Durban - For me, the Lower South Coast conjures up the most magic. Here lie sleepy, or not so sleepy, towns, offering the traveller the things which make a coastal holiday special. It’s not just about soaking up the sun and frolicking in the waves, but a variety of activities.
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
If you are in the area in July, the colourful Ezinqoleni Maidens Ceremony at KwaNyuswa, gives insight into local culture. Prior to the event – which forms part of the Sardine Festival – older women counsel young maidens on traditional values and how they should behave. (Call Ezinqoleni Tourism Office: 039 687 7561).
Take an informative tour of a Southbroom banana farm. Learn the A-Z about the industry. By appointment only (039 316 6204).
Head for Beaver Creek Coffee Estate (039 311 2315; www.beavercreek.co.za), Izingolweni Road. Participate in a Crop to Cup Tour (booking essential) which tells you all about that perfect cup. You can taste and buy freshly ground beans.
Butterfly Valley, near Ramsgate, is bound to enchant with a breeding centre, flight dome, craft shop and tea garden (072 235 3688 or 073 422 5357; www.butterflyfarm.co.za).
The surfers in your family might relish Surf Action, Margate (039 3173604; e-mail: [email protected]) where, in addition to shopping for gear, you can be taught to ride the waves.
Karma Yoga Centre, Southbroom (039 316 8658; e-mail: [email protected]) invites you to join them for a session of harmony and balance.
ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
Go back in time with Themba Lamampomdo Tours (Benny on 076 504 3969 or Wild Coast Sun – where tours leave from (039 305 9111). Walking along the shoreline you encounter fossils, some dating back 85 million years, petrified trees, ammonites, nautilus shells, giant clams.
Helicopter flips with Africa Fun Tours (039 3150265; www.infocentre.co.za) based in St Michael’s on Sea.
Pure Venom, Shelly Beach (039 6850704; www.purevenom.com) claims to be the biggest reptile farm in Africa.
Clearwater Trail Network has internationally rated Mountain Biking Trails, which are also runner and walker friendly. While getting fit, you can savour views of the Umtamvuna River Gorge. (083 549 6710; www.clearwatertrails.co.za).
Tree lovers could head for Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Skyline Nature Reserve (039 3150112; www.kznwildlife.com) Uvongo. It offers a series of one-hour demarcated self-guided trails amid 76 indigenous coastal tree species as well as many other indigenous and exotic trees.
Join a fun boat ride out into the ocean with C Freaks (082 379 4073; www.cfreaks.co.za); or let the kids work off surplus energy outdoor go-karting with Kart Freaks (039 3121514; e-mail: [email protected]) Both are in the Margate area.
Take a ride along the seashore with Beach Horse Rides at Selsdon Park Estate, Marina Beach (082 451 9827 or 083 301 2941; www.marinabeach.co.za).
NURSERIES
Quaintly named Froggy Pond Nursery (039 312 1242) is located at Uvongo Bird Park (039 317 4086).
Or head for the Orchid and Exotic Plant Nursery at Stepward Estate Country House, Uvongo,which offers orchids and other plants imported from all over the world. (039 315 5926; www.stepward.co.za).
GALLERIES, MUSEUMS
There are many charming galleries where you can admire a bevy of talents:
Margate Art Museum (039 3128392) claims to be one of the largest in the province.
Hazel’s World of Miniatures is a private collection of handcrafted and vintage miniatures in one 12th scale, displayed in old clock cases and wooden boxes; and open by appointment only (083 4479 261; e-mail: [email protected]).
VIBEY NIGHTS
What about the night life, whinge the teenagers? Backline Night Club (039 317 4 358) Margate is said to be the longest standing nightclub on the South Coast.
WHERE TO STAY
From affordable to luxury, there is something to suit every wallet and personal taste.
My favourite, The Merry Crab Beach Lodge, Munster (083 267 9055; www.themerrycrab.co.za) is a pebble’s throw from the beautiful Munster and Portobello beaches.
Carribean Estates (039 311 2045; www.caribbean-estates.co.za) outside Port Edward, looks like a bit of tropical Jamaica.
River Valley Nature Reserve offers self-catering cottages, and a self-guided trail where birdlife and antelope abound (083 263 5537; www.rivervalleynaturereserve.co.za)
This section of the coast offers something for every taste.
Sunday Tribune