There’s a lot to keep anyone busy along the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, especially in terms of tourist attractions in South Africa that cater to families. By Des Langkilde.
Last month, I wrote about the KZN South Coast Activities that I experienced during my jam-packed post-Indaba media FAM trip itinerary hosted by Ugu South Coast Tourism. Namely, Fun Boat Rides with C-Freaks, Beach Horse Rides with Selsdon Park Estate, and Zip Lines with Lake Eland Game Reserve. This month, I’ll cover a few of the tourist attractions that abound along the KZN South Coast.
Tourist Attraction #1: S’khumba Crafts
S’khumba Crafts is a leather workshop, studio and coffee bar situated between Ramsgate and Southbroom. Each piece of hand-crafted leatherware, which includes shoes, sandals, belts, bags, and a variety of decor and accessory items, is designed and handcrafted by Brian and Karen Bernstein on the premises, using only top-quality vegetable-tanned cowhide.
The indigenous setting of the establishment is like an enchanted forest, as one ambles down the rustic path to the showroom and coffee shop, that serves ice cold beer and homemade treats.
For more information call +27 (0)39 316 8212.
Tourist Attraction #2: Pistols Saloon
Situated on Old Main road, Ramsgate, Pistols Saloon is really a pub and restaurant but the sheer number of wild-west cowboy bric-a-brac adorning the walls and just about every surface makes this an interesting museum. A regular patron at the bar is Huckleberry the donkey – his party trick is drinking Coke (from the can).
There’s a lot for kids to see and explore as well as a selection of arcade-style games. For adults, there are regular music shows (country music of course) and a real Western bar, complete with an old piano.
For more information call +27 (0)82 871 1241.
Tourist Attraction #3: Mac Banana
Mac Banana cannot be missed – it jumps out at you with bright yellow signage on the National Road between Palm Beach and Munster. To simply label it as a tourist attraction would be an understatement – it literally has everything for a family outing – from the Banana Café and Pancake Bar to the largest and food emporium that I’ve come across, which has a cheese room, fresh fruit and vegetables, cut flowers, a vast range of canned goods and preserves, dairy products, sweets and confectionery, a small beach shop and a wine cellar.
Then there are over 20 activities, including the ‘Mac Barnyard’ for animal petting, a large walk-in butterfly dome, a giant trampoline, pony riding, a paintball combat zone, quad and mountain biking, a mini-golf course, and an art gallery.
Despite all its entertainment and good food (the pancakes and milkshakes really are amazing), Mac Banana is actually a working Banana Farm. Organised educational and scenic tours around the farm with a knowledgeable guide can be arranged by prior appointment.
For more information call +27 (0)39 319 1033.
