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A few minutes drive south of Ballito is Zimbali - which is made
up of numerous residential sites as well as an exclusive hotel resort;
set in pristine coastal forest with a rugged, unspoiled coastline
providing the perfect setting to get away from it all. Zimbali also
boasts an 18 hole golf course, which is both challenging and unforgettably
beautiful. The clubhouse also has a restaurant and bar for light
meals and drinks. You can enjoy a game of tennis, splash out in
the pool, go horse riding on the beach or forest or enjoy being
pampered in the beauty salon. Conference facilities are also available.
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Ballito,
the heart of the Dolphin Coast, lies nestled between rippling green
fields of sugar cane and is flanked to the east by golden beaches
and the warm Indian Ocean. Ballito is known as the "Pearl"
of the Dolphin Coast. The town originates back to 1953 when a group
of entrepreneurs began investigating land to develop a settlement
in the Compensation Beach area. Proclaimed a township in 1954, Ballito,
whose name was gleaned from a magazine advertisement meaning "little
ball", became a town board in 1966. The town, which reached
borough status in 1986, is well known for its superb safe beaches.
Ballito's friendly, village atmosphere is a welcome haven from the
fast pace of city life, yet it offers all the modern amenities and
services to residents and holiday-makers.
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Heading north from Ballito along the coastal road is a leisurely drive,
which will give the traveller some splendid views. At Thompson's Bay
you will find Charlie's Pool, an olympic size tidal pool, which was
built by one of the areas earliest settlers, Charles de Charmoy. There
are also secluded beaches, rocky coves and shallow paddling pools,
which will provide endless hours of fun. There are lifeguards and
the beach is shark protected. South of Thompson's Bay you will find
Hole in the Wall - a natuarl rock formation caused by continuous erosion
by the waves. A marine trail starts at this point and heads north
towards High Rock. It is from High Rock that King Shaka's warriors
were supposedly called upon to leap from, into the surging waves below
to test their courage! The rock is also a favorite fishing spot.
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Continuing along the coastal meander is Shaka's Rock, a small residential
area. There is self-catering and bed & breakfast/guesthouse accommodation
available. Shaka's Rock has a lovely stretch of sandy beach as well
as a beautiful tidal pool, which is flanked by picturesque rocky cliffs.
A network of tidal pools makes for hours of fun exploring the intertidal
zone.
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A little further north is Salt Rock - a gem of a holiday resort which
exudes a relaxed holiday atmosphere, even for the locals. The name,
"Salt Rock", originates from King Shaka's days when his
handmaidens used to collect dried salt off the rocks at low tide.
The salt was used for trading with settlers who would pass through
regularly. This beach also provides some good fishing spots and there
are beautiful reefs offshore. The main beach has lifeguards and is
shark protected. Close to the main beach is a massive tidal pool which
was originally built for guests staying at the hotel. There is hotel,
bed and breakfast/guesthouse, self catering and caravan park accommodation
available.
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North of Salt Rock is Sheffield Beach, which has some beautifully
sheltered coves and superb rock pools that will delight those that
snorkel. There are also some brilliant fishing and diving spots at
Sheffield's most northern beach known as Christmas Bay. From certain
spots along Sheffield Beach there are breathtaking views of the coastline
heading towards Ballito. There is bed & breakfast/guesthouse and
self-catering accommodation available.
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The beautiful sea views and beaches at Tinley Manor will take your
breath away. Although there is limited holiday accommodation available,
the potential is promising. On the southern boundary of Tinley Manor
is a wonderful lagoon, which opens into the Indian Ocean. The is an
abundance of birdlife on the waters and the lagoon also provides safe
waters for paddle skiers and windsurfers. There is a beautiful tidal
pool and lifeguards are on duty during peak seasons. Tinley Manor
is home to a superb curry restaurant.
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Further north is the small coastal resort of Blythdale Beach, sandy
beaches with ideal spots for fishing, surfing and swimming. The beach
is protected by shark nets. South of Blythdale is the Umvoti River
mouth, which is prolific in bird life and has also been declared a
National Heritage Site and forms part of the Blythdale Conservancy.
There is bed & breakfast, self-catering and caravan park accommodation
available. Blythdale Beach also boasts a beautiful conference centre
at one of the resorts.
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Only a few kilometers north of Stanger lies the lagoon and beach nature
conservancy of Zinkwazi. The lush paradise of indigenous forests,
tropical palms, 7 kilometers of pristine lagoon and endless golden
beaches, is a nature lovers wonderland. There is a wide variety of
wildlife and the birdlife is spectacular, with many rare species to
be seen. The Zulu's call it "Zinkwazi", the place of the
Fish Eagle, and their haunting cry is part of the magic. There is
a choice of accommodation options to choose from that offer a unique
coastal eco experience. There are self-catering, bed & breakfast
and a magnificent lagoon lodge offering caravan park facilities as
well. Zinkwazi is also home to a unique childrens holiday camp. Kids
are afforded the opportunity of having tons of fun in beautiful surroundings.
The camp personnel ensure that the children are well supervised at
all times and cater for educationally stimulating activities that
will provide nostalgic memories for life!
There are a choice of activities to choose from. These include a lagoon
cruise, bird spotting, nature trails, marine excursions, water sports
and fishing.
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Just 20km away from Ballito is the bustling town of KwaDukuza/Stanger.
The name epitomises the historical background of the area, being home
to the King Shaka Memorial. The monument is erected over the grain
pit in which King Shaka was buried. The town is built on the original
site of King Shaka's royal settlement, called Dukuza. The museum is
situated opposite the King Shaka Memorial and is dedicated to the
sugar industry, the cultural heritage and the early settlers of the
town. It also has large sugar and pulp-paper mills on the outskirts
of town. The paper mill has a birding conservation area where visits
can be arranged.
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Although Westbrook beach falls outside the domain of the Dolphin Coast,
it is never the less in close proximity and has plenty to offer the
beach orientated holiday-maker. Lying south of Zimbali, Westbrook
exists as a strip of beachfront property which lies amoungst big Milkwood
trees and other dune vegetation.
The beach is wide and sandy with little rocky points punctuating the
stretch of sand. The main beach is life-guarded. |
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Dolphin Coast Publicity Association
PO Box 534 Ballito 4420
Tel/Fax: 032-9461997
Email: info@thedolphincoast.co.za
Web: www.thedolphincoast.co.za
Site development by DIGISTREAM
All photographs © Digistream 2004/2005
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