Kwazulu Natal South Coast Attractions

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Kwazulu Natal South Coast Information

Scenic Drive from Port Shepstone to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Fairacres Estate

Scenic Drive from Port Shepstone to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Fairacres Estate

Day trip to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Fairacres Estate

Oribi Gorge

The Oribi Gorge is situated along the spectacular forest-cloaked ravine of the Mzimkulwana River. The river has etched a spectacular gorge into the mountains to create a rugged, natural landscape of breathtaking beauty. Over centuries, the sandstone cliffs of the gorge have been carved out by the river. At the base of the cliffs there are rocks over 1000 million years old while the cliffs were formed from sandstone deposited about 365 million years ago. The canyon has been named after the small antelope, Oribi. The forests are home to leopard, caracal, serval, bushbuck, blue duiker and samango monkey and the grasslands are the home of the oribi. The gorge is a bird-watchers paradise, with over 255 species of birds. There are 500 plant species e.g. orchids, proteas, aloe and many species of cycads.  Visitors can explore the reserve along six nature walks, ranging from 1km to 9km.

Fairacres Estate

Spectacular views of the Oribi Gorge can be seen from vantage points along the cliff edge e.g. the Horseshoe Bend in the Mzimkhulwana River. Other rock formations with imaginative names which can be seen are. Overhanging Rock, Sphinx, Pulpit, Leaning Tower and Baboon’s Castle. Lehr’s Waterfall is also a popular attraction.
 

Amanzimtoti Attractions

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Amanzimtoti Country Club

Amanzimtoti Country Club

Amanzimtoti Country Club - KwaZulu-Natal, Amanzimtoti

The Amanzimtoti Country Club is located on the beautiful South Coast beach of Amanzimtoti a 20-minute drive down the coast from Durban.  The last 3 holes provide an interesting and fairly tough finish, especially in the wind.

Directions:

From Durban Airport, travel south on the South Coast highway [N2], take the off-ramp left into Joyner Road. At the first traffic lights, turn right into Kingsway, cross the river, continue up the hill and take the first left into Golf Course Road, the golf course is straight ahead.

Facilities:

Lounge, Function facilities, Halfway house, Practice bunker, putting/chipping greens, Caddies, Squash courts, Bar and restaurant

Holes: 18 Parkland

Fairway Grass: Kikuyu

Greens Grass: Bent grass

Visitors: Visitors welcome everyday except Saturday afternoons. Phone first.

Course description: Semi Links

Holes: 18

Metres: 5816 metres

Length: 6514 meters

Rating: 70

Par: 72

Dress Code: Smart shorts or longs. Shirt with collar.  No beach wear, Soft/Metal spikes

Address:

Amanzimtoti Country Club
1 Golf Course Road, Prospecton 4110
Po Box 81, Umbogintwini, 4120
Fax (+27 31) 902 3652
Email: totigolfclub@icon.co.za

Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve

Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve

The Ilanda Wilds is a nature reserve located  along the Amanzimtoti River in the town of Amanzimtoti which is situated on Durban's south coast in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. This small area of land which covers about 14ha contains various habitat types, ranging from steep rocky slopes to various riverine habitats, forest and small patches of grassland.
 
The area of the Ilanda Wild nature reserve in Amanzimtoti has a high biodiversity and many habitat types for such a small area.  Ilanda Wilds is the site of the southern-most natural specimen of the Natal White Stinkwood (Celtis mildbraedii).  This species of tree is uncommon and at one stage was classified as the rarest tree species in South Africa.  The tree at Ilanda Wilds survived the mining operations and was already a large specimen when the reserve was proclaimed, and is over 100 years old.  Ilanda Wild nature reserve in Amanzimtoti is an important wintering site for the endangered Spotted Ground-thrush and provides habitat for the Blackheaded Dwarf Chamaeleon which is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal.  The Endangered Cape Clawless Otters are also resident in Ilanda Wilds.
Species of the Amanzimtoti River and Ilanda Wilds in South Africa
Fish:
Burrowing Goby, River Goby, Freshwater Goby, Golden Sleeper, Broadhead Sleeper, Dusky Sleeper, Cape Moony, Natal Moony, Large-scale Mullet, Freshwater Mullet , Estuarine Round-herring, Glassy, Mozambique Tilapia, Banded Tilapia, Southern Mouthbrooder, Sharptooth Catfish, Bowstripe Barb, Longfin Eel .
Birds (a small selection of the species recorded):
Reed Cormorant (Phalacrocorax africanus), White-breasted Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo), Greenbacked Heron (Butorides striatus), Black Egret (Egretta ardesiaca), Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea), Black-headed Heron (Ardea melanocephala), Wooly-necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus), Hamerkop (Scopus umbretta), African Spoonbill (Platalea alba), Egyptian Goose (Alopochen aegyptiacus), African Black Duck (Anas sparsa), Yellow-billed Duck (Anas undulata), Black Crake (Amaurornis flavirostris), African Jacana (Actophilornis africanus), Longcrested Eagle (Lophaetus occipitalis), African Fish Eagle (Haliaeetus vocifer), African Goshawk (Accipiter tachiro), Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), African Harrier-Hawk (Polyboroides typus), Tambourine Dove (Turtur tympanistria), Emeraldspotted Dove (Turtur chalcospilos), Narina Trogon (Apaloderma narina), Purplecrested Lourie (Tauraco porphyreolophus), Burchell's Coucal (Centropus superciliosus), Spotted Eagle Owl (Bubo africanus), Giant Kingfisher (Megaceryle maxima), Pied Kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), Brownhooded Kingfisher (Halcyon albiventris), Pygmy Kingfisher (Ispidina picta), Halfcollared Kingfisher (Alcedo semitorquata), Malachite Kingfisher (Alcedo cristata), Redbilled Woodhoopoe (Phoeniculus purpureus), Crowned Hornbill (Tockus alboterminatus), Trumpeter Horbill (Bycanistes bucinator), Blackheaded Oriole (Oriolus larvatus), Spotted Ground-thrush (Zoothera guttata), Starred Robin (Pogonocichla stellata), Chorister Robin (Cossypha dichroa), Plumcoloured Starling (Cinnyricinclus leucogaster), Forest Weaver (Ploceus bicolor), Thick-billed Weaver (Amblyospiza albifrons).
Larger Mammals:
Blue Duiker, Bushpig, Cape Clawless Otter, Large-spotted Genet, Banded Mongoose, Water Mongoose, Large Grey Mongoose, Porcupine, Greater Cane Rat ,Vervet Monkey.
some of the Reptiles which are home in the Ilanda Wild Nature Reserve in Amanzimtoti:
Eastern green mamba, Spotted Bush Snake, Sundevall's Garter Snake, Nile Monitor, Flap-neck Chamaeleon, Blackheaded Dwarf Chamaeleon.
Frogs:
Bush Squeaker, Guttural Toad, Raucus Toad, Greater Leaf-folding Frog, Painted Reed Frog, Waterlilly Reed Frog, Argus Reed Frog,  Forest Tree Frog, Common Platanna, Common River Frog, Sharp-nosed Grass Frog, Striped Stream Frog, Snoring Puddle Frog.

Umdoni Bird Sanctuary

Umdoni Bird Sanctuary

The Umdoni Bird Sanctuary is situated in Amanzimtoti near Durban in South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal Province. The Umdoni Bird Sanctuary is often referred to as 'The Bird Park' by locals or as the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary. The area covers about 4ha of land including a dam on a tributary of the Amanzimtoti River. There are picnic areas and forest trails.  The Umdoni Bird Sanctuary in Amanzimtoti is home to large flocks of Spurwinged Geese (Plectropterus gambensis) and Whitefaced Ducks (Dendrocynga viduata).
 
The Amanzimtoti Umdoni Bird Sanctuary is also home to the southern-most breeding pair of Palmnut Vultures (Gypohierax angolensis). Narina Trogons (Apaloderma narina) are also often sighted here and the endangered Spotted Ground-thrush (Zoothera guttata) has also been seen here.  Blue Duiker and endangered Cape Clawless Otters also frequent the Sanctuary.

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve

Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve

The Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve is a combination of open grassland and coastal forest with wild animals and over 300 bird species. There are two dams which attract a variety of birdlife. In the Spring it is a delight with all the wild flowers.

Margate Attractions

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Beaches - Margate and nearby

Beaches - Margate and nearby

The Kwazulu-Natal South Coast in South Africa offers some of the finest swimming and surfing beaches. It also has fantastic year-round swimming weather.  The following are beaches in Margate and nearby:

- Banana Beach
- Bazley Beach
- Beach Terminus
- Big Tree Beach
- Clansthal
- Glenmore Beach
- Green Point
- Hibberdene
- Ifafa
- Lucien Beach
- Margate South Beach
- Margate Beach
- Marina Beach
- Trafalgar
- Oslo Beach
- Palm.

Margate Country Club

Margate Country Club

The Margate Country Club was upgraded in 1995 and has become one of the finest golf courses on the Indian Ocean Coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa.  The Margate Golf and Country Club is now included in the Golf Digest and attracts golfers from all over South Africa and an increasing number of overseas visitors.


The Margate Golf Course enjoys an enviable reputation for its friendliness and hospitality. It is conveniently located 3km from the sea and town center and is close to the Margate / Uvongo off ramp on the N2 Freeway / Toll Road.  The Clubhouse facilities  include a spacious comfortable bar with an outside seating area. The "halfway house" and catering facility offer freshly prepared snack style food, a "bar menu" tasty favorites.  The course is set on high ground decorated throughout with Palm trees, banana trees and indigenous vegetation. There's a feeling of space, with excellent inland views. A delightful course to play, with water features and natural beauty enhancing the pleasure and challenges for every standard of golfer. The bent grass greens are superb, and five Par-3s are striking, picturesque and highly regarded.

Riverbend Crocodile Farm

Riverbend Crocodile Farm

The Riverbend Crocodile Farm in Southbroom on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, was officially opened by the Administrator of KwaZulu Natal Mr C.B.Botha on the 24th November 1981.  Designed by South African architect Eben Du Plessis and constructed by the owner, Corky Kelly,  the Riverbend Crocodile Farm has grown in the last 25 years and has now hosted more than 1.5 million visitors establishing itself as one of KwaZulu Natal’s major tourist attractions. While the initial crocodiles were obtained from Spencer’s Creek Crocodile Farm in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe additional crocodiles from Namibia, South Africa and now home bred crocodiles form the nucleus of one of the most successful crocodile breeding basks in South Africa.  The first crocodiles to be born at the Riverbend Crocodile Farm where hatched in the summer of 1983. 


The Riverbend Crocodile Farm owned by the Kelly family has been managed by Howard Kelly the eldest son of the late Corky Kelly since 1989. The farm is open daily with the exception of Good Friday and Xmas day each year and the operating hours are from 9h00 to 16h30 daily.

Home to more than 200 adult nile crocodiles and numerous juveniles of all sizes, tourist visiting Riverbend Crocodile Farm are able to view the crocodiles in their natural habitat. Beautifully landscaped breeding enclosures are not only home to crocodiles but to numerous bird species as well.  An education centre provides visitors with information related to crocodile biology, and a comprehensive audio visual presentation in English, Afrikaans, German and Zulu runs continuously. This presentation also covers the life cycle of crocodiles and snakes and also details the day-to-day activities of the Farm. Crocodiles are fed weekly on Sundays at 15h00 and on certain advertised Wednesdays in summer.

The crocodile feeding presented by Howard Kelly is particularly spectacular in summer when the crocodiles go into a feeding frenzy consuming as much as five kilograms of either beef or chicken each. Over the last 20 years Howard Kelly, a member of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group, has presented the visitors to Riverbend with a fascinating presentation which covers topics ranging from crocodile ecology to the impact of crocodiles on human populations in Africa. Having worked with crocodiles for more than 25 years Howard has imparted some fascinating knowledge to thousands of visitors and his crocodile hatching demonstrations in January and February have become legendary on the South Coast. Thousands of visitors returning each year just to experience this wonderful natural phenomenon.

Riverbend Crocodile Farm

Riverbend Crocodile Farm

The Riverbend Crocodile Farm is located in Southbroom on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.  The farm was officially opened by the Administrator of KwaZulu Natal Mr C.B.Botha on the 24th November 1981.

Home to more than 200 adult nile crocodiles and numerous juveniles of all sizes, tourist visiting Riverbend Crocodile Farm are able to view the crocodiles in their natural habitat. Beautifully landscaped breeding enclosures are not only home to crocodiles but to numerous bird species as well.

Uvongo Bird Park

Uvongo Bird Park

The Uvongo Bird Park in Margate is an amazing park offering walk-through aviaries where a diversity of vibrant bird life can be discovered. Enjoy refreshing drinks or tea in the garden while the children enjoy themselves in the play park.

Port Edward Attractions

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Day trip along the scenic Hibiscus coast to Port Edward and the Mzamba Cretaceous Deposits

Day trip along the scenic Hibiscus coast to Port Edward and the Mzamba Cretaceous Deposits

Day trip along the scenic Hibiscus coast to Port Edward and the Mzamba Cretaceous Deposits:

Uvongo, Margate, Port Edward

Uvongo:

This is a seaside resort with a garden layout and a beautiful lagoon with a 23m high waterfall which plunges into it. At the Uvongo Bird Park a large variety of colourful exotic and indigenous birds can be seen. There are tidal pools for swimming, boating on the Vungu Lagoon and good angling opportunities.
 
Margate:

This is a very popular seaside resort. The beachfront has magnificent palms, grassy embankments and a range of sporting and entertainment facilities. The lagoon is at the mouth of the Nkhongweni River. Explore the river in canoes or paddle boats. Angling is popular with rock and surf anglers.   
 
Port Edward

This is the most southerly resort along the coast. It was named after the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VIII. In 1552 a Portuguese ship was wrecked close to Port Edward and this is the earliest known shipwreck on the KwaZulu Natal Coast. It has protected beaches for swimmers, has the longest supertube in South Africa and also a popular angling destination.
 
Mzamba Creataceous Deposits

In 1855 this area was brought to the attention of the scientific world and it provided the first evidence of fossils from the Upper Cretaceous. These marine fossil beds are exposed in a 10m high cliff that forms a prominent headland about 2.5km south of the Mtamvuna River. The deposits consist of grayish-brown sandstone, and limestone rich in fossil material dating back to 80 million years. The lower layers contain numerous tree trunks that have been silicified. There are also many marine shells.

Mzamba Village Market

Mzamba Village Market

The Mzamba Village Market in Port Edward, South Africa, offers a range of locally crafted curios.

Red Desert

Red Desert

Port Edward’s Red Desert is the world’s smallest desert, bordered on the south by the Umtamvuna (Mthamvuna) River – Zulu for “the reaper of mouthfuls”.

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve in South Africa is situated 8km north of Port Edward along the Umtamvuna River gorge. There is an excellent bird-watching trail in the subtropical forest.

Port Shepstone Attractions

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Banana Express

Banana Express

This 6 hour steam train journey on a narrow-guage railway departs from Port Shepstone. It steams along the coastline, turns inland and winds through sugar and banana plantations. Another trip takes one to Paddock and guided walks are offered  in the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve before the return journey.

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

The magnificent Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is one of KwaZulu-Natal's most spectacular natural settings.  It is situated 21 km inland from the coastal town of Port Shepstone in South Africa. Ideal for a weekend getaway or day-excursion, the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve offers many delightful walks and self-guided trails to scenic spots in the reserve.

The scenery along the gorge formed by the Umzimkulwana River is a photographer's and nature lover's paradise. There are numerous idyllic picnic spots on the banks of the river. There is a reservoir swimming pool, with a sundeck, in the camp for residents.  Besides its magnificent views, the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve has a wealth of other attractions as well. Wildlife to be seen in the reserve includes mammal species such as bushbuck, common reedbuck and blue and grey duiker. Leopard occur in the area and with luck, you may join the select band of game viewers to have seen one of these secretive creatures. The bird list numbers 250 and with its diverse habitats bird watching in Oribi is a rewarding experience.

Take a drive to this beautiful scenic gorge on the Umzimkulwana River with its forested area where cliffs rise from the deep chasms and open out to reveal the spectacular Samango Falls. There are many animals and birds and a mountain bike trail, and a hair-raising gorge swing.  This is 21km inland from Port Shepstone.

Port Shepstone Country Club

Port Shepstone Country Club

The golf course at the Port Shepstone Country Club on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, is a nature lover's paradise that has a large selection of Bird Life including Fish Eagle, Egyptian Geese, various species of Stork and Duck as well as dyker and many other wildlife roaming around not to mention the monkeys. The first nine holes of the Port Shepstone Golf Course are luscious coastal forest with a large variety of indigenous trees and mangroves lining the fairways and is considered by many to be the most beautiful section. The second nine holes are more a Links type golf course which is open and wind affected with a number of water hazards attracting abundant Bird Life. Playing this course is an experience not to be missed.

Port Shepstone lighthouse

Port Shepstone lighthouse

The Port Shepstone lighthouse is rated at 27′000 candlepower. 500 metres south of the mouth of the Mzimkhulu River the lighthouse, made of iron, was cast in Britain and shipped to South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province in the 1890’s. Initially it stood at Green Point to warn of the Aliwal Shoal, but was later brought to Port Shepstone.

The Port Shepstone Lighthouse is been declared a national monument.  It features an 8 metre circular cast iron tower and is painted with black white cheques.  The lighthouse is equipped with a radio beacon and is fully automatic. It runs off the mains supply and has two standby diesel/alternator sets.

The lighthouse is painted in black and white cheques has become a familiar landmark to people who visit the quaint little town of Port Shepstone, which is approximately a 2 hour drive South of Durban. The coastline running south from this beacon is notorious for its wrecks, in fact this stretch of coastline between Port Shepstone and Cape Hermes at Port St Johns is particularly dangerous.

Probably the most famous of these wrecks are the Sao Joao and the Grosvenor. The Sao Joao, a richly laden Portuguese Galleon was wrecked with its alleged riches have never been located. The Grosvenor sank beneath the waves off the Pondoland shore with her hoard which legend insists included jewels, gold and silver bars and some say the fabulous Peacock Throne of the Moguls believed to be worth well over 6 Million Pounds.  Razor sharp rocks, strong currents, pounding surf and inaccessibility to this wreck has put paid to recovering any treasures that might lie beneath the murky waters. 

Port Shepstone Museum

Port Shepstone Museum

To discover more of this town’s fascinating history, visit the Port Shepstone Museum. This charming museum details the town's history with a series of exhibits carrying a maritime theme.

Scenic Drive from Port Shepstone to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Fairacres Estate

Scenic Drive from Port Shepstone to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Fairacres Estate

Day trip to Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Fairacres Estate

Oribi Gorge

The Oribi Gorge is situated along the spectacular forest-cloaked ravine of the Mzimkulwana River. The river has etched a spectacular gorge into the mountains to create a rugged, natural landscape of breathtaking beauty. Over centuries, the sandstone cliffs of the gorge have been carved out by the river. At the base of the cliffs there are rocks over 1000 million years old while the cliffs were formed from sandstone deposited about 365 million years ago. The canyon has been named after the small antelope, Oribi. The forests are home to leopard, caracal, serval, bushbuck, blue duiker and samango monkey and the grasslands are the home of the oribi. The gorge is a bird-watchers paradise, with over 255 species of birds. There are 500 plant species e.g. orchids, proteas, aloe and many species of cycads.  Visitors can explore the reserve along six nature walks, ranging from 1km to 9km.

Fairacres Estate

Spectacular views of the Oribi Gorge can be seen from vantage points along the cliff edge e.g. the Horseshoe Bend in the Mzimkhulwana River. Other rock formations with imaginative names which can be seen are. Overhanging Rock, Sphinx, Pulpit, Leaning Tower and Baboon’s Castle. Lehr’s Waterfall is also a popular attraction.
 

Scottburgh Attractions

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Scottburgh Golf Course

Scottburgh Golf Course

The Scottburgh Golf Course features two Par 5 and five Par 3 holes and has amazing views of the Indian Ocean. 

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