 KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), the most densely populated of the nine provinces of South Africa, is noted for its mountains and vast lush green areas. It is characterized by widely diversified eco-systems, ranging from tropical forests and savannahs along the coastal regions, to rolling hills further inland, building up to the majestic Drakensberg Mountains in the west. The nine regions in KwaZulu-Natal are Maputaland, Zululand, North Coast, Durban, South Coast, Midlands, Battlefields, Drakensberg and East Griqualand. The latter, although scenic lacks attractions and is excluded from the regional descriptions below.
Maputaland
Maputaland extends from Mozambique to St Lucia in the south and includes Kosi Bay, Sodwana Bay and Hluhluwe. This region of KwaZulu-Natal has widely diverse eco-systems, including coastal sub-tropical forests, savannah, sand forests, sparse bush-lands as well as the World Heritage St Lucia Wetland Park. Maputaland has some of the finest game parks in the country, as well as a large number of bird species. Many of the reserves including Hluhluwe/Umfolozi and Phinda, boast the "Big 5". The coastal area offers superb diving, in crystal clear waters to view coral and a vast range of marine life including several species of shark. Whales, dolphins and turtles abound in the region and big game fishing is the finest in the country.
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Zululand
The Zululand region includes the industrial town of Richards Bay and the historical town of Eshowe. This KwaZulu-Natal region is noted for its vast green cane fields and forestation. It has swimming and surfing beaches and good shore and off shore fishing is to be had. The region is rich in the historical and cultural heritage of the Zulu nation, depicted at museums and in cultural villages.
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