This historic region was the setting fordramatic battles on Zulu soil atIsandlwana, Rorke's Drift and Spioenkop.Resident guides share lively accounts of these conflicts to really bring this area to life.A series of national parks and reserves lietowards the east of the province, boastingsuperb birdlife and other wildlife. Rhinosabound at Hluhluwe-Umfolozi NationalPark, and Thanda Game Reserve is ahaven for animals including wild dogs. The Elephant Coast has long stretches ofwild beaches, windswept sand dunes androlling waves crashing along the shore.Nearby, the unique kingdoms of Swazilandand Lesotho border KwaZulu Natal, where unspoilt landscapes blend with atraditional way of life. KwaZulu Natal is a province of amazing diversity. From the steep-sided Drakensberg Mountains toswathes of tropical beaches, it is home tomany of South Africa's greatest attractions.The Midlands are made up of colonialhomesteads and farms, hemmed in by the Drakensberg Mountains to the west, and the Battlefields to the east. 32KwaZulu Natal

Audley in KwaZulu NatalWe have been extolling the virtues ofKwaZulu Natal to travellers for many years.Combining traditional Zulu culture, militaryhistory, wildlife and marine life, untamedcoastlines and superb walking, it has longbeen popular with South Africans for theirholidays, and is increasing in popularity withoverseas visitors. Guiding is key in theBattlefields and we have taken great care to select some of the best experts, to ensure your visit is both entertaining andeducational. There is enough here to easily fill an entire two week trip, but it is accessibleenough to combine with other parts ofSouth Africa.AccommodationWe have carefully selected a range ofaccommodation to choose from in KwaZuluNatal, so you can be sure of a comfortablebase for your explorations. These vary inkeeping with the diverse areas you arevisiting. For example, on the Elephant Coastthere are idyllic beach retreats perched onsand dunes. In the private game reservessafari lodges and tented camps offer theperfect base to enjoy the wildlife. In Durbanand the Midlands we can recommend smallhotels and inns, full of character and charm.In the Battlefields you will find country lodgeswith delicious food and comfy beds. Aroundthe Drakensburg Mountains we offereverything from friendly bed and breakfaststo lakeside lodges where you can unwindafter an exhilarating day of walking orexploring. Our specialists have travelledextensively throughout KwaZulu Natal,seeing all of the properties we work with andwill be glad to recommend their favourites.Find out more For suggested itineraries and practicalinformation about travel in KwaZulu Natal,please see page 41.www.audleytravel.com/southafricaInteractive maps and features, further suggested itineraries,accommodation, climate informationand articles written by our specialists.Discuss your plans with our SouthAfrica specialists 01993 838 550?Battlefield sitesLearn about the battles ofIsandlwana, Rorke's Drift,Spioenkop and Blood Riverfrom knowledgeable guides.Drakensberg MountainsA superb network of hikingtrails through the country'shighest peaks.Hluhluwe-UmfoloziNational ParkOne of the best places in Africa to see black and white rhino.321Big Five safariEnjoy superb wildlife viewing in one of the private gamereserves including Thanda and Phinda.4Wild beaches Unspoilt stretches of sand justwaiting to be explored alongthe Elephant Coast.Lake St LuciaSouth Africa's largest lake, part of a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. Durban curriesThe city is famous for its Indian dishes, including bunnychow, a large bread roll stuffedwith curry.756KwaZulu Natal331234576Hawksbill turtle, Elephant CoastZulu memorial, the Battlefields