It’s time to start preparing for the summer holidays and the Sapphire Coast has something for everyone. Get ready for the Winkle Toti Winkle Race on 16 December, where adrenaline meets the ocean in a hard-fought race. The fun continues with the Sapphire Sizzling Summer programme, filled with seaside games and entertainment, including the inclusive Water Sweets ’24 Games and action-packed King of the Upper South Coast Fishing Competition. There’s no shortage of fun for families, friends, and fishing fanatics!
Businesses can join the excitement by showcasing their brands in this dynamic environment while supporting local community initiatives – a win-win for exposure and goodwill.
“We’re encouraging holidaymakers to book their spots on the Sapphire Coast now as this is our busiest season,” says Romy Wenzel of Sapphire Coast Tourism. “Our full events schedule ensures there’s something for everyone, with family-friendly activities and seaside fun from sunrise to sunset.”
There’s also great news for motorists: all repairs to the Ezimbokodweni Bridge on the N2 are complete, ensuring smooth and easy access to the Sapphire Coast.
Toti Gift Market
Date: 7 December 2024 to 11 January 2025
Venue: Kuswag High School, Amanzimtoti
Contact: Des on 074 634 4768
This fantastic market has gifts, festive treats, and more for the whole family. From unique, handmade treasures to thoughtfully sourced products, there are endless options to browse!
Sizzling Summer with Lotus FM
Date: Friday, 13 December
Time: 6am to 9am (The Breakfast Express) |9am to 12pm (Style in the City)
Venue: 95 Beach Road, Amanzimtoti
Get beach-wise and win some great prizes with Lotus FM as they welcome the Sizzling Summer with a live broadcast.
Don’t Drink and Swim Campaign
Date: Saturday, 14 December 2024
Venue: Amanzimtoti Main Beach
KwaZulu-Natal Liquor Authority will conduct a Don’t Drink and Swim Campaign to create safety awareness and promote the responsible use of alcohol this festive season.
Baggies Moon Walk & Mini Craft Market
Date: Sunday, 15 December
Time: 3pm to 7pm (Moon walk from 5.30pm)
Venue: Baggies Kiosk, Warner Beach
Contact: Sam on 076 751 5811 | info.flavorbrain@gmail.com
There will be entertainment for the whole family at this moon walk and craft market including lots of stalls selling amazing gifts, food and beverage from Baggies, a Christmas photo booth, and live entertainment by the Lee Band.
Winkle Toti Winkle Race
Date: Monday, 16 December 2024
Time: 8am start
Venue: Winkle Surf Lifesaving Club
Cost: R100 for 14 and over | R50 for U14
Register: Winkle Surf Lifesaving Club on day at 6.30am
Races:
Surfski Race: Winkle Beach to Toti Beach and back | 12.6km
Long Course Beach Run: Winkle Beach to Toti Beach and back | 12.6km
Beach Run & Walk: Winkle Beach to Warnadoone Rocks and back | 4.8km
There will be lots of lucky draw prizes on the day, with food and refreshments on sale. There will also be a craft market running alongside the surfski race (see details below).
Winkle Toti Winkle Craft Market
Date: Monday, 16 December 2024
Time: 8am to 1pm
Venue: Winklespruit Surf Lifesaving Club
Contact: Alichia on 071 884 6077 | secretary.winkleslc@hotmail.com
King of the Upper South Coast fishing competition
Date: Monday, 16 December 2024
Time: Lines in at 4am, Lines out at 12 noon| Weigh-in at 1pm | Prizegiving at Warnadoone Ski Boat Club
Fishing area: Bluff to Umkomaas North Bank
Cost: R350 per person which includes a goodie bag and a meal | R400 per person after 6 December (no goodie bag)
Enter: mhmanager@residentia.co.za | 082 410 1293 |
Entry Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdhseyIDhuwq14tYSxgoiU-zus69T7gc4q6W7AlMOxfQl4Row/viewform
Join for an exciting day of fishing, community spirit, and a great cause—raising funds for frail care services. All fishing participation will directly support vital care for Residentia’s elderly residents. There will be R50 000 worth of prizes to be won for top catches in the Ladies, Senior, and Junior Divisions with loads of lucky draws! Participate in the Target Cast Challenge (R25/cast) and buy raffle tickets for a chance to win a fishing kayak!
Carols by Candlelight
Date: Monday, 23 December
Time: 6pm to 6.30pm
Venue: Amanzimtoti Main Beach
Hosted by Love Toti, this is a wonderful opportunity to get in the festive spirit with the Amanzimtoti community. All visitors are welcome.
Sapphire Sizzling Summer programme
Date: 27 to 31 December
Venue: Amanzimtoti Main Beach
– Holidaymakers will enjoy fun beach Olympics, family-friendly games, music, prizes, and great giveaways – all free of charge!
– Lifesaving South Africa will join the Sapphire Sizzling Summer Programme with Resci the mascot teaching about water safety.
– Dolphin Bowl and Funland Entertainment Centre will provide a mobile tenpin lane on selected dates and hand out promotional vouchers.
Water Sweets ’24 Games
Date: 21 and 22 December
Venue: Amanzimtoti Main Beach
This is an inclusive programme for disabled holidaymakers – all free of charge! The Water Sweets ’24 Games, in partnership with Sapphire Coast Tourism, will encourage able-bodied and disabled holidaymakers with the opportunity to engage in beach activities together. Making an appearance at this epic holiday event is Jason Ribbinck, an ex-Springbok surfer; Seshnei Naidu, the Proteas women’s cricketer; and Jace Govender, SA Surf Casting Champion. Some of the activities planned for the two days include:
– Beach arm golf
– Fishing
– Seated volleyball
– Sports quiz
– Danito (visually impaired game)
The Water Sweets ’24 games will conclude on the final day with a Santa Surprise Visit, a festive closing ceremony and an afterparty on the beach!
Promotional and Sponsorship Opportunities
Sapphire Coast Tourism is inviting local businesses and organisations to take advantage of this prime time by participating in the Sapphire Sizzling Summer programme and Water Sweets ’24 games. With a captive audience, this is a great platform for companies to offer promotional items and activities directly to holidaymakers and locals daily.
Local businesses and registered tourism members are also encouraged to supply any promotional items, hampers, prizes, or vouchers as giveaways for beachgoers who are participating in the holiday campaign. Corporates are welcome to contact Sapphire Coast Tourism about large brand promotions or activations for a daily fee to reserve a beach space.
There are also lots of great sponsorship opportunities at the Water Sweets ’24 games for community-minded businesses looking to make a positive impact this festive season.
Beach Arm Golf Sponsor
Cost: R10 000
Be one of the Water Sweets ’24 games and brand a Beach Arm Golf hole. This includes featuring your logo on marketing material, branding on the day, and more.
Thanks to those who’ve already committed sponsorship for the Sapphire Sizzling Summer programme inclusive of Water Sweets ’24 Games: Chint, and Alpha and Omega Investments (both main sponsors of the Water Sweets ’24 Games), as well as Splash Waterworld and Thirsty Whale, Tiago’s, Smartcall, ATKV Natalia, Durban Tourism, +Group Properties, and The Beverage Company.
All sponsors are to contact Sapphire Coast Tourism ahead of the programme to arrange sponsorship. For more information contact Romy Wenzel on 083 733 6468 or romywenzel@gmail.com or info@sapphirecoasttourism.co.za.
PLEASE NOTE: Motorists visiting the KZN South Coast to the N2 South can use the Ezimbokodweni Bridge. It has been repaired and is open for travel.
Durban Tourism Business Awards 2025
Sapphire Coast Tourism is also calling on all local tourism products, entrepreneurs, crafters, and more to enter the 4th edition of the Durban Tourism Business Awards. This is a great opportunity to fly the Sapphire Coast Tourism flag high and showcase the many great tourism offerings within the region. The awards recognise excellence and innovation in the tourism sector with entries running until 23 February 2025. To enter, visit www.durbantourismawards.com.
Note that certain categories require Community Tourism Organisation (CTO) membership, but local businesses can still apply for Sapphire Coast Tourism membership to enter. Simply contact Romy Wenzel on 083 733 6468 or romywenzel@gmail.com or info@sapphirecoasttourism.co.za.
Sapphire Coast Tourist Sites and Activities
Outside of the scheduled events, there is so much to see and do on the Sapphire Coast!
– Amanzimtoti Main Beach which includes fun slides at Splash Water World, a variety of restaurants, takeaways, and shops with local traders selling beautiful crafts and curios along the promenade.
– Wheels on Waves ensure accessible tourism at Amanzimtoti Main Beach with disabled-friendly facilities such as the Sandcruiser floating chair. This service is offered free of charge but bookings are essential – contact Wesley Smith on 082 802 1348 or Reece on 066 439 8287 or email rollingwithreece@gmail.com.
– Charter boats for a day of deep-sea fishing, scuba diving, shark cage diving and/or snorkelling at Aliwal Shoal, a world-renowned dive site.
– Horse rides on the beach with experienced guides catering for a range of abilities.
– Crocworld Conservation Centre where the oldest known Nile crocodile in captivity lives – the world-famous Henry, as well as the newly launched aerial zipline Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures.
– Illovo River is another top spot for water sports, fishing, birding, and picnics.
– Umkomaas Golf Club or Amanzimtoti Country Club for a round on the 18-hole course or a drink or meal at the club.
– Nature walks, hikes and birdwatching are available with Nungwane Waterfalls in the heart of Umbululu a great attraction for nature lovers, whether experienced on horseback, 4×4, or mountain bike.
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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of Sapphire Coast.
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