The Zulu Kingdom's North Coast, also known as the Dolphin Coast, stretches from Zimbali to the mighty Thukela River, towards Mozambique, travelling along the big N2 freeway bypasses some of the prettiest beaches in KwaZulu-Natal This is the playground of the bottlenose dolphins which frolic in the waters close to shore and are visible all year round. The North Coast offers luxury, beauty, sport and history.
Two great South African leaders had their homes in this region and today lie buried here.
King Shaka Zulu is buried near the town of Stanger, also known as KwaDukuza, and Chief Albert Luthuli is buried nearby. Albert Luthuli was the first, and one of three South Africans to be awarded a Nobel Peace Prize, the other two being Mr Nelson Mandela, and Mr FW de Klerk who were jointly awarded the prize.
The Luthuli Museum near Groutville provides interesting information about the life of the great South African leader, Albert Luthuli.
A large Indian community is settled on KZN's North Coast, enlivening the area with beautiful temples, lush market gardens and farms, numerous fresh produce markets and delicious, spicy Indian cuisine.
The North Coast has always been popular with anglers because the fishing is so good. This may be due to the many sheltered lagoons which open into the Indian Ocean and which serve as nurseries for small fish and other sea creatures. The area is also known for its good surf and the internationally recognized Mr Price Pro surfing contest, which draws competitors from all over the world, is held in Ballito annually.
A little inland from the Zulu hilltop homestead-themed Sibaya Casino is the small village of Mount Moreland. Here, a viewing site has been established for the public to come and observe an estimated 3 million barn swallows (some 13% of the world's population) which make their way to this wetland to roost between November and April annually.
Outside the domestic holiday season and long-weekends, many of these places are quiet and peaceful. However, during the seasonal influx of vacationers, the many holiday homes, excellent restaurants and nightclubs fill up, as do the family experiences such as beach days, kiddies' animal farms and the crocodile farm. Many visitors enjoy taking a break on mountain bike trails through the sugar cane fields and forests, or with a few rounds of golf at one of the many excellent North Coast golf courses.
- The North Coast offers luxury, beauty, sport and history
- The Luthuli Museum
- uShaka Marine park
- Beautiful golf courses
- Unspoilt beaches along the warm Indian ocean