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KZN - Amanzimtoti |
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On the KwaZulu-Natal coast, 25 kilometres to the south of Durban. A largish and most pleasant seaside town that does double duty - as popular holiday resort, and as dormitory town for Durban's more affluent commuters. The rather odd name is said to derive from an exclamation, Kanti! Amanzi a mtoti, made by Zulu warrior-king Shaka, who stopped on the bank of the local river to rest and slake his thirst (the phrase means 'So! The water is sweet'). It has a lovely, balmy, subtropical climate, superb beaches (Inyoni Rocks and Pipeline beach are for sun worshippers), plenty of bars, excellent restaurants, hotels and guest-houses, and all the sporting and leisure amenities. The bathing is safe; the fishing good. Ilanda Wilds A quite lovely, small but richly-vegetated, riverine patch that serves as home to an attractive number and variety of birds and to more than 120 different kinds of tree and shrub. On offer are nature walks and picnic sites. The Wilds can be reached from town via the self-guided Loerie, Mongoose and Mpiti trails. Japanese Gardens For tranquillity and quiet contemplation; ideal for that hour or so away from the madding crowd. Umdoni Bird Sanctuary A pleasant area of natural forest that serves as haven to waterfowl, herons, giant and pygmy kingfishers and many other species, both indigenous and exotic. The peacocks add colour to the scene. For visitors, there's a short nature trail and bird-watching hides. Kingsburgh, further along the 'Sunshine Coast', is not a single centre but an 8-kilometre chain of five seaside resorts, popular for their wide white beaches and shark-protected offshore waters. Winkelspruit's shores are tree-fringed and there are some lovely walks in the woods beyond; there's excellent fishing at Illovo beach (around which there are fields of sugarcane); Warner beach is best for surfing; Karridene has a charming lagoon. Umkomaas, 14 kilometres to the south, has a fine golf course and a tidal pool that is floodlit at night. Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, down the coast and inland a bit. A hilly, thickly vegetated sanctuary for various kinds of antelope; trails have been laid out; also game-viewing drives; accommodation available in rustic huts. Deserves at least a quiet morning out. Amanzimtoti nudges Isipingo and the southern fringes of the city of Durban |
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AMANZIMTOTI Western Cape
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