The KZN South Coast is the place where ocean sunrises and hinterland adventures await – but these are best enjoyed with the company of some four-legged friends! Fortunately, there is a wide selection of ‘pawfect’ pet-friendly accommodation options and restaurants to be explored in the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom.
“We understand that for many people, pets are part of the family and leaving them behind just isn’t an option!” commented Deborah Ludick Acting CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “That’s why we’ve compiled a list of great spots on the KZN South Coast that welcome pets, making this the ultimate family destination.”
Ironwood Lodge
Location: Pennington
Description: The relaxed atmosphere at the pet-friendly Ironwood Lodge is created through sincere hospitality and spacious accommodation, with stunning sea views over a beautiful garden. Guests can swim in the outdoor swimming pool, take dogs along hiking or fishing, or relax together in the garden where barbecue facilities are available.
The Doghouse & Craft Café
Location: Pennington
Description: This restaurant serves delicious meals and wood-fired pizzas with a fully-licenced taproom featuring Basset Brews, speciality gins & rums, fine wines and cocktails. Your dogs (on a leash) can accompany you to the pet-friendly beer garden alongside the children’s play area, or take your dog for a walk on the nature trails passing two bass dams through Yellowwood Private Nature Reserve.
The Beach House
Location: Southport
Description: Take your dogs on a seaside adventure to this self-catering gem between Sea Park and Southport beaches featuring an upmarket 4-bedroom home and ocean views. The Beach House Southport promises unparalleled comfort and convenience for the whole family – four-legged friends included. However, all pets must be friendly and house-trained.
Riverbend Chalets
Location: Umtentweni
Description: There are 4 houses with securely fenced gardens and gated access to Riverbend Park, making it ideal for dogs. Take them on a walk along the many nature trails to the dam and riverside campsite. All of Riverbend, including the campsite, is pet-friendly so bring those dogs on holiday!
CBali Restaurant
Location: St Michael’s
Description: This Asian fusion restaurant, cocktail and sushi bar overlooks the ocean and offers the finest craft beers and cocktails, oysters, sushi and decadent desserts. This delicious meal and a view is best enjoyed with pets by your side.
Oasis Caravan Park & Chalets
Location: Uvongo
Description: Found just a short distance from the beach, the pet-friendly caravan park has excellent leisure facilities under large shady trees! Your pets will enjoy exploring all the natural wonders with the nearby Uvongo Beach one of the finest beaches with a footpath leading to Uvongo River Nature Reserve.
Dumela Holiday Resort
Location: Margate
Description: This self-catering accommodation invites guests to bring a small dog along for the adventure. This family resort includes a beautiful area overlooking Margate Beach. There is a swimming pool, thatched pub, entertainment room, and playroom.
BillsBest
Location: Ramsgate
Description: BillsBest has over 30 seaside accommodation options in Ramsgate with the iconic Whaleback Cottage a pet-friendly option for small and large dogs. Your dogs will be kept safe in the large, fully enclosed garden and a gate which opens directly onto the pet-friendly beach path. It’s self-catering with all the essential home comforts.
The Waffle House
Location: Ramsgate
Description: Established in 1957, the Waffle House not only welcomes pets, but it’s a historic KZN South Coast landmark, nestled in the tranquil sub-tropical edge of the Ramsgate Lagoon. Renowned for its unique waffles, visitors can also enjoy a leisurely walk with pets across the quaint wooden bridge to the beautiful Ramsgate Beach for a swim or a laze on the sand.
Coral Tree Colony B&B
Location: Southbroom
Description: Enjoy the sub-tropical climate, lush surroundings, and unspoiled beaches from this ideal bed & breakfast with your four-legged friend. There are 6 luxury en-suite bedrooms with a swimming pool, WiFi, DStv, and delicious breakfasts served on the verandah.
The Merry Crab Beach Lodge
Location: Munster & Glenmore
Description: This is a charming, secure, self-catering holiday hideaway nestled within the lush Admiralty Reserve. From the lodge, you and your dog can walk along a shaded pathway that winds to the warm ocean, ideal for swimming, surfing, fishing, and relaxing. The lodge has pet-friendly accommodation dedicated to those who want to bring their pets for a seaside break!
Ashton Manor Guest House
Location: Port Edward
Description: This pet-friendly, 5-bedroom home has sea views and a great outside entertainment area. Guests can enjoy a large swimming pool with a lovely garden and built-in braai, and ample activities to keep everyone entertained on holiday.
Take your four-legged friends to the KZN South Coast where ocean sunrises and hinterland adventures await! Find out more by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
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When it comes to picturesque road trips, few destinations can match the beauty and diversity of South Africa’s Garden Route. Stretching along the southern coast of the Western Cape province, this stunning stretch of highway takes travelers on a journey through some of the country’s most breathtaking landscapes.
The best way to begin your Garden Route adventure is by flying into George Airport, a convenient gateway to the region. George is served by multiple domestic flights from major hubs like Cape Town and Johannesburg, making it easy to access from anywhere in the country. Once you’ve arrived, consider renting a car to provide the ultimate flexibility in exploring the sights and attractions along the route.
The Garden Route begins in Mossel Bay, a charming seaside town known for its pristine beaches, historical landmarks, and unique geological formations. Visitors can explore the famous Post Office Tree, a Milkwood tree that has served as a post office since the 1800s, or visit the Bartolomeu Dias Museum Complex to learn about the region’s rich maritime history.
Continuing along the route, the next stop is the town of George, a hub for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you can hike through the majestic Outeniqua Mountains, tee off at one of the region’s world-class golf courses, or visit the stunning Kingswood Golf Estate.
Further east, the town of Knysna offers a picturesque harbor, a series of tranquil lagoons, and the iconic Knysna Heads, a pair of towering cliffs that guard the entrance to the lagoon. Outdoor activities abound, from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking in the Knysna Forest, home to the elusive Knysna Elephant.
As you continue your journey, you’ll come across the charming town of Plettenberg Bay, renowned for its pristine beaches, whale watching opportunities, and the nearby Robberg Nature Reserve, a stunning peninsula that offers breathtaking views and diverse wildlife.
The final stop on the Garden Route is Storms River, home to the Storms River Suspension Bridge, a popular hiking destination that allows visitors to admire the dramatic coastline and the rugged Tsitsikamma National Park. This is also a prime spot for adrenaline-fueled activities, such as ziplining and bungee jumping.
Throughout the Garden Route, you’ll find a diverse array of accommodations, from luxurious resorts and boutique hotels to charming bed and breakfasts and campsites. No matter your travel style, this remarkable region of South Africa has something to offer everyone.
So pack your bags, book your flights to George, and rent a car to embark on an unforgettable journey along the Garden Route. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and endless opportunities for adventure, this slice of the Western Cape is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who visit.
Ilorin, the capital of Kwara State, is a Nigerian city with a long and rich history. However, much of its distant past is not well known. Archaeology is now uncovering more of this history and the relationships of Ilorin to other ancient parts of the Yoruba world.
Situated in north-central Nigeria and predominantly Yoruba-speaking, Ilorin gained prominence in the late 1700s. It was a significant northern province of the Oyo empire, which was active between the 1500s and early 1800s.
Thanks to its strategic location between savannah and forest regions of present-day Nigeria and its connection to the Oyo empire, Ilorin evolved into a centre of inter-regional trade networks, craft production and cultural exchanges by the 1800s. The city was renowned for trade in horses, agricultural produce, and crafts such as lantana stone beads, textiles and pottery within the Yoruba-Edo worlds and across west Africa. Ilorin also served as a trading hub for enslaved people.
In addition, in the 1800s, Ilorin became integrated into the Islamic emirate system under the Sokoto caliphate. This integration resulted in significant socio-political changes and contributed to the expansion of the city.
While oral traditions and written sources have preserved much of Ilorin’s history, the longer-term occupation of the city before the 1800s remained largely unknown until recent archaeological research. This contrasts with the situation in Ilorin’s surrounding communities like Igbominaland, Ede and Osogbo, where archaeological studies have provided insights into their settlement histories.
My doctoral research on Ilorin archaeology sheds new light on this period. It uncovers over 1,000 years of human occupation in the city before the 1800s. This research started the process of unravelling the city’s previously unknown settlement history and its connections to wider Yoruba worlds. The material evidence from this research takes various forms, including material technology, settlement patterns, architecture, rituals and food.
My research investigated 10 units of various sizes, seven of which were excavated. It documented a diverse suite of material culture, including abundant potsherds of various types, potsherd pavements, rock-based or stone tools, animal remains, shell and metal. I compared these findings from Ilorin with those from the wider Yorubaland, focusing particularly on the major centres of Ile-Ife and Oyo.
My research on early Ilorin centred mainly on potsherds. In archaeology, potsherds tell us a lot about the characteristics of past societies and how they interacted with their environment.
Potsherd pavements stand out as an ancient architectural feature linked to the social complexities of west Africa. Potsherds are broken pieces of ceramic materials and potsherd pavements are paved ways, floors or courtyards made of potsherds. They are sometimes combined with stones, pebbles or cobbles. They can be laid flat or on edge in a pattern. Potsherds and potsherd pavements provide insights into past technology, innovation, economy, social identity, architecture and rituals. They can also expand understanding of social interactions on a regional scale.
Ilorin potsherd pavements present an ideal case study of regional interactions.
The Oyo empire’s capital was about 60km north-west of Ilorin. Despite their connections, the two societies had different kinds of potsherd pavements. The Oyo kingdom featured flat-laid potsherd pavements while Ilorin’s were edge-lain in herringbone patterns. This could strongly indicate a disconnection between the two centres during prehistoric times. The varied patterns observed in potsherd pavements suggest variations in technological choices among the artisans responsible for crafting these architectural structures. Patterns may also be determined by the culture responsible for the innovation. Ilorin’s edge-laid patterns are similar to those found widely in the Ile-Ife area, about 235km to the south-west. Evidence in Ilorin of buried pot remains, potentially used for ritual purposes, is also suggestive of finds at Ile-Ife and some of its surrounding towns.
My findings
My research used archaeology as its prime source of data to investigate the development of the Ilorin cultural landscape, focusing on Okesuna, one of the city’s early quarters. I chose Okesuna because of the concentration of archaeological remains there, particularly potsherds and potsherd pavements.
The excavations also yielded rock-based or stone tools, animal remains, shell and metal objects. A combination of radiocarbon dates and potsherds analysis from Ilorin produced chronological information spanning from the mid-sixth to the pre-16th centuries AD. This covered around 1,000 years of human occupation in the area before the west Africa Atlantic contact.
The research in Ilorin is the first to document a first millennium AD pottery assemblage outside significant known centralised polities of Yorubaland such as Old Oyo, Ile-Ife and Benin. It is the first record of people living in the area such a long time ago.
The dates also suggest that the early Ilorin area was more developed than previously believed. It must have served as a significant socio-political unit at the same time as or even earlier than some important Yorùbáland centres, including Ile-Ife and Old Oyo.
Early Ilorin may have been a centre of innovation which facilitated free-flowing interactions across regional borders, uninhibited by pressure from major centres.
Ancient politics
My research demonstrates how archaeological evidence continually reshapes our understanding of the ancient politics in areas situated on the borders of major centres.
It shows that the settlement patterns of modern societies are an inadequate yardstick for defining pre-modern societies. This highlights the fluid and transient nature of culture. It also underscores the complexity and significance of these areas as contact zones of social interactions and cultural exchanges.
Nestled along the shores of the Indian Ocean, South Africa boasts a city with a rich history and a recent change in nomenclature that has stirred curiosity worldwide. Formerly known as Port Elizabeth, this coastal gem has undergone a transformation, embracing a new identity—Gqeberha. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the origins of both names, explore the cultural significance behind the change, and showcase the diverse tapestry that makes Gqeberha a destination worth discovering.
Port Elizabeth: A Historical Overview
Before we unravel the tale of Gqeberha, let’s take a step back in time to the era when Port Elizabeth first graced the maps. Named after the wife of the then British Secretary of State for the Colonies, Elizabeth, this city played a pivotal role in South Africa’s maritime history. Its deep-water harbor and strategic location made it a hub for trade and a gateway to the Eastern Cape.
Over the years, Port Elizabeth earned the moniker “The Friendly City” due to its warm hospitality and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors were drawn to its pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and a wealth of historical landmarks. From the iconic Donkin Reserve to the charming Victorian architecture, Port Elizabeth became a beacon for those seeking a perfect blend of history and natural beauty.
The Transition to Gqeberha: Unpacking the Name Change
In a move reflective of South Africa’s commitment to acknowledging its diverse cultural heritage, the city council decided to rename Port Elizabeth as Gqeberha. The new name, pronounced “Geh-beh-rah,” pays homage to the indigenous Xhosa heritage of the region. It’s a nod to the Baakens River, a significant watercourse winding through the heart of the city.
The change, officially implemented in 2021, sparked conversations about identity, heritage, and the evolving narrative of South Africa. Gqeberha represents a step towards cultural inclusivity, honoring the linguistic and historical roots that shape the nation.
Exploring Gqeberha: A City of Contrasts
As you embark on a journey through Gqeberha, you’ll discover a city that seamlessly blends the old and the new. The vibrancy of street art adorns walls, telling stories of resilience and progress. The eclectic mix of markets, such as the lively Donkin Street Market, offers a taste of local flavors and crafts.
Gqeberha is also a gateway to the renowned Addo Elephant National Park, a wildlife sanctuary where elephants roam freely against the backdrop of the Zuurberg Mountains. The city’s surroundings, with their diverse landscapes, make it a haven for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Top Attractions in Gqeberha
Donkin Reserve and Pyramid: Explore the historical heart of the city, adorned with a lighthouse, an old stone pyramid, and the iconic Donkin Street.
Bayworld Oceanarium: Immerse yourself in marine life at Bayworld, where dolphins, seals, and penguins captivate visitors of all ages.
Red Location Museum: Delve into the city’s history at this museum, housed in one of the oldest townships, offering insights into the struggle against apartheid.
Hobie Beach: Bask in the sun on the shores of Hobie Beach, a popular spot for water sports and relaxation.
Route 67: Wander along this artistic trail featuring 67 public artworks, each symbolizing a year in Nelson Mandela’s life dedicated to public service.
Navigating Gqeberha’s Culinary Scene
Gqeberha’s culinary scene mirrors its diverse identity, blending traditional Xhosa flavors with contemporary twists. From seafood delights at local markets to the aromatic spices of township cuisine, the city caters to every palate. Be sure to indulge in a “braai,” South Africa’s barbecue tradition, and savor the fusion of global influences in Gqeberha’s restaurants.
Practical Tips for Visitors
For those planning a visit to Gqeberha, it’s essential to keep a few practical tips in mind. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild winters, making it a year-round destination. English is widely spoken, and the locals appreciate a friendly “Molo” (hello in Xhosa). Safety is a priority, so exploring with a sense of awareness ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Conclusion: Gqeberha, a City of Endless Discovery
In the evolution from Port Elizabeth to Gqeberha, this city has emerged as a symbol of South Africa’s commitment to embracing its diverse heritage. The name change is more than a mere linguistic shift; it represents a celebration of culture, history, and the vibrant spirit that defines Gqeberha.
So, where on earth is Gqeberha? It’s a city that invites you to wander through its streets, soak in its history, and savor the flavors of its diverse culture. As the sun sets over Algoa Bay, casting a golden glow on Gqeberha’s shores, it’s evident that this city is not just a destination; it’s an experience—one that leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of those fortunate enough to explore its wonders.
