The flat-topped peaks and sheer cliffs of the Drakensberg Range rise above you as you hike through the Tugela Gorge Valley. Small mountain streams cut across grassy slopes, and the drama of the Drakensberg Amphitheatre is on full display. You’ll also find Tugela Falls—the second-highest waterfall in the world, making this remote region of KwaZulu-Natal a perfect destination for intrepid hikers.
In the foothills of the southern Drakensberg mountains, Himeville is the closest town to the Sani Pass into Lesotho. Mountain views and rippling streams make it a popular stopover en route to both Lesotho and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park. The Himeville Museum houses antiques and San artifacts in a converted fort.
In the tiny Kingdom of Lesotho, craggy mountains soar, waterfalls tumble, and the people are warm. This is an off-the-beaten-path treasure—it houses one of only two ski resorts in Southern Africa, while various cultural sites allow you to discover the land's rich history. You might even find familiar elements, with Black Panther director Ryan Coogler citing Lesotho as one of his influences.
Located just outside downtown Durban, Umgeni River Bird Park is home to hundreds of birds, with some 200 species from around the world represented here. Spanning 8.6 acres (3.5 hectares), the park is a perfect respite from the bustle of the city. The park has a conservation mindset and works to breed and repopulate endangered species.
One of the oldest and largest mosques in the Southern Hemisphere, the Juma Mosque’s impressive minarets rise above the bustling streets and markets of Durban’s Indian Quarter. The spiritual center for Durban’s Muslims and one of the most popular attractions in the city, the mosque draws in visitors interested in its historical, religious, and architectural significance.
The Midlands Meander region stretches across KwaZulu-Natal and has plenty of ways to explore it. The area is known for its lush green mountains and rolling savannahs; its natural beauty serves as a backdrop for quaint guest houses, award-winning restaurants, artisanal boutiques, and hiking and horseback riding trails.
The top performing arts venue in the Durban area, The Playhouse Company occupies two adjacent buildings in the heart of downtown Durban: one mock Tudor, one a former 1930s picture palace. The multi-venue complex houses three theaters that put on live shows ranging from opera and ballet to drama, live music, poetry, and community arts.
Immerse yourself in the culture and flavors of India—without leaving Durban—on a stroll through the city’s Indian Quarter. Home to the highest population of Indians outside of the subcontinent itself, Durban is known for its authentic Indian food and heritage. The Indian Quarter is where you can find cultural landmarks such as the Juma Mosque and Victoria Street Market.
