Destination overview

The Zulu Kingdom's North Coast, also known as the Dolphin Coast, stretches from Zimbali to the mighty Thukela River. This is the playground of the bottlenose dolphins who frolic in the waters close to shore and are visible all year round. The North Coast offers luxury, beauty, sport and history and is a place to indulge the senses - either in good restaurants offering fine dining or partying in nightclubs. Tee off on the excellent golf courses or take to the air in a micro-light and see this magnificent coastline as the seagulls see it.

You can stroll or horse ride along the North Coast at low tide and search for sea life, climb rocky outcrops and enjoy a spot of angling. The great Shaka Zulu is buried at Kwa-Dukuza, while Nobel Laureate, Albert Luthuli lies buried nearby. Walk a 'muti' (African medicine) trail through the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve or visit historic battle sites such as the Ultimatum Tree, Ndondakusuka or Fort Pearson. Zulu hospitality is warm and the people are friendly and proud to show you their heritage.

The North Coast is also home to a large Indian community. Look out for their temples, sample their spicy foods or shop for fresh produce at any of the numerous markets.

Rough and ready, smart and sophisticated, rural and rustic, Kwa Zulu Natal is as eclectic as its cultures, people and landscapes. It has its metropolitan heart in the port of Durban and its nearby historic capital, Pietermaritzburg. The beaches along this coast attract local holidaymakers. To the north is Zululand, home to some of Africa’s most evocative traditional settlements and cultural sites. The region also boasts alluring National Parks and isolated, wild coastal reserves. The province’s border in the far west, the heritage-listed uKhahlamba-Drakensberg mountain range, features awe-inspiring peaks, unforgettable vistas and excellent hiking opportunities.

Kwa Zulu Natal's North Coast offers magnificent stretches of endless beaches and rolling fields of sugar cane.  The coastline is relatively clear and the shallow waters attract dolphins who swim close to shore in order to feed. Surveys suggest that at least 200 dolphins, in small groups, frequent these waters.

The towns along the North Coast are popular for holidaymakers who are attracted to their friendly village atmosphere, their beautiful beaches, rocky coves and shallow paddling pools. There are plenty of activities to choose from, including excellent fishing and diving spots that can be found along the coast, as well as some scenic challenging golf courses. Surfing, sunbathing and swimming are popular past times for locals and holidaymakers alike.

Wildlife enthusiasts can enjoy the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve, situated on the banks of the Tugela River and run by the Parks Board. It offers picnic sites and walking trails and there is a small variety of game and large variety of bird life. The Crocodile Farm has over 7,000 Nile crocodiles, plus snakes and other reptiles. The farm includes bush and hill trails, curios and refreshments.

The many towns such as Ballito and Umhlanga Rocks offer a wide variety of restaurants to suit all occasions where visitors can spend the evening enjoying mouth-watering dishes, take in one of the latest movies or dance the night away. For shoppers there are modern shopping centres and specialist stores catering for all tastes.

Blythedale Beach lies on the sub-tropical Dolphin Coast of South Africa's famed Kwa Zulu Natal Province, also known as The Zulu Kingdom. Some 72 kilometres from Durban, Blythedale Beach is an unspoilt holiday haven set within the extensive Blythedale Conservancy. This encompasses not only pristine beaches but its own National Heritage Site on the Umvoti River which is a favourite bird watching spot. Blythedale Beach itself is protected by shark nets and, in addition to swimming, is popular for surfing, jet skiing, ski boating and surf fishing. A leisurely drive from Blythedale Beach takes you to the famous Anglo-Zulu battlefields, Zululand game reserves and Lake St Lucia World Heritage Site.

Just 40 kilometres north of Durban, Ballito is the pearl of the sub-tropical Dolphin Coast. Nearby golf courses are very welcoming, as are an abundance of restaurants and pubs in this resort borough. Ballito also boasts discos and cinemas.

Sheffield Beach is the most northern resort town on the Dolphin Coast. Situated just 48 kilometres north of Durban's vibrant attractions, Sheffield Beach offers visitors the best of both worlds. You can relax in the tranquillity of pristine beaches with sparkling rockpools teeming with sea life and ideal for snorkelling, while just down the road you will find an abundance of restaurants, pubs, clubs, cinemas and shops.

Other activities in the area include surfing, horse riding and golf. Another attraction of Sheffield Beach is The Kingdom, a multicultural village which boasts craft stalls and restaurants serving local cuisine, plus energetic Zulu dancing shows while you dine.

Situated only twenty minutes north of Durban is the 925-hectare tropical coastal estate of Zimbali. Nestled between pristine beaches and coastal forest, Zimbali is a nature lover’s paradise. Zimbali gets its name from the Zulu language, and roughly translated means ‘Valley of Flowers’, an accurate description of this beautiful coastal region, consisting of lush sub-tropical vegetation, flourishing with wildlife. Nature trails through the indigenous coastal forest highlight the strict conservation program that has been introduced there. The area is home to a variety of species which include bushbuck, monkies, bush babies and blue duiker which often make their way onto the golf course. Zimbali is also a bird watcher's delight with over two hundred species frequenting the forests and surrounds.

Tinley Manor is a truly relaxed holiday haven on the Dolphin Coast and is just 50 kilometres north of the hotspots of Durban. Tinley Manor offers holidaymakers the best of both worlds. A magnificent lagoon teeming with birdlife laps pristine beaches where dolphins and whales often frolic close to shore. In addition to rock and surf fishing, Tinley Manor boasts some of the best spear fishing reefs in the world. Deep sea fishing is also available from the nearby ski-boat club, and world-class golf courses are a few minutes' drive away. A leisurely drive from Tinley Manor takes you to the world famous Zululand game reserves and historical Anglo-Zulu battlefields as well as the St Lucia World Heritage Site

There is so much to see and do in the Kwa Zulu Natal North Coast that you will never be bored. With the magnificent beaches, mountains, game reserves, sporting activities and shopping you will find every minute of your holiday allotted to some kind of fabulous activity.