Things to Do in Mellville

Nature lovers and hikers look no further than the Mkhambathi Nature Reserve. This subtropical walker’s paradise has much to offer with a long stretch of coastline and an extensive choice of hikes. Characterised by open grasslands, indigenous forest patches and swamp forests, Mkhambathi Nature Reserve is fringed by the beautiful forested ravines of the Msikaba and Mtentu Rivers. Most of the reserve is rolling grassland, supporting an intriguing diversity of plant life. Of all the rivers running through the reserve, the sparkling pools and series of waterfalls on the Mkhambathi River are the most stunning. The Horseshoe Falls is particularly awesome. Downstream the river cascades over the Strandloper and Mkhambathi Falls before crashing into the ocean. Birds to spot include the Ground-hornbill, Red-shouldered widow, Yellow-throated longclaw, Common waxbill, Croaking cisticola, Orange-throated Longclaw, Gurney’s sugarbird and Greater double-collared sunbird.

The new multi-million Wild Waves Water Park at the Wild Coast Sun is guaranteed to thrill. This expansive water park provides exciting rides suitable for kids and adults alike. Try the “Boomeranga”, an exhilarating tube ride unlike any other. Or how about the “Aqua Loop” for a body-slide adventure in a capsule. Then there’s the powerful water force of the “SuperBowl” and “Speed Slides”, one of the tallest, fastest, steepest and most adrenaline-pumping water-spray experiences on the globe. Catch your breath on “The Lazy River” or join your little ones for fun in the safe children’s interactive AquaPlay area. Open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.

Port Edward’s unusual claim to fame is the Red Desert, reputed to be the smallest desert in the world. At just 200 m in width, it stands in stark contrast to the surrounding lush, tropical vegetation. Extra-terrestrial landings, excessive overgrazing and many other intriguing tales are attributed to its origins. The surrounding grasslands, forests and wetlands are home to a number of rare endemic plants. Archeological artifacts have also been unearthed. Hit the trail on foot or mountain bike and check out the magnificent view over the Umtamvuna Estuaryfrom the cliff top. Clearwater Trails offer walking or mountain biking trips along the Umtamvuna Gorge starting at the viewing deck upriver, ending at the Umtamvuna Bridge. Photo credit: Dave Watson

Ever wondered how your caffeine fix became a brew? Visit the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and take their ‘crop to cup’ tour. Along with sampling fine coffees to experience the distinguishing flavours of the World’s coffee regions, visitors learn the skills that create the perfect cup. Booking is essential for the tours and there is a small fee. Beaver Creek also offers freshly roasted speciality coffees, light lunches and delicious cakes at The Estate Café. When it comes to good coffee you are in excellent hands. From Crop to Cup Tour: daily tour starts at 12:00 and cost R20. Booking is essential. Estate Café Restaurant Times: 08:00 – 16:00 every day of the year except for Christmas day. +27 (0) 39 311 2347.

Join a heart-warming educational experience and support the gentle wildlife residents at Crag’s View Wild Care Centre. Situated on Crag’s View Farm, Crag’s View Wild Care Centre is the only official wildlife rehabilitation centre serving the lower South Coast region. Animals and birds that have sustained injuries or are orphaned mainly due to human influence are rehabilitated for release into the wild. Patients include the rare blue duiker, bush buck, other antelope and a variety of birds and small mammals indigenous to the area. Crag’s View Wild Care Centre offers their educational talk and experience from Monday to Sunday at 10 am by appointment only. +27 (0) 39 311 2488 wildlife@cragsview.co.za Crag’s View Farm, Izingolweni Road, Port Edward.

Easily one of the most popular courses on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Southbroom Golf Course continues to enhance its course and has become one of the top 100 golf courses in South Africa.The central point of Southbroom village, the course is surrounded by palm trees and lush tropical plants with superlative Indian Ocean views.The 18-hole Southbroom golf course is challenging enough, and becomes more so when the course gets windswept. The par-3 fourth is the best known of the two coastal holes. On calm days it's described as a wedge, but becomes a tiger when the wind is blowing into you.Players will encounter water in the form of both dams and a river. A cautious strategy is required to negotiate the features of this attractive course.Impressive views of unspoiled beaches and the ocean; the peacefulness of playing next to the indigenous foliage of the Frederika Nature Reserve; and the elegant atmosphere of Southbroom village make for a memorable golfing experience. Each of the 18-holes has a unique attribute and will even test the skills of the most proficient golfers.

Home to over 200 adult Nile crocodiles and numerous juveniles, Riverbend Crocodile Farm has become a popular spot for families holidaying in Southbroom. A number of bird species also share the space on this beautiful estate that has landscaped breeding enclosures similar to the feisty reptiles’ natural habitat. The snake house houses some of the southern Africa’s most deadly and handsome snakes. On Sundays and more frequently during the holiday season, interesting and informative snake presentations take place. The education centre’s displays uncover the mysteries and life cycle of crocodiles and snakes. It also gives an overview of the daily activities on the farm. The highlight of any visit is feeding time and when the crocodiles hatch during January and February. +27 (0) 39 316 6204 Old Main Road, Southbroom, KwaZulu-Natal.

Shelly Centre is easily the South Coast’s most popular seaside shopping destination. The light and airy complex houses a variety of shops and six cinemas, all under one roof.Situated on Marine Drive and just off the N2, getting there is easy. Three entrances into the parking areas provide effortless access for shoppers. Secure parking and the friendly environment make for a relaxed shopping experience.You will find Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Edgars, Foschini, Truworths, The Hub, @ Home and CNA as well as numerous specialist retail stores and specialist services.

If you’re on holiday with kids along the Hibiscus Coast drive them straight to Pure Venom Reptile Park. Here they can eyeball some of the most fearsome and venomous snakes on the planet; count all 70 teeth of a crocodile and stroke the scales of an iguana. If you’re brave enough you can even have your mug shot taken while holding a python, mamba, cobra or viper! The park is situated on an old estate in Izotsha near Shelly Beach. The beautiful grounds are graced by enormous wild olive trees that date back to the 1800s. Publicized as the biggest reptile farm in Africa, it is home to an awesome collection of indigenous and exotic reptiles. This includes nine species of rattlesnake, the largest variation of this species outside the USA, and five species of crocodile. The highly threatened giant sungazer lizard breeds here and you might even witness the mating and courtship rituals of gaboon vipers, boomslang and mambas. Kids big and small will be thrilled as they get up close and personal with numerous snakes, iguanas and crocodiles. Pure Venom Reptile Park also presents an interesting educational experience. Here you will find out funky facts about snakes including the fact that egg-eating snakes have teeth in their necks and mole snakes have up to ninety five babies! Guided tours and snake demonstrations are on offer daily. Don’t miss witnessing the fascinating spectacle of crocodiles and alligators being fed on Sundays. +27 (0) 39 685 0704 Open daily 09:00 – 17:00.