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Beneath the heat of a subtropical sun lie peaceful green hills and rippling grasslands, abundant forests, and an unhurried, pastoral way of life permeated with traditions and beliefs passed down over generations.
Zululand, a region in the northeastern section of the province of KwaZulu-Natal (the only South African province with a name that reflects its incredible heritage) is a largely undiscovered gem, resplendent with unspoilt forests, gorgeous beaches, rich culture, and incredible wildlife.
The malaria-free zone lies to the north of South Africa’s Dolphin Coast, extends up to Richard’s Bay along the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, and moves inland to the rural heart of the province, reaching north to Pongola and including the towns of Ulundi and Vryheid that border the Battlefields Route.
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Zululand’s major attractions include several protected areas and nature reserves that showcase the region’s abundant biodiversity. With its wealth of natural beauty, Zululand attracts adventurous travellers, keen birders, wildlife enthusiasts, as well as those passionate about history and culture. Visitors have the opportunity to discover more about the rich Zulu culture as well as the fascinating history of the area.
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Zululand is home to the Zulu nation, or amaZulu - which translates as “people of the heavens.” The Zulu nation emerged as a powerful monarchy in the 19th century under King Shaka (1816-1828), who expanded the kingdom through military strategy. His rule led to the displacement of other chiefdoms, and his successors later clashed with Afrikaner boers, culminating in the Battle of Blood River in 1838.
In 1879, the British invaded Zululand, and despite earlier Zulu victories, they were ultimately defeated at the Battle of Ulundi, leading to British annexation in 1887. Zululand became part of Natal in 1897. Later, under apartheid policies, it became a designated ‘Zulu homeland’. With the fall of apartheid, Zululand was merged with Natal in 1994 to form the modern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province.
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When people think of South African safaris, they often think of the Kruger National Park, located in the Limpopo and Mpumalanga provinces, or perhaps the many reserves in the North-West Province.
KZN, and in particular Zululand, is a fantastic alternative to the well-trodden safari routes, without sacrificing anything. It's home to the big five, abundant birdlife, and beautiful natural scenery including the coastline of the Indian Ocean.
One of Zululand’s biggest attractions is the Hluhluwe-imfolozi Park (HiP), the oldest proclaimed reserve on the continent and home to Africa's famous big five; lion, rhino, elephant, leopard and buffalo. The state-run protected area holds a special place in many conservationists’ hearts: it is the place where the white rhino was saved from the brink of extinction and has since supported the expansion of several endangered species.
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Manyoni Private Game Reserve is another outstanding protected area in Zululand. It is one of the largest privately-owned game reserves in KwaZulu-Natal, boasting 23,000 hectares of breathtaking Zululand scenery. Initially formed as part of the WWF black rhino range expansion project, Manyoni has become a top big five safari destination in KwaZulu-Natal, while still keeping its focus on endangered species conservation.
Zululand's biodiversity is remarkable due to its mix of tropical, coastal, and savanna ecosystems, making it a prime conservation area in South Africa. Wildlife ACT does vital monitoring work on several nature reserves in this region, contributing to the conservation of several endangered and priority species.
Passionate conservationists can join one of our three Zululand volunteer projects located in the Hluhluwe and iMfolozi sections of HiP and on Manyoni Private Game Reserve. For a more luxurious experience while still contributing to conservation efforts, opt for our Conservation Safari.
Wildlife ACT also runs the African Wildlife Conservation and Habitat Management Course in the Hluhluwe section of the HiP, which offers a unique glimpse into the management of a state-protected area.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is home to a variety of breathtaking wild areas, including Lake St Lucia, Africa’s largest estuarine system, and Kosi Bay, home to the Tsonga people and their reed fish traps - a centuries-old fishing technique.
Among iSimangaliso’s many treasures is one of South Africa’s oldest reserves, uMkhuze Game Reserve, dating back to 1912. The reserve boasts a diverse environment of acacia savannah, rivers, pans, and riverine forests. As well as home to the big five, it is a bird-lover’s paradise with over 420 avian species to discover. Here, you might also encounter lesser-seen animals like African Wild Dogs and Cheetahs.
The Mkhuze river fills the iNsumo Pan, which is a thriving wetland habitat teeming with aquatic birdlife, hippos, and crocodiles. It also supports one of only two significant pink-backed pelican breeding colonies in southern Africa.
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Within the reserve is another unique habitat: The Sycamore Fig Forest, stretching along the Mkhuze River, is the only unspoilt indigenous fig forest of its kind in Africa. You can take a guided walk in this enchanting forest under a canopy of massive trees that are at least 400 years old! They bear fruit all year round, supporting a variety of bird and animal species.
Zululand’s high-rainfall, coastal forests, Nkandla, oNgoye, Entumeni, Dlinza and Qudeni, are among the last remaining indigenous forests of Zululand, providing safe harbour to species found nowhere else in the world. They are also deeply intertwined with Zulu history.
oNgoye and Dlinza are examples of scarp forest, a species rich and structurally diverse type of forest with a significant number of endemic species. The Dlinza Forest is particularly worth a visit for its aerial boardwalk and hiking trails. The oNgoye Forest is another exceptional forest to explore, with a number of rare and endemic species including the Green barbet and oNgoye red squirrel.
Zululand is also home to a vital mangrove forest, the Mtunzini Mangrove Forest, located on the banks of the Mlalazi River in Umlalazi Coastal Reserve. The reserve is a protected area and home to the rare Palm-nut vulture.
The Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal is a biodiversity hotspot with a unique mix of ecosystems, from coastal forests and wetlands to savannas and mountainous areas. Some of the standout biodiversity in this region includes:
African Wild Dogs (Lycaon pictus): One of the rarest and most endangered predators in Africa, the African Wild Dog has been successfully reintroduced into protected areas like Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park and is one of Wildlife ACT’s priority species.
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Samango monkey (Cercopithecus albogularis): As well as vervet monkeys, samango monkeys are found in forested areas along the Zululand coast. They are the country’s only exclusively forest-dwelling guenon. Wildlife ACT’s Hluhluwe project volunteers and course participants can look forward to daily sightings of these unique monkeys at the research camp!
Suni antelope (Neotragus moschatus): The rare and endangered suni antelope is found on reserves in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, from where it ranges to Mozambique.
Zululand is a veritable birding hotspot, and, as a result, Birdlife South Africa developed the Zululand Birding Route, with a network of 16 self-drive routes including a range of great birding localities that will thrill the most seasoned birder. You can also opt for a guided tour, with, for example, Birdlife-accredited guide Junior Gabela.
Here are some exciting species you have the opportunity to see:
Pel's fishing owl (Scotopelia peli): A rare nocturnal bird found near water bodies.
Southern banded snake eagle (Circaetus fasciolatus): A highly localised raptor in Zululand's forests.
Southern ground hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri): A species that is vulnerable across their range but endangered in South Africa.
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Pennant-winged nightjar (Caprimulgus vexillarius): Occuring in northeastern South Africa, this remarkable species has been sighted on Manyoni Private Game Reserve during its breeding season.
Pink-throated twinspot (Hypargos margaritatus): An exquisite and rare finch species, endemic to southern Africa and occuring from KwaZulu-Natal to Swaziland and southern Mozambique.
Narina trogon (Apaloderma narina): This spectacular red and green bird has been spotted in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Lappet-faced Vulture (Torgos tracheliotos): An endangered scavenger, distinguished by its reddish-coloured neck, bare pink head, and dark-coloured feathers.
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Be sure to check out this Zululand birding list for more birds found in this region - some other exciting species to look out for are the Delegorgues pigeon, brown robin, yellow streaked bulbul (also known as the yellow-streaked greenbul), olive woodpecker, grey cuckooshrike and black cuckoo.
The Zululand dwarf chameleon (Bradypodion nemorale) - also known as the Qudeni dwarf chameleon, is endemic to South Africa and has a small distribution around the Eshowe area.
Many rare and special butterflies are found in Zululand, including the white-spotted sapphire (Iolaus lulua) and Zulu yellow buff (Teriomima zuluana). A tiny colony of the endangered Karkloof blue (Orachrysops ariadne) can be found at Nkandla, with Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife actively working to restore population numbers as part of the Karkloof Blue Butterfly Project.
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Zululand is home to some of South Africa’s most impressive and diverse snake species, including the venomous Mozambique spitting cobra (Naja mossambicus), known locally as the mfezi, as well as the non-venomous Southern African python (Python natalensis), the largest snake in Zululand.
Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles: These turtles nest on the beaches of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Agulhas Front MPA and iSimangaliso MPA protect important feeding grounds for these ancient reptiles, especially the leatherback turtle which is currently listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus): They are regularly seen in offshore waters.
Humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae): Humpback whales migrate along the North Coast of KZN each year. From June to November, they can be spotted breaching and playing in the water.
African flame lily (Gloriosa superba): A strikingly beautiful climber with red and yellow flowers in the summer. The plant sprawls over rocks or low bushes and prefers savanna and thickets. It grows in the northern and eastern reaches of South Africa.
Umzimbeet (Millettia grandis): A semi-deciduous tree found in the coastal regions of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape, in forests or forest margins. Attractive purple flowers appear in the summer.
Forest apple-leaf (Philenoptera sutherlandii): Endemic to South Africa and found in scap forests.
Water berry (Syzygium cordatum): a beautiful tree that is home to many birds and insects.
Pondo/Pondoland fig (Ficus bizanae): This rare, endemic species can be found in the scarp forests of KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape.
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Zululand is known as the kingdom of the Zulu people. The area is rich in tradition and culture, and visitors are invited into the heart of Zulu villages like Shakaland and Dumazulu, where you could visit a sangoma (a traditional Zulu doctor), watch a traditional wedding ceremony, and experience Zulu hospitality. The George Hotel, located in the town of Eshowe, also offers many fascinating tours for the culturally curious.
Towns of interest include Nongoma, known as the Royal City of Zululand, as well as Eshowe, the oldest town in Zululand. Here you can visit Vukani Museum, which showcases traditional Zulu artifacts and crafts, and the Fort Nongqayi Museum Village, where you can learn about Zulu history and culture through various exhibits and displays. The Dlinza Forest Aerial Boardwalk in Eshowe offers guided tours that include insights into local Zulu traditions and the natural environment
Those interested in Zululand’s heritage can visit Melmoth (eMthonjaneni) and the Valley of the Kings, the birthplace of Zulu King Shaka and home to the Battlefield’s Route, including Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana - two of the most famous battlefields in the country. It was here that Zulu forces, armed with traditional spears and shields, battled British Colonial Empire forces in the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.
These picturesque landscapes, including sweeping plains and valleys littered with stone forts and graveyards, bore witness to events that shaped South African history. You can explore the Battlefields Route as a self-drive experience or as part of a guided tour.
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