The 10 Best Free Things to do in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

August 15, 2021 Alice Mieles

KwaZulu-Natal (/kwɑːˌzuːluː nəˈtɑːl/; also referred to as KZN and known as "the garden province") is a province of South Africa that was created in 1994 when the Zulu bantustan of KwaZulu ("Place of the Zulu" in Zulu) and Natal Province were merged. It is located in the southeast of the country, enjoying a long shoreline beside the Indian Ocean and sharing borders with three other provinces and the countries of Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho. Its capital is Pietermaritzburg and its largest city is Durban. It is the 2nd most populous province in South Africa, with slightly fewer residents than Gauteng.
Restaurants in KwaZulu-Natal

1. The Valley of a 1000 Hills

47 Old Main Road Botha's Hill, Durban, Durban 3610 South Africa +27 31 322 2855 http://www.1000hillstourism.co.za
Excellent
48%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 449 reviews

The Valley of a 1000 Hills

Densely forested and dotted with gorges, streams and villages, this valley makes for a stunning scenic drive.

Reviewed By lynlitvack - Thornhill, Canada

Magnificent scenery, lush landscapes, fresh air. We took a lovely hike in the sunshine the fresh air was intoxicating and the beauty of the rushing stream below. The sky seemed to go on forever with awesome clouds.

2. Durban Botanic Gardens

Sydenham Road, Durban 4001 South Africa +27 31 201 1303 http://www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za
Excellent
51%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,204 reviews

Durban Botanic Gardens

Rare plants, exquisite orchids and charity tea parties draw visitors to this botanical garden.

Reviewed By wrmnk001 - Berkhamsted, United Kingdom

I have visited Durban many times and I always head for the botanic gardens as it is the most beautiful place in Durban. There are always an abundance of flowers and the bird life there is amazing especially around the small lake, and of course there are the monkeys! This garden is a very pleasant way to spend a couple of hours away from busy Durban and it is free!!

3. Umhlanga Main Beach

Umhlanga Rocks South Africa
Excellent
55%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 945 reviews

Umhlanga Main Beach

Reviewed By nomxolisi2016

I always have a beautiful peaceful time in Umhlanga beach.The beach is clean,not overly crowded,clean restrooms and showers,friendly staff,restuarants on cite,visible and attentive lifeguards.Even though the weather was a bit disappointing the experience at the beach always make you want to come back again.

4. Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

50 Bhaktivedanta Swami Circle Unit 5 Chatsworth, Durban 4092 South Africa +27 31 403 3328 http://www.iskcondurban.net
Excellent
55%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 172 reviews

Sri Sri Radha Radhanath Temple

Reviewed By 808priscillac - London, United Kingdom

We went to eat the delicious very affordable pure vegetarian food in the restuarant below the temple. We also went into the temple for a few minutes to enjoy the peace and tranquility after what was a hectic drive to get there. There is also seating in the garden and around the moat, to relax in the evening, which we did after the meal. Just off the main motorway and visible from the motorway so you can not get lost.

5. Gateway Theatre of Shopping

1 Palm Boulevard Umhlanga Ridge New Town Centre, Umhlanga Rocks 4319 South Africa +27 31 514 0500 [email protected] http://www.gatewayworld.co.za
Excellent
52%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 636 reviews

Gateway Theatre of Shopping

More than a shopping centre, but a giant theater that is dedicated to entertaining you. We specialize in taking the therapy of retail to a whole new dimension. Prepared your senses for overload at the biggest shopping complex in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the coolest malls in the country. Grab your ticket and prepare to be thrilled, excited and asking for more.

Reviewed By vernonv435 - Alberton, South Africa

Paid two visits to this large Shopping Mall. Caters for every need. Toys, meals, movies, entertainment, groceries, banking, etc. Enjoyed a rainy day stroll with lots to do for busy Grandchild.

6. Sani Pass

South Africa +2786112182 http://www.choc.org.za/sani-pass.html
Excellent
68%
Good
26%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 638 reviews

Sani Pass

Reviewed By shauns2111 - South Africa, null

A stunning drive. Luckely the weather was good all the way. Went up the Saturday, stayed over, and drove down the next. Currently there are roadworks leading from the bottom up to the SA border post. But thereafter still just plain gravel road. Initially the road starts off fair, with a couple of rough patches. But leading towards the steps, and the steps themselves are 4x4 low. Do not think someone with no 4x4 experiance should drive it. Coming downs, steep decents with heavy switchbacks. Be on the lookout for other vehicles. Sometimes find a sport to pull over to let someone pass. Take it slow. Definatelly worth the trip.

7. Central Drakensberg Information Centre

Gourton Corner, Winterton 3340 South Africa +27 36 488 1207 http://www.cdic.co.za/
Excellent
41%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 88 reviews

Central Drakensberg Information Centre

Reviewed By Mobile35942195053 - Bristol, United Kingdom

Just off the main road heading out of town, this delightful information centre provides everything that you need to know about what, where you need to visit in the area and beyond. Friendly staff, shop full of curios, its worth the visit.

8. Shongweni Farmers Market

457 Mr551 Road,, Hillcrest 3650 South Africa +27 31 777 4686 [email protected] http://www.shongwenimarket.co.za/contact-us/
Excellent
65%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 172 reviews

Shongweni Farmers Market

This market oozes with stereotypical country charm. It's almost mandatory to pack up the family and dog, take a sturdy basket and arrive early. Treat yourself with breakfast and, from your vantage point on a hay bale, decide your method of attack. Peruse stalls at a leisurely place as hands-on producers passionately talk you through their wares from traditional English sausages to decadent baked goods, handcrafted organic cheeses, breads and rustic French staples like terrines and rillettes. You'll also find Middle Eastern and Mediterranean specialities from baklava to falafel. If you're shopping with a conscience you can buy organic veg or a pre-installed, irrigated system to grow your own organic vegetables.

Reviewed By kenfargher - Johannesburg, South Africa

We love the Sedgefield Market and although very different, this is on par with great variety of food and beverages. Wonderful place to visit

9. Thompson's Bay Beach

Ocean Drive, Ballito 4399 South Africa http://www.facebook.com/pages/Thomson-Bay/1521811018146690?hc_ref=ARTEsRwmZsJiZw6KpAr56ch-E_EVk1DxMQuISW3wTfig6TtnOQDRVWLjyZR3HQ2txOE&rf=401606143206845
Excellent
55%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 209 reviews

Thompson's Bay Beach

Reviewed By Suvina23 - Durban, South Africa

Residing in Ballito for a year , I decided to explore our current hometown , My boyfriend suggested we visit the much talked about “Hole in the Wall” The “ Hole in the Wall “ is located at Thompson’s Bay - a true hidden gem of the KZN North Coast. As you drive through the main road the entrance is not visible to the eye and is very secluded. There was on road parking as well as R10 for the day parking available. The 5 minute walk from your car to the beach builds the anticipation , the view gets more scenic. You pass a few local stalls selling local crafts on your left and as you turn right you get to view a little piece of heaven is tucked away in the heart of Ballito - The “Hole in the Wall'. As you walk towards the Hole in the Wall you pass the beautiful beach clean and family friendly .Thompson's bay beach was clean and maintained well. Even the lifeguards were on point and alert despite it being a medicore Monday. We passed the bathrooms which to my surprise were exceptional clean and WORKING! There was toilet paper and hand soap in ablutions. The shower area was most certainly upgraded. Stepping out of the bathroom area we entered a large 50m tidal pool where u can snorkel safely. We also saw a lion fish there ,brown and white branching corals and lots of sea urchins around the edges. It was so beautiful to see a place so full of sea life. We then approached the "Hole in the Wall” - this area is any blogger or instagrammers dream with the amount of beautiful captures you can gain. If you are not a nature person prepare yourself for a wet experience and dress appropriately while exploring the walk way it can get a bit slippery. Once we passed over the walk way we decided to explore more and ended up hiking to one of the most amazing mountains where you can watch the ocean. Def a romantic spot for any date hike. I can’t wait to head back and snorkel at the tidal pool

10. Umhlanga Rocks Promenade

70 Marine Drive, Umhlanga Rocks 4319 South Africa +27 82 450 0302
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 145 reviews

Umhlanga Rocks Promenade

Reviewed By UPB1402

I enjoyed the walk and nature trail. Great eateries in the area for cocktails or just a sunset coffee!

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