Reserves & Activities

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Local Nature Reserves

The Red Desert

Port Edward’s unusual claim to fame is the Red Desert, which stands in stark contrast to the surrounding tropical vegetation. At only 200m wide, this national heritage site is acknowledged in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest desert in the world.

While extra-terrestrial landings, excessive overgrazing and other intriguing tales are attributed to its origins, archeological artifacts unearthed at the Red Desert prove that some 250 million years ago, dinosaurs called Port Edward home. There are also some incredibly rare endemic plants to explore in the surrounding grasslands, forests and wetlands.

The Crags View Wild Care Centre

Situated on Crag’s View Farm, Crag’s view Wild Care Centre is the only official wildlife rehabilitation centre serving the lower South Coast region. Visit the Centre with the kids for a heartwarming educational experience. The Centre is home to birds and animals that have sustained injuries and stress due to human influence, it aims is to simulate their natural environments. ‘Patients’ at the centre include antelope, small mammals and indigenous birds.

Umtamvuna Nature Reserve

A hike through the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve will reveal a botanical paradise that consists of riverine forests and steep rocky cliffs. KwaZulu-Natal’s southernmost nature reserve, which borders the Umtamvuna River, is also home to both the Cape vulture and fish eagle.

There are numerous trails highlighting the reserve’s fantastic scenery. Keep your eyes peeled for bushbuck, serval cats, baboons, samango monkeys, duiker and common reedbuck.

Mpenjati Nature Reserve

This lush little coastal reserve is less than 10 minutes’ drive north from Leisure Bay. The 60-hectare reserve comprises a system of interlinking wetlands, grasslands and dune forests. The most popular activities are birding, fishing, swimming, and hiking. Two picnic sites on each bank of the Mpenjati River have barbecue facilities, ablution blocks and a children’s playground.

Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

This is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s most spectacular natural settings ideal for day-excursions. Oribi offers many delightful walks and self-guided trails to scenic spots in the reserve. There are numerous idyllic picnic spots on the banks of the river. Wildlife includes leopard, baboon, small antelope and a prolific bird life.

Local Activities

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Amadiba Adventures – horse back trails.
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Beaches (less than 500m) - T.O. Strand is just down the road from The Big Fish Seaside Cottage and not much further on are Drake, Peter Pan and Kidds beaches which have lifeguards during peak seasons.
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Beaver Creek Coffee Estate. Enjoy a 30 - 45-minute walk around the farm on a Crop to Cup tour, which outlines the distinctive flavours of the world's coffee regions and the processes involved in creating the perfect cup. Get your caffeine fix afterwards at The Estate Cafe, where you can sample all the coffee varieties available.
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Boating - activities on the mighty Umtamvuna River. Marine slipway (Port Edward).
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Country Clubs – local club’s welcome visitors for tennis, bowls etc.
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Far Horizon Animal Farm – Fun for children with the farmyard animals and coffee shop for moms and dads.
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Fishing - Rock and surf fishing are year-round activities with the winter months being more rewarding. Ski boat-fishing charters available from Port Edward
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Golf – courses to be found at the Wild Coast Sun, Southbroom Golf Course and San Lameer Estate.
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Mac Banana - Specialty shops, beauty spa, Fudge corner, 4 restaurants, children’s play area and South Coast Tourism Information Center
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North Sand Bluff Lighthouse – offers the best views of the coast Established in 1968 and rebuilt in 1999, this Port Edward lighthouse is a vital part of the South African lighthouse network. The Ships Galley Coffee Shop dishes up light meals, cakes and refreshments.
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Petrified Forest and fossil beds at the Wild Coast.
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Riverbend Crocodile Farm, Art Gallery & Wine Cellar - Wildlife center and home to over 200 Nile crocodiles with regular feeding shows and seasonal hatchings.
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Sardine Run - The spectacular sardine run is scheduled between May and August.
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Scuba diving - excursions from Shelly Beach.
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The Wild Five at Oribi Gorge. Wild Gorge Swing - is the highest swing in the world. Wild water rafting - relaxed paddle or rapids. Wild Abseiling - currently the highest natural commercial abseils in the world at 110 meters. Wild Slide - a foofy slide for the less brave; slide 120m along a steel cable 160m above the ground for a unique view of the gorge and Lehrs falls. Wild Hiking and Bike Trails.
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Whale spotting - Southern Right, Humpback, Minky, Orca and Brydes throughout the year.
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Wild Coast Sun Hotel and Casino.
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Wild Waves Water Park - exciting water activities and slides to suit the whole family.

Shopping

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Margate is a popular attraction for students during December holidays due to its night life and is only a 20-minute drive.
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Port Edward is 8km away so there is easy access to the Spar, Boxer or Sentra for your groceries.
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Shelly Beach Centre features a Ster- Kinekor and numerous other shops and restaurants to keep you busy on those rainy days.
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South Coast Mall is about a 27-minute drive for your more serious shopping needs.

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