North Coast

KwaZulu-Natal's North Coast

KwaZulu Natal's North Coast consists of magnificent stretches of endless beaches and rolling fields of sugar cane. The North Coast beaches vary from little private coves to craggy rock faces all making up this unique South African stretch of North KZN Coastline. Accommodation on the Kwazulu Natal north coastline has boomed and, although generally more expensive than it's South Coast cousin, this upmarket region has become a hot favourite for holiday accommodation in South Africa. Besides the variety of North Coast holiday accommodation, The KZN North Coast towns are a stepping stone to the far Northern Kwazulu Natal game reserve and lakes regions. This region is commonly known as Zululand and is home to Umfolozi Game Reserve, Hluhluwe Game Reserve and The Great St Lucia Wetlands which is a South African National Heritage Site.

KZN North Coast - Where the dolphins play

The North Coast Indian Ocean is relatively clear and the shallow waters attract dolphins who swim close to shore in order to feed. Thus the North Coast is also known as the Dolphin Coast where surveys suggest that at least 200 dolphins, in small groups, frequent these waters. If you are looking for KZN North Coast accommodation or North Coast activities, you should include the phrase " Dolphin Coast " in your search phrase.

The towns to search along the KwaZulu Natal North Coast which are most popular include Umhlanga Rocks accommodation, Ballito accommodation, Salt Rock accommodation, Sheffiels Beach and Chakas Rock accommodation. These towns and villages are popular for holiday makers who are attracted to their friendly village atmosphere, their beautiful beaches, rocky coves and shallow paddling pools.

KZN North Coast - A golfer's Paradise

Between the Durban and the Ballito area, golfing enthusiasts will find some of the most beautiful and challenging Golf courses. Umhlal Country Club, Zimbali Golf Estate, Prince's Grant Golf Estate and Mount Edgecombe Golf Estate are amongst the favourites. Golf Estate accommodation can be found at Mount Edgecombe and Prince's Grant Golf Estates. Self catering golf estate accommodation as well as Golf Lodges are situated at both Golf Estates (see Where to Stay ). Golfers who choose not to reside on the golf estates, will be very well situated in a Umhlanga Rocks guest house, or a Ballito bed and breakfast or any North Coast bed and breakfast / guest house - you will never be more than 15 minutes away from any of these sought after KZN North Coast Golf Courses.

KZN North Coast - Nature's playground and Accommodation hot spot

The KwaZulu Natal North Coast offers scores of activities to choose from. Excellent fishing and diving spots can be found along the North Coast including some scenic challenging golf courses. Surfing, sunbathing and swimming are popular past times for locals and holiday makers alike. Tennis courts, squash courts, bowling greens and well equipped fitness centres are available in the area. Hot air ballooning, microlight flights and Shark diving experiences are some of the more adventurous North Coast activities.

Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve, situated on the banks of the Tugela River and run by the Parks Board. This North Coast resort offers picnic sites and walking trails and there is a small variety of game and large variety of bird life. The North Coast Crocodile Farm in Ballito has over 7000 Nile Crocodile plus snakes and other reptiles. The farm includes bush and hill trails, curios and refreshments.

At Umhlanga Rocks, the Natal Sharks Board offers visitors a chance to see an audio visual and shark dissection presentation, or they can browse the display hall and Sharks Board Curio Shop. Umhlanga Rocks accommodation has changed from a generally permanent residential town to a bustling holiday mecca. Holiday accommodation in Umhlanga Rocks is very sought after and Self catering and guest house accommodation in Umhlanga should be booked well in advance, especially for approaching school holidays. The Umhlanga Ridge is a newly developed suburb of Umhlanga Rocks. The Umhlanga Rocks Gateway Shopping Centre is situated on the Umhlanga Ridge and offers a "big time" shopping experience to all local residence and Umhlanga Rocks holiday accommodation seeking visitors alike. Although there is some stunning Hotel accommodation in Ballito and the surrounding area for example The Salt Rock Hotel which is a perfectly positioned beachfront hotel, Umhlanga Rocks should be rated as the favourite for upmarket beachfront hotel accommodation. Naturally Durban Beachfront hotels could also be considered if Umhlanga Rocks Hotels and North Coast Hotels are fully booked - it is only a 20 - 30 minute drive on the N2 Freeway.

Besides Umhlanga Rocks, Particular North Coast towns such as Ballito Salt Rock and Chakas Rock offer a wide variety of restaurants to suit all occasions where North Coast holiday makers can spend the evening enjoying mouth watering dishes, take in one of the latest movies or dance the night away to the latest music craze. For 'shopaholics' there are modern shopping centres and specialist shops in abundance.