Accommodation in KZN
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is a province of contrasts: sun-soaked beaches, lush subtropical coastlines, rolling Midlands, and dramatic Drakensberg mountains. Choosing the right accommodation determines how well you experience the region. Whether you want a beachfront self-catering villa, a family guesthouse, a remote eco-lodge, or a luxury game-reserve stay, KZN has options for every traveller and budget.
This guide explains where to stay across KZN, what each region offers, and practical tips to get the best rates and the right property for your trip.
Quick regional guide — pick the right area for your trip
Durban & the Golden Mile
Best for: city beach life, family attractions, short breaks.
What you’ll find: beachfront hotels, apartments, B&Bs, and easy access to uShaka Marine World and the Golden Mile promenade.
Dolphin Coast / North Coast (Ballito, Salt Rock, Zimbali, uMdloti)
Best for: family holidays, surf, luxury estates.
What you’ll find: self-catering villas, holiday homes, seaside resorts, boutique guesthouses, and gated estates with golf courses.
South Coast (Margate, Ramsgate, Port Edward, Southbroom)
Best for: family-friendly beaches, Blue Flag spots, quieter seaside towns.
What you’ll find: self-catering apartments, guesthouses, and mid-range resorts — popular in school holiday season.
KwaZulu-Natal Midlands (Howick, Nottingham Road, Hilton)
Best for: country retreats, art trails, craft markets, wedding venues.
What you’ll find: farm stays, country B&Bs, boutique hotels, and scenic guesthouses.
Drakensberg (Royal Natal, Cathedral Peak)
Best for: hiking, mountain scenery, nature and adventure.
What you’ll find: mountain lodges, family chalets, eco-friendly retreats and backpacker mountain huts.
iSimangaliso / Hluhluwe / St Lucia (Northern KZN)
Best for: safari, wetlands, marine life and birding.
What you’ll find: safari lodges, ecolodges, community-run guesthouses and self-catering chalets near game reserves and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Types of accommodation in KZN — what to expect
- Self-catering holiday homes / villas — great for families or groups who want privacy, kitchen facilities and space. Often the best value per person.
- Guesthouses & B&Bs — personalised service, often owner-run with local tips and breakfast included.
- Boutique hotels & resorts — higher comfort levels, pools, restaurants, spa facilities; perfect for couples or special occasions.
- Backpackers & hostels — budget option for solo travellers and backpackers with social spaces.
- Eco-lodges & retreats — for nature lovers looking to minimise impact and enjoy guided conservation activities.
- Game lodges & safari camps — higher price point but unique wildlife experiences in Hluhluwe and surrounding reserves.
How to choose the right accommodation
- Match location to your plan: If you want beach days and dining out, choose the coast. For hiking and quiet, choose Drakensberg or the Midlands. For safari, stay near Hluhluwe or iSimangaliso.
- Decide on experience: Do you want local interactions (guesthouse), full privacy (self-catering), or luxury (resort/game lodge)?
- Check essential amenities: Wi-Fi, parking, braai/BBQ facilities, kitchen equipment, child-friendly features, and whether the property is pet-friendly.
- Read recent reviews: Look for consistent praise or repeated complaints — one negative review is normal; patterns matter.
- Verify booking terms: Cancellation policy, deposit requirements, check-in/out times and any extra fees (linen, cleaning, electricity).
Booking tips to get the best deals
- Book early for peak seasons: December, Easter and school holiday periods book fast on the coast — secure family homes months in advance.
- Use direct booking where possible: Direct bookings often avoid third-party markups and allow easier negotiation. If you’re listed on South Coast Explore or a local lead network, you’ll get vetted leads and controlled commission terms.
- Consider shoulder season: Spring and autumn offer warm weather, fewer crowds and better rates.
- Ask about discounts: Longer stays, last-minute availability, or repeat guest deals are common — ask the host directly.
- Confirm safety and accessibility: If you need ground-floor rooms, wheelchair access, or baby equipment, confirm ahead.
Accommodation for special needs and groups
- Family stays: Look for enclosed gardens, pool fences, children’s activities and proximity to medical centres.
- Accessible stays: Not all KZN properties are wheelchair friendly — request photos of bathrooms and entrances.
- Group bookings: Book entire villas or multiple rooms early and confirm sleeping arrangements and bedding.
- Pet-friendly: Many self-catering properties accept pets but check rules (outside areas, cleaning fees).
Safety, hygiene and local considerations
- Swimming safety: Coastal beaches may have rips; swim where lifeguards and shark nets are present and follow local flags.
- Electricity & water: Some remote properties may have limited supply or backup generators — ask in advance.
- Local transport: Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore KZN. Taxis and ride-hail services exist but can be limited in smaller towns.
- Respect local customs: Be polite in smaller communities, ask before photographing people, and follow reserve rules.
Why use a local lead network for KZN accommodation
A South Coast-focused lead network (like South Coast Explore) matches travellers with high-intent requests to relevant properties — reducing wasted enquiries and marketing cost. Benefits include:
- Qualified leads tailored to your property and dates
- Low, performance-based commission (you only pay when a booking converts)
- Local marketing reach and season-specific promotions
- Direct guest communication and control over pricing
If you host on the South Coast, listing on a local lead network helps you fill shoulder season gaps, manage last-minute inventory and increase occupancy without upfront advertising spend.
Sample packing list for KZN stays
- Light clothing, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen (coastal)
- Comfortable hiking shoes (Drakensberg & Midlands)
- Swimwear and beach towel
- Insect repellent (wetlands and summer months)
- Reusable water bottle and power bank
FAQ — Accommodation in KZN
Q: When is the best time to visit KZN?
A: Summer (Nov–Mar) is beach weather; whale season is June–Nov (good for the coast); Drakensberg is best in cooler, clear months (Apr–Sep) for hiking.
Q: Are KZN beaches safe to swim at?
A: Many beaches are protected by shark nets and lifeguards (check local flags). Always swim between the flags and obey lifeguard instructions.
Q: Can I find budget accommodation in KZN?
A: Yes — hostels, guesthouses, and off-peak self-catering options make the province accessible for most budgets.
Q: Is it better to book direct or via a booking platform?
A: Booking direct with a verified host or via a local lead network typically saves on fees and gives you more flexible policies. Use large platforms for price discovery but consider direct contact to confirm details.
Q: How far apart are towns on the coast?
A: Distances vary; driving from Durban to Margate is around 1.5–2 hours, while the Dolphin Coast towns are within short drives of each other. Always account for holiday traffic.
Final thoughts
KwaZulu-Natal offers a huge variety of accommodation experiences — from beachfront villas and family guesthouses to mountain lodges and safari camps. Picking the right region and property type for your travel goals will transform your trip. If you want help matching dates, budget and preferences to the best KZN stays, fill in our holiday request form and we’ll match you with verified properties across the province.
