The Hibiscus South Coast has a sub-tropical climate with warm to hot humid summers and mild winters along the coast. Midday temperatures generally hover around 20 to 25 degree celcius. Inland temperatures are generally mild but cooler at night. The temperatures around Harding can drop significantly at night with occasional winter snowfalls on the Ngele mountains. The Hibiscus South Coast is a summer rainfall area with pro- longed spells of light rain from November to March. However, the rainclouds never obscure the sun for too long and the sun shines all year round. Winter weather is beatiful with endless still, sunny days and calm seas ideal for swimming, diving, fishing or surfing. sea temperatures hover around the low 20s, and seldom drop below 19 degrees centigrade. The Hibiscus Coast is a malaria free area.
There are several well-equipped and professional staffed public hospitals and clinics on the Hibiscus South Coast, as well as private medical facilities. Ambulance services are just a phone call away.
HOSPITALS
Margate (pvt) - 039-3173201
Port Shepstone(govt)- 039-6821111
Hibiscus (pvt) - 039-6824882
Scottburgh (govt) - 039-9761300
National car hire companies have offices in Margate and Scottburgh, and will deliver cars to most places on the Hibiscus South Coast.
Durban to Scottburgh - 55kms
Durban to Hibberdene - 67kms
Durban to Port Shepstone - 117kms
Durban to Margate - 131kms
Durban to Southbroom - 139kms
Durban to Port Edward - 172kms
Port Shepstone to Harding - 75kms
Excellent telecommunications services are provided by Telkom and there are post offices in all towns and most villages. There are three cellular phone service providers. reception is almost 100% all the way along the coastal areas. Inland reception is limited to the main road routes and major towns.
All sea life along the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, including the Hibiscus South Coast, is protected and permits are required for fishing (surf and deep sea) or for removing crayfish, mussels, octopus, oysters, sea lice and mudprawns. Permits are obtainable from any post office, or from the KZN Nature Conservation Services offices at Mpenjati Nature Reserve and the Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club. (Permits for mussels, mudprawns, sea lice, octopus and oysters are only obtainable from KZNCS offices.) Surf fishing permits are R55. Crayfish season is from 1st March to 31st October. Durban Marine Permits Office: (031)205 5278.
The National Sea Rescue Institute is stationed on the Hibiscus South Coast at Shelly Beach and offers a 24 hour sea rescue service, including the recovery and rescue of seamen from passing ships, recovery and assistance to yachts-men, divers, fishermen and surfers. It also offers rescue services on inland dams and lakes, plus general backup to emergency services.
NSRI Emergencies : 10177
SHARK INFORMATION
Sharks Board : 031-5660411
Fax : 031-5660499
E-Mail : charter@shark.co.za
www.shark.co.za
The currency in South Africa is the Rand. Bank notes currently available are R200, R100, R50, R20 and R10. Coins include R5, R2, R1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c and 1c. There are banking facilities with automatic teller machines in most towns in the Hibiscus South Coast area.