As one heads north up the coast out of Durban towards Richards Bay, the big N2 freeway bypasses some of the prettiest beaches in KwaZulu-Natal. So, it is worth taking the smaller coastal roads, such as the M4, past Sibaya Casino, Umdloti, King Shaka International Airport and the beautiful upmarket Zimbali estate and golf course. This is where you will find the small holiday towns of Ballito, Salt Rock, Umhlali, Tinley Manor, and Zinkwazi, before making your way back onto the freeway and across the enormous John Ross Bridge to the Tugela Mouth where KZN’s biggest river, the mighty Tugela, gushes out into the Indian Ocean.
Two great South African leaders had their homes in this region and today lie buried here. King Shaka Zulu is buried near the town of Stanger, also known as KwaDukuza, and Chief Albert Luthuli is buried nearby. Albert Luthuli was the first, and one of three South Africans to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, the other two being Mr Nelson Mandela, and Mr FW de Klerk who were jointly awarded the prize. The Luthuli Museum near Groutville provides interesting information about the life of the great South African leader, Albert Luthuli.
A large Indian community is settled on KZN’s North Coast, enlivening the area with beautiful temples, lush market gardens and farms, numerous fresh produce markets and delicious, spicy Indian cuisine.