Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
TIDAL TAO<br />
welLVALE resort<br />
RAIN FARM GAME & LODGE<br />
DOLPHIN HOLIDAY <strong>RES</strong>ORT<br />
CASA DI CATTLEYA<br />
ZIMBALI LAKES <strong>RES</strong>ORT & ESTATE<br />
Natural Wonders<br />
Hear the haunting cry of the fish eagle on a trail in Zinkwazi, hook a<br />
squaretail kob off Salt Rock, or paddle offshore from Ballito – feel<br />
the environment enfold you in a glorious embrace in this scintillating<br />
Shangri-La.<br />
The natural vegetation of the KwaDukuza region<br />
comprises three biomes: forest, savannah<br />
and grassland. This very special environment<br />
includes coastal dune forest, swamp forest,<br />
numerous pockets of coastal scarp forest, natural<br />
grasslands and areas of valley bushveld. There are two<br />
statutorily declared nature reserves north of the area – the<br />
Amatikulu and Harold Johnson nature reserves, managed<br />
by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife.<br />
Birds<br />
Visit Zinkwazi, home to some 450 bird species and the<br />
majestic fish eagle. It is a prime habitat for African finfoot,<br />
wattle-eyed flycatcher, grey and olive sunbirds, goldenrumped<br />
tinker barbet, brown-throated and forest weavers,<br />
crested guinea fowl, white-eared barbet, green twinspot,<br />
square-tailed drongo, scaly-throated honeyguide, and<br />
spotted ground thrush. If you love birds, you’ll also love<br />
the Umvoti River Mouth, a protected estuary that lists the<br />
African spoonbill, chestnut-branded plover, lesser sand<br />
plover, scaly-throated honeyguide, and blue-mantled<br />
crested flycatcher among its birdlife.<br />
Fishing<br />
If fishing is your passion, why not cast your line from<br />
the rocks to catch shad, slinger or snapper kob? Highly<br />
recommended fishing spots include Tinley Manor for line<br />
fishing, and Sheffield’s reefs, Tiffany’s reef and Blythedale<br />
further north for spear fishing. Squaretail kob is found<br />
primarily from Salt Rock to the Tugela Banks, and the dusky<br />
kob is the premier inshore angling species. Geelbek is also<br />
an important line fishing species, while red steenbras are<br />
generally found in deeper water. Surf fishermen and spear<br />
fishermen target spotted grunter while ski boat, spear and<br />
rock and surf anglers catch king mackerel. Commercial<br />
and leisure deep sea fishing boats launch at Tinley Manor<br />
Beach. Umhlali Ski Boat Club runs the site for those<br />
wanting to launch their own boats. Fishing charters can<br />
also be arranged for you and your buddies.<br />
Angling and fishing licences are required, as are<br />
permits to collect shellfish such as crayfish, mussels<br />
and oysters. You can obtain them from the post office<br />
and the Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife offices.<br />
Whale and dolphin spotting<br />
Although dolphin sightings can occur daily, several<br />
licensed operators are available to take you out to see<br />
these magnificent creatures up close. Humpback and<br />
southern right whales can be seen close to shore while<br />
journeying north to breed off Mozambique during June<br />
and July. They return in September and October to their<br />
36<br />
KwaDukuza Visitor’s Guide 2017/2018
Change language