Pennington is situated on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal

Pennington developed with the railways arrival in early 1900, followed 15 years later by construction of a rudimentary whaling station at its northern extreme. As with many South Coast settlements, its name was derived from a land surveyor s fond memory of the Old Country and much criticised by certain historians and newspaper commentators of the day, who believed all these frontier districts should retain their traditional Zulu names.

Umdoni Park & Golf Course, Ocean View, Kelso, Sezela, Bazely Beach, Ifafa, Elysium and Mtwalume are popular resorts in the Pennington area

The tranquil seaside village, situated approximately 15 km south of Scottburgh, was originally a farm owned by the Pennington family. The town is located in one of the most beautiful woodland settings along the coast. The Pennington district comprises the pleasant villages of Ocean View, Kelso, Sezela, Bazley Beach, Ifafa Beach and Elysium.

GENERAL INFORMATION

How to get there

Durban 74 km, Johannesburg 650 km, Margate 60 km, Scottburgh 15 km

Average Rainfall – 1000 mm

Average Temperatures – Summer 19°c – 33°c; Winter 14°c – 23°c

Banks – NBS, Standard

Dams – Nkumbane

ATTRACTIONS

Braai Area - Available at a nominal fee for functions. Charcoal available

Kiddies

Arcade Games, Pool Table, Tuck Shop, Vending Machine, Playground, Skateboard Ramp

Postcards Lighthouse Tours

Tidal Pools - Pennington and Ifafa

Wine Circle

On the last Monday of the month. Join the ‘Fundis’ for wine tasting, snacks and enlightening conversation.

ACTIVITIES

Angling

Fresh water, rock and surf. The Kelso Fly Anglers Club can help fly fishermen, fresh water or rock and surf anglers. For the ski boat fishermen there are clubs and launch sites at Pennington and Sezela. Bass fishing at Mkhumbane Dam, situated in the scenic valley, braai area and picnic spot boats record size large mouth Black Bass. Deep sea fishing tours. Fishing competition during the Easter Weekend.

Bird Watching

Nkomba Bird Sanctuary, Mkamati Dam, Ifafa Lagoon Estuary, Nkumbane Dam and the Elysium Wetland.

Golf

The Natal South Coast has always been a golfer’s mecca and Pennington can more than hold it’s own in this respect. The beautifully manicured Selborne Park and exquisite Umdoni Park Links Golf Course are complemented by the Sezela Country Club.

Scuba Diving

A short trip takes you to the world renowned Aliwal Shoal off Umkomaas.

Snorkeling

Magnificent sites at Rocky Bay, Kelso, Umdoni Point, Ndasengane, Ifafa and Elysium

Windsurfing / Jet Skiing / Paragliding

An ideal venue for off shore windsurfing, jet skiing and paragliding is Bazley Beach.

Accommodation in and around Ladysmith

Hazard Rating – 3 – 4

Tyre Pressure – 0,8 – 1 bar

GPS – 26°04”S 20°02”E

Elevation – 1074 m

Wedged between Namibia and the Kalahari Gemsbok Park on the farm Pulai. The circular 200 km long trail offers exhilarating dune driving and scenic views of the farm

The Namaqua Trail

Trail Rating – 2 – 3

Hazard Rating – 2

Tyre Pressure – 2,5 bar

GPS (Pelladrift) – 28°58”S 19°11”E

Elevation – 306 m

GPS (Milkwood Tree) – 28°54”S 18°23”E

Elevation – 218 m

GPS (Vioolsdrift) – 28°46”S 17 °37”E

Elevation – 163 m

Starting at the picturesque Pella Mission Station, the Namakwa Route follows the Orange River 642 km to the sea. It offers the 4 x 4 adventure of a lifetime. You’ll cross Namaqualand Brokenveld, False Succulent Karoo, Arid Karoo, Western Mountain Karoo, Succulent Karoo and Sandveld. Over 2 – 8 days and one of the three routes you’ll meet northern Namaqualand’s inhabitants – mostly goatherds living in reed huts following the lifestyles of their forbears. You’ll cross from a summer rainfall into a winter rainfall region and witness magnificent geological formations and changes. Detailed maps and routes descriptions are given on payment for entry. Travelling westward and following the course of the Orange River, the trail can be divided into three sections namely, Pelladrift to Vioolsdrif, Vioolsdrif to the end of the escarpment and Lekkersing to the coast.

The Richtersveld Trail

Trail Rating – 4 – 5

Hazard Rating – 3 – 4

Tyre Pressure – 2 – 2,25 bar

GPS (Sendelingsdrift) – 28°07”S 16°52”E

GPS ( De Hoop) – 28°11”S 17°11”E

GPS (Quiver Tree Kloof) – 28°18”S 17°15”E

Elevation – Varies between 55 m and 600 m

The Riemvasmaak Trails

Trail Rating - 3 – 4

Hazard Rating - 3 – 4

Tyre Pressure - 2 – 2,25 bar

GPS – 28°27”S 20°17”E

Elevation – 660 m

The Banksgate Trail

Trail Rating – 4 – 5

Hazard Rating – 4 – 5

Tyre Pressure – 2 – 2,5 bar

GPS – 32°16”S 21°23”E

Elevation – 1349 m

The trail nestles in the Nuweveld Mountain Range over several farms 51 km from Frasersburg

The Hantam Flower Trails

Trail Rating – 2 – 3

Hazard Rating – 2

Tyre Pressure - 2 – 2,25 bar

GPS (Toekoms) – 31°30”03S 19°26”32E

Elevation – 1184 m

GPS (Lokenburg) – 31°41”03S 19°11”04E

Elevation – 549 m

Accommodation in and around South Africa