The stunning KwaZulu-Natal North Coast seaboard boasts 110 kilometers of breathtaking golden beaches, luxuriant green bush, a wondrous wildlife on land and in the ocean, and virtual year-round sunshine. Add to this the region’s rich indigenous Zulu culture together with historical European, Indian and French-Mauritian influences and you have a quintessential Dolphin Coast experience.
Affectionately dubbed the Dolphin Coast, because mankind’s endearing relatives of the sea are often sighted frolicking in the waters of the warm Indian Ocean, global jetsetters are discovering just why this idyllic coastal resort location has been called the ‘Jewel of the Zulu Kingdom’.
Shaka Zulu
This is the land of the legendary King Shaka – who was immortalised in the film ‘Shaka Zulu’ and is reputed to be the chief architect of the Zulu nation. It is here that this 19th century monarch consolidated his Zulu empire to become one of Africa’s most powerful kings. According to Zulu folklore, handmaidens of the royal household during King Shaka’s era would gather salt from seaside tidal pools and were often delighted at the sight of hundreds of bottle-nose dolphins passing by. Pay a visit to a traditional Zulu village and experience fascinating insight into the sophisticated culture and ancient traditions upheld by Shaka’s modern-day subjects.
Green Gold
The North Coast seaboard is also South African sugar country with rolling hills of ‘green gold’ cultivated along the coast. It was the British who initiated sugarcane farming here in the 1800s and lured French-Mauritian sugarcane growers together with labourers from the Indian subcontinent to work the fields. Later Indian traders came to settle here, and today KwaZulu-Natal boasts the largest Indian population outside India.
Beach Hotspots
The main attraction of the region though, is its beautiful coastal towns and gorgeous beaches. Key hotspots include Zimbali, Ballito, Umhloti, Shaka’s Rock, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach, Tinley Manor, Blythedale Beach and Zinkwazi.
‘Valley of Flowers’
Zimbali (meaning ‘Valley of flowers’ in isiZulu) is home to the luxurious Zimbali Coastal Resort – which has catapulted the Dolphin Coast into the international property and tourism arena because of the locale’s pristine natural beauty.
The resort is one of several world-class golfing eco-estates that are springing up along the North Coast, and also boasts the 5-star Zimbali Lodge. Exciting news is that Zimbali will be soon be the site of the first Fairmont Resort in Africa, with a ‘6-star’ R1.6 billion beach resort currently under construction.
Ultimate Beach and Bush
Another landmark beach resort on the horizon is Blythedale Coastal Resorts. The multi-billion rand resort and estate has even been eyed by world-renowned French exotic resort operators, Club Med.
Stunned by the beauty of the North Coast, Club Med boss, Henri Giscard d'Estaing, apparently remarked ‘South Africa offers a bush and beach experience second to none’. Club Med is planning a luxury resort on the coastline ahead of South Africa’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup in 2010.
Best Kept Beach Secrets
Besides its fabulous beaches, the North Coast has some of the finest rock and tidal pools, and sheltered coves. Thompson’s Bay at Shaka’s Rock, just north of Ballito, is
one of the best kept local secrets.
Here you will find Charlie’s Pool – an Olympic size tidal pool built by one of the early settlers – Charles de Charmoy. The natural rock formations here offer endless hours of fun in the sun with secluded beaches, rocky inlets and shallow paddling pools.
Seaside Pearl
Often referred to as the ‘Pearl’ of the Dolphin Coast, Ballito (which means ‘little ball’ in Italian). It is the seaside hub of the North Coast and is home to modern shopping facilities, restaurants, curio stores and the Sangweni Tourist Information Centre.
Hinterland Heritage
The town of KwaDukuza (formerly Stanger) is the hinterland hub the North Coast and has a proud Zulu and Eastern (Indian) heritage. Steeped in history it is home to the King Shaka Gravesite and Memorial. The nearby township of Groutville is where Africa’s first Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Chief Albert Luthuli, was raised. Luthuli’s gravesite is here and his home is a national monument.
World Heritage Site
At the far north of the Dolphin Coast lies a South African World Heritage Site – the iSimangaliso (formerly St Lucia) Wetland Park. Acclaimed for its exceptional biodiversity, it is the largest estuarine system in Africa and home to over 521 bird species. Not far away are KwaZulu-Natal’s impressive ‘Big Five’ game reserves.
This special mix of breathtaking beauty, cultural heritage and world-class facilities – make the Dolphin Coast a must-see destination in Africa.
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