Zululand District Municipality is a Category C municipality situated in the north-eastern part of KwaZulu-Natal. It is the biggest district in the province, making up 16% of its geographical area. It comprises five local municipalities: Ulundi, Nongoma, uPhongolo, eDumbe and AbaQulusi.
Vryheid and Ulundi are two urban centres of note in the district, respectively serving as a regional service and a regional and provincial administrative centre. The town of Vryheid is a commercial and business hub, while Ulundi Town is mainly an administrative centre and also the headquarters of the Zululand District Municipality.
It is primarily a rural district. About half the area falls under the jurisdiction of traditional authorities, while the remainder is privately owned commercial farms or protected areas.