Widely known as Zululand, the northern coastal belt of KwaZulu-Natal is an underrated safari destination whose mosaic of provincial and private reserves outdo the better-known Kruger Park when it comes to experiential and ecological variety. Big Five destinations include self-drive-friendly Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and exclusive private reserves such as Phinda. Pride of place, however, goes to the patchwork of wetland reserves, coastal forests and marine sanctuaries protected within the 1,270-square-mile iSimangaliso Wetland Park.  

Discover Zululan

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is UNESCO World Heritage Site that incorporates four Ramsar wetland of global importance. Most accessible is Lake St Lucia, where prodigious hippos, crocs and birds can be seen on guided boat cruises. The more remote Lake Sibaya is the county’s largest natural freshwater body, while Kosi Bay, on the border with Mozambique, comprises a gorgeous forest-fringed network of interconnecting lakes and channels.

Founded in 1895, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park played a crucial role in the conservation of black and white rhinos, and today it hosts the world’s densest population of both species. An excellent self-drive safari destination, this scenic 370-square-mile park supports healthy populations of all the Big Five. 

Phinda Private Reserve, home to all the Big Five as well as a conspicuous cheetah population, is one of South Africa’s finest upmarket safari destinations, whether you are talking in terms of luxurious accommodation, exclusivity, guiding or quality game viewing.  

South Africa’s premier diving and snorkeling destination, the world’s most southerly coral reefs, situated offshore of iSimangaliso’s Sodwana Bay, support a dazzling array of colorful reef fish along with sharks, marine turtles and dolphins.  

For keen wildlife photographers, the hides at uMkhuze Game Reserve and Zimanga Private Reserve are among the most productive anywhere in Africa. 

iSimangaliso has a checklist of 530 bird species, while little-visited Ndumo Game Reserve is often considered to be South Africa’s single most alluring ornithological destination. Specialties include palmnut vulture, crested guineafowl, Neergaard’s sunbird, pink-throated twinspot and grey waxbill.