Durban - We all know about the beautiful rocky bays and golden beaches that mark the playgrounds of the famous South Coast, but sometimes clouds scud across the sky or you don’t feel the call of the beach.
There is much else to do and, as this playground is extensive, we have divided it into the Upper and the Lower South Coast. This week we look at the section between Karridene and Port Shepstone, and include the Oribi Gorge adventure playground inland.
COMMUNING WITH NATURE
Many people find nature reserves a restful place to recharge batteries which might have run flat. There is a choice, dependent on what rings your family’s bell: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s Vernon Crooks Nature Reserve along the R612 between Scottburgh and Ixopo (039 974 2222; www.kznwildlife.com); TC Robertson Nature Reserve on the banks of the Mpanbanyoni River, Scottburgh (082 406 9891); or Umdoni Park Nature Reserve (076 684 1855) Pennington.
If you want to pick up something from a nursery to take home, Folly Fields in Umzumbe might appeal. (039 684 6277).
INTERESTING ACTIVITIES
Maybe you fancy indigenous gardens and sea views with a bit of a bite? Crocworld Conservation Centre & Izinyoni Indigenous Nursery, Scottburgh (039 976 1103; www.crocworld.co.za) offer snake demonstrations, crocodile feeding and talks, a small nature trail, and birds.
When whales are passing along our coast, head for Umtentweni Whale Deck (082 377 1423; e-mail [email protected]) for views of them enjoying life.
Burry Stander Bike Park, near the N2, Mtentweni Area (079 493 7499; 082 440 4666) has a 2km cross country track, a 5km farm track and a kids’ zone.
Maybe there is a potential artist in the family. Patrician Blue Studio, Umtentweni (039 695 1131; www.patricianbluestudio.aradium.com) offers informal art classes, along with a wide range of art materials.
History buffs might want to check out Port Shepstone’s Cultural History Museum (039 688 2195).
GOLF
The South Coast has also been dubbed the Golf Coast. There are many courses to choose from. Here are just two: Umdoni Park, Pennington, has southern African ratings for top 3 most fun course to play; top 10 best finishing holes; top 25 most scenic course (www.umdonipark.com). Selborne Park Golf Estates, Pennington, has been called the “Augusta” of South Africa (039 688 1896; www.selborneparkgolfestates.com)
GETTING THE ADRENALIN GOING
Mention the Aliwal Shoal and those in the know will think of streamlined sharks in their home habitat. Enter their domain with Aliwal Dive Centre (039 973 2233; e-mail [email protected]) or Blue Vision Dive Centre (039 973 1345; www.bluevision.co.za). Both operate from Umkomaas.
Maybe you would feel safer eye-balling the sharks from a cage. Shark Cage Diving KZN operates out of Rocky Bay (082 373 5950; www.sharkcagedivingkzn.com)
Adrenalin junkies can get their thrills zip-lining, abseiling or white water rafting, with Wild 5 Adventures, at Oribi Gorge. Dad and the kids might like to work off some surplus energy at Go Ballistix Paintball’s three themed arenas. (082 566 7424; www.wild5adventures.co.za).
Even the more sedentary can easily tackle crossing the 84m suspension bridge at Lake Eland (039 687 0395; www.lakeeland.co.za).
Watch Cape Vultures winging the thermals at Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide. Booking is essential (039 695 0829; www.vulturehide.blogspot.com).
TAKE A DRIVE
The local tourism authority suggests taking the R602 from Scottburgh, heading towards Braemar and Sawoti, then circling back through Friedenau to Ifafa. A shorter option is to leave the R102 at Ifafa, and head inland for a circular drive, which will link through Mtwalume and Glen Echo. It offers pretty, peaceful surroundings and an opportunity for good photographs. Head back to the N2 near Umzumbe.
RESTAURANTS
There are many to choose from, but I always enjoy Impithi Beach Kiosk, Pennington, for great sea views. (039 975 1711; www.penningtonconservancy.org.za).
Maybe you fancy something more lively, also overlooking the sea? The Rock Music Bistro, Umzumbe (Pumula Hotel turn-off) suggests that visitors “Pull in, Plug in and Play” (072 141 5621; e-mail [email protected]
PLACES TO STAY
There are a plethora of places to choose from. Three of my favourites are: Happy Wanderers, self-catering right on the beach at Kelso (039 975 1104; www.happywanderers.co.za); Mac Nicol’s caravan and camping resort at Bazley Beach, which offers chalets with great views over the river, as well as shady camping (039 977 8863; www.macnicol.co.za) and Pumula Beach Hotel (039 684 6717; www.pumulabeachhotel.com).
The Blue Marlin Hotel, Scottburgh is often fondly referrred to as the “Grand Old Lady” (039 978 3361; www.bluemarlinhotel.co.za).
For those who want to spend a couple of days in the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s cottages (039 679 1644; www.kznwildlife.com) are family friendly. Thandulula Sea Park (039 681 3755; www.thandulula.com) offers luxury self-catering safari tents.
Venture Inn (039 695 0110; e-mail [email protected]) Umtentweni, punts itself as a quaint old world hotel. Its Sunday lunches are apparently much sought after by the locals.
Royston Hall (039 695 0083; www.roystonhall.co.za) is a good option if you are feeling a bit flush. This historical house in a nature reserve with river frontage and forest walks is a romantic spot just off the N2 near Umtentweni.
Happy Holidays!
Sunday Tribune