Crocodiles, a Coke-drinking donkey, an upside down house… and more to explore – on the KZN South Coast this spring

 

 

Spring has sprung and the flowers are blooming while whales frolic in the bays along the KZN South Coast – one of South Africa’s most popular holiday destinations. Not only does this strip of coastline provide visitors with year-round swimming, a temperate sub-tropical climate, and warm and welcoming Zulu hospitality, there are also plenty of exciting (and quirky) attractions on offer.

Whether you and your family are into butterflies or crocodiles, whales or dinosaurs, you can visit them all on the South Coast this spring. There’s even a legendary pub and restaurant where the resident donkey ambles up to the bar and drinks a coke with a straw!

 

Here are some more fun ideas for an adventure-packed coastal holiday

The Upside Down House

 

The Upside Down House in Melville, Port Shepstone, is a unique attraction on the KZN South Coast. The house is designed to look like it’s flipped upside down, with the roof on the ground and the foundations in the air. Inside, all the furniture and decor are also arranged upside down, creating a whimsical and surreal experience.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean from this unusual perspective, making it a great spot for creative photos. The house is open every day from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

• https://www.upsidedownhouse.co.za/melville.html 
• info.melville@upsidedownhouse.co.za
• 067 455 9112

 

Crocworld Conservation Centre

 

Interact with nature and learn all about crocs, birds (and snakes) at Crocworld in Scottburgh. Get there at 11am or 3pm (Tuesday to Sunday) so you can watch the crocodiles being fed. And when you’re hungry, the famous Fish Eagle Café offers fabulous food with a spectacular view. If you visit before the end of October, you might be lucky enough to get in some whale watching from the restaurant’s viewing deck!

Crocworld is open seven days a week, and guests from Umthunzi qualify for a special discounted entry fee if they bring local hotel proof of stay.

• https://crocworld.co.za/

 

Butterfly Valley

 

Butterfly Valley, in Fascadale Road, Ramsgate offers a unique experience for butterfly enthusiasts. Because they breed most of their own butterflies, they are able to present the entire life cycle of these amazing creatures to the public.

In the flight dome, visitors can mingle with butterflies. The creatures can sense the security that the enclosed area provides for them and are generally far more calm and relaxed than wild butterflies. This allows for excellent photo opportunities so don’t forget your camera!

The Ramsgate ‘Butterfly Valley’ butterfly farm is open 7 days a week, 9am to 4pm (last tour starts at appox.3pm) and Sundays from 10am to 2pm

• 073 422 5357 / 072 235 3688
• butterflyvalley@ymail.com

 

Dino Park

 

The kids will love this Jurassic jungle situated in Beach Road, Melville. Set in a mini tropical park, little feet can run through pathways while viewing a variety of life-size dinosaurs. There are 25 dinos on display and a fossil sand pit for the future palaeontologist. Catch the mini dino show on weekends (weather permitting) and there’s a dino maze to explore too!

• https://www.dinoparksa.co.za/

 

Mac Banana Animal Farm and Rope Adventure Park

 

Positioned between Palm Beach and Munster, Port Edward Mac Banana is a fun day out for the entire family.

Mac Chimp and Zee is a zipline / obstacle course that takes place on one continuous line! Choose from three courses: Zipline Cable, Zip Express Course, Zip Adventure Course – or a combo package.

Then meet the animals at Mac Farmyard that include donkeys, potbelly pigs, rabbits, ducks, goats, and emus: there are pony rides on offer too!

• Check out https://www.macbanana.com/ to see what other adventure activities are available.

 

And finally… A donkey goes up to the bar and orders a coke – at Pistols Saloon in Ramsgate

 

Yes, seriously. At the legendary Pistols Saloon in Ramsgate, Donkey is a regular at the bar. She drinks Coke, eats carrots and is a favourite with all the regulars. This family-friendly venue also offers a Wild West Museum next door, with lots of cowboy memorabilia.

• https://pistolssaloon.co.za/

There certainly is lots for everyone to see and do on the KZN South Coast this spring, and Umthunzi Hotel and Conference is ideally situated to enjoy all these outdoor adventures that are only a short drive away. Take a look at their great rates for couples and families and book your coastal holiday today!

Sasha is a freelance journalist and has a passion for writing, reading, good food and wine. She’s obsessed with the IDEA of healthy eating (as well as chocolate – dark of course) and is always experimenting with alternative health therapies and trying to get the family to eat less sugar. Her best reward at the end of a busy week: a good book or time to sit on the beach and stare at the sea: whichever option is available.