Holidays to Durban & KwaZulu-Natal
With its inviting beaches, rich culture, and a host of attractions, Durban provides a perfect introduction to KwaZulu-Natal.
Should I include Durban in my South Africa holiday?
Absolutely, and it is often underestimated. Durban gives you something that Cape Town and Johannesburg do not: a warm, subtropical coastal city that doubles as a genuine gateway to bush, mountains and wetlands. The beaches along the Golden Mile are excellent, the food scene, shaped by its large Indian community, is one of the most distinctive in the country, and the people are famously friendly. If you are combining a safari with time on the coast, Durban is the natural starting point for your trip.
What is the best time of year to visit Durban and KwaZulu-Natal?
KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a subtropical climate, and Durban is genuinely warm all year round. The summer months from November to March bring the most heat and humidity, along with some heavy afternoon thunderstorms. For beach holidays and safaris, we tend to recommend April to September, when rainfall is lower, humidity is more comfortable, and the bush thins out making wildlife easier to spot. The Drakensberg Mountains can be snowcapped in winter, from June to August, which makes for spectacular scenery but cold nights at altitude, so pack layers if you are heading up into the mountains.
How can I get to Durban from the UK?
Although there are currently no direct flights from the UK to Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, the connections are quite straightforward. Most travellers fly via Johannesburg (O.R. Tambo International) and then take an onward domestic flight to Durban, with the total journey time typically around 13 to 15 hours depending on your departure airport and connection. Some itineraries work well flying into Johannesburg and out of Durban (or vice versa) to avoid backtracking, and we can arrange open-jaw flights to make this seamless. There are also alternatives that transit in either Doha or Dubai, before flying on to Durban, missing out the change in Johannesburg. FREEDOM’s Africa experts can advise on the best routing and transfer times for you.
What is Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and why should I visit?
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is one of the jewels of KwaZulu-Natal and, frankly, one of the most important wildlife areas in Africa. Established in 1895, it is the oldest proclaimed game reserve on the continent and played a pivotal role in saving the white rhino from extinction; the global white rhino population was reduced to fewer than 100 animals before conservation efforts here helped bring them back. Today the park holds outstanding populations of both white and black rhino, as well as elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo and cheetah. It is around two and a half hours north of Durban, making it an ideal stop on a KwaZulu-Natal itinerary.
Where is iSimangaliso Wetland Park and St Lucia?
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of its most ecologically remarkable. The park stretches along 220 kilometres of coastline and encompasses five distinct ecosystems: coral reefs and coastal dunes to hippo-filled estuaries and ancient swamp forests.
The town of St Lucia sits at the heart of the park and is one of our favourite spots in all of KwaZulu-Natal. In the evenings, hippos wander into town from the estuary, and in season, from October to February, loggerhead and leatherback turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches: an extraordinary thing to witness. Whale sharks are present offshore from November to April, and humpback whales pass through between June and November.
Are the Drakensburg worth visiting and how far are they from Durban?
The Drakensberg Mountains are absolutely worth a visit and they will be one of the highlights of any KwaZulu-Natal holiday. The mountain range is roughly three hours from Durban by car, and the various regions, the Northern Berg, Central Berg and Southern Berg, each have their own character.
Cathedral Peak and the Royal Natal National Park in the north offer dramatic escarpment views and excellent hiking, while the Central Berg around Giants Castle is known for its San rock art. Even for those who prefer a gentle walk to a serious hike, the scenery from any Drakensberg hotel is enough on its own. We recommend at least two nights, although three or more will enable you to explore and see more.
Can I do a safari and beach holiday from Durban?
Yes, and this is one of the most popular ways to experience KwaZulu-Natal. A typical combination might be two or three nights in Durban or Umhlanga on the coast, followed by three or four nights in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi or on the Elephant Coast near St Lucia, and then perhaps a night or two in the Drakensberg before flying home from Durban. All of this works beautifully as a self-drive: the roads are good, distances are manageable, and driving yourself gives you the freedom to stop when and where you like. We would always include a private guides for the safari portion as this will make the wildlife experience even more magical.
Where is the Elephant Coast?
The Elephant Coast is the name given to the northern stretch of KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline, from just above St Lucia up to the Mozambique border. It is one of the last true wilderness coastlines in southern Africa: remote, largely undeveloped, and extraordinarily rich in wildlife. The area takes its name from the elephant herds that roam freely between Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and the coastal forests. Lodges like Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge and Thanda Safari Lodge are set within this landscape, offering exceptional game viewing combined with the option of a beach stay on the Indian Ocean coast.
Do I need a car to explore KwaZulu-Natal?
A hire car is the most flexible and cost-effective way to explore KwaZulu-Natal, and self-driving here is genuinely straightforward. South Africans drive on the left, roads between the major attractions are well maintained, and distances between Durban, the Drakensberg Mountains, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and St Lucia are all very manageable. If you would prefer not to drive, we can also arrange private transfers or guided tours, and there is also the option of the Rovos Rail luxury train between Durban and Pretoria for those who want something truly special.
Is KawZulu-Natal safe for tourists?
Like any destination, it pays to be sensible and take straightforward precautions, particularly in central Durban after dark. The areas where most visitors spend their time, Umhlanga, the Berea, the game reserves and the Drakensberg, are welcoming and well set up for tourism. Our team will provide you with up-to-date, practical advice tailored to your specific itinerary so that you feel confident and well prepared before you travel.
Want to know more and begin planning your holiday to Durban and KwaZulu Natal? Contact our team of South Africa travel specialists to begin your journey.
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