KwaZulu-Natal

Kroondal, North West

In 1896 German missionaries and farmers built the Kroondal Mission Station on Jan Michiel van Helsdingen’s farm Kroenendal. Today the church is used as a library, while a new church, built in 1962, serves the population. more
9th Avenue Bistro, Durban

9th Avenue Bistro is a popular Durban eatery offering delicious bistro meals that honour the seasons and make use of the freshest of local produce. more
Golf in the Drakensberg

If you like a bit of scenery with your round of golf, the Drakensberg Mountains won't disappoint you, regardless what time of year you play. more
Three Tree Hill Lodge, KwaZulu-Natal

Historic Three Tree Hill Lodge, in the foothills of the Drakensberg Mountains, flanks a game reserve and Spioenkop Hill where a bloody South African War battle was fought. more

More about KwaZulu-Natal

Kosi Bay, KwaZulu-Natal

Kosi Bay, on KwaZulu-Natal’s north coast, is not a bay at all but 4 interconnected lakes which feed into the sea at Kosi Mouth. more

The Zulu Reed Dance

The Zulu Reed Dance is a highly anticipated annual event. The entire community gathers to support the young Zulu girls in this celebration of their culture. more

Underberg, KwaZulu-Natal

A fly-fishing paradise and hikers’ mecca, the Underberg region is a popular holiday destination in the southern Drakensberg Mountains. more

1Piri-Piri

Early Portuguese settlers introduced the sacana chilli to South Africa and it is now central to South African flavour repertoires. Whether it's spelled peri-peri or piri-piri we love this hot little number in sauces and spices.

2Biltong

Biltong is Afrikaans term, derived from the Dutch words bil 'buttock' + tong 'tongue'. Lean strips of beef or venison are cured in coriander and vinegar before being allowed to air dry. Biltong is an essential snack when watching sport, hiking, going on a road trip and it works a treat on teething babies.

3Sosatie

The term sosatie probably derives from the Malay kebabs called satay. Cubes of meat, usually lamb or mutton, are marinated in a picante mixture of vinegar, turmeric and curry powder before being interlaced with onion and dried apricot on a skewer and grilled. Delicious!

4Braaivleis or Chisa nyama

Whether you prefer the Afrikaans term, braai (barbeque) or the Zulu phrase, Chisa nyama, cooking our food outdoors over an open wood/coal/ or gas fire is as South African as food gets! Chisa nyama is also used to mean township butchery/ steak house venues.

5Boerewors

Boerewors, or farmer's sausage is a classic South African food stuff. Classically, it's made from a mixture of beef and pork, and seasoned with coriander, but don't be surprised to see flavour variations that include cloves, chilli, cheese, chutney and chakalaka!

6Koeksisters and koesisters

Koeksister with a 'k' refers to the Afrikaans term for a plaited yeast doughnut that is deep fried then dipped in ginger-flavoured syrup. Cape Malay koesisters are oval yeast beignets that are also deep fried, dipped in syrup and rolled in dessicated coconut.

7Bunny chow

Street food first developed by South Africans of Indian origin whereby curry is placed inside a hollowed out loaf of bread. There are township variations such as spatlho and the kwata or kota.

8Chakalaka

A spicy cooked vegetable relish of Zulu origin with Indian fusion influences. The base consists of a cooked relish made from tomatoes, onions, carrots, and chillies. Thereafter cooks choose to add peppers, cauliflower, cabbage or baked beans. Tinned forms can be oily so go for a homemade version.

9Pap or maize meal

Pap is a thick porridge made from maize meal, that's eaten as a staple food throughout South Africa. A favorite starch to enjoy with a meat stew, it can be dressed up or down to go with just about any meal.

10Rooibos

Not technically a food but rather an essential break-time beverage. This indigenous shrub is commonly brewed as a tea but is also used as a seasoning, a flavourant and it's revered for its soothing medicinal properties.