Plan the ultimate North Coast holiday adventure

Make the most of your staycation by exploring your heritage, embracing nature or tick off a bucket list item like diving with sharks – all right here on the Dolphin Coast.

1. Brush up on your history

Explore KwaDukuza’s history hub by visiting the King Shaka Visitor’s Centre in Stanger and the memorial near the site where King Shaka was assassinated by his brothers near the barracks at his capital: Dukuza.

Adjacent to the memorial is the very rock on which the King was sitting when he was killed in September 1828.

Also read: Butterflies, spears and foodie spots in the heart of Zululand

Opposite the King Shaka Memorial, you will find the Dukuza Museum dedicated to the sugar industry, colonialism and the cultural heritage of the early settlers in the town of Stanger.

After the assassination of Shaka Zulu the capital was burnt to the ground and in 1873 European settlers built a town on the site, naming it after the surveyor-general of Natal – William Stanger. KwaDukuza CBD is also home to many interesting commemorative statues.

• Contact: Dukuza Museum 032-5513091

2. Luthuli Museum

South of KwaDukuza in Groutville lies the home of Nobel Peace Prize winner Chief Albert Luthuli. This house was a meeting place for South Africans of all walks of life who were involved in the struggle.

It was proclaimed a museum in 2004. The museum’s vision is to conserve and uphold the values and legacy of the late chief. His grave is in the nearby Groutville Congregational Church cemetery.

Also in Groutville lies King Shaka’s Observation Rock, from which he would inspect his Impi warriors.

• Where: 3233 Nokukhanya Luthuli Street
• Contact: 032-5596822

3. Hike or picnic at Harold Johnson Nature Reserve

The Harold Johnson Nature Reserve is north of Ballito on the banks of the Tugela River, north of Zinkwazi.

The nature reserve offers a selection of hiking trails of varying distances.

A small variety of wildlife on the reserve includes giraffe, zebra, bush-pig and antelope.

Harold Johnson is known for its rich variety of butterflies and bird-life. Camping and picnicking / braai facilities are available.

• Where: Off the R102, between Stanger and Mandeni.
• When: Daily from 6am to 6pm
• Contact: 032-4861574
• Cost: R30 per person.

4. Ultimatum Tree and Fort Pearson

On the South bank of the Tugela River stands what’s left of the tree under which the famous and bloody Anglo-Zulu war started – known as the Ultimatum Tree.

Standing beneath the tree in 1878, JW Shepstone delivered an ultimatum to the Zulu nation that plunged the country into war and eventually led to the British defeat at Isandlwana at the hands of the Zulu army. The ultimatum demanded the disbandment of the Zulu army and a pledge of fealty to the British queen.

Also read: Fort Pearson and The Ultimatum Tree mark the beginning of the Anglo-Zulu wars

The Ultimatum Tree died several years ago but the site where it stood has been enclosed in a fence and a branch grafted from the original tree has been planted nearby.

Near to the site of the infamous tree lie the remains of Fort Pearson – from which one of the three invading British columns moved into Zululand. The small town of Mandeni now stands on this site.

Also well worth a visit is the Fort Pearson cemetery – just off the same road as the tree and fort.

• Where: South bank of the Tugela River (You might have to do some searching, as this one is a bit tricky to find.)

5. Caves and coves 

Go for a stunning walk from Thompsons Bay through the hole in the wall to Willard beach. You will find amazing coves and serene, secret beaches.

Enjoy the quiet beauty and the salty surf, but remember to only swim where it is safe and check the tides first as some of the coves are inaccessible at high tide.

Lifeguards are on duty from 8am – 4pm at the main Salt Rock and Ballito beaches but bear in mind that there are no lifeguards at the smaller beaches.

6. Dive with sharks

Whether you want to overcome your fear of sharks or tick the activity off your bucket list, Adventure & Shark Guide Rudi Botha from Ballito is the man to talk to.

Boasting an eight-year 100 percent track record, you can trust that Botha will make this epic adventure an unforgettable one and you will live to tell the tale.

You can choose between swimming in a cage or follow Botha’s recommendation to go all natural.

• Contact: 072 981 3077

7. The sky is the limit

Treat yourself to an unforgettable microlight flip along the Dolphin Coast with Comefly!

Pilot Centre that operates seven days a week, weather permitting.

Flights leave from the school and range from 10 to 30 minutes long.

You will take in magnificent views of the gorgeous coastline, and if you are really lucky, might even spot dolphins, turtles or whales as you fly over the ocean.

• Contact: 084 2663 359

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