From mountains to malls, wildlife and wetlands, KwaZulu-Natal is a province of contrasts. South Africa’s second-largest, its capital city, Durban epitomises this. Enjoying a tropical climate, lying along the Indian Ocean's coastline, it borders Mozambique, Eswatini and Lesotho. Meaning ‘Place of the Zulu’ this is traditional Zululand, whose people are fiercely proud of their culture. Refusing to surrender to outside rule, KwaZulu-Natal was home to some bloody battlefields between the Zulus, the British, and the Boers. Our pick of the best places to stay in KwaZulu-Natal includes the best of both urban, mountainous, and coastal stays.

Durban, a smaller, friendlier version of its bigger brother, Cape Town, is home to the largest Indian diaspora outside of South Asia - a veritable melting pot of Indian, African, and Malay cultures. From music, restaurants, bustling markets to mosques, churches, and temples, there are plenty of ways to experience the vibrancy of this coastal city. Known as eThekweni in Zulu, Durban has a lot more to offer than many might first expect. Ideal for a lazy beach holiday spent bathing in sunshine or surfing in the warm azure sea, Durban is an infinitely cool city with a lot of heart and soul.

Less than three hours west, lies the quaint town of Himeville, providing the perfect base from which to explore the mighty Drakensburg mountains, running alongside Tugela River, it boasts a long list of outdoor pursuits and is a favourite spot with horse riders and cyclists. Further afield, the St. Lucia wetland park, comprised of coral reefs and wetlands, along the Indian Ocean’s coastline, is home to whales, dolphins, turtles, and crocodiles, and further inland, elephants, leopards, rhinos, and lions.

WHAT NOT TO MISS

• It might be the capital of KwaZulu-Natal, but Durban is home to some impressive wildlife and nature reserves. From Bayhead Natural Heritage Site’s acres of mangrove (great for bird spotting) to Bluff Nature Reserve and Burman Bush.
• KwaZulu-Natal ‘s Drakensberg mountains are home to some impressive outdoor activities, from zip-lining to horse riding; mountain biking to trail trekking, there’s a long list of ways to experience one of South Africa’s most pristine landscapes.
• Durban's Botanical Gardens are picturesque and hosting a prime display of some of South Africa's flora and fauna, a peaceful respite from the city.
• From fly fishing at Penwarn to trout fishing at Glengarry, the Drakensberg area has plenty of angling opportunities.
• Every July, Durban plays host to the Durban International Film Festival, showcasing work from artists around the country and the world.
• Pay a visit to Himeville, a small picturesque town boasting some charming hotels, on route to the Sani Pass. Stretching from Underberg to Mokhotlong, Lesotho, it is one of South Africa’s longest and most epic road journeys.
• Embark on a walking tour of some of KwaZulu-Natal’s capital city, Durban’s hidden historical sites including Brook Street Ceremony and the markets of Warwick.
• The St. Lucia wetland park, a protected area of incredible biodiversity, including coral reefs, and wetlands, is home to elephants, leopards, rhinos, whales, dolphins, turtles, hippos, crocodiles, and much more.

Our pick of the best places to stay in KwaZulu-Natal showcases the finest collection of hotels, from budget to five-star, in one of South Africa's most vibrant, and less-visited, provinces.

WHERE TO STAY IN KWAZULU-NATAL

FOR A BUDGET FRIENDLY STAY

• Just a ten-minute drive from Durban beach, The Benjamin, is a quaint character stay offering great value accommodation. Rooms are decorated in colourful quilts, with charming period furnishing, plus there’s a superb breakfast served and complimentary afternoon tea each day.
• An excellent value family stay, Umkhumbi Lodge, located amidst the Kuleni Game Park with fabulous views, guests can look forward to spotting zebras, giraffes and wildebeest.
• Bringing the outdoors in, each of Sani Valley Nature Lodges 11 cottages features floor-to-ceiling glass doors, the best with private hot tubs. Nestled amidst the picturesque Sani Pass, these Scandi-chic lodgings boast excellent value for money.
• With the pristine surroundings of St Lucia beach under 1 km away, St. Lucia Wetlands Guest House is a well-priced stay in a superb location. Capacious four-posters and an inviting pool make it feel rather opulent.
• Paired back yet characterful, aha Avondale Boutique Hotel is excellent value providing a central stay in Durban, serving restaurant quality food. There’s a spa, plus the hotel bar is quite a meeting place on a weekend.
• An authentic farm stay, KarMichael Farm is surrounded by the Drakensburg range and rolling vines. Each of its eight rooms is decorated with floral quilts and antique furnishings, with guests free to choose between B&B and self-catering accommodation.

FOR SOMETHING TRULY SPECIAL

• Located in the heart of the Nambiti Game Reserve, Esiweni Luxury Lodge is a luxurious all-inclusive stay. Beautifully decorated suites make for a very relaxing base from which to head out in search of Africa’s ‘Big 5’.

FOR CITY STYLE

• In the smart Durban suburb of Umhlanga, The Oyster Box is the most stylish address in Durban. Right along the coast, each of its smartly decorated suites boasts ocean views with superb dining options to boot. With live music on the weekend and an in-house cinema, it’s an entertaining place to stay.
• Each of Teremok Marine’s eight colourfully and quirkily decorated rooms. Perfectly located for exploring Durban.
• Modern, chic, and centrally located Endless Horizons boasts Indian Ocean views and smartly decorated rooms with juxtaposing colour schemes and fabrics. The centre of Durban is easily accessible, plus the Full English breakfast comes highly recommended.

A STAY AMIDST NATURE

• Located right on the shores of St Lucia lake, Nibela Lake Lodge is surrounded by nature. Cosy rooms, filled with comfy sofas and colourful rugs provide a homely feel – relax by the open fire on a starry eve. Bliss.
• Surrounded by the Drakensburg mountains, Montusi Mountain Lodge’s traditional thatched cottage accommodation is an inviting stay, great for families, surrounded by some of KwaZulu-Natal’s most dramatic landscapes.
• Elegant dining, with a very civilised afternoon tea, the intimate, six-bedroom Inkungu Lodge boasts unspoilt views of the Drakensburg range.
• Rustic, yet charmingly decorated (colourful Portuguese tiles, in particular, add a touch of character) Tugela River Lodge lets nature do the talking. Each of its five, self-catering cottages are perfect for the couple or family wanting to escape amidst nature. Great value.
• An authentic stay on a centuries-old, family-run farm, Dalmore Guest Farm is an authentic rural stay. With plenty of country pursuits in the vicinity, from horse-riding to cycling, and much more, all ages will love.

GREAT FOR FAMILIES

• Rustic thatched accommodation on an almost deserted beach along Southern Africa’s Indian coastline, Thonga Beach Lodge is a seaside escape for families that want to escape the rat race. Excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.
• Located along the sparkling water of St. Lucia Lake, with Indian Ocean moments away, Makakatana Bay Lodge is a collection of luxurious cottages, ideal for the family wanting to experience some quality time together, in the great outdoors.
• Cycling, trekking, hiking, and plenty of games to keep you entertained Three Tree Hill enjoys a wild location with welcome domesticities, like freshly baked cakes, comfy bedrooms, and private balconies.
• Great value, Berghouse and Cottages boasts riding facilities and an epic setting. Excellent value, this family-run hotel is a family-friendly stay in the Drakensburg range.

FOR FOODIES

• Located on a mirror-like lake, each of Cleopatra Mountain Farmhouse’s 12 rooms includes far-reaching views. Candle-lit dining, with meals rustled up by heralded local chef Richard Poynton, are a winner with guests.
• Stately Victorian stay, Quarters Hotel, located in Durban’s ‘dining district’, with many of its best restaurants but a short stroll away. What’s more, it boasts chic suites and is excellent value.

FOR A COUPLES RETREAT

• With your choice of dining, the ‘adults only’ Malachite Manor is a grown-up stay in a truly wild locale, Himeville, with plenty of outdoor pursuits in the vicinity including cycling, trekking, riding, and much more.
• Traditional, refined, and oh-so picture perfect with its white-washed walls and thatched roof, Elgin Guest House is a perfect couples retreat (adults only) amidst the picture-perfect Drakensburg mountains.
• Sumptuous suites, superb dining, Petite Provence Guest House is a un petit piece of Provence along the Eastern Cape. Each of its rooms is decorated in shabby-chic furnishings, in romantic pastel palettes. Made for romance, it’s the perfect couples’ retreat.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

• Subtropical in climate, KwaZulu-Natal’s weather varies, and can at times be unpredictable. From January to March, Durban witnesses temperatures of between 21-30°C, dropping down to 11-23 °C in the winter months of June to August. Inland, the Drakensberg range experiences snow in the winter months, beautiful to behold, whilst reaching as high as 30°C in the summer. Further north, the coastal areas of St Lucia can get hot and humid in the summer months. The best time to visit, KwaZulu-Natal overall is during the hot, dry months of between November and February.
• With little in the way of public transport, most travellers to KwaZulu-Natal opt for a self-drive holiday, and with some epic road trips, it’s quite the experience. The province's main airport, King Shaka International Airport, located just outside Durban receives daily flights from Cape Town and Johannesburg. Most places of interest, are within three hours drive from here.
• If you'd prefer to self-drive through KwaZulu-Natal, we recommend our travel partners, Rentalcars.

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Monthly Weather in KwaZulu Natal