South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage listed site boasts all of the incredible wildlife South Africa is famous for plus sandy beaches, coral reefs, dune forests and wetlands. Thanks to this incredible diversity of ecosystems iSimangaliso enjoys a rich biodiversity and visitors flock to the region to spot hippos, whales, dolphins, crocodiles, endangered loggerhead turtles and even the Big 5. The bustling village of St Lucia provides a great base for a range of activities including turtle tours, hippo boat cruises and snorkelling at Cape Vidal.

It’s hard to believe, gazing out over the tranquil hills and grasslands at the heart of the Zulu Kingdom, that two shattering conflicts once raged across this beautiful landscape. Over 60 battle sites, museums, forts and places of remembrance remain from the Anglo-Zulu and Anglo-Boer wars and the poignant tours to Spioenkop, Isandlwana and Rorke’s Drift will be a lasting highlight of your time in KwaZulu-Natal. This is also a great place to visit a Zulu homestead, sample local cuisine or visit a traditional healer.

KZN’s rolling hills, lush savannah grasslands and rugged mountains provide a scenic backdrop not found on any other South African safari. The Big 5 are all in attendance as well as cheetah and hundreds of colourful endemic birds. Choose one of the beautiful camps nestled within Nambiti Hills and Thanda Private Game Reserves, or Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest State-run reserve which boasts the largest population of white rhino in the world.

Nestled in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains lies the picturesque Midlands, home to quaint towns showcasing charming tea rooms and arts and crafts shops. A network of five short driving routes criss–cross the region meaning it couldn’t be simpler to enjoy the gentle pace of life here. Explore potters, woodcrafters and artist’s studios, microbreweries, hiking trails and a host of historic sites from settlers’ churches to battlefields.

The royal Kingdom of eSwatini, known until very recently as Swaziland, boasts wonderful rugged landscapes and a rich culture. A visit to this relatively untouched country offers a unique glimpse into life under an absolute monarchy where traditional rural practices, music and dance are passionately upheld. Savour the mountain scenery and celebrate the diverse range of birdlife and fauna which include rhino, buffalo, giraffes and herds of elephants.

Boasting golden sands fringing the Indian Ocean and year round balmy temperatures, KwaZulu-Natal is the winter (that’s our summer) escape of choice for locals and visitors alike. The waters off Ballito are the playground of bottlenose dolphins which swim so close to the shore they can be spotted from the beach, whilst Zimbali is home to superb golf courses, pristine beaches, lush vegetation and an abundance of wildlife.

The magnificent scenery of the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg escarpment stands out even in a country renowned for jaw dropping scenery. The uKhahlamba, or Barrier of Spears in English, stretches for over 600 spectacular miles of jagged peaks, sparkling waterfalls, rock pools and tumbling streams. This picturesque corner of South Africa is renowned for its wide range of outdoor activities; explore the area by mountain bike or on horse back, try your hand at trout fishing, enjoy a picnic with a view or zip along on a forest canopy tour.

For inspiration on how to enjoy ths beautiful region take a look at our KwaZulu-Natal & eSwatini holiday pages