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Top 10 things-to-do on the KwaZulu-Natal Upper South Coast

Kwazulu-Natal shark cage diving shot by John Miller

Top 10 things-to-do on the KwaZulu-Natal Upper South Coast

Just in from Olivia Jones Communications, flying the Kwazulu-Natal flag far wide as they hail visitors to our coastline…

 
 
PRESS RELEASE

28 January 2021

Top 10 must-try activities on the KwaZulu-Natal Upper South Coast

The New Year is the perfect time to start afresh by exploring the many incredible family-friendly ecotourism offerings on the #KZNSouthCoast. Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) will showcase the wealth of sites and activities, suited to all budgets, through the #InTheSpotlight feature, with the KZN Upper South Coast first on the list!

“It is fortunate that the many nature-based offerings of the Kwazulu-Natal South Coast fall within the restrictions of Level 3, with our local tourism establishments guided in all the latest Covid-19 safety protocols,” explained CEO of USCT, Phelisa Mangcu. “The Upper South Coast, which stretches from Scottburgh to Mtwalume, has a number wonderful experiences and locations that are easily accessible to all our welcome visitors.”

Here’s a look at what’s on offer at the Upper South Coast!

1. Scuba diving

For those looking to learn how to scuba dive, or for the more experienced divers looking to explore one of the world’s top diving sites, then the Upper KZN South Coast is the place to visit. Aliwal Shoal, just 5km offshore of Umkomaas River, is home to a number of ocean creatures, prompting several international documentaries and attracted an influx of global tourists.

· Aliwal Dive Centre (Umkomaas): Contact 039 973 2233 or dive or visit www.aliwalshoal.co.za

· Aliwal Shoal Scuba (Umkomaas): Contact 039 973 2542 or umkomaas or visit www.aliwalshoalscubadiving.com

· Umkomaas Lodge Dive Charters: Contact 039 973 2542 or umkomaaslodge or visit www.aliwalshoalscubadiving.com

2. Shark cage diving Visitors to the Upper South Coast can partake in one of the most exciting ocean adventures with shark cage diving. With experienced instructors, visitors are able to get close to some of the region’s beautiful apex predators in their natural habitat. An incredibly thrilling and unforgettable experience awaits!

· Cage Shark Dive.com (Umkomaas): Contact 039 973 2572 or aliwalshoalscuba@gmail.comor visit www.cagesharkdive.com

· Shark Cage Diving KZN (Rocky Bay): Contact 039 978 1045 or johnmiller or visit www.sharkcagedivingkzn.com

3. Golfing

Known colloquially as ‘The Golf Coast’, the Kwazulu-Natal South Coast boasts an abundance of well-maintained golf courses, many of which are located in the Upper South Coast region. From the novice to the pros, there’s a green for every golfer – most of which are surrounded by coastal forests with stunning sea views.

· Umkomaas Golf Club: Contact 039 973 1042 or umkomaasgolf or visit www.scottburghgolf.co.za

· Scottburgh Golf Club: Contact 039 976 0041 or finance

· Selborne Park Golf Estate, Hotel & Spa (Pennington): Contact 039 688 1800 / 039 975 8500 or proshop

· Umdoni Park Trust, Golf Club & Nature Reserve (Pennington): Contact 039 975 1615 or rynardt or visit www.umdonipark.com

4. Microlight adventures

Experience the Upper South Coast region from the skies through a thrilling microlight adventure. Organised by experienced pilots, a microlight trip gives visitors an overview of the oceans, forests and other natural wonders found in this part of the world.

· World of Wings flight school (Umkomaas): Contact 072 117 5130 or info or visit www.wowflight.co.za

5. Wildlife experience

The natural abundance of the Kwazulu-Natal Upper South Coast extends to its animal inhabitants as well, with the area renowned for its diverse birdlife, as well as the many unique animal species. At Scottburgh’s Crocworld Conservation Centre, families are able to engage with these incredible animals while the knowledgeable staff share insights and perform daily feeding demonstrations for audiences. There is also an on-site restaurant, Fish Eagle Café, and a fun animal farm and playground for youngsters.

· Crocworld Conservation Centre (Scottburgh): Contact 039 976 1103 or visit www.crocworld.co.za

6. Shop for handmade accessories

Artistry and craftmanship can be found throughout the KZN South Coast with the globally-renowned Polka Dot Coco Fashion conveniently located in the Upper South Coast. The brand specialises in handcrafted accessories using locally-sourced materials, such as the famous Shweshwe.

· Polka Dot Coco Fashion (Scottburgh): Contact 061 415 5075 or info

7. Nature reserves

Visitors have ample opportunity to get out in nature and experience the great outdoors throughout the Upper South Coast. The area is rich with coastal forests and reserves which are home to a myriad of wildlife and local bird species.

· TC Robertson Nature Reserve (Scottburgh): Contact 062 002 5190 or tcrobertsonnaturereserve2015

· Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve (Umzinto): Contact 039 974 2222 or vcrookes or www.kznwildlife.com

· Umdoni Park Trust, Golf Club & Nature Reserve (Pennington): Contact 039 975 1615 or rynardt or visit www.umdonipark.com

· Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve Accommodation (Umzinto): Contact 039 974 2222 or vcrookes or visit www.kznwildlife.com

8. Local heritage

Integral moments of South African history were set against the backdrop of the Upper South Coast, determining a trajectory that has brought us to where we are now. Visitors will get a chance to experience the rich cultural nuances of this area at the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre where local guides bring history to life through story, crafts and song.

· Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre (Mthwalume): Contact 076 861 6074 or email howardmsomis

9. Beach days

As a renowned coastal holiday resort, the Upper South Coast offers visitors expansive golden sands and warm Indian Ocean water at its many beautiful beaches. Even with beach restrictions, visitors are able to enjoy a beachside meal while taking in the stunning sea views and even catching site of the resident dolphins.

Some favourite beaches…

· Scottburgh Beach

· Pennington Beach

· Hibberdene Beach

· Umzumbe Beach

10. Mountain biking and running trails Getting exercise has never been this much fun! The #KZNSouthCoast consists of some of the country’s best running and mountain biking trails that traverse coastal forests and local farmlands for a truly immersive natural experience.

· TC Robertson Nature Reserve (Scottburgh): Contact 062 002 5190 or tcrobertsonnaturereserve2015

· Umdoni Parkrun (Pennington)

· Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve (Umzinto): Contact 039 974 2222 or vcrookes or visit www.kznwildlife.com

· Umdoni Park Trust, Golf Club & Nature Reserve: Contact 039 975 1615or or rynardt or visit www.umdonipark.com

· Rocky Bay Resorts: Contact 039 976 0336 or lodge or visit www.rockybay.co.za

For more information about USCT, as well as events and activities on #KZNSouthCoast, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. USCT is also on social media – follow the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter.

/ENDS

High resolution images are available upon request.

(Images: Supplied by Ugu South Coast Tourism)

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Aliwal Shoal is rated as one of the world’s top ten dive sites.

(Photo credit: Aliwal Dive Centre)

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Aliwal Shoal boasts some of the best shark diving in the world.

(Photographer: John Miller)

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Known as the “golf coast”, the KZN South Coast has a variety of breathtakingly beautiful golf courses such as Selborne in Pennington.

(Photo credit: Selborne Park Golf Estate,Hotel & Spa)

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Microlight adventures offer a birds eye view of the KZN South Coast.

(Photographer: Noel McDonagh)

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Crocworld Conservation Centre offers diverse wildlife experiences near Scottburgh.

(Photo credit: Crocworld Conservation Centre)

84035c5a892e7c04ee57f0d11f171513.jpeg

Artistry and craftmanship can be found throughout the KZN South Coast with the globally-renowned Polka Dot Coco Fashion conveniently located in the Upper South Coast.

(Photo credit: Polka Dot Coco)

d0dbe5aedb4bb71e2407c6695b1166e6.jpeg

Visitors have ample opportunity to get out in nature and experience the great outdoors with coastal forests and reserves which are home to a myriad of wildlife and local bird species.

(Photo credit:TC Robertson)

32b12b0cb05128b07db084601ed84fa0.jpeg

Visitors will get a chance to experience the rich cultural nuances of the Mthwalume area at the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre where local guides bring history to life through story, crafts and song.

(Photo credit: Justin Klusener)

37bf69b7b7d921cf4377111a10c5a98f.jpeg

Umzumbe Beach.

6a25659d3aa0235a63b3597286634f6f.jpeg

Mountain Biking & Running Trails.

(Photo credit: Rocky Bay Resorts)

About Ugu South Coast Tourism
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is the official destination management organisation of the Ugu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The Ugu District comprises four local municipalities that include Umdoni, Umzumbe, Umuziwabantu and Ray Nkonyeni. USCT’s mandate is to grow tourism within the KZN South Coast. This involves implementing marketing and development initiatives that are aimed at showcasing the diverse offerings and experiences of the South Coast as tourist destination. A board of directors oversees USCT, headed by CEO, Phelisa Mangcu.

About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches, and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title for ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to a number of high-profile events including the The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

Issued on behalf of:

Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media

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FishBazaruto 2020 Marlin Season Highlights

fishbazaruto 2020

FishBazaruto 2020 Marlin Season Highlights

The FishBazaruto 2020 marlin season was made up of trips you count on your hands! We had so many cancellations!

But we are still here and good to go for 2021, you can see the updated special offers, package deals and other rates on the FishBaz website by clicking right HERE (opens in a new window).

And the highlights of the Fishbazaruto 2020 marlin season feature right here in this video! Yip, the camera was turned off stills and onto video for these spectacular and authentic marlin action shots.

And although the videos from Captain Duarte Rato and the crew up on Bazaruto Island and thereabouts a re threateennig to get longer, these short clips work just great for me!

Enjoy the picture show!

And then the gallery, of the best shots by Duarte and crew, during 2020. Lockdown and all!

And here it is…the very best of FishBazaruto 2020!

2021 Bookings are well open for FishBazaruto.com and you would do yourself well by perusing their offerings for this year.

If you cant find anything there that suits you, then get in touch with us right here at The Sardine News, and we can set up exactly what it is that you require for your dream fishing holiday.

We are on YouTube right HERE, please dont forget to subscribe!

Published by The Sardine News
https://thesardine.co.za
https://youtube.com/umzimkulu1/
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Tackling up for trophy estuary gamefish

Chris and rock salmon Mpenjati

Tackling up for trophy estuary gamefish

This video by MYDO Fishing Lures was shot down at the Umzimkulu Marina in Port Shepstone recently. Where trophy estuary gamefish swim!

The video goes through the various criteria and options to consider when tackling up to take on outsized trophy gamefish. Plus, you may hook a shark, or anything all sorts, that you need to be loaded properly for. The video does not discuss brands at all, they hardly get a mention. But rather the requirements for the various aspects as you go along.

Light tackle as it has evolved, has opened up new horizons of possibilities as we hunt these often elusive and hard-to-catch fish. And with braid and hard line guides and reel spools, comes the power. Now a 30lb spinning outfit kitted with a few hundred metres of braid, can take on just about anything and still be in with a chance. Put 50lb and the playing fields are levelled when chasing rock salmon aka mangrove jack in the channels.

However, all this power needs to be balanced and ready for all eventualities. Therefore hook choice and leaders are also explained and discussed in relative detail.

It has been a fun video to put together, and I sincerely hope you guys enjoy at least some parts of it. And subscribe to the ever-growing channel that is The Sardine News.

A big thank you to all my current subscribers, for the motivation to produce more content. Trying for three videos a week but hells bells these things can drag out and still somehow never seem finished! Never mind the dodgy internet down here in the river valley!

Receiving video footage from anglers like Andrew Olden, Chris Woodley and Dave Phillips to mention a few – really makes it more fun too. So if you have something interesting going on, please consider sending it in to be a part of The Sardine News.

Email me Sean on umzimkulu@gmail.com. Or message me, I am still on WhatsApp for now! +27793269671.

Published by The Sardine News
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Video: Cobia hooks huge kayak angler off Umtentweni

Cobia by Andrew Olden off Umtentweni

Cobia hooks huge kayak angler off Umtentweni

In this video story- “Cobia hooks huge kayak angler off Umtentweni”, we don’t only have a good old gasp at the cobia aka prodigal son hooking out-sized kayak angler Andrew Olden, but it’s also an excellent example of a click bait title (for the marketers amongst us).

Except it’s not. The cobia did hook Andrew, right in the leg! Whilst fishing on his kayak, off Umtentweni on the KZN South Coast, on the 31 December 2020.

It’s a great video, that emphasises staying calm in an adverse situation. Even the cobia stayed calm. Thankfully, for as you saw when he finally saw the hatch, he remembered all his moves. As they do with these fish seemingly made from one single extremely strong muscle.

Cobia have been known to damage boats and injure people flat out.

Luckily Andrew has caught a few fish before and did I mention that he is a literal giant?

These fish hardly stood a chance!

Thank you very much, Andrew, for taking the time to get the footage and story to us! And for being the stuntman in this important movie on staying calm when things go bad out at sea.

There is quite a collection of videos now built up on our YouTube Channel. Some of the old stuff is quite slow, but the pace on the newest videos is a lot faster as we adapt to current and trending viewer preferences.

Check it out at https://youtube.com/umzimkulu1/, and we are on Facebook too at https://facebook.com/thesardine.co.za/.

(c) The Sardine News

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VIDEO: Fishing the brown water line with Bongani Pitoyi on the Niteshift

VIDEO: Fishing the water line with Bongani Pitoyi on the Niteshift

VIDEO: Fishing the brown water line with Bongani Pitoyi on the Niteshift

VIDEO: Fishing the brown water line with Bongani Pitoyi on the Niteshift

December 2020 Our guest star fisherman on this trip out on the Niteshift skippered by my Dad Brian Lange was none other than DAFF’s very own Mr.Bongani Pitoyi! And man-oh-man did Bongani choose a lekker afternoon to get out there fishing.

With a real fun crew!

Liam Gallagher did excellent work on camera and presenting duties. His Dad Ralph cheered Bongani on. And young Morrison video-bombed Liam non-stop! Talented team!

Gas bottle sized YFT for Bongani Pitoyi Dec 2020
Gas bottle sized YFT for Bongani Pitoyi Dec 2020

Every year this time, the brown water just never stops. It comes down the Umzimkulu and the other rivers every time it rains. And man-oh-man has it been raining! But ok, we all know that this plume is a magnificent piece of nature at work as the alkalinity in the freshwater carrying all that sediment, balances out the acidity of the ocean. A vital piece of the puzzle this brown water turns out to be.

Brian Lange and Bongani Pitoyi both super stoked on a December 2020 bull dorado taken off Sheppy
Brian Lange and Bongani Pitoyi both super stoked on a December 2020 bull dorado taken off Sheppy

Luckily, pelagics LOVE the brown water line. Or “seam” as fly-fishers would call it. Striped marlin and his cousins the black and blue know all about this hard drawn line between salt and fresh. And they patrol it up and down. Along with dorado, tuna and king mackerel. And if you are really lucky – yellowtail too! The gamefish are here for the hapless baitfish that get caught up in the brown water, and then pop out in confusion where a shoal of angry game fish are waiting. The billfish are after these fish! The odd shark will venture inshore in these conditions. Especially dumb hammerheads that think our couta baits are for them!?

Bongani Pitoyi bull dorado taken on brown water lineoff Port Shepstone December 2020 aboard the Niteshift
Bongani Pitoyi bull dorado taken on brown water lineoff Port Shepstone December 2020 aboard the Niteshift

The plume will be around for another few weeks, and every day its good, boats are dotted along its length. The strong prevailing north south current, and east winds, will keep dragging the stuff away south where it dissipates. Although many rivers are still clean or slightly clean, the main ones like the Umkomaas and the Umzimkulu, look like they will be pumping for quite some time. Last nights rains were especially soaking, albeit gentle.

Yellowfin Tuna patrol the brown water line along with many other serious gamefish and billfish. YFT 35kgs about by Bongani Pitoyi on the Niteshift out off Port Shepstone
Yellowfin Tuna patrol the brown water line along with many other serious gamefish and billfish. YFT 35kgs about by Bongani Pitoyi on the Niteshift out off Port Shepstone

We can also however, catch the huge barbel that have been observed herding mullet into the stormwater pipes at Spillers. And gulping them down by the mouthful. If you would to have a go at these VUNDU sized barbel, get in touch on +27793269671 and we can work something out.

Otherwise, after this west wind, I think it’s gonna boil out there tomorrow! See you on the colour line!

It would be real cool if you are not subscribed to our FREE YouTube Channel, to subscribe. Click here to check it all out.

If you are a Facebooker, we are here.

By The Sardine News.

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