Things to Do Around Simbithi

 
Below are a list of activities and areas of interest around Simbithi. Please contact us if you know of an activity that we could add to this list or if you'd like to see your company listed here.
 
  1. Arts and Crafts
  2. Animal Farm
  3. Bird Hide
  4. Crocodile Farms
  5. Cycle Tours
  6. Deep Sea Fishing
  7. Hiking Trails
  8. Horseriding
  9. Historical Sites
  10. Kayaking and Conoeing
  11. Microlight Flights
  12. Nature Reserves
  13. Quad Biking
  14. Scuba Diving
  15. Surfing School
  16. Tour Operators
 

1. Arts and Crafts

 
A Fair Market
Fresh farm produce, arts and crafts, second hand books and collectables.
Operates opposite BP Garage, Ballito.
Open Saturday mornings.
Phone: 082 487 2267

Pottery Gallery
Pottery gallery, coffee shop and animal farm.
Situated off the M4 outside of Ballito.
Open daily 9am to 5pm.
Phone: 032 946 3232

Leanna's Fine Art
Coffee shop, fresh-cut flowers, original art and framing services.
Situated at Umhlali.
Phone: 032 947 1165

Greengold Nursery
Ceramic workshop, nursery and restaurant. Pottery and ceramic painting workshops are available.
Phone: 032 947 1371

Dolphin Coast Market
Fresh farm produce, arts and crafts and second hand books. Craft centre & art classes for children.
Operates at Foxhill, Salt Rock.
Open Saturday mornings.
Phone: 032 525 9040

Ikon Afrika
Original ethnic art, crafts and clothing.
Situated at Lifestyle Centre.
Phone: 032 946 3112
 
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2. Animal Farm

 
Flag Farm Animal Farm
Experience farm life with cows, horses, ducks, chickens, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits and many more. Pony and horse rides.
Situated in Umhlali.
Open daily from 9am to 4pm.
Phone: 032 947 1354
 
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3. Bird Hide

 
Tranquility Bird Hide
Situated in KwaDukuza (Stanger) as part of the Sappi Paper Mill.
Open daily, however bookings are essential.
Phone: 032 437 2222
 
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4. Crocodile Farms

 
Crocodile Creek
Croc feeding is daily at 11:00am and 3:00pm. Guided tours are at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm and 3:30pm daily. Bush trails.
Situated in the Tongaat area, 14km from Ballito.
Open daily from 9:30am to 5:00pm. Closed on Saturdays out of season.
Phone: 032 944 3845
 
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5. Cycle Tours

 
Single Track Cycle Tours
They offer a variety of cycling tours in the local area, which include visits to nature reserves.
Phone: 032 525 4400 or 083 602 6163
 
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6. Deep Sea Fishing

 
Fishing for Africa
Umdloti
Phone: 082 920 5893

Umhlanga Deep Sea Fishing
Umhlanga
Phone: 083 659 1694

Dirty Harry Fishing Tours
Ballito
Phone: 082 579 3878
 
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7. Hiking Trails

 
Crocodile Creek
The farm offers a small hiking trail.
Situated outside Tongaat.
Phone: 032 944 3845

Harold Johnson Nature Reserve
The reserve offers a selection of hiking trails of varying distances. A small variety of wildlife is located on the reserve such as giraffe, zebra, bushpig and antelope. Harold Johnson is known for its rich variety of butterflies and birdlife. Camping and picnicking / braai facilities are available.
Situated off the R102, between Stanger / KwaDukuza & Mandeni
Phone: 032 486 1574

Zulu Roots Eco Trail
The trails provide access to ecological, historical & cultural treasures on the North Coast. This is the birthplace of the Zulu Nation and the scene of dramatic historical events. The routes offer viewing of indigenous flora & fauna.

There are 4 trails:
Zulu Roots John Ross Trail: 60km between the Nonoti & Amatikulu Rivers. Hike, paddle, swim, cycle, fly-fish or relax with a lagoon cruise, night drive or bush picnic.
Zulu Roots Tugela Community Tour: Visit an authentic rural Zulu Community and discover a traditional way of life. Meet with members of the community and view kraals & home-steads. End the trail at a local shebeen. A trained guide will explain the significance of all the traditions.
Zulu Roots KwaDukuza Trail: A cross-cultural experience consisting of a guided walking tour of KwaDukuza, home to two famous South Africans; King Shaka - founder of the Zulu Nation & Chief Albert Luthuli - past president of the ANC & Nobel Peace Laureate. Learn about King Shaka, the Zulu empire, colonial sugar farmers, battles at the Tugela, the story of John Dunn and events leading up to the Anglo-Zulu War.
Zulu Roots Birding Route: With over 450 bird species, including many sought after rarities, this area ranks as one of the top birding hotspots. Nationally famous sites include the Sappi Bird Hide & Jex Estate. The birding route covers the Umvoti, Zinkwazi, Otimati, Tugela & Amatikulu areas and includes diverse habitats such as coastal, forest & wetlands. Trained guides will accompany hikers. A comprehensive bird list is available.

Located in the Zinkwazi area.
Phone: 032 485 3344
 
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8. Horseriding

 
Maidstone Riding Club
Situated at Maidstone
Phone: 083 245 6744

Rocking Horse Riding School
Situated at Ballito
Phone: 084 510 2198

Wellesley Riding Stables*
Situated at Umdloti
Phone: 083 788 1881

Zimbali Horse Rides*
Situated at Zimbali
Phone: 083 231 6458

Horse Valley Riding Club
Maidstone
Phone: 083 245 6744

Redwoods Riding School
Dolphin Coast
Phone: 083 301 5532

*Option of riding on the beach.
 
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9. Historical Sites

 
Dukuza Museum
The museum focuses on the Zulu culture, sugar can industry, Indian culture and the early settler history.
Situated in KwaDukuza / Stanger, King Shaka Street.
Open daily from 8:30am to 12:00pm. Tours by arrangement.
Phone: 032 437 5000

King Shaka Memorial
This is King Shakas grave. A 20 minute slide show on the history of King Shaka can be viewed. There is also a small curio shop and an Interpretative Centre.
Situated in KwaDukuza / Stanger, King Shaka Street.
Open daily from 8:30am to 4:00pm.
Phone: 032 437 5000

Chief Albert Luthuli Grave Site
This is the grave of Nobel Peace Prize winner, Chief Albert Luthuli.
Situated in Groutville, south of KwaDukuza.
Phone: 032 551 3091

Fort Pearson and the Ultimatum Tree
Both of these are national monuments, which played a significant role in the Anglo War of 1879.
Situated on the northern side of the Tugela River at Harold Johnson Nature Reserve.
Phone: 032 486 1574 or KZN Wildlife on 033 845 1000

Morewood Memorial Gardens
This is the site if South Africa's first Sugar Mill. The garden commemorates the life of Sir Edmund Morewood, who grew the first commercial sugar cane in South Africa and was the founder of the Sugar Cane Industry.
Situated at Compensation just outside of Ballito.
 
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10. Kayaking and Conoeing

 
Infinity Marine Enterprises
They offer kayaking tours either out at sea or at the various river estuaries in the area.
Phone: 032 946 0062 or 083 448 9134

Amatikulu Eco Adventures
Visitors have the option of hiring either canoes or pontoons, with which to explore the Amatikulu River. Fly fishing equipment is also available for hire. Trained guides are also available.
Situated at Amatikulu Nature Reserve.
Phone: 032 453 1055

Zinkwazi Lagoon Lodge
Offers visitors the option to hire canoes or enjoy a sunset river cruise.
Phone: 032 485 3344
 
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11. Microlight Flights

 
Ballito Bay Microlights
One can experience magnificent aerial views of the stunning coastline and vast 'green gold' by taking a flip in a microlight.
Ballito
Phone: 082 659 5550
 
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12. Nature Reserves

 
Amatikulu Nature Reserve
Indigenous flora, giraffe, zebra, antelope and various bird-life can be seen. Picnic sites and walking trails. Canoes can be hired.
Situated north of Ballito in the vicinity of Mandeni.
Open daily from 6am to 6pm.
Phone: 032 453 0155

Harold Johnson Nature Reserve
Indigenous flora, zebra, antelope, bushpigs and a variety of bird-life can be seen. Picnic sites, cultural museum and historical sites like Fort Pearson and the Ultimatum Tree.
Situated north of Ballito in the vicinity of Tugela.
Open daily from 6:00am to 6pm.
Phone: 032 486 1574
 
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13. Quad Biking

 
Fat Traxx
Ballito
Phone: 082 477 5837

River Rock Quad Trails
Esenembi
Phone: 082 414 2448
 
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14. Scuba Diving

 
Dive Nautique
There are various dive spots along the coast including, Sheffield Reefs, Tiffany's Reef, Big Dream Reef and Lemon fish Reef.
Ballito
Phone: 082 553 2834
 
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15. Surfing School

 
Secret Spot Surf Camp
Phone: 083 230 7051
 
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16. Tour Operators

 
There are a number of SATOUR registered tour operators in the area who will organise day trips or overnight tours of the local area or neighboring regions:
 
Company Name Area Contact Number
Ikon Afrika Umhlali 032 947 0692
Bonana Single Track Tours Salt Rock 032 525 4400
DGM Coach Tours Stanger 032 551 2274
Dirty Harry Tours Umhlali 032 947 1371
Gina's Tours Ballito 032 946 0975
Glamour Boys Ballito 032 946 1404
Hunt Tour Corp Sports Tours Salt Rock 032 525 4775
iMvumo Shic Tours La Mercy 032 941 5947
JNC Helicopter Tours Umhlanga 031 561 1823
Kufara Safaris Zinkwazi 032 485 3475
My African Adventure Zinkwazi 032 485 3753
Siyabonga Tours Tongaat 032 944 1697
Sunbird Tours Ballito 082 256 0006
Wildlife Experience Pinetown 031 700 1497
Zulu Sun Safaris Ballito 032 946 0265
 
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Content courtesy of www.thedolphincoast.co.za