One of the most attractive and popular resorts on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, Scottburgh’s past is steeped in both colonial and traditional Zulu culture. Shaka King of the Zulu’s, and his entourage were amongst some of the early visitors to this area. Stopping to rest and drink from a nearby spring, he was distracted by the myriad of birds at the mouth of the river beside which the town was later to be built. He wondered how on earth each bird would know to which nest it should return and named the river “Mpambanyoni” which translates to “Confuser of Birds”. A plaque commemorating this event, was erected at the site of the spring.
During 1860, Scottburgh was the first town to be laid out south of Durban and was named after Sir John Scott, the Lieutenant-Governor of Natal. At the turn of the century, the shallow bay was home to a fleet of fishing vessels and was, for a time a promising harbour. This was cause for much excitement among the local sugar pioneers eager to transport their harvest to Durban. These pioneers were part of the contingent of Byrne Settlers who arrived in 1850 from Liverpool on board the Henrietta. They named the bay Davenport and although it was used by a few shallow-draught coasters, the railway line proved more practical.
Scottburgh became home to some of the Byrne settlers from the United Kingdom who began to arrive in KwaZulu-Natal from 1850. These settlers included Joseph and Fanny Landers, for whom Lander’s Reef is named and the Crookes brothers, Charles and Samuel Crookes. They began to establish sugar farms and ultimately sugar mills – this was the start of an industry that is still one of the economic cornerstones of the South Coast. Crookes Brothers is one of the oldest family companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa and it has it headquarters on a hill above Renishaw.
Today, Scottburgh is a thriving coastal resort. Drawn by the year-round temperate sub-tropical climate and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, visitors flock to escape the cooler hinterland to enjoy the town’s natural and cultural attractions.
Enjoy nature at its most enticing
Scottburgh’s main appeal lies with it’s sheltered bathing beach, or Scott Bay as it is more commonly referred to. The beach with its vast expanse of terraced lawns and expansive sandy beaches is geared for holiday fun and together with an inviting tidal and paddling pool, supertube, miniature railway and protected bathing will ensure carefree family holidays.
Surfers can indulge their passion to find the perfect wave as the ocean here is blessed with the swells and points to deliver the goods. The Green Point Lighthouse, a national monument, was erected in 1905, and situated on a hilltop opposite Blamey’s Bay, beams out a powerful warning to passing ships of the perils of the Aliwal Shoal. Although no wrecks are visible along this section of coast, the perilous shoal, treacherously close to the surface and nearly a kilometre wide in places, has had its fair share of casualties.
One of the first recorded tragedies was the British steamship Nebo, sinking on its maiden voyage to Durban in 1884. The most recent being the Amy Lykes, which ran aground one morning in 1970 and the Produce, in 1974. Deep-sea diving enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with a number of excellent dive sites in close proximity to the resort, with the Aliwal shoal, rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world, being the jewel of the south coast.
This shoal is rich in marine and plant life and good visibility will ensure lasting memories. Lander’s Reef just off Scottburgh beach is perfect for deep diving to depths ranging from 20 to 36m deep. The mysteries of the deep, which are home to abundant plant life and reef fish are enhanced by shipwrecks just waiting to be explored - and good visibility which is normally around 15m.
Almost without exception, the warm south-flowing Agulhas current ensures an abundance of fish species off the coast with well-known spots being the rocks at Scottburgh, the pier at Rocky Bay or from the stretches of sandy beaches. Deep sea angling is an added attraction for those anglers wishing to be more adventurous. An excursion to TC Robertson’s 60 ha of river and coastal bush offers opportunities to view over 200 species of water birds and other avifauna, as well as 15 species of mammal including mongoose, bushbuck and duiker. Over 100 tree species have also been identified. Guided tours can be arranged for groups, although bookings are essential. There is a braai area and a marked self-guide trail.
Take a trip to Crocworld where over 10 000 crocodiles as well as raptors, snakes, tortoises, waterbirds and flamingos can be seen in a beautiful natural setting. A tree house enables the viewing of indigenous and exotic wildlife including monkeys and parrots. Make sure the visit coincides with one of the feeding times at 11am and 3pm daily.
Be a sport
Tee off at the 18-hole Scottburgh golf course – its undulating fairways boast not only an unrivalled view of the Indian Ocean but also two par-5’s and five par-3 holes. Only the warmth of the welcome given to golfers from many parts of the world matches the beauty of this course. Explore the coastal wilderness by horse on one of the trails tailored to suit riders’ levels of experience. Some of these even include a night spent under the stars. Scottburgh Bowling Club offers hospitality and a good game to bowlers, while tennis and squash players are welcomed at the Scottburgh Country Club.
Dine Out
A variety of good places to eat out ranging from snacks and take-aways to fine dining are available to feed the inner soul. Watch the local press for entertainment on offer.
And so to bed
Accommodation ranges from camping, caravanning, self- catering, bed-and-breakfasts to full-on hotel holidays. Choose the one to suit your needs and your budget.
Kelso:
Named after the town of Kelso on the Tweed River in Scotland by Byrne settler, Henry Cooke, the town was once an important link in the transportation of sugar by boat down the Umzinto River to larger vessels out at sea. But this activity is long past and more sophisticated transport systems are now in operation. This quiet holiday resort now gives itself over to providing total relaxation. Visitors can spend hours exploring its kilometres of golden beach interspersed with rocky outcrops, marvelling at the prolific sea and shell life.
A coastal midden in the vicinity of the Mzimai estuary may, on careful search offer up its iron-age secrets of shards and scrapers. Or one can simply sit on the shore, drinking in the ocean air and soaking up the sun – lulled by the timeless ebb and flow of the surf. What better way to replenish the spirit? Horse-rides along the beach and inland offer those with a more active bent, a vigorous gallop with spectacular scenery. Other activities for holiday-makers include fishing off the rocks and an uncrowded point and beach break to delight any surfers’ heart near the Happy Wanderers Caravan Park.
Surfers can also visit the remote and legendary Mfazazana Point a little further south of Kelso. Access is from the old South Coast road which winds through the hills and valleys a few kilometres inland of the N2.
Park Rynie
Caravanner's Delight
Lying just south of Scottburgh, Park Rynie offers caravanners accommodation right on the beach.
What's in a name?
Park Rynie, which was named after Renetta ‘Rynie’ Hoffman , the wife of the man on whose farm the town now stands. The beach focus lies south of the town centre at Rocky Bay where all that remains of the old whaling station built before world war one, is a weathered stone promontory. This sheltered beach is home to the local ski-boat club while divers and bathers are also drawn to this area. The business centre includes hotels, holiday cottages and caravan parks.
Angling and Deep-Sea Diving?
Relics of the whaling station built here before the First World War, the rocky pier and slipway used by ski-boats now serve as launching points for the more leisurely pursuit of fishing. As is the case with most of this coastline, this is excellent deep-sea diving territory with Cowrie Reef sporting spectacular plant life, caves, gullies and swim-throughs. Marine life varies from small reef fish right through to Zambezi sharks, dolphins and game fish. And although only 2km from the beach and a 4.5km boat ride from the launching site visibility is good in this dive spot which ranges from some 16 to 26m.
Seafood Special
A local restaurant is renowned for its good menu, with seafood specials to tempt the most discerning palate.
Looking for a place to stay? Have a look at our KwaZulu-Natal interactive Google Map with all our registered accommodations such as Guest Houses, Bed & Breakfasts, Lodges, Camping and many more.
