Hi, I’m Helen, a Marketing and Tourism Manager from Cape Town. I lived near Zinkwazi (North Coast, KwaZulu Natal) when I was growing up and still visit regularly so thought I’d share some of my favourites …
ZINKWAZI IS BEST KNOWN FOR its beautiful, mostly quiet, beaches and its picturesque lagoon. The beaches provide safe bathing with life-savers on duty during the busy seasons (Easter and Christmas) and the lagoon is perfect for canoeing and kayaking.
I love this tiny village because you can just get away from it all – apart from Prouds Pizza on the beach or the tiny restaurant at Darnall Country Club 10kms away there are no restaurants or coffee shops. In fact the closest restaurants are in Ballito, 30kms away.
If you are holidaying at Zinkwazi expect to walk around barefoot for the entire time you are there and return to your home feeling completely re-energised …
WHEN THE WEATHER’S GOOD, I LIKE TO walk along the beach.
WHEN THE WEATHER’S BAD, I LIKE TO watch DVDs at home!
I THINK THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT IS any time other than mid summer because the humidity has gone but the sea is still warm and beautifully clean and clear.
FOR LUNCH, I SUGGEST Prouds Pizza at the Main Beach parking lot – you cant miss him!
IF YOU WANT TO MEET LOCALS, GO TO Mahogany Reef at the ski boat club!
MY FAVOURITE THING TO DO WITH FRIENDS IS have sundowners on the beach.
MY FAVOURITE dolphin-watching SPOT IS from the patio at my house!
ZINKWAZI’S BEST KEPT SECRET IS the beautiful beach and lagoon.
TO RELAX AND RESTORE MY SOUL, I LIKE TO sit on the deck and watch the sea.
IF YOU’RE FEELING ADVENTUROUS, TRY cray fishing from the rocks – but remember to have a valid license.
FOR SOME CULTURE you can walk all the way along the beach to the mouth of the Tugela River – but it’s a whole days walk so take plenty of water and sunscreen with you.
TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN? A FUN THING TO DO IS look for fish in Granny’s Pool!
BEST CHEAP AND CHEERFUL OUTING IS a boat trip up the lagoon – if you have your own boat!
WHEN I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY I purchase grass baskets or beaded necklaces from the talented ladies at the entrance to the main beach parking.
I Love Zinkwazi Because I’ve been going there for 27 years and not much has changed. It’s where you go to get away from it all and the complete lack of restaurants and nightclubs means that it’s stayed small and relatively unknown … the way the locals like it!
PS: Please note that while Zinkwazi has a small shop for bread and milk, if you need to do a big shop then Ballito would be your best closest option (Woolworths, Spar and Everfresh) so please do come prepared!!
Useful Links
Zinkwazi Attractions
Zinkwazi Accommodation
Zinkwazi Self Catering
KwaZulu Natal Accommodation
KwaZulu Natal Hotels
