Topography

The province comprises three distinct geographic zones, being:

• • A coastal lowland region, abutting the Indian Ocean;
• • The rolling grassland plains of the central region; and
• • A mountainous region in the far west. This, the Drakensberg, constitutes the highest mountains in South Africa, with the range extending for some 200km and reaching heights in excess of 3 500 metres. Three of the province's major rivers have their sources in these towering peaks.

Vegetation:

This is the best-watered province in the country ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal is perennially green.

Vegetation tends to be lush along the coastal strip, with enormous coastal forests locate on some of the world's highest sand dunes along the northern coastline. The province his home to extensive range of plant species, while sugarcane is a primary crop.

Varied and dense coastal forests and bush, as well as lala and wild banana palms occur in great profusion along the South Coast.