OnTap Magazine

ON THE HOP SEE AND DO Of course one of the main reasons to travel the coast south of Durban is to visit the beaches, whether to soak up sun on the sand or to delve into the Indian Ocean. e coast is known for its water sports, particularly sur ng and diving. e Aliwal Shoal , best accessed from Umkomaas, is considered one of the best dive sites in South Africa, its rocky reef home to ragged tooth, tiger and hammerhead sharks. Two shipwrecks in the area o er yet more interest for experienced divers. ere are choice surf spots all along the coast and plenty of out ts o ering lessons to beginners or those wanting to improve their skills. Inland, the Oribi Gorge , about 25km west of Port Shepstone, is a regional highlight. A variety of antelope and other small wildlife species roam here and the birdlife is abundant. ere are hikes short and long winding through a landscape of towering cli s, waterfalls, thick forest and of course the impressive gorge itself. ose who brave the gorge swing rave about it but you’ll need nerves of steel to throw yourself of the ledge and into a 55-storey void… For something altogether more staid, a tour and tasting at Beaver Creek Co ee Estate in Port Edward is a delightful way to spend an hour. Stick around for lunch afterwards to make an afternoon of it. DRINK South of Durban, the distance between breweries starts to become greater. e rst you’ll reach is Toti Brewing Company in Amanzimtoti. Open weekdays only, Toti Brewing embraces its industrial setting with tables for drinking and sipping set up on the brewery oor among the stainless steel tanks. A 25-minute drive along the coastal N2 will bring you to East Coast Brewing , an elaborate setup whose slightly strange opening hours (Friday and Sunday only) mean that I am yet to manage to coincide a trip with them being open. Furthest south in Pennington is Basset Breweries , run by the amiable Andy Turner. Found just o the R102 in a hollow surrounded by trees, Basset makes you feel instantly relaxed. Kids love the rustic play area and above all else, it is extremely dog-friendly, with a dozen pups likely to be found here on any weekend afternoon. SLEEP If you’re travelling on a budget or are hoping to get involved in some water sports, there SOUTH COAST ere’s an altogether di erent but no less appealing vibe at Lions River Craft Brewery , 22km southeast. Open only on weekends, Lions River is rustic through and through, with taps pouring in the barn-like bar and local musicians playing outside on the grass. Beers are German-inspired and after a couple you’ll be wishing you’d booked accommodation nearby so you can carry on sipping and chilling all afternoon. And since the brewery is both kid- and dog-friendly, there won’t be any complaints from family members if you do decide to spend the day. SLEEP As luck would have it, Notties isn’t just a brewery with a damn ne pub attached – it is also based in the grounds of a particularly quaint hotel. Rooms at Rawdons Hotel e use English country charm without being old fashioned or chintzy and amenities include tennis courts, an outdoor pool and of course the brewery tasting room and shop. Nearby Netherwood likewise o ers accommodation, here in smart self-catering cottages with the all-important replace. e closest place to Lions River is Toad Hall Cottages , a selection of well-priced and well- equipped self-catering chalets within walking distance of the brewery. The Wild Coast Sun has a magnificent location on the Indian Ocean beachfront 38 | Autumn 2021 | ontapmag.co.za