Travel adviser: Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast

By: Marion Whitehead
12 August 2010
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Where to eat

The Waves pub on the beach at Umkomaas has a great view. Tel 039-973-2500.

Bell & Anchor at Rocky Bay specialises in seafood and grills. The three-course set menu for R120 is a good deal. Tel 039-976-0867.

Fish on the River at Spiller’s Wharf on the bank of the Mzimkulu River at Port Shepstone serves fresh fish off the boats. Tel 039-682-3814.

The Waffle House at Ramsgate on the banks of the Ibilanhlolo River is famous for its Belgian-style waffl es, sweet or savoury. There’s also an art gallery and curio shop on site. Tel 039-314-9424.

Mpithi Beach Kiosk at Pennington is a community-run operation that offers fantastic value, from cakes to meals. Tel 039-975-1711.

Folly Fields Nursery outside Umzumbe has a lovely, peaceful coffee den in beautiful surroundings. Tel 039-684-6277.

Try a crocodile fillet or burger at Riverbend Crocodile Caf. They say it’s a low-fat, healthy option that tastes a bit like chicken. Tel 039-316-6204.

Join a 12h00 tour to see how coffee is grown at Beaver Creek outside Port Edward (R30 a head) and then order a bottomless cup at the restaurant so you can taste the different blends. Tel 039-311-2315.

Where to stay

Getaway was hosted by a range of recommended establishments.

$ Le Paradis Lodge overlooking the coast of Umkomaas in Widenham has self-catering rooms and is a favourite base for divers. From R195 a person a night sharing in low season (without a view) to R395 a person in high season (with view). Tel 039-973- 2474, e-mail leparadis@leparadislodge.co.za, web www.leparadislodge.co.za.

$ Ellingham Resorts Rocky Bay has 25 cosy wooden chalets (sleep from two to seven people) and a beachside caravan park with a children’s games room on the coast outside Park Rynie. Diving and fishing are the biggest attractions. Chalets cost from R550 a night for four out of season to R1 280 a night for seven in season. Caravan sites are from R97 an adult and R48 a child out of season; minimum tariffs and stays apply in peak season. Tel 039-976-0336, e-mail reservations@rockybay.co.za, web www.rockybay.co.za.

$$$ Pumula Beach Hotel is an award-winning family-friendly resort offering child minders and entertainers. Full board with three meals costs R785 to R905 an adult sharing and R190 to R485 for children. Check the website for specials and B&B rates. Tel 039-684-6717, e-mail reservations@pumulabeachhotel.co.za, web www.pumulabeachhotel.co.za.

$ to $$ Happy Holidays is an agency that offers a wide range of accommodation for all budgets in the Shelly Beach/Margate area. Tel 039-315-6334, e-mail relax@happyholidays.co.za, web www.happyholidays.co.za.

$ to $$ A villa at San Lameer Golf Resort is more affordable than you may think. Bachelor studios (sleep two) cost from R600 to R900 a night and a three-bedroom standard villa is R1 600 to R2 400 a night, depending on season. Tel 039-313-0450, e-mail reservations.villaren@venturenet.co.za, web www.sanlameer.co.za.

$ Yengele Paradise Boutique Beach Lodge is tucked away on the edge of Trafalgar next to Mpenjati Nature Reserve. Guests have the run of the top floor of the house which has lovely ocean views. Self-catering costs from R230 to R290 a person a night and B&B from R290 to R355 a person. Tel 071-422-0773, cell 073-022-3329, e-mail info@yengeleparadise.co.za, web www.yengeleparadise.co.za.