KwaZulu-Natal offers just about everything a tourist could want! And when better to shout its praises than during September - South Africa`s National Tourism Month!

It has majestic, rugged mountains that are, at times, covered in snow. It has rolling green countryside dotted with quaint villages, hotels, craft shops and farms. It has pristine wilderness inhabited by a huge diversity of wildlife, including the traditional Big Five - lion, leopard, elephant, rhino and buffalo. Plus whales in the waters of the marine reserve off the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, making it the Big Six.

Then there are the beaches, ideal for swimming, surfing and sun worshipping. Of the 22 South African beaches with the international Blue Flag badge of quality, 14 are in KwaZulu-Natal. There are also stunning coral reefs for the enjoyment of diving and snorkelling enthusiasts. The climate is balmy and sub-tropical, and the sun shines all the year round - so there is never a bad time to plan a visit!

KwaZulu-Natal has a fascinating history. It is here that the Zulu nation was formed in the very early nineteenth century by Shaka, the great warrior king who built up a mighty empire and from whose clan the current Royal Family of the Zulus are descended. It is where the Anglo/Zulu War was fought and where a crushing defeat was inflicted on the British at Isandlwana. It is where decisive phases of the Anglo/Boer War were fought. Battlefields and monuments from these different military encounters are scattered about the province.

KwaZulu-Natal has the major city of Durban as entry point - and all the province`s many attractions are within a few hours` drive away from this hub. Durban is Africa`s largest harbour and itself a tourist attraction with its upmarket waterfront right in the heart of the city including the new uShaka Marine World Development - and a vibrant multi-cultural character.

Despite all these attractions - the province is always striving to offer its visitors more! Exciting news is that the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Ukhahlamba Drakensberg Park will soon be joined as World Heritage Sites by the Maloti Transfrontier Park, in the Drakensberg mountains (in partnership with the Kingdom of Lesotho), which will give KwaZulu-Natal added world status as an eco-tourism destination. The Valley of the Kings has also been nominated for possible World Heritage Status.

Other areas experiencing exciting developments at present are Black Economic Empowerment initiatives and Township Tourism - both of which are uplifting and empowering local communities.

Township Tourism enables visitors to get a taste of the real Africa. To experience the vibrancy, colour and musicality of township life, in the same way they experience Big Five wilderness or traditional Zulu rural culture and lifestyles.

Another exciting development on the cards is the plan to open a new international airport north of Durban in 2009, capable of handling the largest longhaul jet aircraft.

The Chief Executive Officer of Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Mr Miller Matola, said value for money, an excellent and diverse range of attractions and experiences, the weather and the increasing investment into the province are just some of the reasons why the Zulu Kingdom remains the best province to visit during National Tourism Month - and any time of the year.

There are a number of exciting events, planned from September until the New Year, which offer unique tourism experiences, including: the annual uMkhosi Womhlanga (Reed Dance) in Zululand, the Celebrate Durban Festival, Heritage Day Celebrations, the Margate Mardi Gras, the the Zululand Expo, and the Loeries, the annual advertising awards which will be held for the first time in KwaZulu-Natal.