Nestled just south of Durban, the popular coastal town of Amanzimtoti hardly needs any introduction and with its wonderfully temperate climate, balmy beaches and picture-perfect setting, it’s a dream location for those who live here permanently as well as holidaymakers from afar.
History of Toti
The history of the town’s origin is pretty fascinating as it all started with the construction of the South Coast railway line from Durban in 1895. Amanzimtoti then started to develop around the track on the bank of the Manzimtoti River (which was named after its lovely “sweet water” by Shaka, King of the Zulu kingdom) and the town’s first hotel popped up some three years later. The rest is history, as it soon became a popular haunt with tourists and grew into the thriving community it is today.
Best points of interest
The neighbourhood has many points of interest, but one of the most legendary ones is the so-called “Chimney Tree”, which can be found on the old road between Dooneside and Warner Beach. This derelict redbrick construction apparently used to be an incinerator on a farm in the area – years before bridges and roads were constructed in the area. Some time after it was left behind, an indigenous wild fig tree starting growing out of it and it piqued the interest of passers-by – which it still does to this day. The park surrounding it is used over weekends for a lively craft market.
The sheer scope of natural abundance in this town is reason enough to love it and here (especially along the Amanzimtoti River or within the dune vegetation along the coastline), you’ll find the likes of the Cape clawless otters, blue duiker, spotted ground-thrush and plenty of vervet monkeys too. The Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve has enjoyed pride of place on the riverbanks since 1963 and the Umdoni Bird Sanctuary is also a source of great joy.
Amanzimtoti Main Beach
Locals and visitors alike cannot get enough of Amanzimtoti Main Beach – which is ideal for swimming, boasts lifeguards all year round, fantastic surfing conditions and features a wide array of eateries, bars and plenty of parking too. And when it’s peak season, there are all kinds of activities for the kids.
Words: Riekie Human
Images: Supplied
