Things To Do
in Newcastle
Newcastle is a mid-sized city in KwaZulu-Natal known for its coal heritage and friendly people. Nestled on the edge of the province's rolling hills, it blends industrial history with warm rural charm. The town serves as a convenient stepping stone to nearby nature reserves and Drakensberg vistas.
Visitors here enjoy approachable KwaZulu-Natal hospitality, local markets, and affordable South African cuisine.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Touch down in Pietermaritzburg and enjoy a scenic drive through rolling hills into Newcastle. Savor a frothy cappuccino at a local café while watching town life unfold. Settle into your boutique guesthouse and meet with a local guide to plan the week ahead.
Feast on traditional Zulu fare at a family-run restaurant and learn about indigenous cooking techniques. Wander through the vibrant local township with a guide, stopping at craft stalls to admire handwoven baskets. Capture the energy of everyday life and practice a few Zulu greetings with friendly shopkeepers.
Attend a welcoming cultural performance featuring drummers and dancers in tribal regalia. Sample a selection of regional wines and chilled beers under open skies. Retire early to rest up for the coming adventures amid tranquil garden views.
Explore the Newcastle Museum and Art Gallery to trace the region’s early settlers and industrial heritage. Examine antique photographs, steam engines and Afrikaner artifacts in well-curated exhibits. Chat with the curator and dive deeper into local family histories.
Visit the Natal Native Brigade Centre to learn about local military contributions during the Anglo-Zulu War. Walk among historic barracks and view commemorative monuments in the leafy compound. Reflect on the confluence of cultures and conflicts that shaped the area.
Dine at a riverside bistro overlooking the Buffalo River, sampling flame-grilled steaks with spicy chutneys. Listen to live acoustic guitar as the sun sets over town rooftops. Sip rooibos tea on your veranda before an early night.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🥗Lunch at a mid-range restaurant | $15-25 |
| ☕Coffee or tea | $2-4 |
| 🚇One-way local transport | $1-2 |
| 🛍️Cappuccino and pastry | $3-6 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Friendly locals and affordable prices
- Wide range of outdoor activities nearby
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Some services can be slow in peak times
- "Sawubona" - Hello (Zulu)
- "Ngiyabonga" - Thank you
- "Ngicela amanzi" - I would like water
- "Zingaki leli zinto?" - How much is this?
- "Ngiyayiqonda kancane" - I understand a little
- "Ngicela usizo" - Please help me
Places to Visit in Newcastle
Visit one of these nice places.
Elevated spots around the outskirts of town offer wide-angle views of rolling hills and distant horizons.
Capture colonial-era buildings and the pedestrian-friendly main streets.
Photographs of old industrial relics and memorials that reflect Newcastle’s industrial past.
Food in Newcastle
Newcastle Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A curry served in a hollowed-out loaf of bread; widely available in SA towns and a filling option in Newcastle.
Must-Try!
Maize meal porridge served with grilled sausage and tomato relish; a staple comfort meal at local spots.
Ribs, steak, or wors cooked on a barbecue, often enjoyed with chakalaka and pap.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Weekend market with fresh produce, baked goods, and street snacks, a good place to taste local flavors.
A strip of stalls offering quick bites like grilled corn, droewors, and fried snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with a friendly hello or handshake; modest courteous behavior is valued in public spaces.
Dress neatly for public areas; respect local norms when visiting cultural sites.
Safety
Tipping in Newcastle
Ensure a smooth experience
In restaurants, a tip of 10-15% is customary if service is not included; round up for small services; tips at bars are smaller.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is handy in markets and smaller shops; mobile payments are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot days with humidity and possible afternoon thunderstorms; carry water, wear sunscreen, and plan outdoor activities for early mornings or evenings.
Mild to cool days with crisp mornings; bring a light jacket, and expect dry days for hiking and outdoor exploration.
Newcastle at Night
Hiking in Newcastle
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Accessible day hikes in the Drakensberg foothills offering panoramic valley views.
Classic Drakensberg hike with dramatic gorge scenery and waterfall.
Varied trails through forests and highland terrain near the Drakensberg range.
Airports
How to reach Newcastle by plane.
Main international gateway serving the region; access to Newcastle via a road transfer.
South Africa’s largest airport hub; long-haul and domestic connections; from JNB, connect to regional flights to KwaZulu-Natal.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A significant portion of the population is Zulu-speaking, with strong cultural traditions.
Afrikaans-influenced families and businesses are present in the area.
A sizable English-speaking community supports business and tourism.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Rugby union is a popular sport in KwaZulu-Natal with local clubs and school competitions.
Cricket matches are common in the dry season with local and regional teams.
There are several quality golf courses around Newcastle and nearby towns.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Newcastle.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Choose vegetable stews, pap with tomato gravy, chakalaka, and salads. Many spots offer veggie curries and sides; mention dairy or egg-free needs when ordering.