LET THE JOURNEY BEGIN

As one heads north up the coast out of Durban towards Richards Bay, the big N2 freeway bypasses some of the prettiest beaches in KwaZulu-Natal. So, it is worth taking the smaller coastal roads, such as the M4, pastSibaya Casino, Umdloti,King Shaka International Airportand the beautiful upmarketZimbaliestate andgolf course.This is where you will find the small holiday towns ofBallito,Salt Rock,Umhlali,Tinley Manor,and Zinkwazi,before making your way back onto the freeway and across the enormousJohn Ross Bridgeto theTugela Mouthwhere KZN’s biggest river, the mightyTugela, gushes out into the Indian Ocean.

Two great South African leaders had their homes in this region and today lie buried here. KingShaka Zuluis buried near the town ofStanger, also known asKwaDukuza,and ChiefAlbert Luthuliis buried nearby. Albert Luthuli was the first, and one of three South Africans to be awarded aNobel Peace Prize, the other two being MrNelson Mandela,and MrFW de Klerkwho were jointly awarded the prize. TheLuthuli MuseumnearGroutvilleprovides interesting information about the life of the great South African leader, Albert Luthuli.

A largeIndiancommunity is settled on KZN’s North Coast, enlivening the area with beautifultemples, lush market gardens and farms, numerous fresh producemarketsand delicious, spicyIndian cuisine.

The North Coast has always been popular withanglersbecause thefishingis so good. This may be due to the many shelteredlagoonswhich open into the Indian Ocean and which serve as nurseries for small fish and other sea creatures. The area is also known for its goodsurfand the internationally recognizedBallito Pro Surfing Competition, which draws competitors from all over the world, is held inBallitoannually.

A little inland from the Zulu hilltop homestead-themed Sibaya Casino is the small village ofMount Moreland.Here, a viewing site has been established for the public to come and observe an estimated 3 millionbarn swallows(some 13% of the world’s population) which make their way to thiswetlandto 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, excellentrestaurantsandnightclubsfill up, as do the family experiences such as beach days, kiddies’animal farmsand thecrocodile farm. Many visitors enjoy taking a break onmountain bike trailsthrough the sugar cane fields andforests,or with a few rounds ofgolfat one of the many excellent North Coast golf courses.