Property in Amanzimtoti

Amanzimtoti is a coastal town just south of Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Legend holds that King Shaka named Amanzimtoti after drinking water from a river or stream in the area whilst on a raid down the south coast of what is now known as KwaZulu-Natal. This is thought to have taken place towards the end of his reign which lasted from 1816 to 1828.It is said that Shaka stopped to rest in the area, and had his personal attendant collect water from a nearby stream. This water was presented to King Shaka in a calabash. After Drinking the water he exclaimed "Kanti amanz'amtoti"(isiZulu: "So, the water is sweet").

Amanzimtoti is renowned for its warm weather and its beaches. It is a popular tourist destination, particularly with surfers, and the annual sardine run attracts many to the beaches. Many South Africans flock here during school holidays and on long weekends.

Hotels, resort complexes, self-catering establishments and caravan parks follow the beaches at Doonside, Warner Beach, Winkelspruit and Illovo leading to Metro Durban's southern boundary at the Mkomazi River.

Amanzimtoti has several malls, arcades and a water park. Arbour Crossing, a major new shopping development, opened on November 20, 2008, with a Pick 'n Pay Hypermarket being the key tenant. The Galleria, a second development nearby, opened on 26 November 2009, with 198 shops including a bowling alley, a skating rink, an 11-screen Nu Metro cinema (including a 3D cinema) and key tenants; Checkers Hyper, Edgars, Game and Woolworths.

Amanzimtoti is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including Cape Clawless Otters, Blue Duiker and Spotted Ground-thrush. Vervet Monkeys are common and can be seen throughout the suburban parts of the town and in the nature reserves.

Most of the wildlife can be found along the Amanzimtoti River or in the coastal dune vegetation. A nature reserve was established along the banks of the river in 1965 called Ilanda Wilds. There is also a 'bird park' called 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.