Kwazulu Natal is another of South Africa’s provinces with a coastline and due to a coalition government has two capitals, namely Pietermaritzburg in the south and Ulundi in the north. The region’s largest city is Durban, which has long stretches of beachfront washed by the warm Indian Ocean and is extremely popular as a holiday destination.
Kwa Zulu Natal is also home to two of South Africa’s biggest harbours, with one situated in Durban and the other in Richard’s Bay. The latter is far smaller in comparison to Durban, but large minerals are mined here and the harbour specializes in the export of bulk goods, especially coal.
Due to high rainfall in the province, the area is one of the most lush and green in the country, with a landscape ranging from mountains, to hills and deep valleys. Some of the more famous peaks belong to the Drakensberg mountain range, where one can even find snow in winter. You will also find some of the best trout fishing in the various dams here, as the trout enjoy the icy weather.
The Natal Midlands are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the province, with a Midlands Meander that makes its way slowly through the countryside from one exquisite arts and crafts store to another. Other major towns in the surrounding area include Ladysmith, Newcastle and Estcourt.
The climate in KwaZulu Natal ranges from extremely hot and humid along the coast in summer to heavy snow in the mountains during winter. Umhlanga Rocks and Ballito are two of the more popular coastal resorts, as are Amanzimtoti and Margate. The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park is a world heritage site, as is the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park and there are several game reserves to be found in the region.
The main agricultural activities that take place in Natal include the cultivation of sugar cane and tropical fruit on the coast, with dairy, stock and vegetable farming prevalent further inland. Those who buy agricultural property here will also find forestry and tea plantations a popular form of investment in Kwazulu Natal. |
