Beach, wildlife watching and rides are three distinct highlights of Amanzimtoti: Amanzimtoti Beach, the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary and Splash Waterworld. There is also a mountain biking trail along the Amanzimtoti River. When choosing a destination, you can weigh up whether you want to focus on the beach and a picnic, birdwatching or physical activity.
Beach and rides
Amanzimtoti Beach is a family beach with picnic areas and safe swimming zones. Splash Waterworld has braai facilities and water slides. Its rides cater to adventurous and less adventurous visitors, and there are also child-friendly rides. Splash Waterworld is considered wheelchair accessible and has strategically positioned lifeguards. If accessibility is important to your plans, check in advance which specific areas meet your needs.
The two attractions offer different experiences: swimming and picnicking are the main activities at the beach, while Splash Waterworld focuses on slides and rides. You can choose the option that better suits your interests.
Birds at the sanctuary
More than 150 bird species live in the indigenous forest of the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, including the Giant Kingfisher and the Spurwinf Goose. The number of species may change over time. Some birds accept food from visitors’ hands, offering a special way to encounter the sanctuary’s birdlife.
The tea garden overlooks a lake where visitors can watch birds. If you want to make the tea garden a set part of your visit, check its availability in advance. The forest, lake and opportunity for birdwatching offer a different experience from the rides at Splash Waterworld.
Mountain biking along the Amanzimtoti River
The Amanzimtoti Sports Centre has an approximately 8 km mountain biking trail, open to clubs and the public. The Centre is located in Hutchison Park and Illanda Wilds along the Amanzimtoti River. The approximate distance gives you an idea of the trail’s length; mountain biking adds a sporting option to the beach and nature activities.
Culture and more experiences in the wider Durban Metro destination
The wider Durban Metro destination spans the eThekwini Municipality, from cosmopolitan coastal areas in the north to rugged valleys in the west. eThekwini’s municipal museums include the Durban Local History Museums, which cover cultural and historical heritage; the Durban Art Gallery, which features visual art; and the Durban Natural Science Museum, which focuses on natural science aspects of heritage. There are 19 Local History Museums sites in eThekwini, all managed by the Municipality; the number of sites may change.
uShaka Sea World in the wider Durban Metro destination offers another area of interest: the aquarium features dolphin shows, seal viewing and penguin presentations. As the show programme may change, check current presentations if a particular offering is important to your visit. uShaka Wet n Wild is a water park in the wider Durban Metro destination. So, alongside museums, there are also marine animals and water park attractions to explore, while the beach, sanctuary and mountain biking trail are the highlights described in Amanzimtoti.
Discover more destinations: Makakatana, Kloof, Cathkin Park, Jozini, Pietermaritzburg, Durban, Kokstad, Port Edward.
View the wider travel overview: KwaZulu-Natal.
