Mantis & Moon activities
Surf school
Learn to surf the best wave on the south coast.
Tuition is available with our professional surf instructor on specially designed student boards.
R100 including surfboard rental and lots of fun!
Surf- & body boards
Hire a surfboard for R150 a day or a body board for R50. You can find the boards in the sports corner.
Mountain bikes
The bikes are free and situated in the sports corner.
A lock is provided for each bike, please use it.
Don't take the bikes on to the beach and return them by 6.00 PM.
Snorkelling equipment
Umzumbe's clear water is perfect for snorkelling. You can use our equipment for free. The snorkelling gear includes a mask, snorkel and flippers. Ask one of the staff members to give you the equipment.
Please wash the equipment thoroughly with clear water after use.
Surfers Paradise
The south coast is a surfers dream. We have put together details of the local surf breaks to make your life a bit easier. So get on your board and go catch yourself a barrel!
From north to south
* Umzumbe: Right hand point/beach break
* Shark Bay: Left point, seldom works
* Kingfisher Point: Right hand point, no shark nets
* Big fisherman: Left point, beach break
* Banana beach: Right hand point
* Sunwich port: Gnarly right hand barrelling point, experts only
* Umtentweni: Right hand point, beach break, holds a big swell
* St Michaels: Right hand point
Surfing safaris
We can also arrange a surfing safari where a local company takes you by boat to the more inaccessible surfing spots. This is for experienced surfers only.
R200 per person (minimum 4 persons)
Massage treatments
As a backpacker you may find that travelling, hiking, game drives, water sports and even missing home can take their toll on you, so why not treat yourself.
Relax and rewind those aching and tired muscles, regenerate your mind, body and spirit with the following treatments:
Reflexology
The combined art and science of working reflex points on the feet to trigger balance in the body. Reflexology induces extreme relaxation, which allows your body's own natural healing process to take place. It improves circulation, reduces stress and cleanses the body of toxins and impurities. You will feel revitalised and energised.
Indian head massage
A traditional technique of manipulating soft tissues in the head, face, neck, shoulders, arms and upper back. It relieves tension, eases aching muscles and improves blood circulation. It can also improve hair condition and help ailments such as migraine, sinusitis and insomnia.
Reiki
Reiki, a Japanese word, is translated to mean universal life force. It is a very simple system of healing practiced for thousands of years. Reiki heals on all levels, physically, mentally and spiritually. It supports the body's natural ability to heal itself. It is non-denominational, practiced by many different religions and cultures. Enjoy the balancing effects of this all embracing, healing art.
Aromatherapy
Essential oils used in the practice of aromatherapy are for the treatment of a number of different ailments or conditions. They tend to have anti-viral, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. Aromatherapy works partly trough the sense of smell but mostly by absorption through the skin. It aids relaxation, improves circulation, stimulates lymphatic drainage and eliminates toxins and impurities from the body. It is uplifting, revitalising and good for toning muscles.
Cynthia Cole does all the treatments. She is an experienced masseuse and will make sure you unwind and relax. The treatments are done in the treehouse next to the bar. Ask the staff to make an appointment for you and about the prices.
Scuba diving
Learn diving or go diving with Beachfront Scuba and experience the beautiful local dive sites off Hibberdene. We can also arrange dives at Aliwal Shoal, which is rated one of the top 10 dive sites in the world. It's famous for its sharks, rays and turtles.
Open water
Cost is R1600 per person (or R1400 for 4 or more candidates). The cost includes transport, equipment, air fills, study books…everything. You should allow a minimum of 5 days to complete the course.
Advanced
Cost is R1500 per person (or R1300 for 4 or more candidates), all-inclusive.
Both these courses are NAUI (national association of underwater instructors) courses. It is accepted worldwide and can be used in conjunction with any PADI course or company. Our instructor, Pierre of Beachfront Scuba, is excellent and very patient. He's highly recommended by other guests.
Other courses available
* Rescue diver R1100
* CPR & first aid R715
* Speciality - nitrox diver R1450
* Master scuba diver R2300
* Dive master R2975
(Excl. registration to NAUI worldwide)
Other activities
Ocean safari's
Fascinated by the ocean? Beachfront Scuba runs a boat trip that takes you in search
of dolphins, whales and other marine life.
Whales usually spotted between May and September.
* A one hour trip costs R200 per person
They need a minimum of 4 people to launch the boat, so please book in advance.
Please note that the trip is weather dependent
Barge trip
Would you like to laze away the afternoon on the Umzumkulu River?
We can arrange a barge trip, which includes a fantastic fishmeal.
You can also cool down with a beer from the on board bar.
R120 per person including lunch
Oribi Gorge
Approximately 25 km away, the Umzimkulwana River has etched a spectacular gorge into the mountains to create a rugged, natural landscape of breathtaking beauty.
The gorge, some 27 km long and up to 1 km wide, is the sight of Oribi Gorge nature reserve. A pristine natural bush, teeming with wildlife and huge indigenous trees.\
The area offers a variety of activities from the adrenaline pumping to the relaxing. The Wild 5 is situated at Oribi Gorge and they offer exciting and fun activities.
Entrance to the nature reserve is R10 per person. Let us know what kind of activity you want to do, we can tell you all about if and book for you.
Abseiling
The highest, natural, commercial abseil in the world! Abseil 110 meters down the cliff along side a waterfall and incredible views, an amazing experience. Cost is R200 a person.
Gorge swing
Unbelievable madness. Catapult down the gorge, it will back you come back for more. Cost is R300 per person.
Foofy slide
Slide along a 120 m steel cable across the gorge, 160 m above the ground. Definitely makes your heart beat faster! Cost is R180 per person.
River rafting
Half day, full day and two-day trips offered down the Umzimkulu River. Rapids range from grades 2-4 depending on the level of the river. Cost is R350 per person for full day including lunch.
Hiking & mountain bike trails
Baboon's trail and camel trail (approx. 1-9 km) are easy trails along the edge of the gorge. Lehr's trail (1-2 hours) to the foot of the waterfall is more challenging. Bring your own bike
Horse riding
Exciting horse trails, enjoy wildlife and the beautiful views.
Cost R150 per person for one hour and a half .
4 x 4 trails
Get your 4x4 into the real bush. Three challenging trails to test man and machine. Entrance into the nature reserve is R10 per person.
If you require transport to Oribi Gorge the Wild 5 will provide return trip for R120 per person. So get some friends together and have a day to remember.
Lake Eland Game Reserve
Bush field, grasslands, wetlands and costal forest are the four distinct ecosystems that provide visitors with the opportunity to view animals such as giraffe, zebra, wildebeest, eland and the shy mountain reedbuck.
Well-maintained dirt roads make it possible to view from the comfort of your own car.
Experience the rush of walking over the suspension bridge to the eagle's nest view site.
Park entrance fee R20 per person, just turn up (last entrance 4 pm, gate closes at 6 pm).
Game drives in open vehicle available at R70 per person (minimum charge R350). Please book in advance.
Echo Valley Coffee
Take a tour around a working coffee plantation where Sandra and Raymond explain the process of coffee farming from seedling to mouth.
Tantalise your taste buds by sampling their delicious coffees or have a light snack at their café.
In season you can pick your own macadamia nuts!
Plantation tours R12 per person between 10 am and 3 pm, the tour lasts about 45 minutes. They are closed on Thursdays. Please book in advance 039 687 0250.
Leopard Rock Coffee Shop
A fully licensed coffee shop with breathtaking views over the majestic Oribi Gorge. Climb out on to the overhanging rock for a different perspective if you dare! Open from Tuesday - Sunday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. They serve breakfasts, light meals, salads, steaks, burgers and homemade cakes. There is also a curio shop.
Sardine run
Every year when the aloes start to bloom on the Kwazulu-Natal South coast, people brace themselves for an event unsurpassed by anything anywhere in the world; the annual sardine run. This incredible phenomenon usually starts in the first week of June and lasts about two months. Nature makes its own rules however and the only sure thing is that they will be here every year and that people will be infected by 'sardine fever'.
It is one of nature's most grand annual extravaganzas, a vivid drama epic in scale and 'made-for-spectators' to rival any listed any listed wonder of the world. Countless millions of tiny silver fish heading north from spawning and feeding grounds off the eastern cape reach Zulu kingdom waters at our southern most seaside resort town of Port Edward, pursues by the most well-equipped and voracious predators on earth, both ocean-going and airborne. These relentless hunters occasionally drive splinters on the giant sardine shoal ashore, where equally frenzied human 'extras' gleefully join the cast
of this wide-screen blockbuster. The showing runs for several weeks, at its most intense along our hibiscus coast, then gradually lessening as the constantly harvest shoal continues its lemming-like migration northwards. Despite this insistent hunting attention, the last surviving sardines have usually managed a 200-kilometre journey, beyond the golden beaches of Durban Metro, before final oblivion in the 'smiling' mouths of our aptly named dolphin coasts start attractions.
Game fish and hungry sharks follow the sardines. To add to this symphony of marine life an estimated 3000 bottlenose dolphins and 20.000 common dolphins can be seen frolicking in the water; flocks of cape gannets, cormorants, terns and gulls complete this wonderful natural display.
When these hungry predators drive shoal splinter inshore, the ocean water appears to boil as the tiny fish are driven to the surface. They are so intent on escape that they are sometimes even driven right on to the beach where you can literally pick them up off the sand. You may also see sharks trashing
about on the surface just beyond the waves and this show guarantees an unusual and thrilling experience, free from danger. However, sharks may well follow into uncharacteristically shallow water and pose a real threat to blissfully unaware paddlers scooping up bucketsful of snacks-to-be…so take care!
Humans are however the largest of all the predators taking 700 tons of shining little fish by means of seine nets. During this feeding frenzy the true symptoms of sardine fever are witnessed with people attempting to catch sardines by any means possible.
So whether in the capable, experienced hands of air- or sea- borne tour operator, or simply armed with the sardine hotline number plus a pair of binoculars, plastic bathtub and grandma primed to be on her best behaviour, our Zulu kingdoms annual winter sardine run is a unique experience that guarantees memories for a lifetime.
Here is coastal living at its best, warm and inviting Indian ocean, picture perfect beaches, friendly and helpful locals, plus during the buzz of our sardine run a sense of camaraderie to rival that unbeatable feeling of supporting the winning team on cup final day! This moving fish restaurant makes its way north and disappears eastwards after reaching Durban where the fish head into deeper waters. Despite what happens to them every year the sardines will be back again in June or July. And everyone in our Zulu Kingdom looks forward to sharing with you our very own special wonder of the world, the greatest shoal on earth.
Talk to us about arranging diving or boat chartering during the sardine run.