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South
Coast
KZN's
coastline of 160 Kilometre's, south of Durban is well
known as a holiday playground.
Amanzimtoti
The
Zulu name, given to this area by Shaka, means the place
of sweet water. Its seven kilometre beach front comprises
two well-monitored bathing areas: Inyoni Rocks and Pipeline
Beach. Both offer a wide range of facilities, adequate
parking and safe, shark protected swimming areas. Lifeguards
are on duty throughout the year.
The
beach area has many restaurants, a mini waterworld and
a saltwater pool. Sports catered for include scuba diving
on the Aliwal Shoal, and horse-riding. A daily bus service
operates between Durban, Amanzimtoti and the Wild Coast
Sun.
Banana
Express
A
narrow gauge steam train runs between Port Shepstone and
Paddock. Departure time on Wednesdays and Saturdays is
at 10:00am. The train climbs and winds inland through
lush green sugar cane fields and banana plantations, twisting
and sometimes almost doubling back on itself as it negotiates
the hills and valleys.
Kingsburgh
Several
smaller holiday resorts combine to form the town of Kingsburgh,
namely Karridene, Warner Beach, Winklespruit, Illovo and
Doonside. Named in memory of Dick King, who passed away
in 1842 on his famous 1000 kilometre ride to Grahamstown.
All beaches offer safe swimming (offshore shark nets),
wide stretches of sand and gentle lagoons.
Margate
Named
after the English seaside town,it is the largest resort
town along the South Coast. Facilities include good fishing,
an amusement park, ice skating rink. In addition, discos
and cabarets are laid on during the holiday seasons, along
with a number of beach activities.
Ethnic
Zulu crafts are available along the Margate streets.
Port
Edward
Port
Edward boasts a spacious safe swimming beach, with excellent
fishing options. This resort was named in honour of the
Prince of Wales, later Edward VII.
The
Umtamvuna Nature Reserve has excellent bird life and rare
plant species. Trails in this reserve during spring, is
considered one of the best in KwaZulu-Natal.
Port
Shepstone
The
Mzimkulu is the largest river along the South Coast, with
Port Shepstone situated at its mouth. The Umzimkulu River
is navigable in small craft for a distance of eight kilometres.
Good
beaches, a tidal swimming pool and other sports facilities
are among the attractions of this coastal town.
Ramsgate
A
pleasant holiday resort with good bathing beaches and
a safe lagoon, with good fishing. Boats are available
for hire on the lagoon.
Scottburgh
One
of the most popular south coast resorts, the rugged coastline
offers excellent fishing opportunities all year round.
The main bathing beach is protected by shark nets and
a team of dedicated lifesavers. Mini train rides, a supertube
and a mini golf on the beach front keep the younger set
endlessly entertained. The beach complex houses restaurants,
take-away outlets, shops and ablution facilities.
Crocworld
provides insight into breeding habits and conservation
of the Nile crocodile. Other attractions include a snake
tunnel, bunny park and a bird park.
Shelly
Beach
Aptly
named because of the multitude of shells found here. The
Shell Museum is said to have the largest display of shells
in South Africa. Safe swimming and good angling are enjoyed.
St
Michael's on Sea
Bowling
greens, safe swimming areas and a tidal pool are among
the town's leisure options. Canoes and paddle-boats can
be hired at the tea-room across the lagoon. St Michael's
beach reputedly has the best surfing waves on the South
Coast. The layout of the 9-hole St Michael's Golf Course
(SCGC), with its many water features, guarantees a challenging
round.
Umkomaas
The
rocky coastline is a magnet for anglers, but unsuitable
for bathing. Swimmers gravitate to a large tidal swimming
pool. Sports facilities include tennis courts and bowling
greens. The Umkomaas Golf Course, part of the South Coast
Golf Circuit, is the setting for the Natal Amateur Championships.
Pottery, woven items, baskets and leather goods are sold
at the Umnini Zulu Crafts Center north of town. At the
300-acre Esulwini Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Umkomaas,
100 bird species have been identified. The coastal forest
is also home to small antelope, monkeys and mongoose.
Three walking trails are available. Open seven days a
week. Umkomaas is a driver's Mecca. Dive operators are
available to take divers to the world-famous Aliwal Shoal
and further afield.
Uvongo
Uvongo Close to the beach, the Uvongo River tumbles 23
m into the lagoon, forming one of the deepest estuaries
in the country. In addition to safe sea bathing, there
is a tidal pool, children's paddling pool and boats for
hire on the lagoon. Fishing conditions are good, especially
at Orange Rocks Beacon Rocks and La Crete Point. Shad
Bay, at Manaba Beach, is a favourite among fishermen.
Along the upper reaches of the river, pleasant walks can
be enjoyed. The Uvongo River Reserve, a 70-acre sanctuary
for a variety of birds, has a wide diversity of trees
and shrubs.
Wild
Coast
Just
across the Umtamvuna River, the Wild Coast Sun casino
and entertainment complex attracts an appreciative clientele
and offers the chance to win a fortune. The Wild One Jackpot
never pays less than R 1.5 million! The world-class championship
course at the Wild Coast Country Club forms part of the
South Coast Golf Circuit (SCGC). You can expect to lose
a ball or two at the 18th's enormous dam! Apart from golf,
sports include tennis, bowls, swimming, water-skiing,
windsurfing, canoeing and surfing.
