Amanzimtoti Geography Amanzimtoti, part of he eThekweni Municipality, is situated a mere 40km south of Durban History Legend has it that when the Zulu King Shaka tasted the water in 1828, he proclaimed 'Kanti amanza mtoti' or 'so, the water is sweet'. A little later, in December 1897, the railway and the first hotel opened in the area. Amanzimtoti, or 'Toti as it is often referred to, eventually gained municipal status in September 1952. Today it is a warm and friendly holiday resort town blessed with a great climate and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Arts & Culture The homestead of Dick King is in town and is now fully restored. However, don't go there for the wrong reasons - it is the headquarters of the local traffic department. Science & Nature Toti is home to wonderful sandy beaches with sage swimming facilities and excellent rock, shore and deep-sea fishing opportunities. Some of these beaches include Winklespruit, Inyoni Rocks and Pipeline Beach and they are perfect for summer family holidays. Around July each year a natural phenomenon known as the Sardine Run takes place, and millions of sardines that gather in massive schools on the shore can easily be scooped up with a bucket! The area surrounding Amanzimtoti will fascinate tourists interested in nature There are a few nature reserves including the Umbogovango Nature Reserve, Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve and the Ilando Wilds, all offering hiking trails through magical indigenous forests with abundant bird life ans small mammals. The Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary is a large expanse of open water surrounded by gardens and forests, and visitors can do an easy half-hour self-guided trail that winds through the forest, with the opportunity of seeing many of the 150 bird species in the sanctuary. Entertainment Visitors to Toti can take a ride on the Bannana Exprss narrow gauge steam train that runs between Port Shepstone and Paddock. The train climbs and winds inland through banana plantations and lush green sugar cane fields, and luscious hills and valleys Sport The Hibiscus Coast appeals to the sporty traveler, as the area boasts ten top class golf courses, surfing, seep sea fishing, sailing and diving. The hills and valleys of the area appeal to those looking for quality hiking and mountain biking and mountain biking trails, while the town of Umtentweni itself has tennis and bowls facilities. |
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