It's time to start preparing for summer vacation. The Sapphire Coast has something for everyone. Get ready for the Winkle Totty Winkle Races on December 16th. It's an intense race where adrenaline meets the sea. The fun continues with the Sapphire Sizzling Summer Program packed with seaside games and entertainment, including the all-inclusive Water Suites '24 Games and the action-packed King of the Upper South Coast Fishing Competition. There's no shortage of fun for families, friends, and fishing enthusiasts.
Businesses can join in the excitement by showcasing their brands in this dynamic environment while supporting local community initiatives, benefiting both exposure and goodwill.
Romy Wenzel, director of the Sapphire Coast Tourism Board, said: “This is the busiest season so we encourage holidaymakers to book a spot on the Sapphire Coast.” “With our extensive event schedule, there's something for everyone, including family-friendly activities and sunrise-to-sunset seaside fun.”
Good news for motorists. All repairs to the Ejinbokodweni Bridge on the N2 have been completed, ensuring smooth and easy access to the Sapphire Coast.
toti gift market
Date: December 7, 2024 to January 11, 2025
Venue: Kuswag High School, Amanzimtoti
Contact: Deson 074 634 4768
This wonderful market has gifts, festive treats and more for the whole family. From unique handcrafted treasures to carefully sourced products, there are endless options to browse.
Scorching Summer with Lotus FM
Date: Friday, December 13th
Hours: 6am to 9am (Breakfast Express) | 9am to 12pm (Style in the City)
Venue: 95 Beach Road, Amanzimtoti
Enjoy the beach and win some great prizes as Lotus FM welcomes the hot summer live!
Campaign against drinking and swimming
Date: Saturday, December 14, 2024
Venue: Amanzimtoti Main Beach
The KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority will be running the 'No Drinking and Swimming' campaign to raise safety awareness and promote responsible alcohol use this festive season.
Buggy's Moonwalk & Minecraft Market
Date and time: Sunday, December 15th
Time: 3:00pm – 7:00pm (Moonwalk starts at 5:30pm)
Venue: Baggies Kiosk, Warner Beach
Contact: Sam (076 751 5811) info.flavorbrain@gmail.com
This moon walk and craft market will feature entertainment for the whole family, including plenty of stalls selling great gifts, food and drink from Baggies, a Christmas photo booth and live entertainment from the Lee Band.
winkle totty winkle lace
Date: Monday, December 16, 2024
Time: Starts at 8am
Venue: Winkle Surf Life Saving Club
Price: R100 for ages 14 and over | R50 for U14s
Please register for the Winkle Surf Lifesaving Club at 6:30am on the day.
race:
Surfski Race: Winkle Beach to Toti Beach Round Trip | 12.6km
Long Course Beach Run: Winkle Beach to Toti Beach Round Trip | 12.6km
Beach Run & Walk: Winkle Beach to Warrnadoon Rocks Round Trip | 4.8km
There will be food and snack sales, as well as numerous raffles on the day. A craft market will also be held alongside the surfski race (see below for details).
Winkle Totty Winkle Craft Market
Date: Monday, December 16, 2024
Time: 8am to 1pm
Venue: Winklespruit Surf Lifesaving Club
Contact: Alicia (071 884 6077)Secretary.winkleslc@hotmail.com
King of Upper South Coast Fishing Tournament
Date: Monday, December 16, 2024
Hours: Lines start at 4 a.m., lines start at noon. Weigh-in at 1pm | Awards Ceremony at Warnadun Ski Boat Club
Fishing location: From Bluff to Umkomaas north shore
Price: R350 per person (includes goody bag and meal) | R400 per person from 6 December (without goody bag)
Please enter mhmanager@residentia.co.za. 082 410 1293 |
Entry form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhseyIDhuwq14tYSxgoiU-zus69T7gc4q6W7AlMOxfQl4Row/viewform
Join us for an exciting day of fishing, community spirit and a great cause – raising money for frailty care services. All fishing participation directly supports critical care for Residencia's elderly residents. There will be a number of draws where the top catches in the Ladies, Senior and Junior categories will win prizes worth R50,000! Participate in the Target Cast Challenge (R25/Cast) and purchase a raffle ticket to win a fishing kayak!
candlelight carol
Date: Monday, December 23rd
Time: 6pm to 6:30pm
Venue: Amanzimtoti Main Beach
Organized by Love Toti, this event is a great opportunity to get into the festive spirit with the Amanzimtoti community. All visitors are welcome.
Sapphire's Scorching Summer Program
Dates: December 27th to 31st
Venue: Amanzimtoti Main Beach
– Vacationers can enjoy Beach Olympics fun, family-friendly games, music, prizes and great giveaways, all for free.
– The South African lifesaving organization will take part in the Sapphire Sizzling Summer Program with mascot Reshi teaching about water safety.
– Dolphin Bowl and Funland Entertainment Center will offer mobile tenpin lanes and distribute promotional vouchers on selected dates.
Water Sweets '24 Game
Dates: December 21st and 22nd
Venue: Amanzimtoti Main Beach
This is an inclusive program for vacationers with disabilities, all free of charge. The Water Suites '24 Game has partnered with Sapphire Coast Tourism to encourage opportunities for able-bodied and disabled vacationers to participate in beach activities together. Featuring former Springbok surfer Jason Libbink at this epic holiday event. Proteas female cricketer Seshnay Naidu. and SA surfcasting champion Jace Govender. Activities planned for the two days include:
– Beach Arm Golf
– Fishing
– seated volleyball
– Sports Quiz
– Danito (Visually Impaired Gamer)
The Water Suites '24 games conclude on the final day with a surprise visit from Santa, a festival closing ceremony, and an afterparty on the beach.
Promotional and sponsorship opportunities
Sapphire Coast Tourism invites local businesses and organizations to take advantage of this prime time by participating in the Sapphire Sizzling Summer Program and Water Sweets '24 Games. This is a great platform where businesses can offer promotional items and activities directly to tourists and locals on a daily basis.
Local businesses and registered tourism members are also encouraged to offer promotional items, hampers, prizes or vouchers as giveaways to beachgoers who participate in the holiday campaign. Businesses can book beach space at a daily rate and contact Sapphire Coast Tourism for large-scale brand promotions and activations.
The Water Suites '24 game also has many great sponsorship opportunities for community-minded businesses looking to make a positive impact this holiday season.
beach arm golf sponsor
Cost: R10,000
Join the Water Suites '24 Game and brand Beech Arm Golf Hole. This includes placing your logo on marketing materials, branding on the day, and more.
We would like to thank those who have already committed to sponsoring the Sapphire Sizzling Summer Program, including the Water Suites '24 Games. Chinto, Alpha and Omega Investments (both main sponsors of the Water Suites '24 game), Splash Waterworld, and Thirsty. Whale, Tiago's, Smartcall, ATKV Natalia, Durban Tourism, +Group Properties, The Beverage Company.
All sponsors must contact Sapphire Coast Tourism to arrange sponsorship prior to the program. For more information please contact Romy Wenzel on 083 733 6468 or romywenzel@gmail.com or info@sapphirecoasttourism.co.za.
Please note: Motorists heading N2 South from the KZN South Coast can use the Edinbokodweni Bridge. It has been repaired and can be used for travel.
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. There's a fun slide at Splash Water World, a variety of restaurants, takeout, and a collection of local vendors selling beautiful crafts and antiques along the boardwalk.
– Wheels on Waves ensures tourist access at Amanzimtoti Main Beach 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/or snorkeling at Aliwal Shoal, a world-famous dive site.
– Horse riding on the beach by 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.
– A round on the 18-hole course at Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club, or a drink or meal at the club.
– Located in the heart of Umbururu, Nungwane Falls offers nature walks, hiking and bird watching. Great attractions for nature lovers, including horseback riding, four-wheel drive and mountain biking.
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