Sunshine Coast Attractions
The coastal region between Amanzimtoti and Mtwalume, 40km/25mi south, is known as the Sunshine Coast. To the south of this, between Hibberdene and Port Edward, is the Hibiscus Coast. This whole stretch of coast is one of the country's most popular holiday regions. It is best avoided during the school holidays, particularly at Christmas and Easter, when many South Africans come here for a break. There is plenty of accommodation for visitors: few hotels of the highest standard but numerous more modest establishments and innumerable holiday apartments. The beaches farther south, in the Western and Eastern Cape, are even more beautiful and are less crowded.
Croc World
South of Umkomaas (4km/2.5mi north of Scottburgh) is Croc World, a crocodile-breeding farm with over 2,000 crocodiles and snakes A particular attraction is the glass tunnel running through the snake house. There is a restaurant in which visitors can sample crocodile meat.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 | 8:30 |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 |
Always closed on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Facilities
Restaurant or food service
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Ifafa Beach
Ifafa Beach (pop. 400), at the mouth of the river Ifafa, has a sheltered bathing beach and a lagoon with good fishing. Water-skiing is practiced here, and there is rowing (against the stream) on a long stretch of the river.
Mtwalume, South Africa
(Near Durban)
At the south end of the Sunshine Coast is Mtwalume, with a rocky beach which offers good fishing. There is a seawater swimming pool.
Sardine Swarms
Between June and August huge swarms of sardines can regularly be observed off the coast here. They normally live in the cold water off the south and southwest coasts of Africa, but in the spawning season move to the coastal waters off Durban which are warmed by the Benguela Current. The current carries the sardines, followed by hungry predators, close to the coast.
Scottburgh
The bleak coast at Scottburgh (pop. 7,000) is popular with fishermen. On the main beach there is a seawater swimming pool, and there is also a golf course.
Umgababa
In Umgababa visitors will find numerous stalls selling Zulu craft products (woodcarving, pottery, etc.) - as well as imported kitsch.
