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Facilities and things to do on the South coast, KwaZulu Natal,
South Africa

Illovo Beach is a small coastal resort on the banks of the Illovo River in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The river was named by the Zulus "Illovo" because of the mlovo trees growing on its banks

This is the perfect destination for all that seek quality of life in a secure, unspoiled and friendly environment.

The beach stretches over 2,5km between the Illovo River and the Umsimbazi River (Karridene), which boasts unique dune vegetation and provides excellent fishing for Garrick, Shad, Grunter, Stumpnose and a variety of other fish.
Each year shoals of pilchards migrate from the Cape. Nearing KwaZulu Natal, they begin to hug the coastline, the sea currents bring them ever closer to shore. June/July heralds the start of this famous Sardine Run.
Make sure you don’t miss out on the whale and dolphin sightings all along the South coast which are a daily occurrence during autumn and spring!
Don’t be fooled into thinking the beach is only about sunshine, sand and marine life…
For the nature lovers and birdwatchers, there is an abundant species of bird life including Osprey, Fish Eagle, Black Oyster Catcher, Yellow-Billed Hawks, Kites and Kingfisher species.
Small game such as the Blue Duiker, Mongoose and Grey Monkey can also be spotted.
Lifeguards monitor the beach at certain resorts in season and are very accessible with the closest being 795m away from La Mer

Crocworld

This is a tourist attraction situated in Scottburgh. Crocworld is not just a crocodile farm, but a 30 hectare botanical garden of indigenous trees and plants, attracting a unique variety of over 200 birds and offering a complete wildlife experience.

uShaka Marine World

At the end of Durban’s Golden Mile and spanning over 15 hectares of prime beach front. The recreation of a 1920s shipwreck dominates the design.
There is much to do, wild water rides and slides, a huge aquarium to visit, dolphin displays [See Image 4 Opposite.] , restaurants, shopping in uShaka Village Walk and relaxation on the beach

Oribi-X-Treme, extreme sports at its best!

Looking for an adrenalin rush?
Wild 5 at Oribi Gorge near Port Shepstone – not for the faint-hearted!

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Diving at Aliwal Shoal

Said to be one of the top ten dive sites in the World, The Aliwal Shoal, 5km off the mouth of the Umkomaas River, was formed thousands of years ago from fossilized sand dunes during the times when sea levels were much lower. A huge diversity of tropical sea life accompanies the warm water of the Aghulas Current which runs south along the east coast of Africa. Some visitors say the dive is second only to the boat ride through the breaking surf to get to the shoal. Our skippers boast to be amongst the most skilled in the world in reading the surf, current and the ability to drop you just where you'd like to be.

All diving in South Africa is best done early in the morning. Firstly from July to December the shoal is the congregation point for ragged tooth sharks, the “Raggies” are found in vast numbers on the reef but later they tend to move off. Secondly later the wind and the seas tend to pick up causing a chop on the water and this makes for unpleasant diving. Diving is better in the winter months from May to October. At this time, the visibility is good and the migratory spotted, ragged-tooth sharks are in residence, where up to 60 sharks have been encountered at any one time. Sites closer in shore are also best dived in winter as the summer rain causes high run-offs from many rivers, which effects the visability.
Depths vary from 6 to 27 meters (19 to 88 ft).
Water temperatures vary from between 19º C to 25º C (66º F to 77º F)

Two unfortunate ships, claimed by the reef, offer incredible wreck dives for the advanced diver.

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The Fishing Hole - Rod, Hermien & Louise

Friendly family owned business in Winkelspruit. Rod is always willing to share information on the local waters. He has been fishing since a young lad and his knowledge is invaluable.

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Rent-a-Scooter – Adrian Heunis

Come and enjoy our countryside and coastline Italian style on a scooter!
All the scooters are “Visto's”, 75 cc and rented out with helmets.

Thyme Out Holistic Therapy - Johann

Why not opt for a total de-stress holiday? You can be collected at the airport and be driven to Thyme Out for pampering in very unique surroundings. The photograph just cannot do enough justice to the therapeutic ambience. Johann completed his training in the U.K. as well as in S.A., he uses a specialized imported massage chair. Massage is one of life’s most profoundly relaxing experiences.

Effective at relieving stress and tension with a combination of rhythmic strokes and carefully applied pressure. Massage is nature’s prescription to good health. Finally, your private transport can drop you off at La Mer where you can sit back, sip your sundowner and take in the calming view of the waves crashing, all from the comfort of your own apartment balcony…

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Golfing

Welcome to South Africa's GOLF COAST where some of the most scenic courses in the country await visiting golf enthusiasts. Each presents its own exclusive challenge, with some being amongst the top rated courses in the country.

The South coast boasts some of the best golf courses with their indigenous coastal flora and fauna. Most of the courses offer a spectacular ocean view making for a pleasant golfing experience. Golf Courses close by are the Umbogintwini Golf Course, Amanzimtoti Golf Course, Umkomaas Golf Course and Scottburgh Golf Club.

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Booking form [ click here ]

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Surf fishing



La Mer beach - Illovo Beach



Ushaka



Diver feeding fish in Ushaka



The Wild white water rafting



The Wild Slide



The Wild Gorge Swing



Hiking and mountain bike trails



Ragged tooth at Aliwal Shoal



Anemone fish guarding its home



Turtle



Awesome Fishing



The Fishing Hole



Rent-a-Scooter



Thyme Out Holistic Therapy



Thyme Out Holistic Therapy



Upside Down Bar



Upside down restaurant