Located on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, the pretty seaside village of Winklespruit appeals to practically everyone – from families to surfers, divers and anglers. The Winklespruit beach has a small grassy bank for sun worshippers, a beach patrolled by lifeguards and protected by shark nets, and a rocky outcrop for anglers to safely enjoy surf fishing. Winklespruit is also a short distance from the legendary Aliwal Shoal reef complex.
Winklespruit properties are surrounded by dense green vegetation and owners take great pride in their gardens, filled with fruit trees and brightly coloured plants that easily grow here. A small shopping centre provides all conveniences and a medical clinic is located in the adjoining suburb.
Winklespruit is the ultimate seaside vacation destination, visitors are never more than 4 blocks away from the beach.
Top 6 reasons to visit Winklespruit
1. Winklespruit Beach promises you sun-kissed days, soft sand between the toes, a warm Indian Ocean and safe tidal pool for the children.
2. Surfing is good at Winklespruit, however, Baggies and Pulpit at neighbouring Warner Beach are two of the most popular surfing spots along this stretch of the coast.
3. You can take a self-guided walk through the 4.5ha Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary to spot the 150 bird species recorded in the area. The walk is designed to travel through natural forest, along trimmed gardens to a bird hide overlooking a dam.
4. The colourful (and protected) reefs and wrecks at Aliwal Shoal are magnificent dive sites visited by divers from all parts of the world. A popular section of the reef is the Cathedral for the large numbers of ragged tooth sharks found here. You can charter a boat and hire gear from one of the dive centres located at Umkomaas.
5. The proprietors of Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh suggest a visit to ‘connect with nature’. The centre has crocodiles, snakes and other reptiles, and is a popular venue for children’s birthday parties and school outings. An indigenous nursery is on the premises.
6. Walk the paths through the Illovo lagoon mangroves to see the two mangrove species and the amazing animals that thrive in this section of the estuary. Information boards are scattered along the paths to provide more information on the surrounding flora and fauna.
Transport
The nearest international airport is Durban’s King Shaka International Airport, 66kms from Winklespruit. Several car rental agencies are based at nearby Amanzimtoti and the airport, or you could order a vehicle online. There are a few metered taxi and shuttle companies operating in Amanzimtoti.
Did you know?
It’s believed that Winklespruit derived its name from an impromptu shop (winkel in Afrikaans) setup by the crew of the Tonga that wrecked here in 1875. Salvaged, sodden goods were sold at the shop.
At most Zulu craft centres you can buy the brightly decorated ‘Isichumo’ baskets traditionally used to store water or beer. The basket is normally purchased as an ornament, however, it’s perfectly suited to carry liquids. Crafters use the Ilala palm for its construction, as the leaf swells when wet, thereby creating a watertight container.
