LOCAL TRAVEL
KWAZULU-NATAL:
WHERE CULTURE, COAST
AND COUNTRY COLLIDE
BY BYRON LUKAS
PLAN YOUR PERFECT KWAZULU-NATAL ESCAPE. EAT YOUR WAY THROUGH DURBAN, UNWIND IN THE DRAKENSBERG, AND UNCOVER HIDDEN GEMS ALONG THE COAST AND COUNTRYSIDE.
If South Africa were a playlist, KwaZulu-Natal would be the song you never skip – the anthem that plays loud and lingers. It blends cultural depth, natural beauty, and a spark of excitement. Let’ s take a relaxed journey through this coastal-meets-country wonder to discover what to eat, where to stay, and how to have fun in the Zulu Kingdom.
A PROVINCE WITH A PALATE
You don’ t visit KwaZulu-Natal. You taste it. The province serves a feast of Indian spice, coastal freshness, and Zulu soul.
Durban is a city built on flavour. It’ s the birthplace of the famous bunny chow – a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with curry. Try it at Capsicum Restaurant or Bunny Chow Bar on Florida Road. For beachfront bites, Afro’ s Chicken keeps things simple and tasty, while Moyo uShaka Pier lets you eat above the waves as seagulls circle.
Further up the North Coast, in Ballito, the vibe is barefoot and breezy. Go for seafood platters at Fiamma Grill, sundowners at The Shed, or a slow brunch at The Waterberry Café, tucked under coastal milkwood trees where time stands still. Inland, the Midlands Meander delivers old-school charm. Think farm stalls and country kitchens serving slow-cooked stews and baked puddings that feel like home.
And then there’ s traditional Zulu cuisine – smoky, soulful, and full of history. Near Eshowe, stop at Fort Nongqayi Museum Village, where local cooks serve umngqusho( samp and beans), jeqe( steamed bread), and amadumbe( taro) that connect you straight to the province’ s cultural heart.
FROM OCEAN BREEZES TO MOUNTAIN DREAMS
KZN offers stays for every traveller, from backpackers with surfboards to luxury seekers with luggage sets.
In Umhlanga, The Oyster Box stands as a national treasure, boasting chandeliers, stunning sea views, and timeless charm. If you prefer something trendier, Curiocity Durban in the Rivertown Precinct blends boutique style with local flair, featuring murals, surfboards, and stories shared over coffee.
Head inland to the Drakensberg Mountains, where silence speaks loudest. The Nest Hotel offers family-run comfort with postcard views. For romance, book a cabin at Karkloof Safari Villas or stay at the eco-chic Gowrie Farm in Nottingham Road.
Down south, Umzumbe Surf House is for the free-spirited hammocks, bonfires, and waves at your door. For something wilder, Thonga Beach
82 INBOUND SA / DECEMBER 2025