The coastal area North of Durban in KwaZulu Natal province, South Africa, is known as the Dolphin Coast, so named because of the Bottle Nose Dolphins that can be sighted in large schools cavorting happily off shore in search of sardine shoals.
Visitors will find a string of holiday resorts boasting wonderful beaches, an excellent choice of different types of accommodation, activities for all and places of beauty and historical interest. There are superb coastal towns such as Umhloti, Ballito, Salt Rock and Zinkwazi Beach offering miles of amazing beaches that, together with the warm weather that prevails through most of the year, add up to the perfect holiday destination. All of this within easy reach of Durban.
Besides tourism the economic strength of the North Coast region is the production of sugar with vast areas covered in sugar cane which thrives and is easy to grow due to the subtropical climate.
Travel inland approximately 10 km to find the largest town in the area KwaDukuza (formerly Stanger) which has a very interesting history. It was here that Shaka the Zulu King, built his kraal in 1827, only to be murdered a year later by his half brother Dingaan. Shaka is a national hero of the Zulu people and a museum and monument have been built at the site of his grave in King Shaka Street.
For Golf lovers there are two golf courses near Ballito, the scenic and cleverly designed Umhlali course set in a tropical garden setting, and the stunningly beautiful 18 hole Zimbali Golf Course with its magnificent sea views.
The whole length of the Dolphin coast is peppered with towns offering a wide variety of excellent accommodation for all budgets, outstanding restaurants and activities for all ages.
