Fact #1: KwaZulu Natal is home to the World’s Oldest & Largest Marathon
The Comrades Marathon is the largest and oldest marathon in the world and takes place between Pietermaritzburg, the capital of KZN and Durban, the largest city in KZN.
Fact #2: KwaZulu Natal is where the Aliwal Shoal is Located
This shoal can be found about off the coast of KZN and is widely regarded by divers as one of the best diving spots in the world. The marine life in the shoal includes ragged-tooth sharks, mantas, moray eels, stingrays and more.
Fact #3: You Can Find All the Big Five in KZN
The big five are the five animals originally used by hunters as being difficult to hunt and unpredictable. They comprise the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, African Leopard, African Lion, and the African Rhino.
Fact #4: One of the largest White Rhino Populations’ Habitat is in KwaZulu Natal
The White Rhino is now classified as near-threatened after conservation efforts were put in place to protect the species resulting in KZN having one of the largest populations of White Rhinos in the world.
Fact #5: SA’s Highest Mountain Range is in KZN
The Drakensberg mountains contain the highest mountain peak in Southern Africa at ~3500m above sea level and features about 35000 – 40000 indigenous bushman rock paintings.
Fact #6: KwaZulu Natal Has a Zulu Monarch
Kwa-Zulu Natal is home to the Zulu monarch named King Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini (born 23 September 1974) who is the reigning King of the Zulu nation. He is the oldest surviving son of King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and his Great Wife, Queen Mantfombi Dlamini. King Misuzulu became heir presumptive after the death of his father on 12 March 2021.
Fact #7: KwaZulu Natal Hosts the Durban July
The Durban July is Africa’s greatest sporting event and one of the biggest calendar events in South Africa. The Durban July is not only a horse racing event but is also a fashion spectacle with designers showcasing their pieces in fashion shows and celebrities wearing unique clothing pieces.
Fact #8: KZN Has the Bragging Rights to Africa’s Longest Promenade
The Durban promenade on Durban’s beachfront features an 8km promenade that is utilised by holiday-goers and residents for running, exercise, events, family-time and more. The first section of the promenade was built in 2010 with the remainder built in 2019 and aims to stimulate economic growth in the area.
Fact #9: KwaZulu Natal is the Home of the annual Sardine Run
The Sardine run is a seasonal movement of fish and predators along the KZN coastline during the months of June and July. It is characterised by large shoals of sardines, sharks and other marine life moving close to the shore where fishermen and netters wait eagerly for their catch.
Fact #10: Durban in the KZN Province is the City with the Largest Indian Community outside of India
Durban, KZN’s largest city is also the city with the largest Indian population outside of India. Indians were brought to KZN via ships in 1860 to work as indentured labourers and brought with them the culinary traditions and culture that contributes to the rich diversity of KZN.
