The Zululand region is a Zulu-dominated area that extends along the coast of the Indian Ocean from the Tugela River in the south to the Pongola River in the north which abounds with wildlife in world class game reserves all within easy reach of the main centre of Durban. This area is also rich in historical and cultural significance with Zulu kraals or villages in the region displaying the traditional Zulu way of life to visitors. There are several exciting traditional Zulu villages to explore including Shakaland and Duma Zulu.
Zululand is one of the 11 district municipalities of the KwaZulu Natal province of South Africa. The seat of Zululand is Ulundi and the majority of the people in the Zululand region speak IsiZulu. The Zululand area is a place of unspoilt beauty characterised by a pristine coastline, abundant forests, rolling green hills and meandering rivers. The natural tranquility of the region belies its turbulent history of conflict between clans and kingdoms.
The region abounds with wildlife in world class reserves all within easy reach of Durban. The area is rich in historical and cultural significance, and it was here that Shaka forged his Zulu Kingdom. The last battle of the Anglo-Zulu war was also fought in the Zululand area near Ulundi in 1879. There are several traditional Zulu villages open to the public where the traditional Zulu way of life are displayed to visitors.
Hluhluwe Game Reserve in KwaZulu Natal where you will find most species of African Widlife. You will also find the Greater St Lucia Wetlands here which is a patchwork of conservation areas that include forested dunes, swamps, islands and woodlands. The St Lucia lake is home to thousands of migrating flamingos as well as hippo and crocodile.
The Mkuzi Game Reserve is another excellent venue for game-viewing. It also has abundant birdlife and is home to more than 400 species of bird. Further north you will find smaller game reserves such as the Pongola Game Reserve, sanctuary to a large variety of wildlife species which include giraffe, hyena, leopard and buffalo. On the border of Mozambique lies Ndumo Game Reserve where rhino, giraffe, warthog, zebra, kudu, nyala and impala are found. Adjacent to this is the Tembe Elephant Park which is home to a herd of elephants that originated from Mozambique.
Some of the more prominent towns include Empangeni, Gingindlovu, Heatonville, Hluhluwe, Kosi Bay, Lake Jozini, Melmoth Mkuze, Mtunzini, Paulpietersburg, Pongola, Pongolapoort, Richards Bay, Riverview, St Lucia, Ulundi and Vryheid.
Information on towns in the Zululand and Maputuland Region
Bayala, Empangeni, Hluhluwe, Lake Jozini, Melmoth, Mkuze, Mtunzini, Paulpietersburg, Pongola, Pongolapoort, Richards Bay, St Lucia, St Lucia Wetlands, Ulundi, Vryheid
