Twinstreams, Fun, Nature and Learning

One of the Zulu Coast's best kept secrets is the Twinstreams Environmental Education Centre. It is situated right in the middle of an amazing dune forest, nestled on the outskirts of the magnificent Mtunzini Eco-Village on the pristine coastline of Zululand. Mangrove swamps, estuaries, long stretches of beaches, superlative birding with over 600 species & forest hikes are some of the few life changing experiences awaiting you in this patch of paradise. 

Twinstreams is the oldest environmental education centre in KwaZulu-Natal and has developed a fine sense of place over the years. It has come a long way since its original tented camp on the banks of the Amanzimnyama stream but great care has always been taken to maintain its unique and personal character.

Mick's Park is a large open-air venue set under the canopy of several mature flat-crown and yellowwood trees with ringside seats around a smouldering fire.  There is also a lecture area covered with a high, curved roof and open sides to keep the atmosphere of being in a forest. This venue can seat 60 people (auditorium-style) or 30 around tables. The latest addition to the Twinstreams stable of facilities - Sinkwe Centre - is a further 100m into the forest and has been designed to blend into the enclosing bush. It has a modern air-conditioned conference centre which opens out onto a spacious deck set under the spreading branches of a Pod Mahogany Tree (Afzelia quanzensis).

For school groups, Twinstreams offers some of the best environmental education opportunities available in South Africa, excursions and activities include team building, orienteering, research projects or more fun activities such as canoeing, night walks and even a beach sleep out!

Twinstreams also makes the ideal venue for those wishing to have a large private gathering in unusual surroundings. Their facilities can be rented for functions such as weddings, parties, family get-togethers.

For more information on Twinstreams visit www.twinstreams.org.za or Tel: 035 340 2511

The Zululand Trade Show 2012

Don't miss out on the 2012 Zululand Trade Show to be held on the 27th and 28th July at the ZCBF Showgrounds in Alton, Richards Bay. Attractions include the not to be missed "Biggest Fireworks Display" in Zululand as well as:

• Flea Market
• Home & Garden Hall
• Motor Show
• Outdoor Displays
• Beer Fest
• ABI Music Station 
• Kids Zone 

The show will run from 14h00 until 22h00 on Friday the 27th July and from 09h00 until 22h00 on Saturday the 28th July.

The event also supports a good cause, with all profits being pumped back into the ZCBF Community Park, and the many projects operating from it, such as AIDS awareness and care giving projects, teacher training, life skills training, educational programmes, management of corporate social investment projects and many others.

For more information contact Nikita on (035) 797 1818 or email nikita@zcbf.org.za

The uBuntu Girl

In October 2009 a local, young lady from Eshowe, Sonja Kruse, decided to undertake en epic journey across South Africa, visiting over 114 towns with nothing more than R100 in her pocket. 

On the 27th July, at the Holy Childhood School at Eshowe, Sonja will be giving a once off talk on her adventures and experiences, the event will be in a "Barnyard Theatre" style where you can bring your own picnic and drinks and enjoy an evening of fascinating story telling. Below is a excerpt from Sonja's Website and upcoming book "The uBuntu Girl" to wet your appetite!

"Have you ever had a dream that is so powerful, so clear and so consuming, that it drags you away from your perceptions, into a new reality? That’s what happened to me. I had a dream. In the dream I saw myself being called to the road, carrying a backpack, a camera, a phone and a R100 and setting off on a country-wide ‘Ubuntu" tour.

My dream had no questions like: Why? How? What if? And no answers either. But the dream had an ending - there was a book on the stands, a book telling of my incredible year long journey of discovery, telling of the 150 families who cared for me, telling of the extraordinary diversity of our country and telling of the reality of "Ubuntu" in South Africa.

So, in October 2009. I quit my job, gave my car away and set off with a backpack, a camera, a phone, and a R100.

On my own, on foot - and by thumb!

Without a tent, a sleeping bag and bank card, but with a deep seated belief that ‘I am because we are’; with faith in our humanity; with faith in our sense of Ubuntu; and with faith in our country’s journey of forgiveness; I set off from the outskirts of East London (I was there for my sister’s wedding).

My name is Sonja Kruse, some people call me the UBUNTU girl.

One year later saw my safe return after visiting all 9 provinces, stopping in 114 of our towns, big and small and staying with 150 families, representing 16 different cultures, who took me in, cared for me and made me feel at home.

From Townhouses to Townships; from Shacks to Millionaires; from Pensioners to Students; from the ANC Youth League to the AWB; from Hunters to Vegetarians; from Long Drops to Bidets: from Christians to Muslims to Rastafarians and from Curries to Chicken Feet – I experienced the joy of them all!"

For reservations to this event, please contact Gayleen on 035 474 1225

Swing Your Clubs On The Zulu Coast

The Zulu Coast is reputed to boast some of the finest golf courses in the Southern Hemisphere. If you are a golfer visiting this region, we suggest you take a moment to explore and enjoy a rather unique blend of courses on offer. For most, the long sunny & warm winter days will be enough, but throw in the excitement (and likelihood) of encountering a crocodile, hippo or variety of other game on the course and you have an above average day's golf. For avid birders, the Zulu Coast Golf Courses also offer some of the best birding in a very relaxed and aesthetically pleasing environment. 

Starting in the north of the Zulu Coast is the Kwambonambi Country Club, this well looked after 9 hole course offers excellent facilities and other sporting facilities on site, including a very popular "Halfway House". 

For more information or bookings, please contact (035) 580-1321 or email: marckwambo@wol.co.za

At the heart of the Zulu Coast is the Richards Bay Country Club, ideally set on the shores of Lake Mzingazi where unsurpassed sundowners after a day on the course can be enjoyed. The 18 hole, Par 71 golf course, co-designed by Gary Player, is one of the most scenic and challenging layouts in Zululand, especially considering that your chances of playing alongside basking crocodiles or grazing hippos is not uncommon. For more information please visit www.rbcc.co.za or Tel: (035) 753 2441

A bit further south in the quaint, peaceful village of Mtunzini is the Mtunzini Country Club, this 9 hole, Par 72 course overlooks the beautiful uMlalazi Nature Reserve and estuary with additional breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean. Birding along the Mtunzini Golf Course, is some of the best in the country with views of Palmnut Vultures, Hornbills, Sunbirds and Kingfishers being common place. For more information Tel: (035) 340-1779

Inland in the cooler, more temperate climates of Eshowe is the 72 Par, 18 hole Eshowe Hills Golf Course, The golf course at Eshowe Hills Country Club was opened in 1907, and is now one of the oldest clubs in South Africa still playing on the original site. The “new” course was designed by the legendary Bob Grimsdell in the 1950’s and has recently been upgraded by European Masters Champion and multiple tournament winner, Jeff Hawkes. Great care has been taken to keep the “Grimsdell character” of the course. For more information visit www.eshowehills.co.za or Tel (035) 473 5000

All the courses along the Zulu Coast are in close proximity to a variety of accommodation establishments from bed and breakfasts to luxurious hotels. In addition there is always plenty on offer for the rest of the family, with many of the courses having excellent facilities for children and families. For more information on the Zulu Coast's Golfing opportunities visit www.visitzululand.co.za or www.sa-venues.com/kwazulu_natal_golf_courses.htm

Upcoming Events

June and July 2012

• Elvis Blue performing live at Umfolozi Casino Resort on the 23rd of June 2012. R100 per adult and R50 per juvenile under the age of 12. For more information contact +27 (0) 35 787 8200 or visit www.umfolozicasino.co.za
• Floral Club Meeting held in Richards Bay Library at 2pm on the 21 June 2012 
• Exhibition of all sport shops and local gyms held in Boardwalk Inkwazi Mall, 16 June 2012. For more information contact Tel 035 789 7251/2 or visit www.boardwalkinkwazi.co.za
• Ladysmith Black Mambazo performing live at Imbizo Hall; Empangeni on 15th June 2012, tickets at R50 per person. Tickets available at Shoprite and Computicket. For more information Tel 083 420 9573.
• Karou’s Spicy new show that is about comedy, music, magic and dance. It is live at Umfolozi Casino Resort on the 9th of June at 19h30. For more information contact +27 (0) 35 787 8200 or visit www.umfolozicasino.co.za
• Vocal artist Andre Swiegers will be performing live in Wood Pecker Inn. Date: 09 June 2012@R130 p/p. Contact +27(0) 35 786 1230 for more information
• Christmas in July. This unseasoned event will include two community events; craft market and a tea garden at Empangeni MOTH Hall during the day, and a Christmas party and a three course meal at the same venue that evening. This occurrence will take place on 21st July 2012. 
• Vehicle exhibition showcasing vehicles from past to the modern days. Date; 07 July 2012, Boardwalk Inkwazi Mall. Tel 035 789 7251/2 or visit www.boardwalkinkwazi.co.za
• Empangeni SPCA Car Boot Sale opposite the Zululand Observer Offices, Empangeni from 8am to noon, date 07 July 2012. Please contact 035 792 9129 for more information
• Richards Bay Coal Terminals Relay, July 2012. For more information please visit www.relay.rbct.co.za or Tel: 035 789 6907

Great Family Day Out At The Hatchery Beach & Lagoon Experience

With so many people out there complaining that there is nothing to do with their children on a weekend, where children are catered for and mums and dads get to chill and enjoy good food and have a great day out.......if this sounds like you, then have you considered a visit to the Hatchery, near Gingindlovu?

The Hatchery has introduced Nikki from “Cherry on Top Caterers.” Nikki will be focused on ensuring your Sunday Picnic lunches are exciting and original, making that family day out that much more enjoyable.

The Hatchery is very family orientated and they are hoping that all those families out there wanting a day out with delicious food, great atmosphere and that relaxed feel of what every South African knows well will be the kind of experience they have at the Hatchery.

The Menu will be different each Sunday! So ..... in order to be a part of the fun and great foods all you have to do is one of the following: Book into the hatch for the weekend of the 29th June and book your Lunch to ensure you don’t miss out on all the fun or if you cannot stay the weekend then you can call Nikki directly to book your meal for the Sunday 1st July 2012.

For children, their is endless fun to be had playing in the safe lagoon and The Hatch even boasts "Beach Butlers" that can be hired to look after your children if you need some peace and quiet.

The lunch will begin at 12h00 and you will be “Surprised “ with the menu. There is a bar on offer and this will be a cash bar, or you can take your own wines. Be sure to book soon as spaces are filling up fast and there is a limit to numbers!

We do hope this has wet your appetite properly. We at the Hatch, cannot wait to see you for our “Cherry on the top." For more information, contact  084 959 8827 or visit www.thehatchery.co.za

Mtunzini Hiking Trails get A Facelift

Councillor Keith Powell and Barbara Chedzey step out onto the new boardwalks through Mtunzini's swamp forest.

The boardwalk through the Raphia Palm Monument and Mtunzini’s beautiful Swamp Forest have been completely rebuilt!

The Raphia Palm Monument is one of the few declared natural monuments in the country and it is the best place to spot the rare Palmnut Vulture which nests near the top of these particular palms. The palms were introduced to Mtunzini about 100 years ago from the swamp forests of the Kosi Bay and it's one of only six palm species indigenous to South Africa. The raphia palm can grow to a height of 25m in 25 years and its leaves are amongst the largest in the plant kingdom. The Raphia Palm Monument also interlinks via a series of trails with the uMlalazi Nature Reserve which also boasts some impressive Mangrove Forests, These forests are inhabited by a number of strange creatures of which the fiddler crabs are perhaps the best known. Male fiddler crabs have an enlarged claw, which is used both for displaying to attract females as well as in combat with other males. During mating season the mangrove forest is alive with gaiety as the little males beckon to females with their enlarged claws. Also worth looking out for is the mudskipper - a little amphibious fish - which can often be seen skittering over the mud surface searching for insects and small crustaceans to eat.

This project which replaces the original boardwalk established more than 25 years ago, has restored Mtunzini's trail system linking the swamp forest in the municipal area with the dune forest in the Umlalazi Nature Reserve. There is a range of hiking trails in and around the Umlalazi Nature Reserve. A short trail of about 15 minutes through one of the best examples of Mangrove Forest to be seen in South Africa, starts at the parking area at the lagoon and takes the visitor past John Dunn's Pool. In the winter months this is the place to spot the Mangrove Kingfisher. Energetic hikers can continue on the trail which connects with the road to the mudflats which is often an excellent birding area.

Residents and visitors now have several kilometres of beautiful boardwalk and trails on which to explore the various habitats that Mtunzini has to offer. The project has cost R400 000 and has been financed by the National Department of Environmental Affairs and channeled through uThungulu District Municipality’s Coastal Working Group which is chaired by Ward 19 Councillor Keith Powell. Barbara Chedzey and Mtunzini Residents Association chairperson Wendy Forse are members of the Coastal Working Group. The project manager has been Blessing Sikakhani who has supervised the contractors on behalf of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife who implemented the project.

Councillor Powell, long-time resident and champion of Mtunzini’s natural areas, is very impressed with the rebuilt boardwalk and is sure that they will last at least another 25 years. There is new signage at the entrance to the boardwalk and you will be delighted with your expedition through this special piece of paradise. For more information, contact the uMlalalazi Tourism association on 035 473 3359 or email ronel@umlalazi.org.za