IT’S not just the beautiful beaches that stretch from Amanzimtoti Main Beach to Illovo Beach, with the various lagoons and wildlife that can be seen, but this town also has a long-standing reputation and history as a popular tourist destination.

The most popular tourist attraction to the South Coast is the annual Sardine Run where scores of people can watch the frenzy in the water when huge shoals swim by, followed most often by whales, dolphins and sharks.

Shopping in Toti is another tourist attraction where everything can be found. If you are looking for the best shopping vibe, the local shops and malls have everything your heart desires.

Amanzimtoti is also home to a wide variety of wildlife, including Cape clawless otters, blue duiker and the spotted ground-thrush. Vervet monkeys are a common sight and can be seen throughout suburban parts of town and in the nature reserves.

Most of the wildlife can be found along the Amanzimtoti River or in the coastal dune vegetation. Apart from the above spoils, bird lovers can visit Umdoni Bird Sanctuary along one of the tributaries of the Amanzimtoti River.

Other nature reserves and green areas include Umbogavango, Vumbuka and the Pipeline Coastal Park.