North Coast Home   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, which frolic in the waters close to shore and are visible all year round. The North Coast offers luxury, beauty, sport and history. The North Coast 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 for the sheer thrill of it - take to the air in a microlight and see this magnificent coastline as the seagulls see it. Stroll or take a 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, and 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 friendly. They are 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 foodstuffs or shop for fresh produce at any of the numerous markets. The North Coast is a place to relax, kick back, and savour your surrounds. Enjoy. For more information about the North Coast, please make use of the menu below. You will also find the following links to a range of articles about the North Coast and its attractions useful. If you would like to receive a brochure on the North Coast area of KwaZulu-Natal, please send an email requesting one to kznta@iafrica.com. Enquiry Email : Cheryl@ilembe.org.za Enquiry Email : Cheryl@ilembe.org.za Enquiry Fax : +27 32 9463515 Tel 1 : +27 32 9461256 Fax : +27 32 9463515 Home Contact Details Accommodation Beaches Botanical Features Built Features Conference Facilities Conservation And Wilderness Fishing And Hunting Landforms Marinas And Boating Recreation And Entertainment Sports Assets Trails And Hiking Travel Services Historical, Religious And Cultural Assets Restaurant Events Other Services A History of the North Coast A brief introduction to the North Coast Helpful Hints for Visitors to the KwaZulu-Natal North Coast  Ballito & Zimbali Ballito, the heart of the Dolphin Coast, lies nestled between rippling fields of KwaZulu-Natal's famous Green Gold and is flanked to the east by golden beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Ballito is the Pearl of the Dolphin Coast. Zimbali is a cluster of residential sites plus an exclusive hotel resort set in pristine coastal forest with a rugged, unspoilt coastline providing the perfect setting to get away from it all. Special care has been taken to minimize the impact of residential sites on Zimbali's environment. Zimbali is a cluster of residential sites plus an exclusive hotel resort set in pristine coastal forest with a rugged, unspoilt coastline providing the perfect setting to get away from it all. Special care has been taken to minimize the impact of residential sites on Zimbali's environment. Prescribed details on architectural design, textures and colours ensure that homes blend unobtrusively into the surrounding indigenous bush.  Blythedale Beach Blythedale Beach is just one of several holiday resorts at the northern end of the Dolphin Coast boasting a beautiful caravan park, self-catering accommodation, chalets and a first class restaurant. The nearby Umvoti River mouth is prolific in bird life and forms part of the Blythedale Conservancy. Blythedale Beach is protected by shark nets and is popular for swimming, surfing and fishing.Traveling north up the Dolphin Coast there are several holiday resorts of which Blythedale Beach is just one. The resort boasts a beautiful caravan park, self-catering accommodation and private chalets for tourists as well as a first class restaurant. South of Blythedale is the Umvoti River mouth which is prolific in bird life and forms part of the Blythedale Conservancy. The beach is protected by shark nets and is popular for swimming, surfing and fishing.  Kwadukuza - Stanger KwaDukusa - Stanger, is situated inland from Blythedale, and the name epitomises the historical background of the area. The town is home to King Shaka's memorial monument to commemorate his death. The monument stands over the grain pit into which his body was cast following his assassination. The town has a vibrant central business district with a distinct Eastern flavour catering for visitors and locals alike. Visits can be arranged to nearby Shaka sites, as well as the large sugar and paper mills on the edge of town.  Salt Rock Salt Rock is situated just north of Shaka's Rock and Ballito - a gem of a holiday resort which creates 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. Near the main bathing beach complete with lifeguards is yet another large tidal pool.  Shaka's Kraal Shaka's Kraal is a one-street-town which was also the site of King Shaka's royal military homestead called KwaHlomendlini. Culture remains an integral part of Shakaskraal, with its blend of African and Indian traditions. The history of the mosque which towers majestically above all other buildings will give locals the opportunity to delight you with their anecdotes.  Shaka's Rock Shaka's Rock is a small residential area with much accommodation to choose from. Home to a lovely stretch of sandy beach, it also boasts a beautiful tidal pool flanked by picturesque rocky cliffs. The beach is a favourite ski- boat launch site and beach-goers are often treated to the spectacular launching and beaching of the daredevil wave riders returning from a deep sea fishing trip. They may even sell you part of the catch!  Sheffield Beach Sheffield Beach has some beautifully sheltered coves and superb rock pools to delight the snorkel-enthusiast. There are also excellent fishing and diving spots at Sheffield 's northernmost beach, Christmas Bay. Sheffield Beach is the most northern resort town on the Dolphin Coast. Self catering, bed and breakfast and guesthouse accommodation is also available, most with breathtaking sea views, and some only a stone's throw from the beach.  Thukela Mouth Four kilometers off the N2, on the northern bank of the mighty river, nestless the village of Thukela Mouth. Thukela Mouth hosts major fishing tournaments and the annual Thukela Raft Race. It is a wonderland of walks, fishing, spectacular birdlife, indigenous forest, water sports and endless beaches. Thukela Mouth has affordable accommodation options. Thukela Mouth's warm coastal waters support a variety of fish and shelfish, and whales and dolphins are present all year round. Events associated with the river have left a legacy of major historial and cultural sites in its vicinity.  Tinley Manor The beautiful sea views and beaches at Tinley Manor will take your breath away. Although there is only limited holiday accommodation here, the growth potential of the area is promising. On the southern boundary of Tinley Manor is a wonderful lagoon which opens into the Indian Ocean. There is abundant bird life on the waters, and the lagoon also provides a safe venue for paddle-skiers and wind-surfers. Tinley Manor is in the process of establishing a lifesaving club to ensure the main beach is safe-guarded. To the north is the Umhlali Ski Boat Club, launch site for local deep-sea fishermen. Tinley Manor is also home to a superb restaurant which has built up an enviable reputation for quality, spicy Indian cuisine and a most hospitable atmosphere.  Umhlali Inland from the coastal resorts of Salt Rock and Sheffield Beach is the farming village of Umhlali. Established by English and Scottish settlers in 1850, Umhlahli was the site of a fort which led to it originally being called Fort William. Umhlali is the Zulu name for the Monkey Orange tree which grew abundantly along the banks of the Umhlali River. The name also means 'place of waiting', because settlers and locals would have to wait on the river bank before crossing the water. Umhlali has a quaint and unique Sugar Village theme, offering home-made treats and fresh farm produce. Future plans include the establishment of a Sugar Museum to allow visitors the chance to witness the crushing of sugar cane and sample the iced juice. Highlight of the collection of historic memorabilia will be a locomotive originally used for hauling cane to the mill.  Zinkwazi Beach Zinkwazi Beach, nestled between beach and lagoon, is a nature lover's wonderland of walks, fishing, spectacular bird life, indigenous forest, water sports and endless beaches. The tranquil lagoon at Zinkwazi is the longest in KwaZulu-Natal, ideal for a gracious picnic in the company of the 'izinkwazi' or fish eagles perched along the banks of the lagoon. Zinkwazi has a magnificent caravan park with an abundance of indigenous trees and bird life. A superb restaurant provides the finishing touch.