- +083 265 9631
- zinkbeachhouse@gmail.com
- Mon - Fri: 9:00 - 18:30
If you’ve visited this village, you’ll be aware that the streets are shaded with indigenous trees, bird calls abound and there is an air of tranquillity.
In peak season the village is becomes busy with an influx of holiday makers.
Cyclists and hikers take to the roads early and then trend to spend the remainder of the day on the beach.
The village of Zinkwazi, on the KZN-Natal North coast, lies within the oldest Conservancy in the country. This initiative, by the early British administration of the province, of the Admiralty strip of land along the coast, protects our coastline.
The Admiralty stretches from high water mark to 60 meters inland. It is a legal requirement that there should be no activity in this area. No cultivation or building, or the removal of vegetation in this area. It is the property of the province. As a result, the indigenous fauna and flora remain undisturbed.
The enormous Red Milkwood trees are protected and have grown to large proportions. Noteworthy birds in the village are the noisy Trumpeter hornbill, Fish eagle, Palm-nut vulture, Purple-crested Turaco and the Lilac backed starling with the plaintive call. For keen birders, Ngome forest is 40 minutes drive west. This is the only place in SA where you will see the Green Barbet.
A Crowned Eagle has returned several years in succession to breed in our iLala forest adjacent to the village.
Small animals such as monkeys, mongoose, bushbuck, bush pig, red and blue duiker are seen on the verges of the village and in the forest.
Location. Zinkwazi village lies between the Indian ocean and the N2 highway, just south and on the banks of the Zinkwazi river.
The N2 freeway is 5km from the village and is the main route from Durban north to Eswatini and Mozambique.
The Zululand game reserves are a mere 3 hours north of us. The shopping centres of Ballito, 30 minutes away, and King Shaka International airport 45 minutes south of our village.
Visitors say we have the best beach on the North coast of Natal.
Where can one find a tranquil lagoon, and a safe swimming beach alongside rock pools alive with small fish and crustaceans.
Positioned on the main beach the entire family can be occupied.
The bay is good for surfing, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing, and pottering in rock pools.
This has no industry on its banks but flows through sugar farming areas. It is navigable for several kilometers inland.
Hiking, canoeing, and boating are popular activities. Small fish are caught in the river and the banks of the river are rich in birdlife.
Lagoon Lodge hires out canoes. Cruises up the river on their barge can be arranged.
Walking from the main parking to the beach you’ll pass Proud’s Pizza.
A smoking wood oven produces an excellent variety of pizza all day.
A wooden deck walkway leads to the Ski boat club at the main beach where budget food and refreshments are available overlooking the beach.
Friday and Wednesday nights are particularly popular with the locals, and their English breakfast is excellent value.
The Lagoon Lodge in Kingfisher road is a large property with river frontage.
They hire out canoes and have two dining areas.
One in a casual garden setting under big trees where light refreshments are served and the other the Raffia restaurant is more formal dining indoors or a deck overlooking gardens that stretch to the river.
This is a popular venue for local performers over weekends and holidays.
Well-defined trails have been cut through the coastal dune forest on the north and south of the village.
Here one can experience the best birding on quiet trails, occasionally catching sight of mongoose, antelope or bush pigs.
A crowned eagle has piqued the interest of locals by returning to nest in the iLala forest for several years to lay and raise its young. Local conservationist Steve Theunissen has set up webcams in strategic spots to get footage of passing wildlife.
Beach walking. One can walk 8km to the north – to the Tugela River, and 5km to the south of the village to the Nonoti River, with the Indian Ocean to the east and
the dune forest to the west.
Surf Fishing south of the village, seems to be the preference of fishermen.
Grumpy’s Beach bar, 0823550393 is 24 minutes drive south of Zinkwazi on the Blythedale road.
This is where Heidi and Ernest will treat you to a platter of seafood or peri-peri chicken as good as you’ll get anywhere.
The venue is casual, outdoors, weather dependent, open on weekends and public holidays only. If you love holidaying in Mozambique, for the ‘beach bar’ atmosphere, the freshly cooked seafood, and the R&R drinks – go no further – Grumpy’s is right here and has it all!
Even closer to home – 10km west of Zinkwazi is Darnall Country Club – 0714125748.
Closed only on Mondays, if offers indoor and outdoor dining.
The ladies’ and men’s bars are well supported by local farmers.
Miller’s Arms restaurant serves excellent meals. Roy’s curries, butter chicken, and lamb chops being most popular with my friends.
The Club has a well-maintained golf course and a 25m swimming pool in a shady garden.
Ballito is a growing centre for shopping and has excellent restaurants. The Food Court at the Lifestyle Centre has several fast-food outlets sharing space under one roof at large wooden tables. Other restaurants in the centre specialise in food from different countries such as Japan Portugal, Greece and many more.