Encircled by the Blythedale Conservancy, the holiday village of Blythedale Beach lies in the Zululand region of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Blythedale Beach boasts a magnificent, though small, stretch of beach amid coastal properties partially hidden by thick, pristine greenery. The conservancy is made up of forests and river estuaries bordering the Hlimbitwa River.

The area is essentially a seaside suburb of the town of KwaDukuza, established in 1820 by King Shaka, leader of the Zulu tribe. Later, Indian families were shipped to South Africa to work in the sugar cane fields and today, a large section of the community are descendants.

Blythedale Beach experiences a warm subtropical climate throughout the year and has a safe swimming beach with regular sightings of dolphins. The village is an idyllic family vacation destination.

Top 6 reasons to visit Blythedale Beach

1. Have some fun in the sun on Blythedale Beach sunbathing and swimming in the warm Indian Ocean waters protected by shark nets and overseen by lifeguards during the holiday season. There is an excellent surfing spot on the southern end of the beach.

2. Spend some time in the Blythedale Conservancy enjoying the natural beauty, spotting the many animals and birds that reside in the forest and exploring the unspoilt coastline.

3. Visit the KwaDukuza Museum for an insight into the Zulu cultural history of the region, exhibits of the pioneer sugar cane industry and the influence on the town by British and Indian settlers.

4. Visiting golfers are welcome at Prince’s Grant Golf Estate for a round of golf on their wonderfully scenic 18-hole course. The club is a past winner of the Compleat Golfer 5-Star Golf Experience award.

5. There is a boat launching site at the nearby Hlimbitwa River mouth to try your hand at deep sea fishing or to fish along the river banks for tilapia and other fish species.

6. The annual 3-day Ballito Prawn & Jazz Festival takes place during winter and coincides with the Mr Price Pro surfing event held in the town. Top ranked surfers attend the event which in turn attracts international guests to the festival.

Transport

The nearest airport is King Shaka International Airport, 47km from Blythedale Beach. There is a car rental agency based in nearby KwaDukuza and several at King Shaka airport to hire a vehicle or you could order a rental online. A few tour operators in the area offer shuttle services to and from the King Shaka airport, enquire with your host.

Did you know?

South Africa celebrates Heritage Day on the 24th September and is meant to include the mourning of the Zulu nation’s greatest leader, King Shaka, who died on the 22nd September 1828. He is buried in KwaDukuza and thousands of Zulus, led the reigning monarch, gather in the town on the day to honour him.

KwaDukuza hosts a glittering annual charity event known as Winter Fair with the aim of raising funds for child welfare. The event is a major contributor towards this charity.

A restaurant on Blythedale Beach is renowned for their excellent curries, travellers arrive from all over the province to see what the fuss is about…