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30 Sep 2020

10 incredible places to explore in iLembe on the KZN coast

(North Coast Courier) Picture: North Coast beaches are pretty as a picture and at Clarke Bay you can now take your snaps at the funky yellow photo frame.

The iLembe Tourism and Heritage experience offers unforgettable ways to celebrate heritage. Offering both locals and tourists an array of experiences and attractions fit for the whole family to enjoy, The iLembe Heritage Experience urges you to take that Sho’t left, and explore your own backyard.

These are but a mere few of the amazing places you can visit and get started with.

For more pictures, see online article. Go ahead and shop, dine and explore.

Mighty King Shaka

King Shaka is remembered for uniting the Zulu people and his skill in battle tactics. He was ultimately assassinated by his half brothers Dingane and Mhlangana on September 24, 1828, aged 41. This is commemorated every year in KwaDukuza as ‘Shaka Day’, and was the precursor to Heritage Day. While Shaka Day is used to unite the Zulu clans, Heritage Day is about uniting South Africa as a Rainbow Nation.

While the exact location of Shaka’s grave is unknown the King Shaka Visitor Centre in KwaDukuza serves as a memorial to his death, and houses the rock he is thought to have been sitting on at the moment of his death.

The Ultimatum Tree

Today, in place the original tree, is a graft taken from the original tree is growing steadily. It was here under the famous sycamore fig that J W Shepstone, the British secretary of native affairs, handed what was later acknowledged to be an unfairly harsh ultimatum to Zulu delegates sent by King Cetshwayo in the summer of 1878.

The ultimatum ordered the Zulus remove themselves from the land in Northern Natal, as it was then known, or the British would invade on January 18, 1879. Cetshwayo rejected the conditions, leading to the Anglo-Zulu wars, British defeat at Isandlwana, the heroism at Rorke’s Drift and British victory at Ulundi.

A short walk from the Ultimatum Tree is the site of Fort Pearson, from where the British controlled the river crossing and on the opposite bank of the Tugela, her sister camp of Fort Tenedos. The site of Fort Pearson offers a breathtaking view of the Tugela River.

Step back in time

Visit the Luthuli Museum and sit in the very spot where African National Congress’ president-general and Nobel Peace Laureate Chief Albert Luthuli sat in conversation with New York Senator Robert F. Kennedy on June 8 1966. Kennedy later referred to Luthuli as one of the most impressive men he had met on his travels around the world. Contact the museum at 032 559 6822.

Put a frame around it

North Coast beaches are pretty as a picture and at Clarke Bay you can now take your snaps at the funky yellow photo frame. After taking your photos, follow the promenade to Willard Beach. Then it’s off the beaten track with a wonderful coastal trail from Ballito north to Salt Rock. If you like a fast pace this can be done in an hour or two, but with its tidal pools and rock platforms, you can easily make a whole day of it.

There are several tidal pools en route, so don’t forget a swimming costume, mask and snorkel. Check the tides before you set off as some of the coves become inaccessible at high tide.

Baby, its hot in here!

If you are looking for a place to take the family or your partner for a rustic getaway, head inland to the KwaShushu natural hot spring. Located on an island in the middle of the Thukela River below Ntunjambili, also known as Kranskop, in Maphumulo the site has no formal camping facilities, however tents can be pitched. The site is best enjoyed between June and July in winter when the river is low and access to the spring is easier. Contact 082 459 4473 for more information.

Snorkeling in Ballito

The tidal pool at Salt Rock, just north of the beach and directly opposite the campsite is perfect for first-time snorkelers and children. It is very safe, calm and easy to access.

Thompson’s Bay tidal pool is another ideal spot with an array of marine life. Further north, Sheffield Beach, with its plethora of rock pools, is one of the best spots for snorkeling in KZN.

We recommend Tidal Tao for excellent snorkeling excursions along the North Coast. Contact them at 079 307 0608.

Monkeying around

Monkeyland KZN is a free roaming primate sanctuary, the sister sanctuary to Monkeyland Plettenberg Bay. Enjoy a monkey safari and see multiple species of exotic monkeys – for example the black howler monkey, the loudest land animal in the world. Their “roar” can be heard up to 7 km away!

Kids will love spotting the ring-tailed lemur, the iconic monkey made famous by the Madagascar movie franchise. He likes to “move it move it!” Contact them at 032 004 0178.

The wild side

Harold Johnson nature reserve is known for its rich variety of butterflies and birdlife. The reserve is 40 km north of Ballito on the banks of the Tugela River and north of Zinkwazi. A small variety of wildlife is located on the reserve such as giraffe, zebra, bush-pig and antelope as well as the iconic Ultimatum Tree, Fort Pearson and a museum that documents the life of King Shaka Zulu. Contact the reserve at 032 486 1574.

You can also enjoy a game drive at Rain Farm and Lodge on the Esenembe Road, just outside Ballito. Contact the lodge at 032 815 1050.

Hole in the Wall 

Thompson’s Bay is one of the most beautiful of our swimming beachesWalk through the ‘hole in the wall’ to discover a number of picturesque coves, made striking by the limestone rock formations of the cliffs. The tidal pool and ‘hole in the wall’ make this spot quite special.

Love letters

Beads play a vital role in African culture. They are used to decorate traditional attire and make jewelry. But the most important aspect is the message – usually love messages – carried through the different colours.

It is quite easy to find beadwork vendors on the North Coast, often at the main beaches. Almost every township or rural area has talented beadwork artists, so if you need a specific type of beadwork done, you can easily place an order. Some hire out jewelry for special events.