A historic trade route provides a thread through Zululand: the Zululand Heritage Route 66 follows one of the oldest trade routes through Zululand. Along it are also ecotourism reserves and natural hot springs. The shift between history and nature makes the route a special introduction to discovering Zululand.
Route 66: Places and History
Route 66 runs from Pongola via Nongoma and Ulundi to Melmoth or Eshowe, then joins the N2 at Gingindlovu. This sequence provides a geographic framework for planning your trip: it takes you through several named places and connects their distinct experiences with Zulu culture and heritage. Historically, the route follows one of the oldest trade routes through Zululand. The route’s concept thus brings together a traditional trade corridor and present-day discoveries of culture and nature.
The ecotourism reserves and natural hot springs complement the historical perspective with natural attractions. This means Route 66 offers more than a single sightseeing stop: you can treat the route as a thematic framework and, when choosing your travel interests, take into account both the sequence of places and the cultural and natural aspects of the route.
Birdwatching and Wildlife
You can explore the Zululand Birding Route independently by car or as part of guided tours. This gives you two different ways to explore: you can drive yourself or join a guided tour. A total of 650 bird species have been recorded along the route. The figure may be adjusted as route managers update it, so it reflects the number recorded, not a fixed total.
Another natural highlight is the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, home to the Big Five. Those interested in birdwatching will find a specific focus on the Birding Route; the game reserve represents another aspect of wildlife. This distinction can help you organize nature-related interests according to your own preferences, without combining them into a single activity.
Zulu Heritage and the September Festival
The graves of several Zulu kings are located in the Emakhosini Valley. They provide a tangible link to the history of the Zulu kingdom. Another way to experience Zulu culture is the Reed Dance Festival, held annually in Zululand in September. The exact festival dates may change, so check them in advance if you would like to plan your trip around the event.
These two themes offer different points of reference: the valley’s royal graves point to history, while the annual festival provides a timing reference for trip planning. If you are interested in both, you can consider the historical connection and the September date as separate aspects of your plans.
KwaZulu-Natal in a Broader Context
Across the wider destination of KwaZulu-Natal, historic and cultural trails reflect Zulu, Indian and colonial influences. uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park is designated an Important Bird Area. An estimated 690 rock art sites are located in Maloti-Drakensberg Park. Its rock paintings make up the largest and most concentrated group in sub-Saharan Africa; the park also provides an important refuge for more than 250 endemic plant species. These regional points of reference add further cultural and natural themes to the picture of KwaZulu-Natal; here, Zululand’s own discovery themes are Route 66, birdwatching and Zulu heritage.
Discover more destinations: Pongola, Swembad, Sovane, Nongoma, Magudu, Indlovu DC, Durban Metro, Umgungundlovu.
View the broader travel overview: Kwazulu-Natal.
