Looking for things to do in the Zinkwazi area?

General info & Numbers to know:

1. Property sales & self-catering holiday accommodation: Engela Wium: 082 378 3546 or Angela Marsberg: 082 049 1179.
2. General supplies: Zinkwazi café @ 1 Glen drive (032-485 3464)
3. Closes Petrol: Stanger (+/- 18km) or Umvoti Toll Gate (+/- 25km).
4. Curios: Zulu basket ware sold in Zinkwazi at entrance to beach in season.
5. Crime: PLEASE SEE EMERGENCY NUMBERS below: like everywhere in SA, Zinkwazi also has its share of crime; please take the same precautions you would take at home on all occasions. Please ensure that you lock and arm your property and cars properly at night and when you are not home. Keep laptops, cell phones and valuables locked away where possible and out of site at all time. Be aware and report any suspected illegal activity around u.
6. Refuse & Recyclables: House hold refuse is collected on Monday and Thursday, please place your black bags (max 2) outside your property on the road verge in the morning, NOT the day or evening before, as the monkeys/dogs will rip it open and leave a mess. Recyclables (plastic, card board and glass) are collected in GREEN BAGS on Wednesday mornings, place on verge by 8am.
7. Electricity: get number from Eskom box or the account number: Report to 0860 0375 66.
8. Water: We have piped water from the Tugela river supplied by Umgeni water and the reticulation is supported by Ilembe water . Water is very scarce so please report any leaks, breaks and use sparingly. Some properties are on pre-paid meters and others not. Water leaks and problems: 032-437 9427 or 032 437 9501.
9. Ocean & Lagoon launches: For beach/ocean launches or usage of the lagoon, you need to book and get authorization from the ski-boat club situated at the main beach. Beach manager: Charles 083 375 5399, normal safety requirements apply. For whale and dolphin watching and deep sea fishing please book with Tracy on: 084 4466 813.
10. Zinkwazi Junction: local shopping contains: Driftwood Estates: agents for Sales and letting, Convenience store, Physiotherapist (076 763 7407), Ocean Echo-Garden and Cleaning Services, Architect and Hair101.
11. AIR CONDITIONING: ANESH: 083 335 9872
12. BEACH MANAGER: Charles 083 375 5399
13. BEE REMOVAL:

KUSWAYO: 079 537 7880 / 072 880 9979

GAVIN DAWSON: 082 490 0253 / 031 764 2802

QUINTUS DAWSON: 083 656 2321

14. SNAKE REMOVERS:

NEVILLE WOLMARANS: 082 561 4969

PHILLIP WOLMARANS: 082 554 7705

RODNEY: 076 666 9005

15. PEST CONTROL: LYNN: PROFESSIONAL PEST CONTROL: 083 974 9510
16. GENERAL MAINTENANCE/PLUMBING: GORDON BARNARD: 076 909 7523
17. HARDWARE: BUILD IT: 032 551 1156
18. BUILDERS: GORDON BARNARD: 076 909 7523
19. CLEANING SERVICES/MAID HIRE/PROPERTY MANAGEMENT: ALET NELL: 083 375 6686 or TRACEY POTGIETER: 084 446 6813
20. DARNAL COUNTRY CLUB: GOOD FOOD: 032 486 1778
21. ATTORNEYS: LIENKIE YO: 082 804 6313
22. HAIR 101:

KIM – 079 975 1968

BALLITO: CUTTING EDGE HAIR: SHELLEY: 032 946 0798

STANGER: HAIR FOCUS: MARGO: 032 551 5809

23. DOG PARLOR: KATHY: 032 485 331825.
24. SINAGE: SIGNZONE: 032 946 0823
25. MECHANIC’S:

RAGEN: 032-945 4364 OR 083 777 3183

26. ELECTRICAL: ROWAN, SPRINGS ELECTRICAL: 084 800 6118
27. GARDENS: TRACEY POTGIETER: 084 446 6813
28. DSTV:

MANNIES: 032 551 2214

J KALLICHURUM: 032 551 2983

29. HOLIDAY ACCOMMODATION: ENGELA WIUM: 082 378 3546
30. HOUSE VALUATIONS: STEVEN: 083 661 0869
31. LOCK SMITH: SELFAST: 032 551 3133 / AFTER HOURS: 032 5511577
32. PHARMACY’S

LOWER TUGELA: STANGER: ANDRE: 032 55 111 51

SPAR PHARMACY: STANGER: 032 551 6404

WHATSAPP EMERGENCY: 0610764835

EAST COAST PHARMACY BALLITO: 032 946 2731

33. PHYSIOTHERAPY: ROSA KEARNS: 076 763 7407
34. PROUDS PIZZA: PROUD, AT MAIN BEACH, 073 169 2367
35. SECURITY: ALPHA SECURITY:

INSTALLATIONS ARMED RESPONSE, GENERAL SECURITY:

032 – 947 1805

36. SEPTIC TANK CLEANERS: VACU FLOW 032 55 27716
37. SPCA: BALLITO: 084 810 4010
38. VET:

ALOE VET: 032 – 946 2813 / 061 884 1993

BALLITO VETERINARY HOSPITAL: 032 – 946 3052 VET AFTER HOURS: 0824464855

MANDENI VET: 074 133 0412

39. MEDICAL & EMERGENCY:HOSPITALS:

ALBERLITO HOSPITAL: 032 946 6700

UMHLANGA HOSPITAL: 031 560 5500

STANGER: KWADUKUZA PRIVATE HOSPITAL:  032 815 3000

STANGER: 032 437 6000 (Public)

40. AMBULANCE:
41. IPSS: DILLON: 082 876 2049 / 073 244 0811
42. NETCARE: 082 911
43. EMERGENCY MED RESCUE: 032 5523140 / 0860324777
44. EMERGENCY ON N2 FREEWAY: 083 226 9608 / 083302 4295
45. DOCTORS: BALLITO MEDICAL CENTRE

VARIES DR AVAILABLE: 032 946 1311

46. DENTIST:

DR KAHDER: 032 552 7811

DR VAN DER MERWE: 032 946 1312

47. ESKOM FAULTS:

086 003 7566

48. FIRE DEPARTMENT: 032 946 2711
49. PAEDIATRICIAN (ALBERLITO HOSPITAL) 032 946 6982
50. POLICE: SAPS 10111 – 032 551 8200
51. TRAFFIC & NOISE COMPLAINTS: 032 946 2711
52. KWA DUKUZA MUNICIPALITY: 032 437 5000
53. BREAKDOWN SERVICES: 032 946 2711 / 032 945 4177

Beaches and Swimming:

The Kwa-Zulu Natal North Coast, also known as the dolphin coast offers a wonderful un-spoilt subtropical environment with golden beaches and rock pools; opportunities for surfing, scuba diving and fishing.

It is however important to note that not all beaches in the area have life guards and shark nets and that the coastline is known for its treacherous currents and occasional very large waves.

The main beach at Zinkwazi, which is located at the end of Seagull drive, has shark nets and life guards as well as a beautiful lagoon.

Other beaches in the area are: Ballito beach, Umhlali beach, Tinley Manor beach, Thompson’s Bay, Sheffield, Shaka’s rock, Salt Rock and Blythedale beach.

Never allow children to swim unsupervised.

Emergency numbers:

Police: 032 – 551 8200/ 10111 Direct line: 032 946 2711

Alpha Security 032-9471805

Doctors: 032 946 1311

Hospitals:

Stanger: Kwadukuza private hospital: 032 815 3000

Stanger: 032 – 437 6000 Provincial

Alberlito: 032 – 946 6700 – Private/Ballito

Umhlanga: 031 – 560 5500

Locksmith: Selfast: 032-551 3133/032-551 1577

Dentist: Khader: 032 552 7811 Stanger

Pharmacy: Andre – Stanger – 032 – 551 1151

Emergency Med rescue: 082 911

EMR: 032 – 552 3140

Ambulance: 082 876 2049

Breakdown: 073 244 0811

Fire: 032 – 551 3413

Poison information: 0800333444

Bee Removers: 082 490 0253

Snakes: 082 561 4969 or 082 554 7705

Golf:

There are a number of exceptional courses in the area.

Darnall country club:

A challenging, picturesque 9 hole course in the small town of Darnall is the closest course to Zinkwazi.

The country club offers the following additional facilities: bowling greens, squash courts, tennis courts and swimming pool. There is also an A la Carte restaurant and 2 bars.

Contact details:

Golf 032 946 1006

Club office 032 486 1207

Eshowe Hill Golf Estate:

Eshowe Hill Golf Estate offers a beautiful and challenging 18 hole Bob Grimsdale designed course. There is also a full bar and restaurant on the premises and guests are welcome.

Club facilities open at 8am. (Closed on Mondays)

035 474 4884

Prince’s Grant:

Prince’s Grant is an exceptionally beautiful and better known course situated just outside Stanger and is an easy 20 min drive from Zinkwazi.

Since opening in 1994 the Prince’s Grant golf course has flourished just as the design team intended. With large greens and impressive fairways, it creates a completely unique and challenging experience for any golfer. The course is a links/parklands layout, designed and constructed by Peter Matkovich.

Pro Shop: 032 482 0041

Maidstone Golf Course – Tongaat:

Maidstone Golf Club offers and immaculate 9-hole golf course, formerly part of the Tongaat-Hulett recreational facilities for staff; Maidstone Golf club has an established course with a brand new club house and event venue situated near the main gate. Its close proximity to Ballito means it is the perfect place for golfers who want a relaxed and convenient venue, at a reasonable price.

Club house 032 945 0419

Umhlali Golf Course:

This 18 hole parklands golf course sports sweeping fairways, exotic palm trees and seven magnificent water holes. Hosting thousands of visitors annually, Umhlali Golf course offers the kind of hospitality one would expect on the Dolphin Coast. Strategically positioned T-Boxes are designed to test the skills of the more competitive golfer, as well as catering for the longer handicappers, playing off the front markers.

Pro shop 032 947 1181

Zimbali Golf Course:

Zimbali is a very well-known and challenging course. It offers stunning views on a varied course. It starts off with a coastal links feel and then takes a dramatic turn through rough rolling wetlands and ends up in the Coastal forest. The course is a tough walk, but Golf carts are compulsory.

Pro shop: 032 538 1041 ext. 1

Restaurants:

Zinkwazi:

Mahogany reef: (ski-boat club)

Mahogany Reef is the bar at the Zinkwazi Ski boat club; it has a lovely deck area on the main beach about 20m from the shore. It is the perfect place to enjoy a sun-downer on the beach, near the lagoon. During the holidays they serve take-aways from time to time.

Prouds Pizza:

Prouds Pizza is a delightful Pizza take away operated out of a converted shipping container in the main beach car park.

The tasty, wood fired pizzas can be enjoyed on the beach or collected and taken home, or at the ski-boat club with your drink.

Zinkwazi café: coffee shop: 1 Glen drive:

Raffia sports bar and restaurant: 032 485 3344

Darnall country club:

The country club has an A la Carte restaurant as well as 2 bars, 2 Lounges and a pool. The restaurant is closed on Mondays and is open until 3pm on Sundays.

032 489 1778

Maidstone Golf Club

Maidstone Golf Club’s restaurant offers both traditional golfing fare and an extensive a-la-carte menu.

Choose to dine inside near the bar and catch live sport on big screen, or al-fresco, enjoying mouthwatering meals with a fine selection of wine and malt.

Enjoy a lazy sun-downer after a round of golf, or bring the family along for a relaxing afternoon with friends in a safe and friendly environment.

032 945 0419

Prince’s Grant

Bunkers restaurant offers excellent local cuisine, seafood, curries, delicious and hearty breakfasts, overlooking the first, tenth and eighteenth holes and with breath taking sea views.

The Mulligan’s pub is at the nineteenth hole and offers a warm and convivial atmosphere in which to recount the successes and humorous stories of the day.

032 482 0005

Ballito

The lifestyle center at Ballito offers a variety of restaurants and coffee shops.

Beira Alta 032 946 2388

John Dory’s 032 926 3009

Mugg and Bean 032 946 0007

Primi Plantation 032 946 3730

Spur 032 946 3711

Wimpy 032 946 3429

Zimbali

The restaurant accommodates guests both indoors and outdoors on the Fountain court. This intimate venue, in which the décor echoes the colonial mood of the Lodge, is lavishly designed, incorporating the rich hues of hand-crafted wooden furniture and custom designed fabrics. Guests will have a dining experience in a home-from-home atmosphere with efficient friendly service. The chef insists that only the freshest produce and ingredients are good enough for the preparation of the delicious meals presented at Zimbali.

After dark, the restaurant is transformed and becomes more sophisticated. A superb menu is presented each evening. Dress code is smart casual and jackets are not required (no jeans)

032 538 1007

Shopping:

Zinkwazi

The Zinkwazi Junction has a small store which offers a surprisingly large variety of basic groceries and a few luxuries.

Kwa Dukuza/Stanger

Offers a larger variety of shops for groceries including, Spar, Spar tops, Checkers and Shop-rite.

Ballito

The Lifestyle center near the off ramp offers a wide variety of shops including décor, clothing and hardware as well as a number of restaurants.

Also in Ballito you will find, Pick and pay, Woolies food and Checkers.

Gateway – Umhlanga Ridge

Gateway is the largest shopping center in the country and is any shoppers dream. The center offers a vast quantity of shops as well as a variety of recreational activities including surfing, movies and Barnyard Theatre.

Other things to do:

The Zululand brewing company – Eshowe

The Zululand brewing Company is known as the smallest family owned brewery of the KwaZulu-Natal beer route. Owner, Graham Chennells acquired the plant from Rawdons, where the Nottingham Brewing Company first brewed their tasty beer. The plant is found in the garden of the Zululand Hotel directly next to the pool. Graham has studied the Zulu culture and is actively involved in numerous upliftment projects. He specializes in taking people to Zulu ceremonies which take place every weekend in the rural areas.

Harold Johnson Nature Reserve

The Harold Johnson reserve is run by KwaZulu Natal Wildlife and offers walking trails, picnic sites, a small variety of game and a large variety of bird life.

Fort Pearson and the Ultimatum Tree, both of which are national monuments, lie within the reserve. The Fort was built in 1878 on a bluff overlooking the Pont-crossing on the Tugela River. Both of these monuments played a significant role in the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. A few war graves can also be seen on site.

Harold Johnson nature reserve (15km) on the Tugela South bank offers various Buck, Zebra, and bird life. There are two trails, a Zulu artifact museum as well as historical attractions.

Open daily: 6am to 6pm 032 486 1574

Nyoni Craft stall at Amatikulu off-ramp off the N2 (30km north) sells bead work and other crafts.

Vukani at Eshowe (65 km) is also an excellent outlet for Zulu crafts.

The Zinkwazi Conservancy protects the Zinkwazi lagoon system (navigable for 8km) and about 20 km of coastal ecology between Blythedale and the Tugela River. The diversity of wetland, dune vegetation, forest and grassland supports an extremely rich bird life of well over 250 species as well as the rare Bush pig, Bush buck, Porcupine, Grey, Red and the tiny Blue Duiker, Thick tailed Bush baby, Vervet Monkey, various Mongoose, water leguaan, Python, etc. Our conservancy is best experienced on the lagoon cruise or various trails and beach walks.

INGWENYA Reserve on the opposite bank has more trails.

Amatikulu Game Reserve (30km) on a large lagoon north of the Tugela offers canoeing, birding, hiking, fly-fishing.

Dhlinza Forest reserve (with a magnificent, elevated board walk) and Ocean view game reserve are at Eshowe (65km).

The Raffia Monument and Umlalazi Nature reserve at Mtunzini (60km) offer trails in the Raffia Swamp, Mangrove swamp and Dune Forest.

The famous St.Lucia and Hluhluwe – Umfolozi parks are +/- 180km north.

Scenic attractions:

Panorama drive in Zinkwazi offers beautiful views of the Coastline between the Tugela and Nonoti Rivers. The Tugela south bank (15km) between Harold Johnson and the mouth offers beautiful views of the river with its bird life. The R111 turnoff from the N2 just north of Darnall is the shortest access. The KOP (90km) is an impressive promontory jutting out into the spectacular Tugela Gorge near Kranskop. Take the R74 from Stanger towards Greytown. Along the route are magnificent views of the Tugela Valley (North) and Umvoti Valley (south), each with their own “valleys of a thousand hills”. From Kranskop follow the signs to the Kop. The last few kilometers are on gravel. Dry weather is recommended to enjoy the views and avoid the mist. HOT SPRINGS can be found at SHU-SHU (120km) in the Tugela Gorge beyond the Kop and at LILANI (130km). Just follow the signs from the R74 beyond Kranskop into the Umvoti valley. The Zululand circular route of 270km (along the N2, R68, N2 return) runs through Eshowe, the Nkwalini valley, Empangeni, Richards Bay and Mtunzini. This is traditional hilly Zulu country with many different vegetation types and many places of interest along the way. The Dolphin coast beach route follows the most scenic beaches between Zinkwazi and Durban. The first turnoff is Blythedale opposite Stanger, next, follow the N2 South and take the Umhlali beach north turnoff. Keep left for Sheffield beach, then follow the coast through Salt Rock, Chaka’s Rock, Thompsons bay (with the hole in the wall – below Santorini Ballito.) From Ballito take the M4 (old N2) to Umhloti. Next, drive south to Umhlanga and follow the beach front road all the way into Durban North.

Shakaland:

Originally built as a set for the films Shaka Zulu and John Ross it has been developed as an impressive cross -cultural centre for traditional Zulu culture. The two hour Nandi experience is offered daily and begins at 11 am or 12:30 pm.

Bookings: 035 – 4600912

Take the N2 north, then follow the R68 from Gingindlovu through Eshowe into the Nkwalini valley and turn left before the river bridge (80km)

Maidstone: (60Km) near Tongaat on the R102 has a very picturesque collection of Cape Dutch style buildings.

Sibaya Casino: Just north of Umhlanga with many entertainment facilities.

Natal shark’s board: Daily tours, interesting displays and an unusual curio shop – 031-5611001, take the Umhlanga turn off from the N2 or turn inland off the M4 at Umhlanga (70km)

Umgeni Bird Park: One of the world’s largest Bird parks in a natural, tropical setting in Riverside Road on the North bank of the Umgeni River (80km)

Durban beach front: uShaka Marine World, Fitzsimons Snake Park, fun world, water world, mini town.

Durban sugar terminal: 031- 3010331

Historical sites:

The events in the Lower Tugela area reflect a microcosm of the history of Natal and Zululand over the past 150 years. Many of the sites are visible and accessible from Fort Pearson adjoining Harold Johnson Reserve, where a toposcope points out the sites of interest. Take the N2 north and turn right just south of the Tugela at the Harold Johnson sign (15km)

The epic walk of John Ross in 1827 through the 1200km of uncharted, dangerous territory to obtain medical supplies from Maputo is commemorated by the John Ross Bridge over the Tugela.

In 1883 the “Grand army of Natal” crossed the Tugela to raid Zulu cattle. The force of over 2000 was destroyed by 10 000 Zulus in the Battle of the Tugela at Ndondakusuku opposite Fort Pearson. Only a quarter of the men survived. A commemorative cairn has been erected on the Tugela North Bank 1km from the N2 on the Tugela mouth road. The struggle for succession to the Zulu throne between Cetshwayo and Mbulazi led to the largest battle ever fought on South African soil. At the Battle of Ndondakusuka (hill with radio mast east of John Ross Bridge), in 1856 opposite Fort Pearson, some 27000 warriors took part of which about 23000 where killed. Both sides included some white adventurers, but although Mbulazi had greater firepower he was routed by Cetshwayo’s superior numbers. The local stream flowing into the Tugela was littered with human bones for decades and became known as Mathambo – “Bones”. (Stream west of John Ross Bridge). In December 1878 the British Colonial authorities delivered an ultimatum to the Zulus at Ultimatum tree below Fort Pearson. The Ultimatum was designed to be impossible for the Zulus to accept and was an excuse for the colonial authorities to invade Zululand in order to destroy the powerful Zulu military threat. This ultimatum led to the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879. Whilst the British Northern flanks invaded Zululand and fought the famous battles of Isandlwana and Rorkes Drift, the British Right flank under Col. Pearson crossed the Tugela at Fort Tenedos on the north bank. On his way to Eshowe, Pearson’s force of 2800 repulsed a Zulu attach of 5000 at the Nyeane River. Pearson then built Fort Eshowe and was besieged there by the Zulus. Lord Chelmsford left Fort Tenedos with 5700 men to relieve Pearson but was attacked by 11000 Zulus in the Battle of Gingindlovu. The Zulus were defeated and lost 1100 men. During the next stage of the war Major General Crealock slowly invaded Zululand from Fort Pearson. In the process building Forts Crealock, Chelmsford, Napoleon, Richards. Simultaneously Chelmsford led the British Central Flank to Ulundi, where he destroyed the royal kraal. Cetshwayo was captured a while later. That was the end of Zulu might.

Fort Williamson was the original fort on the Tugela, built in 1861; it was abandoned when Fort Pearson was built slightly upstream in 1878. There is a Cemetery at Fort Pearson and another Military cemetery about 1km south of the fort along the access road.

Fort Nonquai at Eshowe (65km) is a romantic stone fort which houses a fascinating local history museum, emphasizing the history of the Zulus and the white pioneers, including John Dunn.

John Dunn was a white adventurer, who during the latter part of the last century befriended the Zulu King. He became the only white Zulu chief and was granted control over the land north of the lower Tugela. By marrying 39 wives he founded the Dunn clan. Which is to this day a respected local family.

Stanger (18km) was built on the site of Shaka’s military kraal Kwa Duguza. He was murdered here and his grave is marked by a memorial in King Shaka Road. The Stanger Museum opposite the memorial has a fascinating local history collection.

Walks and Hikes (self-guided)

Harold Johnson nature reserve (15km) has a half hour Remedies and Rituals trail as well as the 6km Bushbuck trails through dry woodland and grasslands on the slopes of the Tugela. On the opposite bank is Ingwenya reserve with more walks. There are two Beach walks, north to Tugela mouth (7km), or from the south end of Zinkwazi to Nonoti mouth (3km). Amatikulu game reserve (30km) offers various trails between lagoon and beach. At Mtunzini (60km) there is a trail along the entire length of the Umlalazi nature reserve, as well as walks through the Mangrove Swamps. At Eshowe (65km) there is a magnificent, elevated board walk through the Dhlinza Forest from Bishops seat.

Birding venues:

A Bird spotting list is available for the rich variety of birds in the Zinkwazi area. With a count in excess of 450 species, including many sought after rarities and localized specials, our Zulu Roots birding route ranks amongst the top hotspots in the country. Please check with Zinkwazi lagoon lodge reception for a bird list, guides and self-guided walks (032 – 485 3344). Access to some areas is only possible with a guide. The following venues are freely accessible: The road along the Tugela south bank between Harold Johnson (15km) and the mouth is excellent for mostly water birds and waders. Harold Johnson nature reserve has two trails with woodland, valley and bushveld species. On the opposite bank is Ingwenya reserve with similar habitat. The irrigation ponds just west of the Zinkwazi off-ramp (5km) support several specialized species such as Hottentot Teal and White-faced duck. The Sappi bird hide outside Stanger (20km) can be booked at 032 – 437 2126; it supports many rare water birds and waders. The Umvoti Lagoon (25km) is famous, especially in summer for Terns, Waders, Water birds with many specials e.g. Redwing Pratincole. Take the N2 south over the Umvoti River and turn left at the Groutville off-ramp towards the JEX Estate. The track along the west bank of the lagoon is best. Permission to enter the private estate must be obtained in advanced (990 083) Amatikulu Game reserve (30km) palm veld and forest with many wetland and raptor Species. At Mtunzini (60km) the Raffia Palm Monument supports the Palmnut Vulture. It is best seen in the late afternoon at the monument, for the station or in the groves on either side at the village entrance. The mangroves along the Umlazi river are good for Wooly Necked Stork and Mangrove Kingfisher (winter). There is also a good trail along the Dune Bush. The Dhlinza mist belt forest at Eshowe (65km) has many forest specials. Turn left at the main road and then tight towards “Bishops Seat”. There is a magnificent, elevated board walk, as well as two trails through the forest. Guides are available. Guided birding can also be arranged to Ngoye forest (Woodwards Barbet and other specials), Dhlinza and Nkandla forests, Mtuzini or Richards Bay. Kranskop at the Tugela Gorge (80km) on the Greytown road is good for raptors. The umvoti Vlei (130km) is a magnificent wetland with all 3 cranes, grass Owls, Ethiopian Snipe etc. Take the R74 to Greytown and cross to the R33 via Ahrens, cross the Umvoti and turn onto D85 to find the Bird Hide. A trail is further along the D85.

4×4 trails:

There is a lovely trail at Amatikulu Game reserve (30km)

Dolphin/Whale spotting – mostly from the beach.

Sappi paper mill – for tours 032 – 551 3011 – 20km south.

Animal farm with horse riding – 3km from Sheffield beach turnoff (40km)

Crocodile farms; Croc valley outside Sheffield beach (35km) is set in a swamp forest with walks a tea garden and curio shop. Crocodile creek has a lovely setting on the Tongaat river with daily feeding times (50km) take the N2 south, turn off inland to Umhlali and take the R103 south and turn left into D809 – 0322 – 23845.

Aura: arts & crafts situated at “The Well” in Ballito – 032 – 9463749

Dark Continent: arts and crafts – Balvista centre – Ballito – 032 – 946 3309

Dolphin coast Market: – every Saturday morning – 032 – 5259040

Greengold Nursery: ceramic workshop and restaurant – 032 – 9471371

Ikon Africa: Zulu arts and crafts – Ballito – 032 – 946 3112

Mokka: coffee shop, gifts – Ballito – 032 046 1588

Pottery Gallery: Ballito – 032 – 946 3232

Nyoni Craft Centre – Amatikulu – 032 – 4530066

Animal farm – Flag Farm – Umhalai – 032 – 9472020

Ballito Cinema: art and book exchange, films – 032 – 946 2300

Bird Hide: booking essential – 032 – 437 2222

Crocodile farms:

Crocodile creek – Tongaat – 032 – 9443845

Croc Valley nature reserve – 032 – 5255374

Cultural Village – The kingdom – 032 – 9470692/3/4

Dolphin & whale viewing:

Diva Nautique – Umhlanga – 082 553 2834

Umhlanga Dolphin viewing – 083 659 1694

Harold Johnson nature reserve 032 486 1574

Shakaland: 035 4600912

Hiking trails:

Crocodile creek – 032 – 944 3845

Croc Valley nature reserve – 032 – 5255374

Harold Johnson Nature reserve – 032 – 4861574

Zulu Roots Tugela Community tour – 032 – 4853344

Zulu Roots KwaDukuza Trail – 032 – 4853344

Zulu Roots Birding Route – 032 – 4853344

UThukela Trails and Tales: 082 3919719/20

Historical sites/Routes:

Dukuza Museum – 032 – 437 5075

King Shaka Visitor Centre – 032 – 5527210

Chief Albert Luthuli Legacy project – 032 – 5513091

Fort Pearson and Ultimatum tree – 032 – 486 1574 –

Guided tours: 033 – 8451000

Morewood Memorial gardens:

Fort Nongqayi – Museum village – Eshowe – 035 – 4742281

Horse riding:

Maidstone riding club – 083 245 6744

Rocking horse riding school – 084 510 2198

Wellesley riding stables – 083 788 1881

Zimbali horse rides – 083 231 6458

Kayaking and canoeing:

Amatikulu Eco Adventures – 032 – 4530174

Infinity Marine Enterprises – 032 – 9460062/ 083 4489134

Zinkwazi lagoon lodge – 032 – 4853344

Micro light flights:

Ballito bay micro lights – 082 659 5550

La Mercy Flight Park – 084 266 3359

Mini putt putt & 10 Pin Bowling:

La Montagne – Ballito – 032 – 9462121

Paint Ball: – 032 – 5255374

Paper mill: tours – 032 – 437 2222

Quad biking: 082 477 5837

Scuba diving: 082 553 2834

Surfing school: 083 409 62 86