Athlone Park is one of the more expensive northern districts of Amanzimtoti, immediately before the commencement of the Hibiscus Coast, which is a firm favourite with outdoor enthusiasts, and is only 7.5 kilometres from Durban along the south coast road.
Amanzimtoti first became firmly entrenched in the minds of South Africans as a holiday resort with the opening of a railway in 1902 and the arrival of a station master, and many a holiday maker headed to the over 7 kilometres of beach that is now home to, not only South Africans, but visitors from all over the world. It’s evident that life at Athlone Park slows down. The effect of the sea and the holiday spirit, which seems to fill Amanzimtoti with a constant sense of goodwill, leaves little choice but to ‘do as the Romans do’ and follow suit.
This is a place with white sand beaches, warm, safe waters for swimming, and world-class fishing, water sports, and diving options.
The Bird Sanctuary and the Umbogovango Nature Reserve, just north of Amanzimtoti, are two of the most magnificent nature reserves in the area. Ilanda Wilds is an excellent day trip with self-guided hikes, a conserved riverbank area, and picnic areas.
Best Things To Do In Athlone Park
Visit the iLanda Wilds Reserve
The reserve is currently undergoing extensive rehabilitation in order to preserve both its natural beauty and historical and cultural significance.
The Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve is a 14-hectare nature reserve on the Amanzimtoti River. The Ilanda Wilds Nature Reserve is a densely vegetated riverine and coastal scarp forest with over 120 different tree and shrub species, including the uncommon Fluted Milkwood and Natal Elm tree. Visitors will be enthralled by the abundance of wildlife and the possibility of seeing vervet monkeys on three self-guided paths within the reserve. The Loerie, Mpiti, and Mongoose self-guided paths begin in the town centre and lead to the conserved riverfront region. The paths are well-maintained and each one is roughly a kilometre long.
King Shaka allegedly sampled the river water and gave the town of Amanzimtoti its name, “place of sweet water,” according to a plaque in the reserve placed on stone. Sites for picnics and braais are provided.
South African Breweries in Prospecton
A trip to Durban’s Prospecton Brewery is one you’ll never forget. Prospecton Brewery, one of the most contemporary in the Southern Hemisphere, first opened its doors in 1974 and has been growing steadily since then.
The South African Brewery is a subsidiary of SAB Miller, the world’s second-largest brewer. Redd’s Premium Dry and Cold, the whole range of Castle beer (Lager, Draught, Lite, Milk Stout), Hansa Pilsner, and Carling Black Label are among the brands produced by the brewery, which produces millions of litres of beer each year.
When you visit the brewery, you may have a daily guided tour of the brewing and packaging process, and afterward, you’ll be invited to drink an ice cold beer in the brewery’s pub. You might be able to schedule a beer tasting and appreciation session if you contact them ahead of time.
