Self Catering Cottage North Coast

Activities in the Area

We understand that you want to make the most of your time with us so are more than happy offer a hearty breakfast and/or a tasty packed lunch if you let us know in advance.

Golf:

• Zimbali Country Club Tel 032 5381007,
• Maidstone Country Club 032 9450419,
• Umhlali Country Club 032 9471181,
• Princes Grant Golf Estate 032 4820005,
• Darnall CountryClub 032 4861207.

Microlight Flights:

Magnificient aerials views of the coastline.

Ballito Bay Microlights @ Ballito : 082 659 5550

La Mercy Flight Path @ La Mercy: 084 266 3359

Crocodile Creek:

Tours, demonstrations and feeding of over 7,000 Nile crocodiles. The Waterhole with crocodile specialities, the Trading Post selling croc leather goods and curios and the Bush Walk with a beautiful waterfall and prodigious birds and monkeys.

crocodilecreek@mweb.co.za

Tel/Fax 032 944 3845.

Deep Sea Fishing:

Fishing for Africa (Umdloti 082 920 5893)

Umhlanga Deep Sea Fishing (Umhlanga 083 659 1694)

Lobotes Charters, Tugela Mouth (Jan: 082 0674694)

Flag Farm Animal Farm:

For the kids - pony rides, cart rides, feed the chickens, hug a bunny, cows, goats, geese. A tea garden serves light meals.

Tel: 032 947 2018

Email: fosgreen@mweb.co.za

Deep Sea Fishing Charters.

Sightseeing trips along the coastline. All trips weather permitting. SAMSA approved with necessary safety equipment.

email dolphinview@mail.com

The SAPPI Paper Mill:

Friday tours by arrangement only (although the mill is open daily) and the Tranquil-a Tree Bird Hide - prior booking required. There is a profusion of waders and waterbirds and groups are restricted to a maximum of ten. Tel 032 4372222. The Morewood Memorial Gardens near Ballito was the site of South Africa's first sugar mill. Situated at Compensation near the Esenembi Road.

Scuba Diving:

There are a number of interesting dive locations nearby. Contact Dive Nautique, Ballito (082 553 2834).

Common Birds of the North Coast written by Bing Comrie & beautifully illustrated by well-known artist Heather Sclater (both reside in Blythedale Beach) is an ideal booklet for visiting "birders". It describes local birding sites and how to get there. For sale at Minivillas office and other local outlets.

Nearby Historical Attractions

Luthuli Museum:

The Luthuli Museum is a declared national institution commemorating the life, history & philosophies of Africa's first Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. Near Groutville.

Fort Pearson and the Ultimatum Tree:

The fort was built in 1878 and lies within the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve. Under the Ultimatum Tree, the Zulu chiefs gathers at the end of 1878 to hear the ultimatum given by the British that led to the 1879 AngloZulu War. Fort Tenedos was built by the British during this war and lies directly across the Tugela River from Fort Pearson.

The eNdondakusuka Battlefield is the scene of possibly the bloodiest battle to be fought on South African soil when, in 1856, Prince Cetshwayo battled his brother Mbuyasi for the right to be king of the Zulus. Reputedly, 20,000 warriors died in hand to hand fighting. Cetshwayo eventually defeated his brother and became king.

The Harold Johnson Nature Reserve is a 100 ha reserve on the south bank of the Tugela River. Zebra, bushbuck, impala, monkeys and mongooses can be seen. There is abundant birdlife (200 species), together with 7kms of walks including a Medicine and Rituals trail (www.wildlife.com). Picinic and braai areas are available. Tel 032 4861574.

The Amatikulu Nature Reserve features giraffe, zebra and antelope and is the spot where the largest crocodile in South Africa was caught. Canoes& pontoons can be hired. Tel 032.4530155.

Other Attractions

The Natal Sharks Board is located in Umhlanga and a very popular attraction, being the only institute of its kind in the world. A 26 minute presentation introduces visitors to the world of the shark and there are shark dissections, a large shark display hall and a curio shop. Visitors can also go out with Sharks Board officers in the early morning to see how they service the shark nets off Durban's Golden Mile (www.shark.co.za).

Shakaland: The Nandi Experience is a three hour celebration of Shaka's mother and begins with an audiovisual presentation followed by a guided tour through Shakaland's royal kraal where visitors learn more about Zulu culture, beer making, ancient lore and pottery. Zulu drums signal the start of the 40 minute Zulu dance show after which, visitors enjoy a Zulu meal at the Shisa Nyama restaurant (www.shakaland.com).

Attractions Further Afield

There are three world renowned game reserves within an easy day's drive of Sheffield Beach.

The Greater St. Lucia (isiMangaliso) Wetlands Park is a World Heritage site famous for its crocs, hippos and birdlife. Whales, dolphins and turtle are found offshore as well as the ancient coelacanth. On land, there is a variety of game including elephants. The launch cruises around the lake are very popular.

The Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Reserve is world famous for its rescue of the white rhino. A huge variety of game may be seen including lions. Restaurants and curio shops are available as well as picnic spots.

Mkuze Game Reserve lies on the northern reaches of Lake St. Lucia and is famous for its birdlife - more than 400 species.

For further information, visit the KwaZulu Wildlife web site (www.wildlife.org).

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