Page 295 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - South Africa

DURBAN AND ZUL ULAND  293

The Hibiscus Coast
Lying approximately 120 km (75 miles) south of Durban,
the Hibiscus Coast extends from Hibberdene in the
north to Port Edward in the south. As well as beaches
and golf courses, this stretch of coastline is home to the
famous “Sardine Run”. Every June or July, millions of the
tiny silver fish head north from their spawning grounds
off the Eastern Cape to reach the waters of Port Edward.
They are followed by predators such as dolphins, sharks
and seals, while numerous seabirds rain down from
above to take their fill. The Sardine Run lasts for several
weeks, then lessens as the shoal continues its
northbound migration.
Birds diving into a shoal of fish during the Sardine Run

O Oribi Gorge Nature
Reserve
Road map E4. 21 km (13 miles) inland
of Port Shepstone. Tel 033 845 1000.
Open 6:30am–7:30pm daily. & Ó
 ∑ kznwildlife.com
In a region where population
densities are high and where
sugar cane plantations and
coastal resort developments
have replaced most of the
natural vegetation, the ravine
carved by the Umzimkulwana
River is a delight for nature- Scottburgh’s beaches and lawns are popular with sunbathers
lovers. The impressive gorge is
24 km (15 miles) long, up to Scottburgh Amanzimtoti
5 km (3 miles) wide and 300 m Road map E4. N2, roughly 30 km (19 Road map F4. N2, 27 km (17 miles)
(975 ft) deep. miles) S of Amanzimtoti. * 11,500. S of Durban. * 13,850. k Durban.
There is a scenic circular @ n Scott St, 039 976 1364. @ n 95 Beach Rd, 031 903 7498.
drive, as well as three walking ∑ scottburgh.co.za It is claimed that Amanzimtoti
trails and many beaut iful picnic An almost continuous carpet of derives its name from a remark
spots along the river, and at sugar cane plantations lines this made by Shaka Zulu (see p53). In
viewpoints overlooking the stretch of South Coast, and the the 1820s, returning home from
Samango, Hoopoe and Lehr’s town of Scottburgh was once a campaign further down the
waterfalls in the gorge. used as a harbour for exporting South Coast, Shaka drank from
Small, forest-dwelling ani mals the crop. Today, the neat a refreshing stream and is
such as bushbuck, duiker and and compact little town said to have exclaimed,
samango monkeys occur in the has a distinct holiday “amanzi umtoti” (the
dense forest while the cliffs atmosphere, and is a water is sweet). Today,
provide nesting sites for popular beach resort. It Amanzimtoti is a lively
birds of prey. occupies the prominent coastal resort. Its beaches
headland overlooking Frangipani are lined with hotels,
the mouth of the holiday apartments, take-
Mpambanyoni River, and most away outlets, restaurants and
of the hotels and holiday apart- beachwear shops.
ments offer superb sea views. The most popular beach
In the previous century, a spring extends for 3 km (2 miles) north
used to cascade from the bank of the Manzimtoti River and
above the river, but today a large offers safe bathing, picnic sites
water slide occu pies the site. and a fine salt-water pool.
A restaurant, small shops, a The N2 passes within 400 m
miniature railway and tidal pool (400 yrds) of the coast, pro-
are added attrac tions. Further viding easy access to the town’s
south, a caravan park adjoins attractions, such as the small
the beach and the town’s popular bird sanctuary, a nature reserve
Oribi Gorge was formed by the golf course has a prime site and two fine golf courses in the
Umzimkulwana River overlooking the Indian Ocean surf. vicinity of the beach.

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