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Dreamy spans of sparkling subtropical beach, playful dolphins, lush
indigenous forests, undulating fields of sugar cane and with every modern day
facility on nature’s doorstep. This magnificent stretch of coastline unfolds
its stunning scenery from Zimbali in the South to the magnificent Tugela River
in the North, sited on the historical border between Zululand and Natal . This
area encompasses the coastal resorts of Ballito, Chakas Rock, Salt Rock,
Sheffield Beach , Blythedale and Zinkwazi as well as the picturesque Thompson’s
Bay and Tinley Manor. Set inland amongst Kwazulu-Natal’s verdant landscape are
Umhlali, Tinley Manor, Shakaskraal, kwadukuza/Stanger and Mandeni. Nestled just
south of Zimbali is the charming Westbrook Beach and village, lying east of
bustling Tongaat.
Ballito
Known as “the pearl of the Dolphin Coast ”, Ballito (whose name means “little
ball”) is known for its pleasant and safe beaches. Willard beach is the main
beach for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing and the location for exciting
surfing competitions. Minded by lifeguards 7 days a week, it is also protected
by shark nets. A little further along the beach, Ballito tidal pool also makes
for safe and convenient swimming all year round. The town was established in
the 1950’s and conveys a friendly, community spirit with many first class
restaurants, bars and a budding retail scene. It has every city amenity to
offer but without the metropolitan tempo. Boasting the first-rate “ Seaforth
College ”, a selection of gyms, its very own microlight training school, a
cinema and a weekend craft market, this spirited little town has plenty to
offer.
Blythedale Beach
North of Tinley Manor sits the small coastal resort, of Blythedale Beach , with
its golden sands a true find for surfers, and swimmers alike. This beach is
also protected by shark nets and is a very good spot for fishing too. A wealth
of birdlife can be found nearby at the Umvoti river mouth. This beautiful area
has now been proclaimed a national heritage site and forms part of the
Blythedale conservancy.
Chakas Rock
Continue north along the coastal scenery from Ballito and you will arrive at
Chaka’s rock, a small residential area neighbouring Thompson’s Bay. There is a
charming beach and tidal pool, set against a backdrop of rocky cliffs with a
bounty of marine life in a myriad of mini tidal rock pools to explore.
kwadukuza – Stanger
Only a fifteen minute drive from Ballito and you are in the vibrant town of
kwadukuza , so named as it stands on the historical site of King Shaka’s royal
settlement “Dukaza”.
Mandeni
With the mighty Tugela River flowing through, this town is well known for its
Kraft paper making factory and Isothere Industrial estate on the outskirts of
town. Surrounded by luscious woodland and fields of sugar cane, this tranquil
town is a short drive from Zinkwazi beach and the Harold Johnson nature
reserve.
Salt Rock
The history goes that King Shaka’s handmaidens would come to Salt Rock beach to
collect the dried salt that formed around the rock pools. This they traded with
settlers, passing through. Nowadays, the languid golden sands which flank this
relaxed resort, offer wonderful offshore reefs and a good spot to fish.
Shakaskraal
North of the village of Umhlali is the “one-street” town of Shakaskraal, full of
character and cultural flavours.
Sheffield Beach
Tucked just north of Salt Rock is Sheffield Beach with its haven of picturesque
coves and sparkling rock pools. Sheffield Beach is a popular place for
snorkelling, with some very good fishing and diving spots at its northern most
beach, known as Christmas Bay .
Tinley Manor
Tinley Manor will stun you with its sweeping sea views and sandy beaches. A
tranquil place, with a gorgeous lagoon on its southern boundary. This brings
with it a wealth of bird life on the waters, which also offer enjoyment for
windsurfers, kite boarders and paddle skiers. Tinley Manor has its own tidal
pool and life guarded beaches during peak periods.
Thompsons Bay
A charming and scenic cove; Thompson’s Bay has an Olympic sized tidal pool,
“Charlie’s pool” named after one of the early settlers who built it; Charles de
Charmoy. On the southern side of this pool, you can find the “hole in the
wall”, which is a natural arch of rock formed by continuous tidal erosion. A
marine trail starts at this point and heads up north towards High Rock, which
is also a popular fishing spot.
Tongaat
Just 15 minutes south of Ballito and almost the same distance again from the
amazing Gateway Shopping Mall at Umhlanga, Tongaat is a colourful town with a
distinctly eastern flavour. Victoria hospital is situated on the outskirts of
this bustling town, which provides good access onto all main highway routes.
Tugela Mouth
Just off the N2 highway and positioned halfway between Richards Bayand Durban ,
Tugela Mouth Village offers a richness of historical and natural beauty. Some
excellent fishing spots can be found here and it is on this secluded beach that
turtles return to nest. A popular place for birding and butterfly enthusiasts
alike.
La Mercy
With its own micro light airfield, Umdloti and La Mercy is well-located between
Umhlanga and Zimbali, with convenient access onto the N2 to Gateway Shopping
Mall and Sibaya casino and entertainment kingdom. The beautiful Umdloti river
meanders and opens serenely into its mangrove clad lagoon and unspoilt beach; a
popular spot for the bird enthusiast as well as the kite-boarding aficionado.
Further down the coast, the main beach at Umdloti has its own tidal rock pool
and a wide, safe beach for swimming.
Umdloti
With its own micro light airfield, Umdloti and La Mercy is well-located between
Umhlanga and Zimbali, with convenient access onto the N2 to Gateway Shopping
Mall and Sibaya casino and entertainment kingdom. The beautiful Umdloti river
meanders and opens serenely into its mangrove clad lagoon and unspoilt beach; a
popular spot for the bird enthusiast as well as the kite-boarding aficionado.
Further down the coast, the main beach at Umdloti has its own tidal rock pool
and a wide, safe beach for swimming.
Umhlali
Named Fort Williamby British and Scottish settlers in the 1850’s, the farming
village of Umhlalilies inland from the coastal resorts of Sheffield and Salt
Rock. The Zulu word “Umhlali” refers to the Monkey Orange Trees, which used to
line the banks of the Umhlali River . Its other meaning is “place of waiting”
because people would have to wait on the banks of the river before crossing
over to continue their journey further north. Umhlali has a charming sugar
village feel to it, with many of the buildings taking on this design flavour.
It also has country club with excellent sporting facilities and a very
well-known scenic and demanding golf course, complete with wandering zebra. The
golf course was designed by local resident, Peter Matkovich. Umhlali also has
an excellent preparatory school.
Westbrook
The properties along Westbrook Beach front are hidden amongst big milkwood trees
and coastal dune vegetation. This is a quiet area with a good ski boat club,
and makes for a popular spot for fishing. With its sheltered coastal curve and
steep beach, Westbrook Beach is a surfer’s paradise with amazing sea views. The
heart of village lies the other side of the coastal road. Originally built to
house sugar cane managers and employees, Westbrook is now a quiet and homely
village giving good access to the excellent Crawford school opposite.
Zimbali
A few minutes drive south of Ballito is the exclusive eco resort of Zimbali.
Hidden in luscious indigenous coastal forest and leading into an immaculate
subtropical coastline, Zimbali is the perfect place to escape the trials of
city life. Boasting a challenging 18-hole golf course of unforgettable beauty
and designed by the famous American professional, Tom Weiskopf, this paradise
also offers a club house, bar and restaurant, as well as health spa. Well
stocked with sporting facilities, you can play tennis, swim, and go
horse-riding on the beach or forest, all on your doorstep.
Zinkwazi
Lying a few kilometres north of Stanger-kwadukuza and Blythedale is the precious
lagoon and nature conservancy of Zinkwazi. A tranquil place, at home with
nature, Zinkwazi is so named as “the place of the fish eagles” in Zulu. Their
hunting cry can be heard, along with many other rare bird species, making this
a truly magical paradise in which to live.
Abound with open space and some of the most beautiful countryside in
Kwazulu-Natal ; the Dolphin coast has plenty of fresh air activities on offer.
Whether its coastal walks and hikes, quad-biking, watersports, bowling, arts
& crafts, hunting, fishing, riding, flying, golf, squash, tennis or history
and culture you want, you will find it all and so much more, here on the
Dolphin Coast.
Golf
For the golfing enthusiast this area offers a stunning selection of golf courses
to play on. There are six splendid courses in the region: Princes Grant,
possessing priceless sea views, the scenic Darnall golf course, Zimbali golf
estate, designed by the famous American professional, Tom Weiskopf, Mount
Edgecombe Country Club with its two courses just 20 minutes south of Ballito
and Umhlali country club, a superbly demanding golf course, complete with
wandering zebra. Not to forget Maidstone golf course, situated off the R102
inland and just north of Tongaat.
Darnall Country Club – Situated north of Ballito near Zinkwazi. Tel: 032 486
1207
Prince’s Grant Golf Estates – Situated north of Ballito. This course is designed
in the tradition of the links of golf courses of old Scotland, which offers a
unique experience to the golfer. It also has beautiful seaviews. Tel: 032 482
0005
Umhlali Country Club – Situated in Umhlali just outside of Ballito. It’s unique
setting; superb greens and resident zebra make a round of golf an absolute
pleasure. Tel: 032 947 1181
Zimbali Gof Estate – Situated south of Ballito at Zimbali. This course was
designed by Tom Welskopf and is both beautiful and challenging with
breathtaking seaviews. Tel: 032 538 1007
Fishing
There are many great fishing spots along the North coast where fishing fanatics
can make that winning catch. Amongst other spots, the favourites are Salt Rock,
Salmon Bay and Tugela River Mouth. For a small fee one can also acquire a bait
license and collect mussels off the rocks and dive for crayfish. Deep sea
fishing is also popular and there are many local fishing boats available for
day charters.
Nyala Wild Safaris - Umhlali - 083 598 4560
Umhlanga Deep Sea Fishing - Umhlanga - 083 659 1694
Scuba Diving
Due to the warm Mozambique current, Kwazulu Natal has some of the southernmost
tropical reefs in the world. There are some stunning dive locations along the
coastline, amongst others: Sheffield Reefs, Tiffany’s Reef, Big Dream reef and
Lemonfish Reef.
Horseriding
Enjoy the coastal countryside on horseback through one of the many riding
schools in the area. Maidstone and Ballito (Rocking Horse riding school) both
have riding schools. The lovely estate of Zimbali is also worth a special
mention. There is also Wellesley riding stables at Umdloti.
Maidstone Riding Club - Maidstone - 083 245 6744
Rocking Horse Riding School - Ballito - 084 510 2198
Wellesley Riding Stables - Umdloti - 083 788 1881
Zimbali Horse Rides - Zimbali - 083 231 6458
Nature Reserves
If the natural ambiance of the Dolphin Coast is not enough for you then walk,
take a picnic or simply soak up some mother nature in one of the local nature
reserves: Amatikulu in the north, Harold Johnson Nature Reserve at the Tugela
river mouth and the Ingwenya Nature reserve in Mandeni are all elegant examples
of the wonderful north coast natural environment, where indigenous flora,
giraffe, zebra, antelope and various bird-life can be seen.
Nurseries
Whether you want to go all out indigenous or tropical and exotic blooms, this
area is in no short supply of nurseries; Driefontein at Chaka’s Rock, Exotic
Blooms in kwadukuza, the Green Gold nursery at Ballito, Karibu in Umhlali and
Salt Rock’s very own nursery.
There are various sub-tropical nurseries that can be visited:
Driefontein - Chaka’s Rock - 032 525 8435
Green Gold Nursery - Ballito - 032 947 0771
Karibu - Umhlali - 032 947 1194
Salt Rock Nursery - Salt Rock - 032 525 5115
Animal Farm
Flag Farm Animal Farm – Situated in Umhlali. Open daily from 9am to 4pm.
Experience farm life with cows, horses, ducks, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs,
rabbits and many more. Pony and rides. Tel: 032 947 1354
Crodile Farms
Crocodile Creek – Situated in the Tongaat area, 14km from Ballito. Open daily
from 9.30am to 5pm. Closed on Saturdays out of season. Croc feeding daily at
11am and 3pm. Guided tours are at 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30am and 3.30pm daily.
Bush trails Tel: 032 944 3845
Croc Valley Nature Reserve – Situated in the Sheffield Beach area. Open daily
from 9am to 5pm. Closed on Mondays out of season. Variety of animals
(crocodiles, ostriches, bush-buck etc.) hiking trails and nursery. Croc feeding
at 3pm on Sundays only. Tel: 032 525 5374
Dolphin & Whale Viewing
There are various boat expeditions where one can go out to sea and see dolphins,
whales and other marine mammals in their natural environment.
Dolphin Adventures - Westbrook - 083 269 1793
Dive Nautique - Umhlanga - 082 553 2834
Umhlanga Dolphin Viewing - Umhlanga - 083 659 1694
Bird Hide
Tranquility Bird Hide – Situated in kwadakuza (Stanger) as part of the Sappi
Paper Mill. Open daily, however bookings are essential. Tel: 032 437 2222
Follow the trail of the mighty King Shaka …from Stanger, which was built on the
site of his royal settlement “Dukaza”, throughout Kwazulu Natal, where the king
and his intrepid army implemented their monarch’s innovative new weaponry and
battle schemes. Whilst presiding over the Zulu empire, King Shaka created
several royal settlements and military camps. The “barracks” at present day
Umhlali and Shakaskraal pay tribute to this. Shaka was said to have a soft spot
for the north coast’s beauty, good cattle grazing and sweet drinking water.
This area was also close to the white settlers and traders based at Port Natal.
Elephant tusks, animal hides, meat and sea-salt were exchanged for fabrics,
beads and other trinkets.
During his reign, the king forged strong links with the colonial figureheads
until his death on September 22, 1828 at the hands of his half brothers,
Dingane and Mhlangana. Dingane wasted no time in eliminated his accomplices and
proclaiming himself the new monarch. He left Dukaza and moved his people back
north. Fifty years later the Anglo-Zulu war erupted near Dukaza.
This area is rich in important historical sites, which can still be visited
today. The mission station of Groutville, lying between kwadukuza-Stanger and
Shakaskraal served as both home and burial place of South Africa’s first ever
Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chief Albert Luthuli. Luthuli was a widely respected
educator. Celebrated abroad but silenced at home, he received the Peace prize
in 1960 for seeking non-violent solutions to our countries racial inequalities
and attendant conflicts. Luthuli encouraged his people to become involved in
sugar farming, to improve their economic situation.
By the mid-19th century, the sugar industry was already beginning to shape the
North coats landscape. The first commercial cane was grown at compensation,
just outside Umhlali in 1851, by The South African sugar industry. This
organisation was pioneered by Edmond Morewood. Although Morewood left the
country after failing to secure finance for his development, his plans were
resurrected almost a century later by local “sugar barons”.
It was also Morewood who conveyed the idea of contracted labour from India to
the colonial authorities. Subsequently, the first few hundred Indian families
arrived at Port Natal on 17 November 1860 and travelled north via ox wagon to
the sugar farms that had applied for labour. The labour agreement between India
and South Africa was abolished in 1911 and of the hundred thousand or so
Indians, many decided not to return once their contracts were over. They
exchanged their return passages for money or land and were soon joined by
entrepreneurs from the Indian sub-continent and French Mauritian sugar growers
eager to size this new prospect.
Indian influence flourishes throughout the Zulu kingdom, not least along the
north coast. Entrepreneurs, expatriates and the indigenous civilization have
merged to create the amazing cultural montage that now distinguishes the North
Coast , rich in history, culture and Zulu experience.
Historical sites:
Dukuza Museum — Situated in kwadakuza/ Stanger. Tel: 032-4375000 — museum.
King Shaka Memorial — Situated in kwadakuza/ Stanger. Tel: 032-4375000
Chief Albert Luthuli Grave Site - Situated in Groutville, south of kwadakuza.
Tel: 032-5513091.
Fort Pearson & the Ultimatum Tree — Situated on the northern side of the
Tugela River at Harold Johnson Nature Reserve. Tel: 032-4861574 or KZN Wildlife
at 033-8451000.
Dukuza Museum – Situated in kwadakuza(Stanger). King Shaka Street. Open daily
from 8.30am to 12pm. Tours by arrangement. The museum focuses on the Zulu
culture, sugar cane industry and the early settler history. Tel: 032 551 3091
King Shaka Memorial – Situated in kwadakuza(Stanger). King Shaka Street. Open
daily from 8.30am to 4pm. This is King Shaka’s grave. A 20 minute slide show on
the history of King Shaka can be viewed. There is also a small curio shop and
an Interpretative Centre. Tel: 032 551 3091
Chief Albert Luthuli Grave Site – Situated in Groutville, south of kwadakuza.
This is the grave of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chief Albert Luthuli. Tel: 032
551 3091
Fort Pearson & The Ultimatum Tree – Situated on the northern side of the
Tugela River at Harold Johnson Nature Reserve. Both of these are national
monuments, which played a significant role in the Anglo Boer War of 1879. Tel:
032 486 1574
Morewood Memorial Gardens – Situated at Compensation just outside of Ballito.
This is the site of South Africa’s first Sugar Mill. The garden commemorates
the life of Sir Edmund Morewood, who grew the first commercial sugar cane in
South Africa and was the founder of the Sugar Cane Industry.
Restaurants & Take Aways
Al Pescatore 14 Edward Place, Ballito 032 946 3574
Beira Alta Ballito Lifestyle Centre 032 946 2388
Beira Mar Mall 505, Basil Hulett Dr, Salt Rock 032 525 8505
Blu 10 Library Lane, Ballito 032 946 1505
Canefields Mall 505, Basil Hulett Drive, Salt Rock 032 525 8770
Cilantros La Montagne, Ballito 032 946 2121
Debonairs Ballito 032 946 0099
Hotel Izulu Rey’s Place, Balito 032 946 3444
John Dorys Ballito Lifestyle Centre 032 946 3009
KEG Café Lifestyle Centre Ballito 032 946 0013
La Riviera Salt Rock Hotel 032 525 9990
Mariners Ballito Shopping Centre 032 946 1858
Omaha Spur 96 Compensation Beach Rd 032 946 3711
Paparazzi Toscana 13 Library Lane, Ballito 032 946 2365
Scandals Coffee Shop Dolphin Coast Shopping Centre 032 946 0406
Scooters Boulevard Centre, Ballito 032 946 3315
The Boathouse 33 Compensation Beach Rd 032 946 0300
The Crayfish Inn La Montagne, Ballito 032 946 2121
The Galley 17B Compensation Beach Rd 032 946 0597
Tour Operators
Bonani Tours & Safaris - Salt Rock - 032 525 8655
Ikon Afrika - Umhlali - 032 947 0692
My African Adventure - Zinkwazi - 032 485 3753
Sunbird Tours - Ballito - 082 256 0006
Umkombe Tours - Ballito - 032 946 0110
Zulu Sun Safaris - Ballito - 032 946 0265
Zulu Zig Zag Safaris - Ballito - 032 946 3556
Soap Box Derby
The Annual Soap Box Derby hosted by the Ballito Lions Club around March/April on
the main road of Ballito. (Ballito Drive & Hawkins Road down to
Compensation Beach Road)
TEN PIN BOWLING
La Montagne Ballito 032 946 2121
Microlight Flights
One can experience magnificent aerial views of the stunning coastline and vast
‘green gold’ by taking a flip in a microlight. The following operators can be
contacted.
Ballito Bay Microlight - Ballito - 082 659 5550
La Mercy Flight Park - La Mercy - 083 597 4222
Arts & Crafts
Pottery Gallery-Pottery and animal farm, situated off the M4 outside of Ballito.
Open daily. Tel: 032-9463232
Leanna’s Fine Art – Coffee shop, fresh-cut flowers, original art and framing
services. Situated at Umhlali. Tel: 032 947 1165
The Ballito ‘A’ Fair – Every Saturday from 8am, entrance opposite Everfresh.
Tel: 082 487 2276
Dolphin Coast Country Market – Fresh farm produce and home-made arts and crafts.
Operates at Foxhill, in front of Foxhill Bush Bar, Umhlali every Saturday from
7.30am to 1pm Tel: 032 525 9040
Tourist Information:
Sangweni Tourism Centre, Ballito
Tel/Fax: +27(0) 32 9461997
email: info@thedolphincoast.co.za
District Municipality Ilembe District Municipality head office is situated in
Stanger and covers the local municipal areas of kwadukuza, eNdondakusuka,
Maphumulo and Ndwedwe.
Tel: +27(0) 32 5512001
Fax: +27(0) 5511989
Local Municipalities kwadukuza (Stanger) local municipality is situated in
Stanger and covers the towns of Zimbali, Ballito, Chakas Rock, Salt Rock,
Sheffield Beach, Tinley Manor, Umhlali, Shakaskraal, Blythedale, Zinkwazi and
kwadukuza.
Tel: +27 (0) 32 9468000
Fax: +27(0) 32 9461885
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