Rock Caverns

Mangrove Swamp

Southern Right Whale

'Waving Goodbye?'

Zulu Traditional Hut

Aeons of surf pounding on the calciferous rock has created fantastic caverns and blow holes. However fascinating it can be dangerous to explore if one does not keep careful watch of the tide!

Mangroves are ancient coastal forests and have mostly been destroyed. This one on the SAPPHIRE COAST, just 10 minutes by road from LOELOERAAI is one of very few such sites left and is protected. Boat rides on the river and hiking trails. Always mind your safety!

Whales visit the shores of the SAPPHIRE COAST from JUNE to early December. They firs appear around the same time as the SARDINES. They move into the warmer water for breeding purposes and because of the abundant food at that time of year. Southern Rights'; Humpbacks and Killer Whales (Orcas) are the most common. Common and bottle nosed DOLPHIN are also about in large pods.

Whales , especially the Southern Right is often seen 'standing on its head' with the tail above water. They stay that way for some time - the reason for this is unknown.

It is a spectacular sight, especially when out at sea and one can get fairly close. The size of the tails are astounding...

The ZULU nation created by the legendary KING SHAKA has a rich culture and tradition. The beehive hut is the traditional abode of the Zulu people and SHAKA himself lived in it (when not at war). A number of traditional UMUZI (town) is maintained to protect the heritage and is accessible to tourists - living museums as it were..

The beehive hut is comfortable, strong and spacious. They were placed in concentric circles to form the Umuzi , with that of the king or INDUNA at the end furthest from the gate.

Millions upon millions of these little fish annually migrate up the South Coast in shoals kilometers long and wide. Their arrival causes feeding frenzy of epic proportions. Thousands of SEA BIRDS dive into the water from dizzy heights and gorge themselves to a point wher they can hardly fly and simply wallow in the water. SHARKS, DOLPHINS and a host of other predators decend on the shoals. Funny little boats with nets, buckets and other strange receptacles take to the water to collect as many as they can. Women wade into the water and use their skirts to scoop tem up. For three weeks the entire south coast goes nuts!!

Game reserves boasting most if not all of the BIG FIVE, LITTLE FIVE, SMALL FIVE, Crocodiles etc in typical AFRICAN bush. SOme close enough for a day visit, and even a day on horseback amongst the animals.