The place of the people of the Heavens, Zululand forms the northern portion of KwaZulu-Natal. It extends from the Tugela River in the south to St Lucia in the North and Ulundi and beyond in the West.
Its eastern boundary is formed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The coastline stretches some 350km from the mouth of the Tugela River in the south to the Mozambique border in the north. The coastal plains include unspoilt beaches, conservation areas and incorporate the largest estuarine system in Southern Africa - St Lucia Wetlands Park.
Inland to the west you'll find rolling hills and meandering valleys, grassy plains and dense bush. Forest sanctuaries, reserves and misty mountain peaks create an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity. Here echoes of the past are a reminder of the rich history of Zululand which has included the establishment, growth and development of one of the great nations of Africa, the amaZulu.
Zululand is also home to an astonishing variety of wild game. The many game reserves, parks and farms in the region are dedicated to the conservation and heritage of wildlife preservation. From the "Big 5", which include elephant, lion, rhino, leopard and buffalo, to the crocodile and leatherback turtles, Zululand has them all.
The birdlife is equally varied with over 360 species making the region a bird-watchers paradise.
Reserves and conservation areas include Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve, Mkuze Game Reserve, Phinda Game Reserve, Sodwana Bay Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Ithala Game Reserve.
Activities such as game viewing, hunting, wilderness adventures, snorkeling or scuba diving, canoeing, board sailing, peaceful lake fishing and thrilling big game fishing, hiking or visiting museums, monuments and historical sites are some of the many options available.
Towns and accommodation options in in Zululand include:
Babanangon
Empangeni
Eshowe
Mtubatuba
Mtunzini
Paulpietersburg
Pongola
Richards Bay
Ulundi
Vryheid
For the holiday maker, tourist or passing traveller, Zululand is an enticing place which offers a host of opportunities for exploration and discovery.
