introduction
Wayne Dam: Map of South Africa showing the KwaZulu-Natal province; 29 April 2006
KwaZulu-Natal ("KZN"), is a province of South Africa with the total area of 92,100 km². The largest city is Durban, the capital is Pietermaritzburg.
The coastline is dotted with small towns, many of which serve as seasonal recreational hubs. The climate of the coastal areas is humid and subtropical, comparable to southern Florida in the United States, but not quite as hot and rainy in the summer. As one moves further north up the coast towards the border of Mozambique, the climate becomes almost purely tropical. North of Durban is locally referred to as "The North Coast", while south is "The South Coast".
surfing
Nic: Durban Beach; 2005
Durban sits as the capital of this region which strtches north to the border with Mozambique. The disposition of this coastline is not as favourtable as the rest of Africa to prevailing SW swell trains but the larger systems have little problem in bending up the coast from the Cape in Winter (Jun-Aug). Summer though can be notoriously flat with reliance on windswell and rarer cyclonic swell a reality. The Durban area is the most populous of South african cities and hence the breaks all the more crowded. Still, a little bit of travel and a little hard work will reward you with some lesser known gems, a nice blend of sand, reef and points.
travel
You might be unfamiliar with road signs (from www.wikitravel.org)
All the ways of getting around South Africa are available in the country. You can fly with domestic airlines (the infrastructure is well established), or travel by car. Hiring a car is quite easy, just note that you will have to drive on the left-hand side of the road in South Africa. The roads are very good and all the large fuel companies have rest stops every 200km to 300km along the highways. So you can full up, eat, shop and rest (restrooms are well maintained and clean). Some rest stops have ATM’s as well. Note that fuel cannot be bought on a normal credit card, only special Garage Cards issued by a South African bank are accepted at petrol stations. One serious thing you should consider is the fact of car jacking, which usually happens on the traffic lights and at night.
Get an offroad vehicle if you want to wander off the beaten path. And just one warning, South Africa has a high rate of traffic fatalities, so try to avoid driving at night except in urban areas.
Another option, which gives you even more freedom, is a motor home. They are becoming more and more popular now, so you may want to consider this as well. If you prefer not to drive yourself, take a bus. There are scheduled bus services between Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and other cities, plus connections to neighbouring countries. Check out Translux, SA Roadlink, Intercape Mainliner and Greyhound.
Train services are also available in both budget passenger services and Premier Class.
Less responsibilities? Book a tour, there are plenty of operators that will offer you tours from one day tour to overland safaris.
And the last too things about hitchhiking and travelling by bicycle. Hitchhiking is ok and not that hard, just be aware of the fact that drivers can be potential criminal hitchhikers, so don’t hitchhike at night. Cycling can be considered a bit dangerous as well, but if you use your common sense you should be ok. And thinking about the beautiful views and opportunity to mingle with the locals, you should really consider this way to experience the country.
where to stay
Rudolph Botha: Kwazulu-Natal, 11 October 2007
San Lameer
is located on the beautiful South Coast
of South Africa's Kwazulu-Natal Province.
This area is without
a doubt one of South Africa's most popular
holiday destinations and known for its lovely year-round
tropical climate, stunning beaches, and
picturesque rolling green hills.
San Lameer Resort is a walkable distance from the popular resort town Margate,and extremely convenient as it has it's own built own airport just 20 minutes away from the Wild Coast Casino.
The lovely white beach is stretched over a kilometer and protected by shark nets and life guards on duty.
The resort also offers an 18-hole golf course, open action cricket, squash and tennis courts, a play park for children, rowing boats, canoeing, fishing, a bowling green and nature trails.
An extremely efficient security system is another feature that distinguishes San Lameer from other holiday complexes. The entire property is surrounded by an electric fence and security gate such that no visitors can enter without permission.
what to pack
Nordelch- Flashlight; 7 January 2005
Generally, the coast is subtropical with inland regions becoming progressively colder, so pack some cool and warm clothes. Trainers, loose clothing will be good for the hot weather. There can be heavy winter snow in Drakensberg, with light snow occasionally experienced on the highest peaks in summer. The Zululand north coast has the warmest climate and highest humidity.
Definitely take along some bug repellent spray, good sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses! Better take your medicines with you (esp. anti histamine tablets), as the brands can be unfamiliar and cost more.
All the gear if you plan to camp: a good sleeping bag and tent that are good for very low temp; special gas container u can use for heating food and water; a sturdy backpack or a cargo pack with a good daypack. Invest in a portable water filter or at least take some puri-tabs or boil the water.
It will be nice of you to take some stuff to give away to locals (for example, pencils or some sport equipment for kids). Fresh water is precious.






