Relax in the unspoiled towns of the North Coast
Category Rental Advice
There are a few places as beautiful as KZN's North Coast, where unspoiled towns kiss the shores of the warm Indian Ocean and nearly perfect weather draws in holidaymakers throughout the year.
"When this coastal belt is mentioned, most people think of Ballito as it is the most popular town here, and boasts the most established holiday and residential sectors," says Chas Everitt International's holiday rental manager for Ballito, Karen von Wielligh. "And, yes, Ballito is a perfect place to spend long-weekends enjoying stunning beaches and world-class accommodation with panoramic sea-views."
However, she says, the North Coast also holds many more gems. "As you venture further afield, you will find a mix of quaint coastal villages, each with its own personality and distinct atmosphere, such as Westbrook, Chaka's Rock, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach, uMhlali, Tinley Manor and Shakaskraal. "What's more, the white sandy beaches in each town are perfect for swimming, enjoying sunlit picnics, and taking lazy strolls in the evenings - and considering that this region experiences 320 days of sunshine a year, you can be sure that your holiday getaway will be a sunny and warm one."
She adds that the towns are popular for their tidal pools, such as Granny's Pool at Salt Rock Beach, and Charlie's Pool and Hole in the Wall in Chakas Rock. "There are also tidal pools at Sheffield Beach where you can usually find a number of people spearfishing. For adventure seekers, Charlie's Pool also offers snorkelling among an abundance of fish, coral and other sea life."
These North Coast towns are all considerably less developed than Ballito, which means that their holiday homes are often surrounded by unspoiled nature and pristine coastlines that highlight the local flora and fauna. The region also has a distinct feeling of family and community, says Von Wielligh, making it a perfect holiday destination for every member of the family, including beloved pets. In fact, she says, one of the most frequent requests made by holidaymakers is for pet-friendly accommodation, followed by easy beach access and good sea-views.
Self-catering holiday apartments, complexes and estate homes with wifi and air-conditioning are the property types most in demand. "As for the price point, rates for holiday homes on the North Coast start from as little as R600/night in low season, R900/night in semi-season and R1450/night in peak season and play a big role in drawing more tourists to our shores each year from international destinations as well as from other parts of SA, especially Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Northern Cape and the Free State."
She adds that the King Shaka International Airport, which is just a short drive (under 30 minutes) from most North Coast destinations, has made it even easier for tourists to access these towns. Over the past few years, the widespread development of new restaurants and shopping venues has made the North Coast towns even more popular. "And of course there is always the option of taking a short drive to Ballito, where there is an ever-growing choice of amenities around every corner.
"In addition to beautiful beaches and all sorts of water sports facilities, the North Coast also boasts a large number of attractions and activities such as Crocodile Creek, microlight flights, skydiving, golf courses, mountain biking, art galleries and health resorts and spas. It really is a great choice for a wonderful family holiday."
Author: Meg Wilson