Welcome to the Zulu Kingdom The Zulu Kingdom is a travel destination of astonishing natural beauty, diversity and excitement. It stretches from the sunny, temperate coast on the edge of the Indian Ocean to the rugged mountain slopes of the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park, one of two World Heritage Sites. IT incorporates the bustling port city of Durban, the game parks of Zululand and the Elephant Coast, where you can see the 'Big 5' animals in their natural habitat, endless beaches, a coastal lake wilderness, arts and crafts routes and historical tours. The Kingdom is a fascinating melting pot of modern and traditional lifestyles with European and Eastern influences blending into a unique and exotic mix with the vibrant indigenous culture of the Zulu people. Everywhere you go the sights and sounds of Africa mingle with the fragrant scents of the East - First world and third world co-existing in a landscape of breathtaking natural beauty. The cultural richness and diversity of KwaZulu-Natal is a result of the province's colourful history. It was home to the indigenous San hunter-gatherers for eons before the arrival of Nguni people who migrated south from central and East Africa. San rock paintings in the Drakensberg mountains date back 40 000 years, and the Border Caves in the Lebombo Mountains show evidence of continuous human occupation for some 150 000 years. In 1823 a small group of European adventurers and traders established a settlement around the natural harbour of what is today the city of Durban. The arrival of Voortrekkers, who traveled by oxwagon overland from the Cape in 1835, and the subsequent arrival of Indian indentured labourers from India completed the mix. For the next 70 years a series of wars were fought over land and sovereignty between British, Boer and Zulu forces. Visitors now flock to these battle sites to relive and rediscover the fascinating history that played itself out across the region. This was followed by another protracted struggle, this time against apartheid, which ended in 1994 when Nelson Mandela cast his vote in the country's first democratic elections at Inanda, near Durban. This ushered in a period of unprecedented peace and prosperity, and KwaZulu-Natal has become a sought-after destination for tourists who come to experience the unique cultures and outstanding natural environment. Visitors will find everything they need in terms of accommodation, travel, shopping and entertainment amenities. There are luxury bush lodges, stylish hotels and self-catering bungalows, shopping malls and restaurants. Excellent tourism facilities are supported by modern infrastructure which makes planning a visit to KwaZulu-Natal - whether on business or holiday - a pleasure. The weather is warm and sunny all year round (though it does get chilly in the high mountains in winter) and is ideal for an active, outdoors holiday of a lifetime.