If you’ve never been to the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, you’re in for a treat. Stretching from Umhlanga Rocks to the Tugela River, this is a holidaymaker’s paradise.
Known as the Dolphin Coast, it is a buzz of activity along its endless beaches and rocky coves lapped by the Indian Ocean. Here every day feels like a holiday, even in midwinter when it’s still warm enough to swim. And there’s plenty to enjoy off the beach too, with the strong African, European and Asian influences of the area creating a fascinating array of historical and modern attractions.
Finding Paradise
Over the last ten years, foreign and local investors have discovered this jewel. Let’s take a look, starting in the south:
Umhlanga Rocks
Long established, but increasingly more upmarket, this resort town overlooks golden beaches and rock pools. Its beachfront buzzes with pubs, clubs, restaurants and plenty of boutiques, while minutes away is Sibaya Casino and two top-class golf courses at Mount Edgecombe.
The nearby Gateway Shopping Centre also offers entertainment, a range of quality stores and a restaurant-lined piazza. Keep busy at the wave house with its three metre wall of water, the Tony Hawk designed skatepark or the world’s largest indoor climbing rock.
Umdloti Beach
A tiny beachside village that is becoming more and more chic as upmarket apartments and restaurants like the classy Bel Punto are established along its narrow beachfront strip. However, it has not forsaken its holiday village heritage and you can still enjoy rock pools and soft sand.
Tongaat
This large inland town has a strong historical interest, being the home of South Africa’s first Indian community and birthplace in 1854 of the country’s sugar industry. It has two prominent Hindu temples and one of the country’s first sugar mills. You’ll find a number of top Indian restaurants, and the Dudley Pringle Dam is a scenic venue for picnics and watersports.
Zimbali
It means ‘valley of flowers’ in Zulu and this luxury seaside resort lives up to its name. The breathtaking boutique hotel with its Indonesian inspired architecture has been sensitively crafted into the coastal forest. Residents and hotel guests can enjoy an exceptional lifestyle and a world-class, Tom Weiskopf designed golf course.
Ballito
A buzzing holiday and residential town that’s bursting at the seams with shopping centres, pubs and restaurants. Ballito has fine beaches, a tidal pool, secluded rocky coves and offshore is some of the best dolphin viewing. The challenging Prince’s Grant links golf course is nearby.
Salt Rock
So named because Zulu maidens collected dried salt here to barter with early colonials. This very relaxed, quiet seaside village, with its rocky pools and reefs, offers good fishing, an excellent swimming beach and tidal pool. The Salt Rock Hotel has an elevated terrace ideal for dolphin and whale watching. Nearby are crocodile and animal farms.
Umhlali
Umhlali is the Zulu name for ‘place of waiting’ because people had to wait to cross the river. This quaint farming village just inland from Shaka’s Rock has a sugar cane museum and one of the country’s oldest golf courses.
Sheffield Beach
Upmarket residential estates are being built in this pretty area. Its sheltered rocky coves and pools make it an excellent snorkelling, diving and fishing spot. Make sure you have the right equipment and skills.
Blythedale Beach
Another quiet seaside village that is being developed. It has a popular swimming, surfing and fishing beach, with a nature conservancy and ski boat launch site at Umvoti River mouth.
kwaDukuza
Until recently known as Stanger, this large town was the historic capital of the Zulus. It was here that King Shaka was assassinated and is buried; and colourful Shaka Day festivities take place here every September. The Natal North Coast Museum features the early days of the sugar cane industry.
Zinkwazi Beach
Very laid-back holiday village adjoining the longest lagoon in KwaZulu-Natal. Ideal for nature lovers who enjoy walks along tropical beaches and through indigenous forests teeming with bird life.
Tugela River Mouth
This largely unspoilt area has basic camping facilities. It’s popular for fishing, and the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve on the southern bank has more than 200 bird species. Every April 250 crazy ‘anything goes’ rafters race from the village of Mandini to the mouth.
Other things to do
The usually clear waters off the coast are ideal for scuba diving. Or how about a microlight flight along the coast to see whales and dolphins? Or take a tour of Shakaland, once the movie set for Shaka Zulu and now a living example of Zulu culture.
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