KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is not the wealthiest province in South Africa yet it offers visitors a wealth of memories, great photographs and the opportunity to see a large part of what South Africa has to offer in a short time space.
When I think of KZN, I see vast fields of sugar cane blowing in the warm summer breeze and white horses on the sea, as I look out from the main N2 road that extends from the south of KZN to the border with Swaziland.
KZN is home to the Zulu monarch and Zulu is the predominant language here. Famous as the birthplace and home of the almighty Zulu king Shaka Zulu, it is also home of the IFP and the infamous and controversial IFP leader
Buthelezi.
It was also home to Mahatma Gandhi for many years.
Against this rich historical backdrop KZN also hosts two world class sporting events: the world's longest and oldest ultra marathon of approximately 90 kilometres, the Comrades Marathon, and the Midmar Mile, the world's largest open water swimming event with 16,853 participants taking part in February last year.
On top of this KZN is home to the most diverse nature the country has to offer. World class game parks, fantastic coastline and a magnificent mountain range provide a nature experience like no other.
While this is not all KZN has to offer, it is what I am going to tell you about.
For if you have the great fortune to visit South Africa
it would be tragic if you missed out on the opportunities the wild side of KZN has to offer.
In order to see as many animals as possible you have to be lucky in large game parks like the Kruger as well as in possession of much patience and time, both of which are in short supply when travelling.
In order to see the largest number of animals in the shortest possible time my suggestion is to go to the Hluhluwe Umfolozi game park in the northern part of KZN, near the town of Hluluwe and very accessible as the roads here are excellent.
It is not as large as the Kruger, but it has the "Big 5" and everything else the Kruger has. So you get to see all the game (although the cats only show themselves to the select few) and do not have to spend days riding around with binoculars.
Game viewing is tough but rewarding. Nothing compares to the excitement of seeing your first elephant. While in the area I would suggest a visit to DumaZulu lodge to experience the traditional way of life.
Every tour finishes with what I consider the most amazing part of the whole experience, live Zulu dancing. Nothing is more enthralling than watching traditional African dancing. This is not the only place in KZN that offers this type of an experience so if you miss it here, there are a number of other tourist destinations that offer it.
One is PheZulu, much closer to Durban, located in the valley of a thousand hills, or Shakaland. Both offer the same experience as DumaZulu.
The KZN coastline is perfect for sun worshipping, swimming, surfing and diving as well as fishing. Most of the beaches along the KZN coast are fantastic.
When I was a child, my family used to spend our summer holidays in Sodwana Bay Nature Reserve, which is conveniently close to Hluluwe. While you are in the area visiting the game park and traditional village I would suggest a visit to Sodwana as well.
Sodwana is surrounded by coral reefs and is an excellent diving location.
Unfortunately it is also paradise for fishermen so at certain times of the year it is inundated with very fat men holding beers and fishing rods.
If you are a diver, though, Sodwana is a dream. The further north you dive, the closer to Mozambique you get and the more untouched the sea and beaches are. Often you are able to see turtle footprints in the sand.
During the summer months loggerhead and leatherback turtles come onto the Sodwana beaches to lay their eggs.
There is also an area where local ladies sell handmade crafts at bargain prices. Another attraction in the northern part of KZN is Ilala Weavers.
It is a curio store located within Hluhluwe village created to encourage self-sufficiency for the local community people.
The crafts available in this shop are of an excellent quality and no one goes in there and comes out empty handed.
The hand-woven baskets and traditional Zulu dolls are the biggest attraction.
Wherever I go in the world my traditional Ndebele doll purchased at Ilala accompanies me. If you are a lover of mountains, it would be a great idea to visit the range commonly known as the Drakensberg or uKhahlamba (meaning ‘barrier of spears' in Zulu).
It forms the border between South Africa and Lesotho. Besides excellent views, hiking and camping, the Drakensberg is also known for its rock art created by the bushmen many years ago.
Hiking through these mountains is a treat, especially in the summer months when it is so green it almost hurts your eyes. During summer, every day is hot, building up to a summer storm in the afternoon, usually accompanied with heavy rains and then wonderfully clear cool evenings.
KwaZulu Natal is truly the place where |my heart lies. I have been to many countries and have yet to find one with as much diversity and opportunity to see new things as KZN.
The province of my childhood will remain deeply rooted in my soul wherever in the world I live.
KZN is home to the most diverse nature the country has to offer
