Scottburgh-Umdoni - The Toast of the Coast

An overview of Scottburgh

zoom Scottburgh Beachfront

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A mix of Colonial and Zulu Culture
One of the most attractive and popular resorts on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, Scottburgh’s past is steeped in both colonial and traditional Zulu culture. Shaka, King of the Zulu’s, and his entourage were amongst some of the early visitors to this area. Stopping to rest and drink from a nearby spring, he was distracted by the myriad of birds at the mouth of the river beside which the town was later to be built. He wondered how on earth each bird would know to which nest it should return and named the river “Mpanbonyoni” which translates to “Confuser of Birds”. A plaque, commemorating this event, was erected at the site of the spring.

During 1860, Scottburgh was the first town to be laid out south of Durban and was named after Sir John Scott, the Lieutenant-Governor of Natal. At the turn of the century, the shallow bay was home to a fleet of fishing vessels and was, for a time a promising harbour. This was cause for much excitement among the local sugar pioneers eager to transport their harvest to Durban. These pioneers were part of the contingent of Byrne Settlers who arrived in 1850 from Liverpool on board the Henrietta. They named the bay Davenport and although it was used by a few shallow-draught coasters, the railway line proved more practical.

Scottburgh became home to some of the Byrne settlers from the United Kingdom who began to arrive in KwaZulu-Natal from 1850. These settlers included Joseph and Fanny Landers, for whom Lander’s Reef is named and the Crookes brothers, Charles and Samuel Crookes. They began to establish sugar farms and ultimately sugar mills – this was the start of an industry that is still one of the economic cornerstones of the South Coast. Crookes Brothers is one of the oldest family companies listed on the JSE Securities Exchange South Africa and it has it headquarters on a hill above Renishaw.

Today, Scottburgh is a thriving coastal resort. Drawn by the year-round temperate sub-tropical climate and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, visitors flock to escape the cooler hinterland to enjoy the town’s natural and cultural attractions.

zoom Scottburgh from Green Point

Enjoy nature at its most enticing
Scottburgh’s main appeal lies with it’s sheltered bathing beach, or Scott Bay as it is more commonly referred to. The beach with its vast expanse of terraced lawns and expansive sandy beaches is geared for holiday fun and together with an inviting tidal and paddling pool, supertube, miniature railway and protected bathing will ensure carefree family holidays.

Surfers can indulge their passion to find the perfect wave as the ocean here is blessed with the swells and points to deliver the goods. The Green Point Lighthouse, a national monument, was erected in 1905, and situated on a hilltop opposite Blamey’s Bay, beams out a powerful warning to passing ships of the perils of the Aliwal Shoal. Although no wrecks are visible along this section of coast, the perilous shoal, treacherously close to the surface and nearly a kilometre wide in places, has had its fair share of casualties.

One of the first recorded tragedies was the British steamship, Nebo, sinking on its maiden voyage to Durban in 1884. The most recent being the Amy Lykes, which ran aground one morning in 1970 and the Produce, in 1974. Deep-sea diving enthusiasts are spoilt for choice with a number of excellent dive sites in close proximity to the resort, with the Aliwal shoal, rated by Jacques Cousteau as one of the top ten dive sites in the world, being the jewel of the south coast.

This shoal is rich in marine and plant life and good visibility will ensure lasting memories. Lander’s Reef just off Scottburgh beach is perfect for deep diving to depths ranging from 20 to 36m deep. The mysteries of the deep, which are home to abundant plant life and reef fish are enhanced by shipwrecks just waiting to be explored - and good visibility which is normally around 15m.

Almost without exception, the warm south-flowing Agulhas current ensures an abundance of fish species off the coast with well-known spots being the rocks at Scottburgh, the pier at Rocky Bay or from the stretches of sandy beaches. Deep sea angling is an added attraction for those anglers wishing to be more adventurous. An excursion to TC Robertson’s 60 ha of river and coastal bush offers opportunities to view over 200 species of water birds and other avifauna, as well as 15 species of mammal, including mongoose, bushbuck and duiker. Over 100 tree species have also been identified. Guided tours can be arranged for groups, although bookings are essential. There is a braai area and a marked self-guide trail.

Take a trip to Crocworld where over 10 000 crocodile as well as raptors, snakes, tortoises, waterbirds and flamingos can be seen in a beautiful, natural setting. A tree house enables the viewing of indigenous and exotic wildlife including monkeys and parrots. Make sure the visit coincides with one of the feeding times at 11am and 3pm daily.

Be a sport
Tee off at the 18-hole Scottburgh golf course – its undulating fairways boast not only an unrivalled view of the Indian Ocean but also two par-5’s and five par-3 holes. Only the warmth of the welcome given to golfers from many parts of the world matches the beauty of this course. Explore the coastal wilderness by horse on one of the trails tailored to suit riders’ levels of experience. Some of these even include a night spent under the stars. Scottburgh Bowling Club offers hospitality and a good game to bowlers, while tennis and squash players are welcomed at the Scottburgh Country Club.

Dine Out
A variety of good places to eat out ranging from snacks and take-aways to fine dining are available to feed the inner soul. Watch the local press for entertainment on offer.

And so to bed
Accommodation ranges from camping, caravanning, self- catering, bed-and-breakfasts to full-on hotel holidays. Choose the one to suit your needs and your budget.

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