Activities

Palm Dune Beach Lodge

Experience the very best parts of the North Coast!

Beach

Palm Dune Beach lodge is nestled on a pristine stretch of Kwazulu Natal Dolphin coast just 55km north of Durban (15km from Ballito), step off the property onto our expansive golden beaches and enjoy the warmth of the majestic Indian ocean while soaking up raise from the African sun.

The swimming beach is equipped with shark nets and life savers are on duty, making swimming completely safe. The beach is habitually deserted and, apart from a few fishermen, there is little to disturb the serenity as the sea spray touches the unique stands of subtropical vegetation that nestle between the vast sugar estates and the blue of the sea.

Whale and dolphin watching is another leisurely pastime on the beach, A ski-boat launch site provides deep sea fishermen with easy ocean access.

Fishing

There are quite a few gentle activities that visitors can take part in. Fishing does however require a license, which is available at local Post Offices. Mussel, Oyster, Crayfish and bait licenses are available from Durban. For the more serious fishermen (and women) Ski boat trips through the surf out to sea can be arranged. Or you can launch your own by arrangement with the Ski Boat Club

Quad Biking

Guided quad bike trails through the rolling sugar cane fields. Contact us at reception for more details and bookings.

Game Drives

Hluhluwe Game Reserve (Big Five)

Established in 1895, wildlife viewing has always been the prime attraction at Hluhluwe, close range sightings made all the more exciting with viewing hides conveniently overlooking waterholes.

Today the reserve is part of the greater Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park covering 96 000 hectares and containing an immense diversity of animals, birds and plant life.

Home once more to the Big Five, Hluhluwe Game Reserve is also the headquarters of Operation Rhino and is internationally renowned for its white rhino conservation.

Hluhluwe makes up the northern section of the park, characterised by undulating hills of savannah vegetation and woodlands. Along with game-viewing drives, there are two self-guided drive routes which give insight into the management and natural history of the park. Highly recommended are the early morning and late afternoon guided walks.

Drive: Approx 180km

Amatikulu Nature Reserve (No Big Five)

The small reserve is situated on the coast between the Tugela and Amatikulu Rivers. It is one of the few places in Southern Africa where wildlife can be seen grazing on forested dunes overlooking the sea.

Explore the reserve in a canoe, 4X4 vehicle or on foot. The coastal forest grasslands and rivers attract numerous birds, including the rare African fin foot. Keen birders can hire trained bird guides from the local community. Giraffe, zebra, waterbuck and smaller antelope are frequently seen. The beach offers good surf angling.

Canoes are available for hire at R50 per day. An entrance fee is payable at the gates, open from 07:00 to 17:00.

Drive: Approx 45km

Golfing

The famous Golf Coast:

Darnall Country Club – 8km – 9 hole course – Local village green only for the very fit)
Princes Grant Estate – 16km – World class ‘Links’ course within half an hours drive
Mtunzini Country Club – Prawn Farm
Umhlali Country Club – Zebra hazards
Simbithi Estate – Waterbird Slalom
Port Zimbali Estate – Celebrity Playground
Maidstone Country Club
Mount Edgecombe Country Club

Within an hours reach are Eshowe, Empangeni, Richards Bay and Durban . For something different why not try the various 9 hole courses for an interesting local flavour at Mandini, Amatikulu or Stanger.

Hiking

For the seriously energetic there are a number of challenging hikes.

Here is a selection:

Tugela Hike (27km) – from Tugela river mouth, amble back to the resort along the empty beaches, pick up a ferry ride home.
Nkonka Trail (24km) – first half dune forest and back along the beach
Nonoti beach walk (16km) – there and back to Nonoti lagoon
Harold Johnson Nature Reserve trails, through grass- and woodlands, amongst zebra and buck
Unique elevated board walk in the forest canopy of Eshowe

Many more interesting options within an hours drive (forest, mountain, palm grove, mangrove etc.)

Other Facilities

Swimming Pool

Palm Dune Beach Lodge has 2 sparkling pools to choose from in close proximity to the restaurant and bar area.

Restaurant & Bar

Palm Dune Beach Lodge has a fully catered kitchen to prepare dishes for weddings and corporate events.