City: KwaZulu-Natal
Top Things to do in KwaZulu-Natal
What to do and see in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas
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. Nambiti Big 5 Private Game Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 357 reviews
Reviewed By christopherwilson
We stayed three nights at Springbok Lodge (one of 10 lodges in the reserve). Our ranger Chad was great and very knowledgable. We saw a wide variety of animals and birds. The reserve is beautiful.
2. Zimanga Private Game Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By seymsbrugger - Johannesburg, South Africa
I have now done over 10 trips to Zimanga and every time I leave, I can't wait to get back! A conservation success story, Charl and the team have really created a piece of Photography Heaven on Earth. World-Class Hides and fantastic Rangers, combined with great accommodation, makes for the perfect Photography getaway. Highly recommended for any photography, birding and wildlife enthusiast.
3. Cumberland Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a Nature Lovers Paradise. Over 300 bird species, 30 + mammal species and over 300 species of wild flower call Cumberland their home. Well maintained hiking trails traverse the entire Reserve allowing one to explore all the different habitats and make the most of the jaw-dropping scenery. The Reserve offers the ultimate escape into Nature through overnight stays in a variety of secluded self-catering accommodation as well as two private campsites.
Reviewed By MosieMo56
Cumberland Nature Reserve is a hidden gem. It is my 'Go To' place when I need Bush Away Time .... time to replenish my soul and to breathe. Over the past years I have paid many visits to this little spot of paradise often taking photos of all things nature and other times, just sitting at a perfectly kept picnic spot enjoying all nature has to offer. All picnic spots are well kept and the ablutions are spotlessly clean. Horseshoe Cottage was a perfect spot for a birthday weekend and from there we explored many tracks, trails and rocks looking for snakes, scorpions, butterflies and a host of other insects and things! The birdlife at Cumberland is amazing. Naturally the animals are a drawcard too and it is always great seeing their excellent condition. Aloe season is a delight and not to be missed! Cumberland deserves to be explored! One of my most favourite hideaways.
4. uShaka Marine World
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,292 reviews
uShaka Marine World is a 16-hectare theme park in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It comprises 8 attractions: uShaka Sea World, uShaka Wet 'n Wild, uShaka Sea Animal Encounters Island, uShaka Beach, uShaka Village Walk, uShaka Kids World, uShaka Dangerous Creatures and Chimp & Zee. uShaka Sea World is the fifth largest aquarium in the world. uShaka Wet 'n Wild water park has the highest slide in Africa.
Reviewed By AbelThompson - Paarl, South Africa
i loved to watch the Seal and the dolphin shows at shaka marine, i also enjoyed the park walk, i loved the food and the sea creatures in the old Marine etc
5. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
Reviewed By Beverly309 - Highland Park, United States
An excellent day trip to see animals, zipline over the gorge, have a bite to eat at Leopard Rock Cafe, and experience the suspension bridge.
6. Bonamanzi Game Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 42 reviews
Reviewed By D7508JBclarem - Durban, South Africa
This is a treat for campers .We stayed on a private remote site with rustic private ablutions and a kitchen .The property is large and has animals roaming around .The birds were fantastic with many bird hides to visit .One of the beauties about this property is that one can walk or run on the many dirt roads .The roads are sand but very well maintained .The staff were very friendly and we appreciated the daily clean We will be back
7. African Bird of Prey Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 135 reviews
The African Bird of Prey Sanctuary is a bird park specializing in the public awareness and conservation of Africa's indigenous raptors. From the smallest to largest, you can visit them all in this natural bush setting. You can catch the aerial predators in action during the daily flying displays at 10:30. Vulture feeding sessions take place at midday on weekends and public holidays. Please note the sanctuary is closed Mondays.
Reviewed By svdw1260 - Duluth, United States
What an enjoyable experience the visit to this great park that provides sanctuary for raptor type birds who, for various reasons are unable to be safely released into the Wild. Such beautiful specimens of birds rarely seen by the average birdwatcher, allowing visitors to get an incredible idea of some of Africa’s outstanding bird life. Well kept, clean and easy access from the N3.
8. iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,562 reviews
Reviewed By RickyS_RSA - Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
This park is a definite must visit for any person who loves exploring the natural beauty of our world and wildlife. Amazing eco-systems and your changes to see most of the big 5 is very good if you take the time to explore all the links off the main road to Cape Vidal. Cape Vidal beach itself is also really beautiful. Do take a picnic hamper or snacks with you as there is not restaurants in the game reserve - there is quite a few places along the various loops in the reserve to enjoy a picnic while taking in the beauty of this amazing place.
9. Giba Gorge Horse Trails
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Giba Gorge Horse Trails is a Horse Riding and Trail Centre in the Giba Gorge Valley. We have been doing horse trails for the past 10 years and our horses have all been specially chosen for both character and temperament. Good horses make for good rides. Our trails are exquisite and include rivers, waterfalls and an abundance of flora, fauna and wildlife. We come highly recommended.We are situated at Swallow Farm which is next door to Boot-camp S.A and close to Giba Gorge Mountain Bike Park, another highly recommended venue for fun activities and includes an excellent restaurant.Trails are all guided and we cater for experienced and beginner riders alike. A great experience for families, couples, schools and corporate groups. full moon rides and team building programs. Swallow Farm by the river is a great venue for picnics and parties.
10. Emdoneni Cheetah project
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 237 reviews
Cat Project with Cheetah, Serval, African Wildcats and Caracals
Reviewed By Tcavaldoro - London, United Kingdom
Unique opportunity to walk around inside the enclosure with (smaller) big cats. These beautiful animals loll in the sun like house cats with giant claws. The facility is committed to releasing them back to the wild. The adjoining accommodation looked great and the cafe was excellent too.
