Travelling to Zululand this tourism month? Below we have an extensive tourist attraction guide, highlighting things to do and places to see.
Zululand is an area in the northern inland part of KwaZulu Natal that is dedicated to the Zulu culture and heritage.
It extends north from the warm waters of the Dolphin Coast, towards the natural harbour of Richards Bay, then inland as it approaches the rural heart of the province, Paulpietersberg.
With its rolling sugar-cane fields and forests that extend seaward from the Drakensberg mountain range, the region's unspoiled beauty and abundance of natural wildlife is an intriguing destination to explore.
Zululand is a land of exquisite beauty and incredible diversity.
Speaking during the launch of Tourism Month at the Multimedia Centre in the eMakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park in uMgungundlovu on Thursday, September 12, MEC for KwaZulu-Natal Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs Rev. Musa Zondi revealed that this unique cultural and heritage destination has shown a steady increase in the number of tourists it has welcomed post-Covid-19, going from 305 018 visitors in 2022 to 364 160 in 2023.
“One of Zululand’s big attractions which I must mention is the eMakhosini Ophathe Heritage Park, which lies along the White Umfolozi River, not very far from where we are today.
This park was formed after the addition of the Emakhosini Valley, also known as the Valley of the Kings,” said Zondi.
“We are thrilled to be hosting a range of activities during Tourism Month which will showcase what KZN has to offer visitors. Our aim is to highlight KZN’s diverse natural, historical, and cultural heritage.
“It is critical that we promote geographic spread and position the Zululand district as the ‘must visit’ destination for visitors,” he added.
Here are some of the places you can visit in Zululand.
Watch wildlife at Ithala Game Reserve
Ithala Game Reserve is a game-viewing haven. Nestled in the Ngotshe Mountains, it has four of the Big Five and other African wildlife in areas of scenic beauty.
Some of the oldest rocks in the world (three billion years, so they say) are to be found here, and the bird list is long - and if you haven't yet got the elusive Narina trogon, head down to the picnic site by the Phongola River and wait.
One will eventually pitch up. Ithala has an excellent auto trail to facilitate visitors' game-viewing.
Located: Louwsburg, 3150.
Sip on coffee at Made at Home market
Made at Home is a well-established Eshowe tradition. Held every Saturday morning in the forecourt of the house belonging to local artist and potter Ilona and her husband Theo, it is part coffee shop, part lunch venue, part farmers’ market, and part street party.
You can buy farm-grown vegetables, homemade jams, kitchen-baked breads, cakes with hand-decorated icing, boxes of eggs, bottles of honey, and whole tables full of second-hand books.
Or you can simply sit, watch the world go by, and sip on a cup of tea or coffee.
Located: 9 Bulwer Street, Eshowe.
Take a walk at Mtunzini Beach
Mtunzini Beach is a unique destination for nature lovers. This hidden gem is perfect for anyone searching for simple beauty, quietness, and relaxation. Mtunzini offers amazing walks and has abundant birdlife.
The dunes and beach seemingly stretch forever, and the river meanders through the forest and pristine mangroves.
Only an hour and a half out of Durban, you can enjoy the wildlife around you and take a stroll along the pristine beach or through the lush vegetation and absorb that feeling of being far away on holiday with all your worries melting away.
Visit the Empangeni Art and Cultural History Museum
The Empangeni Art and Cultural History Museum is a must-visit. Erected in 1916 by the sugar farmers, the museum first served as the Old Town Hall.
It was used by the sugar farmers as a community hall and has also been used for meetings, weddings, dances, concerts, theatre, and various other purposes.
Expect to see historical objects collected to preserve the history of the town, and works by renowned artists like Andrew Verster, Trevor Makob, and Bonnie Ntshali.
The museum is truly a meeting place for the diverse cultures of the region.
Located: Turnbull Street, Empangeni Central, Empangeni.
Quench your thirst at the Zululand Distillers
Zululand Distillers produces fine gins and an excellent brandy, plus a unique pineapple cider vinegar.
Their gin embodies the essence of tropical flavours with a touch of sweetness. Distilled to perfection, it offers a refreshing and vibrant taste that is perfect for any occasion.
The distillery, located in Hluhluwe, takes advantage of the abundant Queen Victoria pineapples grown on the Mazuri Pineapple Farm.
These pineapples, known for their high sugar content, are carefully selected and juiced to extract the sweet and fragrant nectar.
Located: R22, Hluhluwe.