The North Coast - Jewel of the Zulu Kingdom

Zimbali

Zimbali is a cluster of residential sites plus an exclusive hotel resort set in pristine coastal forest with a rugged, unspoilt coastline providing the perfect setting to get away from it all.Special care has been taken to minimize the impact of residential sites on Zimbali s environment. Prescribed details on architectural design, textures and colours ensure that homes blend unobtrusively into the surrounding indigenous bush.

Tucked away in the beautiful forest is the exclusive Zimbali Lodge, Sun Internationals first 5-star-plus boutique hotel. Cradled in the pristine and protected estate of exquisite wetlands and stunning lakes, Zimbali Lodge epitomizes elegance, opulence and sophistication. One can indulge in the superb cuisine of the intimate colonial- style restaurant, enjoy a sundowner in the elevated Bar, or relax on the terrace with its breathtaking views overlooking the nearby beach and championship golf course. Designed by former SA PGA and British Open champion and international golfing star, Tom Weiskopf, this 18-hole course is both challenging and unforgettably beautiful.The Club House has a restaurant and bar for light meals and drinks, and the Pro Shop caters for all requirements.

You can also enjoy a game of tennis, splash out in the pool, or enjoy being pampered in the beauty salon. Conference facilities for executive groups include state-of-the-art equipment and support services.

Zimbali is a nature lovers wonderland and home to a wide variety of wildlife, small antelope, butterflies, birds and marine life. Nature trails through the indigenous coastal forest highlight the strict conservation programme that has been introduced.

zoom A scene from the Zimbali Pro golf tournament, which takes place every year.

Ballito

Ballito the heart of the Dolphin Coast lies nestled between rippling fields of KwaZulu-Natal s famous Green Gold and is flanked to the east by golden beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Ballito is the Pearl of the Dolphin Coast. The towns origins date back to 1953, when a group of entrepreneurs began investigating land to develop a township in the Compensation beach area. Proclaimed a township in 1954, Ballito whose name was gleaned from a magazine advertisement meaning Little Ball became a town board in 1966. The town, which reached borough status in 1986, is well known for its superb, safe beaches. For the small price of a licence, which can be purchased at the Natal Sharks Board, you can pick your own mussels off the rocks, collect oysters or bring in fresh crayfish from the Indian Ocean. Ballito s friendly, village atmosphere is a welcome haven from the fast pace of big city life, yet it offers all modern amenities and services to residents and holiday-makers alike.

Shopping Centres

Modern shopping centres cater for all your needs. There are busy supermarkets in three main shopping complexes, and a variety of specialist shops where you can buy clothes, gifts, books, trinkets and curios, electrical goods, hardware, furniture additions for your home, jewellery, cosmetics and medicine, and much more. You can have your hair done and visit a beauty parlour, or shop for fresh produce. As in small towns, the hospitality of the shopkeepers will be remembered long after your visit to Ballito is over.

Entertainment

Entertainment is a priority in Ballito, too, with discos and movie theatres. Whether you are looking for a fancy dinner, slap-up meal, holiday-snack or take-away, there are restaurants and pubs to suit all occasions. Your taste buds could enjoy a trip around the world, with restaurants catering for all types of cuisine, from mouth-watering seafood specialities, spicy Indian curries, Portuguese, Italian and Mexican dishes. One could also enjoy a typical pub grub meal and watch sport on the big screen in an English pub atmosphere.

Beaches

The beach, of course, is the prime attraction for most visitors, and Ballito s main bathing beach Willard Beach provides safe swimming and qualified life-guards on duty seven days a week, and is also protected by shark nets. It has a fully equipped first aid station. Lifeguards and shark nets are also provided at a second beach Clarke Bay to ensure that parents have a worry-free holiday and the children one of pure pleasure. Further south is the Ballito Tidal Pool, catering for big and small with two different sized pools. They are well maintained, kept clean, and are home to a wide variety of sea life. Salmon Bay is a popular surf-spot and location of the Ballito inflatable boat clubhouse. Ballito also provides good opportunities for the angler, spear- fisherman and scuba diver. Natal Sharks Board staff regularly patrol the beaches, both to assist anglers and also to ensure that restrictions are observed. A pamphlet explaining coastal fishing and regulations is available free of charge from the Natal Parks Board coastal offices or the Dolphin Coast Publicity Association in Ballito.

Thompsons Bay lies a little north of Ballito, and here you will find Charlie s Pool an Olympic size tidal pool built by one of the area s early settlers Charles de Charmoy. There are also secluded beaches, rocky coves and shallow paddling pools to provide endless hours of fun. Lifeguards keep a watchful eye and ensure it s safe to swim.

A marine trail starting at the Hole-in- the-Wall natural rock formation leads north to the legendary High Rock of King Shaka.

zoom Hole in the Wall

Shaka's Rock

Shaka s Rock is a small residential area with much accommodation to choose from. Home to a lovely stretch of sandy beach, it also boasts a beautiful tidal pool flanked by picturesque rocky cliffs. The beach is a favourite ski- boat launch site and beach-goers are often treated to the spectacular launching and beaching of the daredevil wave riders returning from a deep sea fishing trip. They may even sell you part of the catch!

Salt Rock

Salt Rock is a gem of a holiday resort which creates a relaxed holiday atmosphere even for the locals. The name dates back to King Shaka s era, when his handmaidens collected dried salt at low tide for bartering with the early Colonial settlers.

Near the main bathing beach complete with lifeguards is yet another large tidal pool.

The Salt Rock Country Club caters for the visitors basic sporting needs including tennis, bowls, squash and swimming.

A splendid caravan park with beautiful, shaded sites is situated a mere stone s throw from the beach.

zoom Bowls at Salt Rock Country Club

Sheffield Beach

Sheffield Beach has some beautifully sheltered coves and superb rock pools to delight the snorkel-enthusiast. There are also excellent fishing and diving spots at Sheffield s northernmost beach Christmas Bay.

Tinley Manor

The beautiful sea views and beaches at Tinley Manor will take your breath away. Although there is only limited holiday accommodation here, the growth potential of the area is promising. On the southern boundary of Tinley Manor is a wonderful lagoon which opens into the Indian Ocean. There is abundant bird life on the waters, and the lagoon also provides a safe venue for paddle- skiers and wind-surfers.

Tinley Manor is in the process of establishing a lifesaving club to ensure the main beach is safe-guarded. To the north is the Umhlali Ski Boat Club, launch site for local deep-sea fishermen.

Tinley Manor is also home to a superb restaurant which has built up an enviable reputation for quality, spicy Indian cuisine and a most hospitable atmosphere.

zoom Tinley Manor Lagoon

Blythedale Beach

Blythedale Beach is just one of several holiday resorts at the northern end of the Dolphin Coast boasting a beautiful caravan park, self-catering accommodation, chalets and a first class restaurant.

The nearby Umvoti River mouth is prolific in bird life and forms part of the Blythedale Conservancy. The beach is protected by shark nets and is popular for swimming, surfing and fishing.

Zinkwazi

Nestled between beach and lagoon, Zinkwazi is a nature lover s wonderland of walks, fishing, spectacular bird life, indigenous forest, water sports and endless beaches. The tranquil lagoon is the longest in KwaZulu-Natal ideal for a gracious picnic in the company of the izinkwazi fish eagles perched along the banks of the lagoon. The resort has a magnificent caravan park with an abundance of indigenous trees and bird life. A superb restaurant provides the finishing touch.

KwaDukuza-Stanger

Situated inland from Blythedale, the name epitomises the historical background of the area. The town is home to King Shaka's memorial monument to commemorate his death. The monument stands over the grain pit into which his body was cast following his assassination.

The town has a vibrant central business district with a distinct Eastern flavour catering for visitors and locals alike. Visits can be arranged to nearby Shakan sites, as well as the large sugar and paper mills on the edge of town.

Shakaskraal

This one-street-town was the site of King Shakas royal military homestead called KwaHlomendlini 1.

Culture remains an integral part of Shakaskraal, with its blend of African and Indian traditions. The history of the mosque which towers majestically above all other buildings will give locals the opportunity to delight you with their anecdotes.

zoom Mosque at Shakas Kraal

Umhlali

Inland from the coastal resorts of Salt Rock and Sheffield Beach is the farming village of Umhlali.

Established by English and Scottish settlers in 1850, it was the site of a fort which led to it originally being called Fort William. Umhlali is the Zulu name for the Monkey Orange tree which grew abundantly along the banks of the Umhlali River. The name also means place of waiting , because settlers and locals would have to wait on the river bank before crossing the water.

Umhlali has a quaint and unique Sugar Village theme, offering home-made treats and fresh farm produce.

Future plans include the establishment of a Sugar Museum to allow visitors the chance to witness the crushing of sugar cane and sample the iced juice. Highlight of the collection of historic memorabilia will be a locomotive originally used for hauling cane to the mill.

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