sunset cruise Archives - The Sardine News

Champagne Breakfast at St. Helen’s Rock, KZN, Port Shepstone

Champagne Breakfast at St. Helen’s Rock, KZN, Port Shepstone: Sian and her friends visiting the south coast down from Jhb had pre-booked a ride with us quite some time before. But we had a surprise in store. For Sian and her enthusiastic crew.

St. Helen’s Rock expedition video

They were going on an ancient tradition this time round – a river ride from Port Shepstone harbour – up to St. Helen’s Rock. 14 Kilometres of winding river and deep nature. Starting early and not without the usual confusion and chaos of a big crew, we were soon racing with the tide and current. In order to get under the low-level bridge but up the first rapid, or Berm ONE as it is affectionately known, we had to time it just right. Berm TWO was easier but took a while as we skirted sandbank and reef to get in and around the corner. But then it’s plain sailing and we cruise past the pump station and onto the bend that hosts St. Helen’s majestic piece of Africa.

The champagne was soon flowing and the breakfast was spluttering on the skottel. There is a helluva lot of exploring to do up at St. Helen’s Rock. Just about where the Umzimkulwana and the Umzimkulu come snaking out of the Oribi Gorge. We are actually able to go even further up into the Oribi Gorge. But that is going to be for the next boundary-pushing adventure. We did bring a kayak and next time we will bring even more, to enable even more exploring of this historic site.

Blazing an old trail upriver and into the historical hinterland at St. Helen's Rock

Yes it was rather icy cold at this stage. But we had coffee and rusks.

Your Captains are good to go this winter season. St. Helen's Rock in the background

History

There was certainly trade and business going on here back when this was the commercial junction from Durban to all of southern Natal and beyond. This exact spot! There are ruins everywhere. And rumours of a complete village settlement on the north bank still need to be verified. There is the wreck of a beautiful European looking boat half-buried into the mountain bank. There are railway tracks and even sidings strewn about by the floods, at the confluence of the two mighty rivers – the Umzimkulu (comes from the Berg) and the Umzimkulwana (comes from Lake Eland).

This wreck we encountered whilst surveying the upper reaches of the Umzimkulu Estuary

And just wait ’til you hear what St. Helen did to get that beautiful big old rock named after her.

Forthcoming attraction!

Let’s gooooooo!

So please get in touch anytime on umzimkulu@gmail.com or call me up on +27793269671 although WhatsApp really works best. If you like this type of adventure. Rates are roughly R100 per person per hour. And we can cater and bring loaded coolers.

BTW we run on solar power and electric engines. SILENT! And you are welcome to bring a fly-rod.

There is a lot more to see and do on The Sardine News website at https://thesardine.co.za and the MasterWatermen at https://masterwatermen.co.za.

Exploring the Bazaruto Archipelago

There is just so, so much to do and see, in the Bazaruto Archipelago.

But you need a boat.

And this is when you log on to fishbazaruto.com and get in touch with the team who are right there in Vilankulos. With boats aplenty.

Fish Bazaruto is captained by local guide and skipper, Duarte Rato. Who has amassed more hours out and around the Bazaruto Archipelago islands than even most of the fish out there. His main job is taming huge marlin and teaching them some manners before releasing them. His stern talking to’s have gained Duarte much respect in the world of marlin fishing.

Fish Bazaruto have recently expanded their fleet and have begun focusing on family and fun activities, to complement their sport fishing packages.

So now, whilst the manne are out fishing, the ladies and kids can cruise the villages and explore the markets, ride a fat bike, cruise in a canoe…

Or take a boat!

Out to the deserted sandy islands and beaches, winding through crystal clear channels, sea life all around. Flamingoes. Rays. Maybe even a pod of dolphins will come say hi. The boat cruises are customizable and can include an island barbeque. Or snorkelling the sea grass for seahorses. Or catch and release fishing. Or just soaking up some well deserved vitamin D.

For an even more adventurous day, go on an ocean safari or whale watching trip (in season) and put yourself right in the thick of things. Marine wild life in these waters is world renowned. They even got dugongs!

So get in touch with Captain Duarte Rato via his content rich and feature-filled website on fishbazaruto.com

Enjoy the gallery!