LET THE TRAVELLING BEGIN ON THE NORTH COAST

WITH the easing of lockdown restrictions, tourism, adventure and the great outdoors are now very much on the cards. And when Tourism KwaZulu-Natal invited guests along for whirlwind North Coast staycation, they never realised what an action-packed adrenaline-pumping experience lay ahead. There really is something for all ages and all members of the family. And their clarion call: KwaZulu-Natal has it all. The adventure activities on the Dolphin Coast is like no other. KWAZULU-NATAL HAS IT ALL     DAREDEVILS Celebrity actors and gutsy TV presenters Siv Ngesi and Jonathan Boynton-Lee also accepted the invitation and are busy telling their viewers all about it. It wasn’t long before everyone got the chance to turn into daredevils. After a relaxing spot of lunch at the Sandbar Restaurant and cocktail in Umdloti, the fun began-and the party headed to the North Coast Microlighting Centre, near Ballito, where sight-seeing really took off to new heights. Soaring above the coastline in their microlights, they got a memorable chance to spot marine life and take in the beauty of the open stretches of untouched beaches. The competition winners declared it the highlight of their trip. BACK IN BUSINESS One new experience is the Seventeen87 Winery Cellar at Sugar Rush Park in Ballito, which pays homage to King Shaka, who was born in 1787. And the park is another venue to find cycling, eateries and other activities for kids. Although the winery only openly recently, it was forced to close because of the lockdown restrictions. Now that the alcohol ban has been lifted, the winery is back in business for tasting and sales. ACTION STATIONS For extreme sports lovers, no trip to the area is complete unless the itinerary includes a visit to the Ballito Ski Park. Just 4km from Sugar Rush Park, it is home to a long list off activities: wakeboarding, water skiing, wake skating, wake surfing, knee boarding, slalom skiing, fly board, tube rides, jet skis and the inflatable Fatboy. The park’s hot showers where visitors are able to rinse off after their activities proved useful. For those who just want to chill out, there is a sheltered seating area, a picnic and grass area and a sundowner viewing deck. The Lumo man-made beach is the place to catch some rays and there are designated safe swimming zones with a lifeguard on duty. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The beaches are safe and protected by shark nets. A host of some of the other attractions include: the Shaka Memorial in KwaDakuza (Stanger) and heritage route; Ballito Junction (one of the biggest shopping centres in the country), Crocodile Creek, the Animal Flag Farm, hiking in the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve, the Luthuli Museum, Snorkelling safaris and sundowners at Mahogany Reef. Now, follow us as we discover the hidden gems of our province…next stop: the Natal Midlands. Where to dine: 45 on Eat Street; Lupa Osteria, Marigold Ballito, Fiamma Grill and Al Pescatore. https://www.45oneatstreet.co.za/ https://www.marigoldballito.co.za/ https://www.fiammagrill.co.za/ Where to stay: Coco De Mer Boutique Hotel, Canelands Beach Club, Luxe Life House, ANEW Oceans Reef, Petite Province B&B. https://anewhotels.com/hotels/ocean-reef/