If your idea of a holiday involves greens and tees more than G&Ts, the North Coast offers endless ways to stay active this festive season. With a vibrant, sporty community, the area boasts top-notch facilities for golfers, runners, cyclists, racket enthusiasts, and water lovers alike.

Golf galore
The North Coast is a golfer’s paradise, offering a mix of exceptional quality and affordability. For coastal challenges, head to Umhlali Country Club, Prince’s Grant Golf Estate, or Simbithi Country Club. While Umhlali and Prince’s Grant provide full 18-hole courses (Par-71 and Par-72, respectively), Simbithi offers a unique Par-60 layout to test your short game. For budget-friendly options, try Maidstone Golf Club in Tongaat or clubs in Darnall and Mandeni. If you’re staying in Zimbali Estate, you’ll have exclusive access to one of the area’s most scenic courses.

Running and cycling trails
Our rolling hills and lush landscapes make it a running and cycling haven. Two parkruns (free, timed 5km runs) take place every Saturday at 8am, at Holla Trails and near Palm Lakes Estate. Early risers can also join the Dwell Dash (Thursday, 5.45am, Salt Rock) or the Hunt Properties 5km (Friday, 5.30am, Concha Café, Ballito) for a run with free coffee. For trail enthusiasts, Holla Trails offers 375km of cycling and running routes. There is a weekly 5km or 7.5km Salomon Social Run at Holla Trails from 5pm on Wednesdays, while the trails are open daily for a fee. Visit hollatrails.co.za for more.

Racket sports craze
Padel, tennis, and squash lovers are spoiled for choice. With eight padel venues from Tongaat to Sheffield, you can book a court via the Playtomic app. Tennis players can head to Umhlali Country Club, which offers five courts for R100 per two-hour session (floodlight fees extra). Squash courts are also available at Umhlali for R151 per hour. Visit umhlaliclub.co.za for bookings.

Dive into water sports
Make the most of the ocean with fishing, surfing, and deep-sea adventures. Fish at the Tongaat River mouth or High Rock in Chaka’s Rock, or book a ski-fishing or deep-sea charter for an unforgettable catch. Search for the Courier’s weekly fishing column online at #FishEagle to see which spots have been producing the best quality catches on a week-to-week basis.
Surf enthusiasts can enjoy four popular breaks around Willard Beach, and excellent waves at Salt Rock main beach and Umdloti. Beginners can learn the ropes with Ballito Surf School, which provides all the gear you’ll need (ballitosurfschool.com).

Whether you are swinging clubs, hitting trails, or riding waves, the North Coast offers active adventures for every holidaymaker.

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