Rock Art and Traces of Early Times
A look at KwaZulu-Natal takes you far back in time: the Maloti-Drakensberg Park encompasses an estimated 690 rock art sites. Its rock art forms the largest and most concentrated group of rock paintings in southern Africa south of the Sahara. For travellers interested in early visual records, this combines a concrete sense of scale with a distinctive perspective on the rock art. The uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is designated an Important Bird Area. The Maloti-Drakensberg Park also provides an important refuge for more than 250 endemic plant species.
Sibhudu Cave in KwaZulu-Natal is part of the serial World Heritage site “The Emergence of Modern Human Behaviour: The Pleistocene Occupation Sites of South Africa”. The site preserves exceptionally well-stratified and dated sediment records of early human life, dating from about 162,000 to 38,000 years before present. Rock paintings and sediment records offer different ways of accessing the past: in one, images shape the view; in the other, the chronological sequence of archaeological traces does.
Cultural Routes and History
More recent history is also present: the historic part of the Phoenix Settlement is closely linked to Mahatma Gandhi’s final decade in South Africa and his development of Satyagraha. This connection complements prehistoric traces with a biographical perspective. KwaZulu-Natal’s Zulu, Indian and colonial heritage is also reflected in historic and cultural walking trails. Alongside a specific historical connection, there are routes that bring different regional heritages to light.
Routes, Food and Natural Events
The Midlands Meander is an 80-kilometre route between Pietermaritzburg and the uKhahlamba-Drakensberg Mountains in KwaZulu-Natal. Its length and stated endpoints give you a clear point of reference if you want to make the route a focus of your trip. From Durban, the Midlands Meander is a little over an hour away via the N3 towards Pietermaritzburg. Traffic and conditions affect travel time; use this as a rough guide for your planning.
Food-related experiences are also linked to specific routes and offerings. The Midlands Meander recommends a picnic at Swissland Cheese featuring handmade goat’s cheese; individual offerings may change, so check the suggestion before making plans. KwaZulu-Natal’s beer route includes eight breweries and offers insight into the history and art of brewing beer. Its composition may change over time; check its current scope before visiting. These are two different ways to include local food and drink in your plans: a specific picnic suggestion and a broader theme centred on brewing beer.
The Sardine Run takes place annually along the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Timing and sightings vary from year to year. If you’re considering including this natural event in your travel plans, check the dates and sightings for the relevant year and allow for these fluctuations when planning. In contrast, the Midlands Meander can be assessed by its route, endpoints and approximate travel time.
Discover more destinations: Umhlanga, Southbroom, Port Edward, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Bergville, Amanzimtoti, Paulpietersburg, Underberg, Mooi River, Richard's Bay, Winterton, Jozini, Kokstad, Kloof, Himeville, Vryheid, Cathkin Park, Makakatana, Ethekwini, Ilembe, Amajuba, Sisonke, Ugu, Umgungundlovu, Umkhanyakude, Umzinyathi, Uthukela, Uthungulu, Zululand, Verulam, Port Shepstone, Kwadukuza, Kwagingindlovu, Empangeni, Durban Metro, East Griqualand, Indlovu DC
For the broader travel overview: South Africa.
