About the Caribbean Estates

Access to the resort is via the National Road from Durban or Johannesburg. The closest airport is Margate (30 kilometres) and the closest international airport is at Durban, 150 kilometres to the North. There is a landing strip at the Wild Coast Sun, less than five kilometres away.

The Estate terrain is relatively level and slopes to the beach and river. A conservation area lies between the development and the water on both sides and forms a beautiful natural boundary to the Estate. The reserve abounds with small game such as duiker, bushbuck and monkeys and there are numerous species of tropical birds.

Scenic walkways have been constructed through this green belt, with wooden viewing platforms at strategic points. The pathways and the decks are gently illuminated after dusk to allow for evening strolls to enjoy the moonlit water and woodland.

From the river mouth to both north and south stretch kilometres of unspoilt beaches with the nearest public access two kilometres away in either direction. This ensures that the almost one kilometre beach reached directly from the property remains virtually exclusive to Caribbean residents. It is as common to see spoor of otter, buck and waterbirds as it is to see human footprints. Access to the beach from the resort is via the Sunrise Beach Trail, the Wagon Trail and the river from River Ramble and Tassleberry Lane.

The Umtamvuna River is navigable by motor boat for about four kilometres, but canoes can be taken much further inland over the small rocky rapids. It is possible in this way to come across small sandy beaches and deep pools for swimming. Look out here for baboon, otter, leguaan and the mighty fish eagle with its haunting cry.

Direct access to the river is from Sandpiper pier and boats can be launched from the Wagon Trail using the Estate 4x4 vehicle.

Sport Facilities - Caribbean Estates

On the Estate itself there is a charming swimming pool complex, with two graded adult pools and a paddling pool. A Caribbean gazebo provides shade for a cool drink and there are built in braai (barbeque) facilities.

There are two floodlit all-weather tennis courts. Rackets and tennis balls are available for hire. Volley ball and table tennis facilities are also available. There is also a jungle gym and trampoline for our younger guests.

The ocean and river allows surfing, swimming, diving, snorkelling, angling, boating, etc.

The Wild Coast Casino offers horseriding on the beach and along trails with magnificent scenery. Waterworld has fabulous water sports facilities and offers regular river cruises. The 18-hole golf course is challenging and scenically breathtaking.

The KwaZulu Natal south coast is known as the Golf Coast: there are numerous courses between Caribbean Estates and Durban, from the fairly easy to the downright difficult. All welcome visitors, but bookings should be made in advance.

For Nature Lovers - Caribbean Estates

Located only a few kilometres from Caribbean Estates, the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve is an absolute must. Run by the KwaZulu Conservation Services, it covers some 3250 hectares and lies along 25 kilometres of the river. There are several trails for walkers of varying degrees of ease and severity.

Apart from the myriad varieties of wild flowers and grasses (some very rare), there are numerous small mammals, including bushbabies, samango and vervet monkeys, chacma baboons, red hares, clawless otters, mongooses and spotted genets. Large nocturnal predators such as black-backed jackal and servals hunt rodents in the grasslands. Some of the buck you may see are blue duiker, oribi and bushbuck; and after dark the common duiker and reedbuck.

To quote Tony Abbott from the Reserve's publication: "The magic of hidden waterfalls, of staggeringly beautiful cliffs of curious colours and fantastic formations, the views over grassland to gorge and sea beyond, the blaze of colour as the grasslands burst into spring flowers ... a complete peace: all this and more is here to tempt you".

Entertainment - Caribbean Estates

Just four kilometres north of Caribbean Estates lies Port Edward: a small holiday town with a beautiful white sand beach and first class surfing. All the usual shopping and banking facilities are located here, plus an excellent 9-hole golf course, bowling greens and squash courts.

The renowned Wild Coast Sun Resort and Casino is five minutes drive south of Caribbean Estates. Apart from the attractions of the casino itself, there are cabarets, restaurants, a fabulous children's entertainment centre with a tenpin bowling alley and a wide variety of sports, including water sports on the river.

Outdoor living is, of course, very much part of South African life, and at Caribbean Estates there are braai (barbecue) areas at the pool and in the boma (enclosure) down by the river. Each villa is equipped with its own Weber braai facility.

A day spent at the Old Pont Resort, two kilometres up-river, is a delight. Launch your boat from there, or just relax by the water with a picnic basket and enjoy the wonderful view.

The entire South Coast boasts superb beaches: take your pick from fun-filled and popular resorts to secluded and unspoilt coves. Fishing is excellent and there are numerous favoured spots where one can try for that "big one". Deep sea charters are also available. Scuba diving has become a keenly followed pastime and there is a good choice of reefs to explore in the area.

The lower South Coast has an excellent choice of restaurants catering for all tastes and nationalities. In the vicinity of Caribbean Estates visitors can find Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Indian, English, French and German food - not forgetting the ubiquitous hamburger and pizza. Many restaurant are in the most beautiful settings - whether overlooking the sea, lagoons or rivers or nestling in idyllic rural scenery.

Margate is 30 kilometres north of Caribbean Estates and offers a wide variety of holiday entertainment and shopping.