Develop, Promote And Market
The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority is an entity of the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. The purpose of the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism Authority, which trades as TKZN, is to develop, promote and market tourism into and within the Province of KwaZulu-Natal.
TKZN achieves this by striving to increase local and foreign arrivals, reduce foreign seasonality, increase tourist spend and length of stay within the province, improve the geographic spread of tourist visits across the province, improve the destination's overall image, promote responsible, demand-driven tourism development and industry transformation, and to nurture strategic leadership.
Although there are 11 municipal districts in KZN, for travel purposes it is more comfortably divided into eight regions, namely Durban, the South Coast, the North Coast, Pietermaritzburg and the Midlands, the Drakensberg, the Battlefields, the, Zululand and the Maputaland or Elephant Coast. Each of these areas has its own unique characteristics and attractions and visitors are spoilt for choice.
Beaches and Adventure Activities
KwaZulu-Natal is a traveller's dream, with a seemingly perpetual summer, offered by our subtropical climate. We are famous for our outdoor activities, beaches, natural environment, sport, surf, fishing, sailing, snorkelling and scuba diving. In addition to all the water related activities, adrenaline junkies can abseil the world's highest gorge, bungee jump, go mountain biking, white-water rafting, or even do some iceclimbing in the snowy mountains in the winter.
Heritage
There are plenty of opportunities to experience and enjoy the region; KwaZulu-Natal is rich in history and has an enviable diversity of cultures. This gives visitors endless authentic and fascinating opportunities to learn about, meet and interact with South Africans from all walks of life. Cultural diversity is apparent everywhere; in the traditional and contemporary music, dance, architecture, theatre and art, and even the agriculture of the local people. In addition, there are always plenty of exciting local and international culinary delights awaiting exploration.
The variety of spiritual beliefs found existing side by side in KwaZulu-Natal is most interesting. There are many beautiful churches, temples and mosques to be seen and traditional ceremonies to be experienced. Situated in the centre of Durban is one of the largest African traditional healer's markets in the southern hemisphere.
Historically, the sites of battles fought in the beautiful hills and valleys of northern KwaZulu-Natal at the turn of the 19th century, draw visitors from throughout the
world. Some of the more famous battlefields are at Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana in Zululand, but there are many other interesting historical sites, museums and
monuments throughout the province.
Nelson Mandela was finally captured in KwaZulu-Natal after having been on the run from the apartheid government. He was later sentenced and spent 27 years in prison. Commemorating this event, is a magnificent memorial, "The Mandela Capture Site", outside the town of Howick in the Midlands area of the province.
It was also in KwaZulu-Natal that Mandela chose to cast his vote in South Africa's first ever democratic elections. This he did at the Ohlanga Institute on the outskirts of Durban.
The Natural Environment
Two of the country's eight magnificent World Heritage sites, namely iSimangaliso Wetland Park on the Elephant coast, and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park
in the mountains to the west of the province are here.
Another important game reserve is Hluhluwe-Imfolozi, world famous for the role it has played in preserving Africa's white rhino populations. In addition, there are
many more state run and privately owned protected natural areas to suit everyone's budget.
KZN Travel Guide App
Tourism KwaZulu-Natal recently introduced the all new KZN Travel Guide App now available free for download from the App Store and Google Play. The only App to showcase the province of KwaZulu-Natal, the KZN Travel App features local travel and tourism information highlighting domestic destinations native to KwaZulu-Natal. The up to date travel and tourism information includes:
Local KZN hangouts and artisan culture
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Heritage tours
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Beach vacations
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Romantic getaways
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Luxury experiences
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Day trips
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Safari escapes
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Tours and travel highlights
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Leisure activities
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Adventure and thrill seeking
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Travel packages and tour operators
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Exclusive KZN experiences and adventure
