Zululand is the geographical area of Kwa-Zulu Natal north of the Tugela River, and is the historic home of the Zulu people, proud descendants of Zulu Kings of the past - Shaka, Cetswayo, Dingaan to name a few.

The Zululand seaboard possesses some remarkable resources. In the north is Kosi Bay, almost bordering Mocambique. The beaches are pristine, with white sand, clear seas and awesome dunes.

Sodwana Bay offers world class scuba diving and fishing, as well as the chance to see Leatherback Turtles coming onshore to lay their eggs.

Slightly further south, but still on the coast is the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. This is one of 4 World Heritage sites in South Africa.

Inland from the coastal zone is a belt of game reserves and private game parks. Hluhluwe / Imfolozi, Mkuze and Ithala are National Parks, with private reserves such as Phinda flying the luxury game "flag".

Further inland still, the beauty of Zululand becomes even more apparent. The rolling hills and valleys around Isandlwana make the site of one of colonial Britain's biggest defeats even more poignant. The tiny outpost at Rorkes Drift also has a major story to tell.

Finally, the traditional culture of the Zulu people is still alive and well and can be experienced on many of the tours offered by Thompsons.