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Nature-lover’s delight
KwaZulu-Natal Zululand
Shakaland é uma atração popular de Zululand.
© South African Tourism
Did you know?
The Zululand attraction, Shakaland, was originally built as part of the Shaka Zulu movie set.
KwaZulu-Natal's Zululand extends from the Dolphin Coast at the Thukela River mouth to just past Richards Bay and inland to Paulpietersburg. Zululand attractions are diverse and include the Zulu culture, a rich birdlife and several game and nature reserves. As such, experiencing Zulu customs, game viewing and birding are popular Zululand activities.
While the Zulu culture can be enjoyed at destinations across South Africa, none is as poignant as the heart of the Zulu kingdom in KwaZulu-Natal's Zululand. Here you can not only experience traditional Zulu hospitality, but also partake in the colourful customs of this renowned African nation.
Visit Shakaland and Dumazulu to be a part of an authentic Zulu wedding; assist with the daily chores around the village or visit a local sangoma (traditional African healer). Venture into the townships on a township tour to see how people have adapted their age-old traditions to suit modern living.
Stop off at Melmoth to visit the Valley of the Kings - the birthplace of King Shaka and the site of several Zulu kings' graves.
Zululand boasts a wealth of natural biodiversity. The Zululand Birding Route guides twitchers seeking out its 650 recorded bird species, either through self-drive or guided tours. The Dlinza Nature Reserve is a particularly popular birding spot.
There are dozens of other nature and game reserves in this region, ranging from coastal and sub-tropical forested reserves along the coast to game reserves in authentic bush settings further north.
Undoubtedly one of the region's biggest attractions is the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park. The park is the oldest on the continent and home to Africa's famous Big 5. It offers game drives, self-drive game routes, guided walks and fantastic wilderness trails that provide an intimate bush experience.
Round off your Zululand expedition with a visit to Richards Bay. This delightful coastal town boasts beautiful beaches and stunning wetland scenery.
Travel tips & Planning info
Who to contact
KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority:
Tel: +27 (0) 31 366 7500
Email: kznta@iafrica.com
Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife:
Tel: +27 (0) 33 845 1000
Email: webmail@kznwildlife.com
How to get here
Fly from any of South Africa’s major cities to King Shaka International Airport.
If you’re driving, from Johannesburg take the N3 freeway to Durban and then the N2 highway up the coast to Richards Bay. From Cape Town, take the N2 motorway past Durban to Richards Bay.
Tours to do
Valley of the Kings at Melmoth; walking trails in the Entumeni Forest; wilderness, walking and game trails and drives in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park; Empangeni Arts and Cultural History Museum at Empangeni; Richards Bay; the Zululand Birding Route; Zulu cultural villages and Anglo-Zulu War battle sites.
What to eat
Traditional South African fare at Zululand’s game reserves, authentic Zulu cuisine at cultural villages throughout the region and during the Reed Dance Festival.
What's happening
Annual Zulu Reed Dance Festival at points throughout the region in September.
Best buys
Zulu curios at cultural villages like Shakaland and Dumazulu.