3 minute read
Sapphire Coast
by Lyn G
DISCOVER SAPPHIRE COAST
A myriad of warm water reef fish and cold water fish converge on Aliwal Shoal to create a kaleidoscope of colour, providing spectacular diving opportunities. For those who prefer to remain on terra firma, the beaches of the Sapphire Coast provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy swimming, surfing or fishing. Nature lovers can explore the Amanzimoti Bird Sanctuary or stroll in one of the nature reserves. For a taste of local history or culture,
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there are a number of arts and crafts stores offering a selection of handmade goods, and the Adams Mission College, founded in 1884, is open daily for a look into the past.
EVENTS Every Saturday 08:00 Amanzimtoti Park Run: 5km run from Amanzimtoti Main Beach. 15 Feb 08:00 6 th Umkomaas River Charity Tube & Raft Race with trophies, kids’ entertainment, food stalls and a cash bar – Umkomaas Ski Boat Club. (082 467 5657) 22 Feb 13:00-21:00 Illovo Music Festival featuring more than 15 musos jamming to pop and rock, 80s and 90s sounds, a Neil Diamond Tribute and more – The Terrace Tea & Beer Garden, 40 Elizabeth Avenue. (071 536 1736) 23 Feb 08:00 MTB: KZN XCO Lap Challenge Series #1 – Hutchinson Park, Amanzimtoti. 1 Mar Golf: KZN Invitational Strokeplay – Amanzimtoti Country Club. MARKETS & SHOPPING Every Saturday and Sunday the Illovo Nursery Craft and Fresh Produce Market (031 916 2491) offers arts and crafts stalls, food stalls, craft beer and gin, jewellery stalls and much more at 40 Elizabeth Avenue, Illovo Beach. There are loads of crafts and other goodies at Toti Flea Market (081 525 5604) on the last Sunday of every month at Umsinsi Adventures, next to Toti Breweries. Amanzimtoti’s top shopping complex, Arbour Town is made up of more than 230 stores, and comprises the Galleria (031 904 2233) shopping mall and Arbour Crossing (031 904 2064). The Kingsburgh Centre in Winklespruit has a range of speciality stores, while the Seadoone Mall in Doonside offers a safe and convenient shopping experience.
ATTRACTIONS There’s children’s entertainment at Galleria Shopping Centre in the form of an Ice Rink (031 904 5460); the Fun Company (031 904 5770) which is home to bowling, glow in the dark mini-golf, a games arcade and bumper cars; Carnival Kingdom, a festive fairground with rides, games and food stalls overlooking the sea; and the new Epic Karting (082 800 1431) track where children of 10 and up can test their driving skills on a challenging indoor circuit. There are also ten exciting slides, an adventure river with tubes and much more at Splash Water World (031 904 2273) on the beachfront; rowing boats and canoes to be hired from Oasis Water World (031 903 4817); and a Super Tube and a water slide, air gym, jumping mat and ferris wheel at GoBananaz Adventure Park (084 565 2116). For beachgoers, both Amanzimtoti and Umgababa beaches have pilot ‘Blue Flag’ status for the 2018/19 season; a nod to their excellent amenities, cleanliness and environmental management, not to mention safety features such as the presence of lifeguards. The Sapphire Coast boasts two lovely golf courses – the 18-hole Amanzimtoti Country Club, with its gently undulating landscape and tree-lined fairways; and the beautiful Umkomaas Country Club established in 1913 and known for its trees, birdlife and panoramic sea views. Other outdoor attractions include the peaceful Illanda Wilds on the banks of the Amanzimtoti River, the 36-hectare Umbogavango Nature Reserve with its wetlands and superb bird-watching opportunities, and the coastal forest of Empisini Nature Reserve. Today a national monument, the Green Point Lighthouse near Umkomaas was built in 1904 to warn ships of the treacherous reefs of the Aliwal Shoal, which claimed the bulk carrier MV Produce in 1974 and the Nebo in 1884. The Illovo Nursery (031 916 2491) stocks a large selection of indoor plants and outdoor shrubs, trees and ground covers, and boasts a Terrace Tea Garden serving delicious breakfasts and light lunches, a gift and curio shop, as well as a kids’ area and party venue with jungle gyms, bikes and a jumping castle! CULTURE The Upper South Coast Art Association (082 479 9000) is an art gallery for local artists, hosting two exhibitions annually, with works comprising a variety of mediums: pastel, oils, watercolour and acrylics. Drawing classes every third Saturday.
RESTAURANTS Barker & Smith Pizza ................. 031 903 1552 Café Amanda.............................. 082 371 6814 Circus Circus, Galleria.................. 031 904 1250 Friends Restaurant...................... 031 903 1713 Giorgio’s...................................... 031 903 1556 Hit the Spot, Winkelspruit ...........031 916 1641 Lords and Legends......................031 903 4534 Mr Brown’s..................................031 904 3959 Ollie’s Pub and Grill .....................031 903 7912 Thirsty Whale ...........................064 382 8420 Zanzibar Restaurant Cocktail & Sushibar ....................................031 916 3611