Area Profiles

Kloof is a leafy upper-class suburb that includes Everton. Kloof means 'gorge' in afrikaans and the area is named after the deep reavine formed by the Molweni Stream. Kloof is also part of the Kranszkloof Nature Reserve. The area of Kloof extends from Fields Hill, including Winsston Park,, Gillitts, Forest Hills and Hillcrest - collectively known as the upper Highway. Kloof offers several shopping cnetres, an amazing Country Club which was founded in 1927. Kloof rainy season is from October to March, and the average temperature is from 18 degrees to 32 degrees. One of the many attractions is the abundance of bird life including the Crowned...

Kokstad Kokstad lies in the valley of the Umzimhlava River between Mount Currie and the Ingeli Mountains. Kokstad is named after the Griqua chief Adam Kok III who settled here in 1863. Kokstad is currently the fastest growing town in KwaZulu-Natal, with approximately 45,000 people residing there. Well known for its cattle farming and excellent dairy produce, Kokstad was put on the map when Oprah Winfrey decided to design a school for the nearby Shayamoya township. The area is popular for its many rivers and dams that provide ample opportunity for trout fishing, and there are no fewer than three reserves, Mount Currie, Wilfred Bauer, with lovely picnic spots,...

Margate Margate is situated on the Kwazulu Natal coastline, 60km South of Durban. Margate forms part of what is known as the Hibiscus Coast. The beaches are long and gradually slopes down into the ocean making this a great swimming beach for families with small children. The charming scenic towns make up in essence the Hibiscus Coast, a collection of resorts blessed with warm-watered beaches in sub-tropical surrounds. The river which flows into the sea at Margate is called "Nkhongweni" (place of entreaty) because the original inhabitants were reputed to be so mean that travellers had to beg for hospitality. In 1908, Henry Richardson, an English...

Mtunzini Mtunzini is a small coastal town that is situated almost exactly halfway along KwaZulu-Natal's coastline in South Africa approximately 140km north of Durban. The name is an isiZulu word meaning place in the shade. Umlalazi Lagoon at duskIn 1948, 9 square kilometres of dune forests, lakes and lagoon at Mtunzini was proclaimed a nature reserve known as the Umlalazi Nature Reserve. This area falls under the protection of the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. The Umlalazi Lagoon is a popular tourist attraction for watersports enthusiasts and fisherman alike. Recreational and commercial ski-boat boat fisherman also launch their boats in the lagoon and they then...

Newcastle Newcastle is the third largest city and urban center in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Newcastle is located in the North West corner of the province along the Ncandu River and is moderately industrial.  The upper part of the Drakensberg mountain range curls along the west side of the city. A large proportion of the population live in the Townships of Madadeni and Osizweni which lie to the East. The N11 is the principal road running through the city. This city serves surrounding maize, livestock and dairy farmers as well as workers connected to Karbochem, Mittal Steel South Africa (previously ISPAT/ISCOR), the textile and service industry....

PMB Pietermaritzburg is the capital and second largest city in KwaZulu Natal. It was founded in 1838 and it is home to a campus of the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Pietermaritzburg is a major producer of Aluminium, as well as timber and dairy products. Set in the heart of the Natal Midlands in KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg is a city of charm and dignity, at its loveliest in spring when masses of azaleas burst into bloom. The city was originally founded by the Voortrekkers, following the defeat of Dingane at the Battle of Blood River, and was the capital of the short-lived Boer republic, Natalia. Britain took over Pietermaritzburg in 1843 and it became...

Pinetown Pinetown is an industrial town just inland from Durban in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. It was established in 1850 around the Wayside Hotel, which was built the year before along the main wagon route between Durban and Pietermaritzburg. It was named after the governor of Natal, Sir Benjamin Pine. The British built a concentration camp here during the Second Boer War to house Boer women and children. Pinetown is now part of the larger eThekwini Municipality. The area from Cowies Hill in the east to Mariannhill in the west is commonly referred to as the Pinetown area, althoughPinetown strictly extends from Caversham Glen to Manors. Pinetown has the...

Queensburgh Queensburgh is a built up area that has boomed recently to include as many as 10 suburbs in its reach just 15 minutes’ drive south-west of Durban, en route to Amanzimtoti on the M7. With the push for property moving prices well out of reach of the average South African, Queensburgh manages to provide affordable properties to first time buyers as well as more substantial homes for top of the market range purchasers, and its accessibility and rapid growth make it a popular suburb in which to live. When staying in Queensburgh you’re only 10 minutes from the Pavilion shopping centre and within easy access of Hillcrest, Westville, Kloof and...

Richards Bay Richards Bay, (Afrikaans: Richardsbaai), is a town in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is situated on a 30 square kilometre lagoon of the Mhlatuze River, which gives it one of the country's largest harbours. The Richards Bay Coal Terminal is the largest coal export facility in the world with a planned capacity of 91 million tons per year by the first half of 2009. In 2007 annual throughput was 66.12 million tons. Two aluminium smelters (Alusaf) and a fertiliser plant have been erected at the harbour. Iron ore, rutile (titanium oxide) and zircon are mined from the sand dunes close to the lagoon byRichards Bay Minerals. Local exports include...

Richmond Richmond is situated in the picturesque hills of the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and is flanked by the Illovo River. The original settlers came from Beaulieu, the seat of the Duke of Buccleuch in Richmond. As a result of difficulties in pronunciation, the town was renamed Richmond. There are historically noteworthy buildings and is the centre of a farming district that is principally engaged in dairy, stock, timber and sugar cane. The nearby Highover Nature Reserve which is a privately owned natural heritage site, nestled in the scenic Umkomazi Gorgeis a popular birding destination, with over 100 recorded species. In this area, Game Valley...