KwaZulu Natal

KwaZulu-Natal is a province of South Africa. Prior to 1994 the territory now known as KwaZulu-Natal was made up of the province of Natal and all pieces of territory that made up the homeland of KwaZulu. In the 1830s the northern part was the Zulu Kingdom and southern part was briefly a Boer republic called Natalia (from 1839 until 1843). In the 1843 the latter became the British Colony of Natal, though Zululand (KwaZulu in Zulu) remained independent until 1879. It is called the garden province and is the home of the Zulu nation. Located in the southeast of the country, it borders three other provinces and the countries of Mozambique, Swaziland, and Lesotho, along with a long shoreline on the Indian Ocean. Its capital is Pietermaritzburg and its largest city is Durban. KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a warm sub-tropical climate for most of the year. However, summers are very hot and humid. Winters in inland areas are clear and cool, and cold in areas of high altitude such as the Drakensberg. These mountains frequently have snowfalls during the winter months also.

Durban: Africa’s bewitching seaside playground in the sun, Durban has from its earliest days possessed a special charm a certain mystique that adds ’something extra’ to the meeting of warm Indian Ocean, radiant golden sands and lush sub-tropical greenery. Durban, respective his northern suburb Umhlanga is the “mothership” of Shark Society and our hometown. The creation of Durban Metro beckons visitors to this sublime paradise with yet another bonus…the addition of three invaluable elements to our ever- evolving, ever-widening portfolio of irresistible attractions. To offer the broadest possible spectrum of unforgettable experiences, we’ve brought to your holiday doorstep the magnificent environment and cultural wonders of the Valley of a Thousand Hills, long and tranquil beaches of The South and up-market ambiance of the historic and culturally rich Umhlanga.

Durban Metro is where the proud Zulu nation meets East and West…a wealth of influences to entertain and enthrall with traditional warrior dancers, mystic fire-walkers and colonial heritage. Sample the unique vibrancy of township life, the finest curries outside India and a calendar filled with thrilling, spectacular events.

We’re sports-crazy and equipped for it, hosting countless international contests at our magnificent venues – including the beach. While estate golf inland features high on the list of courses that abound, you can also tee off alongside the ocean or pause on the green as the field thunders by on race day. Speaking of which, we host two of our country’s premier horse racing draw- cards, but should you not fancy their odds, there are always the slot- machines and gaming tables of our Sibaya Casino & Entertainment Kingdom!

Sophisticated and cosmopolitan, Durban Metro after dark is abuzz with elegant lounges, funky taverns and cosy inns…distinctive local theater and live music…trendy clubs, pubs and discos. Rave ’till dawn and catch sunrise over the vast Indian Ocean horizon – this is nightlife in a modern, authentic African metropolis!