The 2024 holiday season will bring crowds to Sapphire Coast attractions
Sunny skies, warm seas, a welcoming community and great events have drawn holidaymakers to KZN's Sapphire Coast this festive season. The Sapphire Sizzling Summer Program, held from December 27th to 31st, was a huge success with people of all ages and interests attending.
Romy Wenzel, Sapphire Coast Tourism Board, said: “We would like to thank everyone involved in making another great summer holiday on the Sapphire Coast possible, from the local community to the businesses that came to sponsor our seaside programmes.” commented. “The Sapphire Coast is home to many great attractions, from the stunning seaside and diving spots of Aliwal Reef to the great golf, birdwatching, hiking and shopping experiences, and affordable yet upscale accommodation, making it the perfect holiday destination. It's ahead.''
Seaside sports enthusiasts enjoyed the annual Winkle Totty Winkle Races hosted by the Winkle Surf Lifesaving Club on December 16th. The race included a surf ski race, a long course beach run, and a beach run and walk with plenty of entertainment on the day.
Amanzimtoti Main Beach hosted the “No Drinking and Swimming” campaign on December 14th and the much-awaited Sapphire Sizzling Summer Program from December 27th to 31st. Here, vacationers enjoyed beach Olympics, eating contests, music, prizes, and fun giveaways. Saving Lives South Africa had fun with its mascot Reshi, who teaches about water safety. Meanwhile, Durban Tourism concluded the final day with great entertainment, including breathtaking Zulu dance performances, face painting, fun games and a great musical atmosphere. Great prizes from Sapphire Coast Tourism, including beach horse riding experiences, reef boat rides, spa treatments and Clockworld Conservation Center entry passes, brought big smiles to beachgoers from far and wide.
Wheel on Waves hosted the inaugural Water Suites '24 Games in partnership with Sapphire Coast Tourism on 21st and 22nd December at Amanzimtoti Main Beach. This comprehensive program encouraged both able-bodied and disabled vacationers to participate in beach activities. The grand holiday event featured Proteas women's cricketer Seshnay Naidu. and SA surfcasting champion Jace Govender. The event concluded with a surprise visit from Santa and a festive closing ceremony. Rowen Moodley of Moodley Sands has committed to sponsoring an additional sand cruiser – – a floating wheelchair – to enable disabled users to experience the sea.
Event organizer Reece Smith commented on the Water Sweets Games: It was very heartwarming to see people with disabilities competing together with non-disabled participants. The support from the Toti community and vacationers has been truly amazing and we are committed to making this year's Water Sweets '25 event even bigger and better. ”
Smith, who is a quadriplegic himself, is working with his father, Wesley, to transform Amanzimtoti Main Beach into an international destination for tourists with disabilities. Through their Wheels on Waves initiative, they are raising funds to purchase more sand cruisers (water wheelchairs that allow disabled users to experience the ocean), and with the help of local lifeguards, they are It is provided for free use by anyone.
Colleen Lindek, a disabled holidaymaker from Witbank, Mpumalanga, had a memorable experience and said: My husband and I are going to donate to Wheels on Waves. This beach is the best of the disabled beaches, we will definitely go again! ”
Doonside Amanzimtoti resident Storm Schwartz was another excited participant at Water Sweets Games '24. Despite becoming completely blind due to retinitis pigmentosa at the age of 18, Storm continues to live life to the fullest, surfing Made for More and completing 102 park runs to date.
He continued his winning streak at Water Suites Game '24, competing in Armed Golf Ball and making a hole-in-one. Participated in a sports quiz and a fishing competition and caught 6 fish and came in first place. They then participate in a game of dunto, where they throw bean bags at a round target on the floor.
Afterwards, Storm said: “I was very happy to learn that sighted participants participated in this activity (Dunit Game) blindfolded.The participants had fun and did very well.This event was very It would never have been possible without our wonderful and dedicated volunteers and wonderful sponsors, Wesley and Reece Smith on a hot day.”
We would like to thank those who sponsored the Sapphire Sizzling Summer Program, including Chinto of the Water Suites '24 Game, Alpha and Omega Investments (both main sponsors of the Water Suites '24 Game), Splash Waterworld, Thirsty Whale, and Tiago's. represents. Amanzimtoti, Smartcall, ATKV Natalia, Durban Tourism, +Group Properties, The Beverage Company, Gary's Horse Amanzimtoti, Limax Security Specialists, Aliwal Dive Center, Bali Grand Lodge and Spa, Clockworld Conservation Center, Funland Entertainment Center , The Surfing Bean and Build It Shallcross.
With the Easter holidays coming up, another busy time of year, sponsorship opportunities are available for community-minded businesses. To get involved, support and introduce your business, contact Sapphire Coast Tourism.
Durban Tourism Business Awards 2025
Sapphire Coast Tourism is also inviting local tourism products, entrepreneurs, crafters and others to apply for the 4th Durban Tourism Business Awards. This is a great opportunity to fly the flag high for Sapphire Coast Tourism and showcase the many great tourism offerings within the region. The award recognizes excellence and innovation in the tourism sector and entries will be accepted until February 23, 2025. To enter, visit www.durbantourismawards.com.
Community Tourism Organization (CTO) membership is required for certain categories, but local businesses can participate by applying for membership with Sapphire Coast Tourism. Please contact Romy Wenzel (083 733 6468, romywenzel@gmail.com, info@sapphirecoasttourism.co.za).
Things to see and do in Sapphire Coast
Beyond scheduled events, there's plenty to see and do on the Sapphire Coast.
✔ Amanzimtoti Main Beach is home to the fun slides of Splash Water World, a variety of restaurants, takeaways and local vendors selling beautiful crafts and antiques along the boardwalk.
✔ Wheel on Waves ensures sightseeing at Amanzimtoti Main Beach is accessible with disabled-friendly facilities such as the Sandcruiser Floating Chair. This service is provided free of charge, but reservations are required. Please contact Wesley Smith on 082 802 1348 or Reece on 066 439 8287 or email rollingwithreece@gmail.com.
✔ Charter a boat and enjoy a day of deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, shark cage diving, and snorkeling at the world-famous dive site, Aliwal Shoal.
✔ Horseback riding on the beach with experienced guides according to different abilities.
✔ Clockworld Conservation Center is home to the oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity, the world-famous Henry, and the newly launched aerial zipline Zikareza Outdoor Adventures.
✔ Illovo River is also a popular spot for water sports, fishing, bird watching and picnicking.
✔ Play a round on the 18-hole course at Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club, or enjoy a drink or meal at the club.
✔ Located in the heart of Umbururu, Nungwane Falls offers nature walks, hiking and bird watching, and is a great attraction for nature lovers, including horseback riding, 4x4s and mountain biking.
For more information please contact info@sapphirecoasttourism.co.za or visit www.sapphirecoasttourism.co.za.
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