Traveling in Zululand promises to be one of the greatest holiday experiences of your lifetime. Abundant wildlife, unique and diverse cultural heritage and over a hundred kilometres of coastline make this 'The Heart and Pulse' of the Zulu Kingdom.

 

 

Zululand is a vast land of bush, forests and lakes stretching from the Tugela River to the Mozambique border. Activities in the area include fishing, game viewing, birding, hiking, golfing, cultural villages, 4x4 trails, abseiling, rapp jumping, kite boarding, kayaking, rock-climbing, river rafting etc.

Humpback Whales migrate from the south to Madagascar from May to September each year. Boat tours to view these magnificent creatures can be arranged.

Sodwana Bay with its many exciting coral reefs and outstanding climate, has distinguished itself as one of the premier sport diving destinations in the world. This resort, set in a sheltered bay on the Maputaland coast attracts many visitors all year round to discover its many hidden treasures. The marine reserve protects a great diversity of marine flora and fauna including branching, table and plate corals, overhangs, drop-offs and mushroom rocks forming spectacular reefs that support hundreds of species of fish. Night dives are organized through the dive concessionaires and scuba diving equipment is available for hire. The coastal forest and dunes are rich in cultural history with evidence of ancient shell middens still found along the coastal dunes.

The Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park (was Hluhluwe-Umfolozi) was once the exclusive hunting ground of King Shaka. It is set between two mighty rivers in the heart of the Zulu Kingdom where ancient trails lead through evocative thornveld terrain and weave over hills that speak of the history of the Zulu people. Proclaimed in 1895, it is the second oldest game reserve in the world and the most famous in Kwa-Zulu Natal. It was initially managed as two reserve: Hluhluwe in the north and Imfolozi in the south but has now merged to form the super safari reserve known as Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park.

Located 280km north of Durban, Hluhluwe-Imfolozi is a 96000 hectare wildlife reserve that has a tropical climate and offers phenomenal game viewing. Home to the 'Big Five' and has been instrumental in the rehabilitation of the white rhino which was previously faced with extinction. It is also home to the critically endangered black rhino.

Hluhluwe is well known for its rich Zulu culture and beautiful arts and crafts found here. This region is an ecotourist's dream destination.

The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park (Isimangaliso Wetland Park) is South Africa's third largest conservation area and consists of 13 protected areas. The major components are Lake St Lucia, Mkhuze Game Reserve, The St Lucia Marine Reserve, Sodwana Bay National Park, Lake Sibaya and the Kosi Bay Nature Reserve. The St Lucia Estuary within the park was proclaimed as a World Heritage Site as it is home to five distinct and very sensitive ecosystems.

The 'Zululand Birding Route' has been established due to this area being a birding diversity hotspot - more than 600 species recorded!! 63 Southern African endemic or near-endemic species are present, making this region a must on any birders' wish list.

A network of 14 self-drive routes offer a range of great birding localities that will thrill even the most seasoned birder. For convenience these have been grouped into 3 regions: North East Zululand, North West Zululand and South Zululand.

Zululand Birding Route has an experienced network of local guides available for birders to use at very affordable rates. Not only do the guides know the area which is invaluable for finding those special and elusive bird species, they will also introduce you to the fascinating world of Zulu culture. By making use of the guides, you are not only supporting them but also the conservation of the area and the local community.

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