Natural attractions in KwaZulu-Natal

Natural Wonders of KwaZulu-Natal

KwaZulu-Natal’s landscape spans from the dramatic uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Park to the subtropical Indian Ocean coast. This collection highlights the province's geological diversity, featuring the 948-meter Tugela Falls and the Amphitheatre’s five-kilometer-long basalt wall. Along the coast, the UNESCO-listed iSimangaliso Wetland Park encompasses Lake St. Lucia, Africa's largest estuarine system, while inland sites like Howick Falls and the peaks of Champagne Castle and Njesuthi define the region's rugged interior.

Natural Wonders of KwaZulu-Natal — Map

Bjørn Christian Tørrissen / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Howick Falls

Howick Falls is a waterfall in Howick, KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa.

Andynct / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Tugela Falls

Tugela Falls is a complex of seasonal waterfalls located in the Drakensberg of Royal Natal National Park in KwaZulu-Natal Province,…

C

Amphitheatre

A five-kilometer-long basalt cliff face in the Northern Drakensberg, rising over 1,200 meters. It forms the backdrop of Royal Natal National Park and is the source of the Tugela River.

Stewartmoss / CC BY-SA 4.0

D

Champagne Castle

Champagne Castle is a mountain in the central Drakensberg range, and is the second highest peak in South Africa.

Smurfatefrog / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Giant's Castle

For the ruined monument on the Isles of Scilly, England, see Giant's Castle, Isles of Scilly

F

Njesuthi

Njesuthi or Injesuthi Dome is one of the highest mountains in the Drakensberg mountain range at 3,408 metres.

G

Lake St. Lucia

Africa's largest estuarine system and a centerpiece of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. This 80-kilometer-long lake supports large populations of hippos and crocodiles within a protected UNESCO World Heritage site.

H

Wetlands of Lake St Lucia

This UNESCO-listed ecosystem includes diverse habitats such as swamp forests, marshes, and reed beds. It serves as a vital breeding ground for numerous bird species and aquatic life.

Martijn van Beijmerwerdt / CC-BY-SA

I

Mahai Falls

A perennial waterfall located in the Royal Natal National Park section of the northern Drakensberg, accessible via a hiking trail starting near the Mahai campsite.

J

Skurweberg

A mountain peak in northern KwaZulu-Natal, characterized by its rugged terrain and proximity to the town of Vryheid.

K

Nandi Falls

Located in the Monk’s Cowl region of the central Drakensberg, this waterfall is reached via a trail through indigenous fern forests. It is named after the mother of the Zulu King Shaka.

L

Mhlatuze Estuary Mangroves

Areas of forest which grow in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa mostly on south facing slopes in higher rainfall areas, and along the humid…

M

Richard's Bay Harbour Mangroves

Areas of forest which grow in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa mostly on south facing slopes in higher rainfall areas, and along the humid…

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