Things to do near
Doonside
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Beaches
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Warner Beach (0.5 km from Doonside) Home to the Baggies Surf Pro, Baggies Beach is a hot surf spot and playground of international surfer Frankie Oberholzer. The beach kiosk makes the best 'Surfer Special' sandwiches.
Sometimes called Warner Beach, the long sandy beach is popular with locals who come to watch the kite surfers or the sun go down. In season lifesavers are on duty and it is one of the best places to hang out on the South Coast during summer holidays.
Baggies Beach has a stunning natural tidal pool teeming with sea life. Bring your goggles and flippers and swim amongst the fish.
During June and July residents and visitors flock to the beach to witness the phenomenal annual Sardine Run, considered one of the largest migrations on the planet. This major event on the diving calendar attracts numerous international photographers and documentary film-makers eager to capture images of the spectacle.
Nature Reserves
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Amanzimtoti (2 km from Doonside) The Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve is a small reserve situated along the banks of the Amanzimtoti River. Lush riverine and coastal forest is home to more than 120 tree and shrub species. Rare trees include the Natal Elm and Fluted Milkwood.
Popular with bird watchers, Ilanda Wilds boasts almost 300 recorded species. Cape clawless otter, small antelope, chameleons, monkeys and various species of frogs, fish and butterflies can also be found. The Loerie, Mpiti and Mongoose Trails meander through the forest to the riverbanks. Along with these well-marked trails, facilities include picnic and braai facilities and ablutions.
Popular Attractions
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Illovo Glen (3.3 km from Doonside) Armani Day Spa and Wellness Clinic is situated in a lush garden in Winklespruit, 5 km south from Amanzimtoti. This boutique day spa offers a peaceful refuge where guests can indulge in luxurious signature treatments from professionally trained staff.
Beaches
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Amanzimtoti (3.4 km from Doonside) Amanzimtoti Main Beach is very popular for swimming and family beach holidays. The sandy beach offers life guards all year round, lots of parking, pubs, restaurants and shops. Holiday beach activites for kids are offered during peak seasons.
Popular Attractions
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Amanzimtoti (3.4 km from Doonside) Saddle up for a leisurely beach stroll on horseback or be thrilled by a fast gallop if you have more experience and confidence.
The 12 km bridle trail meanders through some lovely bush paths and onto a peaceful beach. Fascinating and colourful birds can be spotted along the way.
You may choose to ride the full distance without stopping or you could opt to dismount for a welcome half way rest with light refreshments. If the weather is good you will be able to take your horse for a swim or roll in the shallows.
Bars
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Amanzimtoti (3.5 km from Doonside) Situated on Amanzimtoti Main Beach next to Splash Water World, The Thirsty Whale offers an amazing spot to watch the kids having fun on the slides. It’s also a good place to enjoy a cocktail while enjoying the view or watch sport on the Big Screen. Biltong and braai packs are available.
Beaches
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Winklespruit (4.2 km from Doonside) This beach is the main beach of the small seaside village of Winklespruit, situated between Warner Beach and Illovo on the South Coast. There is a large park close to the beach perfect for picnics. The lagoon stretching into the sea is ideal for canoeing and boating, and the beach itself is shark protected and a delight for swimmers and surfers. The tidal pool will also keep kids entertained for hours.
Animal Parks
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Amanzimtoti (4.7 km from Doonside) Also known as the Umdoni Bird Park, the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary is well worth a visit. A large expanse of shimmering water is flanked by rolling lawns and lush plantings on the one end and indigenous forests on the other.
Picnic spots and pleasant 30 minute self-guided trails meanders through the forest. The sanctuary is a haven for birdlife and visitors have the chance of spotting many of the 150 bird species including resident spurwing geese, white faced duck, greenback heron, giant kingfisher, brown-hooded kingfisher and hamerkop.
Look out for Narina trogons and the endangered spotted ground-thrush. Rare blue duiker and Cape clawless otter also frequent the park.
+27 (0) 31 903 7498
Umdoni Road, Amanzimtoti.
Shopping Malls
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Amanzimtoti (4.9 km from Doonside) Arbour Crossing is an open-strip shopping centre providing convenience shopping or a quick meal. This modern facility features a Pick 'n Pay Hypermarket and over 50 other stores, comprising food, furnishings, clothing, electronics and sport. Sea views, free parking and a safe shopping environment make this a popular centre for families.
Beaches
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Amanzimtoti (4.9 km from Doonside) Pipeline Beach is a popular swimming and surfing beach fringing the Pipeline Coastal Park. Facilities at this family-friendly beach include picnic and braai spots, a restaurant and a fresh-water swimming pool.
Popular Attractions
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Amanzimtoti (5 km from Doonside) Strike it lucky at Galaxy Bingo Gaming and Entertainment in Amanzimtoti. Bingo is easy to play and you stand the chance of winning big cash prizes for a very small fee per game. Take a seat at one of the tables in the smoking or non-smoking area and have some fun with family and friends.
Popular Attractions
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Amanzimtoti (5 km from Doonside) Fasten your safety belt for the ride of your life in Amanzimtoti. Spin Zone offers an exhilarating experience for all ages at the Galleria Mall. Traditional bumper cars are pimped to create more buzz and the addition of the "Spin Mode” increases the thrill factor. There’s also the attraction of easier controls for small kids to operate. When one car hits another car, the hit driver goes into an uncontrolled spin for a few seconds – it’s screamingly good fun!
Shopping Malls
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Amanzimtoti (5 km from Doonside) Amanzimtoti's mega-size shopping centre features 12 movie houses, an ice skating rink, indoor putt-putt, sea view restaurants and Woolworths flagship store.
With the launch of The Galleria, the beachfront Water World and Fun Land, Amanzimtoti is proving to be the new destination of choice. This popular holiday spot offers amazing beaches, good old-fashioned fun entertainment for families and affordable accommodation.
Bars
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Amanzimtoti (5 km from Doonside) Head on down to the Sports Bar to meet up with your friends and check out your favourite team going for glory on the big screen. This upmarket sports bar offers a massive bar, lounge, pool tables and a huge screen showing major sporting events.
Popular Attractions
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Amanzimtoti (5 km from Doonside) Way more than an average shot in the dark, Glow Mini Golf offers your family a cool golfing experience well above par. Kids will love the spectacular undersea theme with animated props at every corner. Grab a glow-in-the-dark golf ball and take to the 9- or 18-hole miniature golf course for mega laughs and excitement at ever hole.