What’s on ?
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Highland Gathering 2024
Event Date:
27-Apr-2024Save the date!
Whats always on?
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Parkruns – East Coast Brewery & Amanzimtoti
A free, fun, and friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate – it’s up to you! East Coast Brewery – – Every Saturday at 8:00am – The event takes place at East Coast Brewery, 1 Oak Street, Ilfracombe, Umkomaas, Durban, 4170. … Parkruns – East Coast Brewery & Amanzimtoti Read More…
Attractions and History
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The Highland Gathering
Since 1963, the Sapphire Coast has been kitted out in tartan once a year as The Highland Gathering takes over. Around 10 000 visitors descend on Amanzimtoti for the biggest gathering of pipe bands in the southern hemisphere. The sound of bagpipes from around 24 bands … The Highland Gathering Read More »
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Ocean and Family-friendly Activities
The warm Indian Ocean found along the Sapphire Coast makes this a top seaside destination for domestic and international tourists. The subtropical climate means sunny skies and temperate conditions year-round, with seaside activities plentiful. Amanzimtoti Main Beach is a hub of ocean fun, with children … Ocean and Family-friendly Activities Read More »
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Sardine Run
The Sapphire Coast plays host to one of the world’s most spectacular natural phenomena on the globe – the annual Sardine Run. Every year, in the winter months between May and July, billions of sardines (also known as pilchards) make their way northwards along the … Sardine Run Read More »
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Sapphire Coast Tourism Holiday Programme
Over the Easter and festive season periods, the Sapphire Coast Holiday Programme is in full swing with holidaymakers entertained at various locations. The programme includes beachside activities, awareness campaigns and fun competitions.
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Umkomaas Golf Club
Established in 1913 as a 9-hole course, Umkomaas Golf Club was redesigned by renowned course designer, Robert Grimsdell in 1932, expanding to an 18-hole course. With its beautiful sea views and raised greens, this is a wonderful round for golfers of all handicaps. The well-placed … Umkomaas Golf Club Read More »
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East Coast Brewing Company
This is one of the largest and most advanced independently-owned brewing facilities in southern Africa, producing locally crafted beers in Ilfracombe.
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Aliwal Shoal
This Marine Protected Area (MPA), found just off the coast of Umkomaas, is considered one of the world’s top warm water dive sites, attracting intrepid scuba divers from around the world to its spectacular marine ecosystem. Charter boats are available to take divers to the … Aliwal Shoal Read More »
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Amanzimtoti Country Club
First opened in 1915, this club has a variety of amenities for individuals to enjoy throughout the year. This superb, user-friendly golf course will test experienced golfers looking for a challenging coastal game as well as holidaymakers looking for a fun game in the sun.
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The Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon
The Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon, organised by Amanzimtoti Athletics Club, is an annual marathon with a new route announced in 2023 taking runners and walkers along the Amanzimtoti coastline. Distances for this race will be 10km, 21.1km and 42.2km, with the longest route … The Goss & Balfe Sapphire Coast Marathon Read More…
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Crocworld Conservation Centre
Set within the lush coastal forest, this is a wonderful family day out with snake talks and demonstrations, crocodile feedings, and so many birds and other wildlife to view. There’s also the on-site Fish Eagle Café with great food and sea views.
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Shopping Centres
There are many deluxe shopping centres along the Sapphire Coast, with a combination of retail giants, exclusive boutiques, fashion, dining, entertainment and more! Galleria Mall has a range of big brand stores, restaurants, a cinema, mini golf, and a fantastic ice rink. There’s also the … Shopping Centres Read More »
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Nungwane Falls and White Rock
This is a natural heritage site located in the heart of Umbumbulu which can be experienced by 4×4, mountain bike, horseback or hiking, to view the 100m waterfall cascading below.
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Eating Out
The Sapphire Coast offers a variety of delicious cuisine, from fine dining at high-end restaurants to delicious baked goods and warm beverages at coffee shops, vibrant pubs and tasty takeaways on the beach promenades. Enjoy sundowners on the beach, have a meal in a lush … Eating Out Read More »
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Amanzimtoti Sports Centre
This centre strives to provide the best facilities and a safe, secure, clean environment for the local sporting and recreation community to enjoy. This is set in a tranquil valley bordering the Amanzimtoti River and is a real gem, offering a variety of sports codes … Amanzimtoti Sports Centre Read More »
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Local Markets
The incredible talent along the Sapphire Coast is showcased daily through the unique, locally-made crafts and products found here. Beachfront promenades at Amanzimtoti Main Beach and Umkomaas including the Mnini Craft Market are home to a variety of markets selling art, curios, colourful beadwork, woven … Local Markets Read More »
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Amanzimtoti Bird Park
What the park lacks in size, it makes up for in birdlife! There are several easy walking trails winding around a small dam through the coastal forest. It’s home to some 150 bird species, among them the Giant Kingfisher and Spurwing Goose.
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Mnini Dam
Set in the beautiful indigenous bush, Mnini Dam is a great spot for water sports such as bass fishing, fly fishing, boating, and canoeing. This is a perfect spot for family picnics with thatched gazebos, braai facilities and shaded spots.
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Hope Shop
Considered the heart of Umkomaas, the Hope Shop sells beautiful, hand-picked gifts, clothing, jewellery and other accessories crafted locally and sourced from around the world. Popular with locals and tourists alike, there is a delightful mixture of items to browse, and wonderful keepsakes to be … Hope Shop Read More »
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The Sapphire Coast Birding Route
One of the country’s best-kept birding secrets, this incredible route winds along the Sapphire Coast, stretching from the eziMbokodweni River in the north to the aMahlongwa River in the south, about 9km inland from the coast. This has everything from coastal birds and forest specials … The Sapphire Coast Birding Route Read More »
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Empisini Nature Reserve
This 120-hectare nature reserve has a superb forest area that is home to some of the most interesting bird species, including Norina Trogan, Knysna Turaco, Blue Mantled Flycatcher, African Emerald Cuckoo, and African Black Duck. This coastal forest is also home to a variety of … Empisini Nature Reserve Read More »
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Lower Illovo’s Hindu Village and Temple
Visit the lllovo Shree Maha Vishnu, Marleamman and Kaliamman community temples found in the heart of lower lllovo.
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Umbumbulu’s Homesteads
Visitors can enjoy an authentic stay in Umbumbulu’s Homesteads, found just 19km from the Indian Ocean.
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Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve
This 14-hectare nature reserve is found along the Amanzimtoti River consisting of a richly vegetated patch of riverine and coastal scarp forest. Inhabitants include more than 120 tree and shrub species which can be discovered along three self-guided trails: the Loerie, Mpiti, and Mongoose trails.
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Clansthal
This is a former German-American mission town that has become a prime beachside destination, with the Green Point lighthouse a popular attraction. The Clansthal Conservancy, between the Mhlongwana and Mhlongwa rivers, is a jewel of the Upper South Coast, protecting the area’s rich biodiversity.
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Amanzimtoti
Meaning ‘Sweetwaters’ in Zulu, this popular holiday town attracts beach lovers year-round. It has a rich history and it’s believed to have been named by the famous King Shaka during one of his campaigns. Shaka was brought a calabash of water to drink and, upon … Amanzimtoti Read More »
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Umkomaas
Located on the Mkhomazi River, for which the town is named, Umkomaas was formed in 1861 when the harbour (now disused) was built to export sugar. The estuary here was used as a nursery for whales, prompting the name uMkhomazi – place of the cow … Umkomaas Read More »
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Winkelspruit
This popular seaside holiday resort is north of the Illovo River Mouth. It earns its unusual name from the Afrikaans word ‘winkel’ meaning ‘shop’. This dates back to 1875 when sailors set up shop on the riverbank, selling waterlogged goods from the shipwrecked schooner, Tonga, … Winkelspruit Read More »
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Warner Beach
This coastal village is found just south of the Little Manzimtoti River, and is a great sighting spot for migrating whales and the annual Sardine Run. Warner Beach and the nearby St Winifred’s Beach are also renowned for the great surfing, with the popular dive … Warner Beach Read More »
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Parkruns
The Sapphire Coast plays host to two Parkruns every Saturday: Amanzimtoti Parkrun and East Coast Brewery Parkrun. These are free, fun, and friendly 5km events where participants can walk, jog, or run. Both events start at 8am with the Amanzimtoti Parkrun meeting at Beach Road, … Parkruns Read More »
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Karridene
Found along the mouth of the Umzimbaza River, between Illovo Beach and Umkomaas, is this small resort of Karridene.
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