Kwa Zulu Natal (aka KZN) is a coastal province in South Africa on the Indian Ocean….. home of the famous Shaka, a Zulu king of the early 19th century who developed a very effective and brutal military. His army conquered and pushed neighboring tribes out into other parts of the country, creating a ripple effect of migration that permanently changed the ethnic and cultural make-up of the region.
History lesson over……. KZN is possessed of incredible natural beauty, one aspect experienced vividly with a helicopter ride along the coast from the city of Durban down to the Mngazi River. Tertius came along for the ride (along with his friend and colleague Ty).
It is a striking and abrupt transition from the developed areas in and around Durban…….
…… To the bucolic homesteads of the Zulu tribal land further south.
The lack of industrialization and residential development here means that this stunning coastline is almost untouched, with craggy cliffs, clear waterfalls and beaches.
Because of its remoteness, strong tides and rocky beaches, it’s called the Wild Coast, virtually unapproachable from the sea. It’s hard in retrospect to imagine how to truly appreciate this place’s beauty except from the perspective of a helicopter……. A lunch on top of a cliff gave us a chance to catch our breath …..
before moving on to a view of a well-known feature called The Hole in the Wall.
A few days spent at a retreat on the coast……
gave us a close-up experience with….. cows on the beach!
These bovines are apparently free to roam as they wish, up and down the lush hillsides….. But somehow they gravitate to the sandy shore, where they lounge quite comfortably. Why? There is no potable water or food for them there….. Henry imagines that the breeze off the sea minimizes the number of flying insects that could irritate them. I like to think that – like us – they enjoy gazing at the waves and contemplating their role in the universe…….
From the resort, there are wonderful walks in the neighboring hills overlooking the ocean…. (Please note the cows on the beach.)
Some relaxation
And some lovely sunrises…..
One cow was not dismayed or frightened of the noisy contraption that picked us up for our return to Durban. She bid us a moo-ving farewell from the Wild Coast……..
Emerald Isle to the Norse Lands 
Looks lovely. I have been to SA twice but not to the eastern area. Those photos will entice me. Glad to see you are enjoying yourselves. Hope you are going to Kruger.
Keep sending the emails. Have a safe journey.
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It is lovely in spite of the rain. So nice as always to hear from you. Hope you have emerged from the darkest hours of the pandemic unscathed and are getting out and about! All the best, Noelle.
Robbie & Henry
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Boy, you’re living the life there! I have not seen these sights in KZN and am so glad you’re representing the country so well. Keep the adventures and updates coming!
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