The road snakes through subtropical bush, cane fields and hills garlanded with hibiscus blooms. North of Durban, the coastline stretching from the Tugela Mouth to the Umdloti River is aptly known as the Dolphin Coast. Close inshore, shoals of bottle-nose dolphins gambol in the waves, providing endless entertainment with their engaging antics. Further north, KwaZulu-Natal's game sanctuaries epitomise the best of the African wilderness. Habitats from coastal dune forests to open bushveld support a wide diversity of game, from the elephant to the tiny suni.
Bird life is equally prolific.
Most parks offer peaceful surroundings, comfortable accommodation, game drives and conducted walking trails. The highway meanders through rolling wooded hills and grassy plains scattered with towns, villages and hospitable country inns. On lush farmlands, plump cattle and thoroughbred horses graze. Although the great herds of highveld game which once wintered here are gone forever, sanctuaries throughout the region support large numbers and varieties of wildlife. Nestling in the valleys, fine hotels and leisure resorts offer comfortable accommodation and recreational options second to none.