is always a great day visit!

• Visit Karkloof Nature Reserve in Howick, don’t forget to try a Karkloof Canopy Tour and feel the wind on your face as you safely hurtle between the trees.

• Phezulu Safari Park is perfect for those hoping to experience a little bit of everything, as they offer accommodation, game drives, a reptile park, lessons in the medicinal plants of the area, and a traditional Zulu meal at the restaurant. While here you also have the chance to see the beehive huts of the Gasa clan, along with Zulu dancing. Find out more.

4. San Paintings

Don’t miss the chance to spot San paintings in the Drakensberg! The San were indigenous to the region, and co-existed alongside the other tribes in the area until the 19^th century. The San were fairly nomadic and their paintings dot the South African landscape, everywhere from the ocean shorelines to the highest peaks of the Drakensberg. Their paintings depict their daily life, the spiritual world, the prey and predators they had, and the environment that they lived in. All paintings were created through natural materials which gave the paintings vibrant hues of red, black, yellow, orange, and white.

• Cathedral Peak Hotel, set high within the Champagne Valley, is your best bet for accommodation while exploring the northern Drakensberg area for San paintings.

• Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse, in Giants castle Nature Reserve, is another great option in the southern Drakensberg.

5. Safaris

KwaZulu-Natal has some of the best reserves in the country, so definitely take this chance to go on a game drive or guided safari walk.

• Hluhluwe Game Reserve, just 3 hours outside of Durban, and 4 hours from Johannesburg, is your best bet for spotting the Big 5. The reserve was established in 1895, and is considered to be the oldest game reserve within South Africa; not many know that it was once the exclusive hunting grounds of King Shaka Zulu!

• Pakamisa Private Game Reserve is set within the Pakamisa Mountains, offers a luxury safari option along with game viewing on horseback.

What attractions in KwaZulu-Natal would you recommend?

Main image of Phezula Safari Park (C) LekkeSlaap.