Winklespruit, South Coast

Lying between Warner Beach and Illovo, the little seaside town of Winklespruit, just south of Amanzimtoti is typical of so many little seaside villages along this stretch of coast - lined with lush sub-tropical vegetation and home to a sandy beach that stretches for miles. It lies at the Illovo River mouth and earn its rather strange name from the Afrikaans word 'winkel' or 'shop' when sailors set up a store here on the river bank to sell any damaged goods from the schooner Tonga that was shipwrecked here in 1875. The name stuck.

Or at least, this is what some people believe. Others insist that it derives from the little mollusk found in vast quantities along this part of the coastline, also known as a 'periwinkle'. Whichever option you choose, it is without doubt a pretty little town in which to holiday. One can easily reach Eastern Glen Road, which leads down to the beach and runs parallel to a large green space known as Illovo River Park, from the station, whilst the village itself sits perched on a hill overlooking the sea.

On the opposite side of the village, away from the beach, you stare out over softly undulating hills. But in essence you're in Winklespruit for the shark-protected beach and the tidal pool. It's popular with swimmers and surfers alike and the lagoon offers further boating and bathing opportunities.

You are also only 20 minutes drive from Durban's city centre and 5 minutes from Amanzimtoti meaning that should you do not want to spend all of your time on the beach, there are other options. With plenty of beachside accommodation available and the weather on your side, you shouldn't want to leave the little village for anything other than necessitities.