North Coast
The North Coast, with the seaside town of Ballito as its hub, is also known as the Dolphin Coast, and stretches from Zimbali in the south to the mighty Thukela River in the north. Vibrant coastal towns and charming villages along this seaside route offer pristine beaches and azure bays, where bottlenose dolphins frolic off shore all year round. Whales can also be spotted, from the shore as well as from boats.
Its convenient location provides easy access to King Shaka International Airport, Durban, and the game reserves of Zululand and the Elephant Coast. A fascinating cultural mix exists in this region that was once part of the great Zulu empire built by King Shaka, followed by subsequent waves of adventurers, colonialists, the French Mauritian sugar cane growers and indentured Indian labourers. For culture and history, visit sites such as the Ultimatum Tree, Ndondakusuka or Fort Pearson, or the burial place of the Zulu King, Shaka, at Kwa-Dukuza and Nobel laureate, Albert Luthuli, at Groutville.
Explore the curious temples, sample spicy foodstuffs or shop for fresh produce at numerous markets, or walk a ‘muti’ (African medicine) trail through the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve.
Tee off at some of the finest golf courses in the Southern Hemisphere, or enjoy a bird’s-eye view of this magnificent coastline from onboard a micro-light flight. Birding is excellent in the area, including sightings of the rare Palm Nut Vulture. Other outdoor adventures include mountain biking, horse riding, hiking, surfing, fishing and snorkelling in the many tidal pools along the coast.
Excellent restaurants offer fine dining, and there is plenty of partying at local nightclubs. Accommodation is plentiful, with a variety of seaside hotels and resorts, boutique hotels, timeshare resorts, self-catering apartments, cottages, B&B facilities and caravan and campsites.
For more info, please visit our website at www.dolphincoast.kzn.org.za
