Take a fantastic break on the Dolphin Coast, part of KwaZulu Natal’s North Coast.
The Saunter invites you to dip your toes into Indian Ocean waters. As South Africa moves closer to winter, the north eastern coast remains a wonderful destination as the sea is warmed by the Mozambique current. Everything is lush, verdant green and becomes more tropical the further north you travel. The coast is magnificent with palms, indigenous bush or ancient forest fringing beaches which are purely sand or a mixture of interesting rocks and sand. There are famous surfing beaches, great beaches to duck in and out of the surf for swimmers as well as wonderful natural and man- made rock pools dotted along the coast for calm bathing.
The entire coast is a dolphin playground, aptly named the Dolphin Coast, and it is possible to see upwards of 15 dolphin surfing the waves. Whales are often sighted as they migrate. There is great fishing from the shore or with speed boats.
All the way along, we invite you to visit our most talented in their studios. We promise that these visits in between the pure indulgence of sun, sand, sea and yummy food, will make your holiday very special.
Umdloti is a classy little strip of a seaside village along a gorgeous rocky and surfing beach with a massive open rock protected sea “pool”. The place to stay is a few steps from the beach, Fairlight Beach House, a B and B. Umdloti has 2 artist studios to visit: Audrey Rudnick and Mandy Brockbank. The town boasts great eateries. You can catch a ride to supper in a little Tuk Tuk. Try a seafood gem, Bel Punto. Another suggestion is 10 minutes away in Westbrook, Spice, with tasty Indo- European fusion food.
For an adrenaline buzz … take the zip line at Club Venture. Nearby is Ballito, a busy town and famous for surfing! There are 2 great beaches, Willard with beach guards and smaller Rocky Bay, without. The next artist in studio is Ali Cockburn. The area is developing fast with rolling green cane fields being turned into luxury developments and golf courses. Our next artists are in such development, with wildlife habitats around: Jane Digby and Nicole Pletts. The Saunter gives you both stunning places to be a beach bum as well as some culture, to give balance and really interesting activities.
Hollo Trails is a great place to run or MTB ride, as a break from the beach. The Ballito boardwalk is the place to promenade along the beach and enjoy the buzz. Have lunch right on the beach at Nikos for delicious Greek meze to transport you to the Med… but with what this coast offers… it is all here anyway! Don’t leave without visiting an amazing art gallery, The Gallery. A nearby craft brewery may be tempting: The Great Railroad Craft Brewery. The Hidden Forest Wildlife Sanctuary (Monkeyland) is a wonderful place to walk through.
Stay just north of Ballito, in the quieter, charming north coast village, Umhlali. The well-appointed, Seaforth Country House, evolved around the original farmhouse of the Hullett family. Alongside is the studio of, Sharneen Thompson. Take home some of their divine honey. A few minutes’ drive away is a fabulous Italian restaurant, Abbiocco. For some shopping therapy, our Umhlali choices are Willow & Ruby and ‘greenhaus’.
The local beach is popular Thompson’s Bay. A “picturesque sandy beach, backed by low, rugged cliffs, in a sheltered cove” with a large tidal pool. Although partly man made, nature has over time, claimed the tidal pool. When snorkelling, you may even see a parrot fish as well as pretty sponges and coral.
Both wide and long, Salt Rock beach is for swimming, as well as surfing and stand-up paddle boarding. Safety is enhanced by shark nets and lifeguards, while a large tidal pool known as Granny’s Pool provides a calm and sheltered place for the youngest to enjoy.
If you are looking for modern luxury, then Caneland’s Beach Club and Spa is a must. It is right on the beach and a great place to chill with cocktail in hand. For good open plan, self- catering, nestled in a sheltered bird filled garden, try Kingfisher Beach Cottage. For a smaller option, laid back beach friendly, Le Shack is just across a small road from the beach for easy family time out.
Moving north, Tinley Manor, with tidal pool, rocks, beach and surf options plus limited public use as most properties are used by their owners, make this a little gem. A wonderful lagoon opens into the sea, providing great bird life, good walks and a safe area for paddle-skiers and wind-surfers. Stay in an 8 person, luxury self-catering with stunning views: Tinley Blue.
There is a lovely golf course at Princes Grant. Just inland stay at Kearsney Manor, former country house, it retains the grandeur, with beautiful curved staircase and huge rooms. It is a great stay over within easy reach places of interest including the Shiva Temple, the Luthuli Museum and the King Shaka Memorial where a short interesting video is worth stopping for and this starts any visit to the Battlefields…but that is for another blog.
Happy Sauntering.
