 While the mountain timeshare resorts start lighting the winter log fires, the KwaZulu Natal coastal resorts prepare for the visitors escaping the cold. Along the coast, the weather at this time of year is mainly warm and dry, with temperatures ranging from 15 – 23 degrees. Still warm enough for that swim in the Indian Ocean, and these coastal timeshare resorts gear themselves for the influx of visitors. It is also a time for the fishermen to visit this area. The shad season, now at the end May, see the piers in Durban crammed with eager rod bearing men (and women). The arrival of the sardine shoals are eagerly anticipated by all, as nobody knows when they will arrive –  the water temperature has to be cool enough Shoals of the little fish beach themselves along the coast as they swim from the South to the North . The Indian seine netters launch their boats to pull in good catches in the nets, and the fish can be bought straight from the nets on the beach. Besides the sardines, the big game fish follow the shoals, and so the professionals launch their boats for the excitement of a tussle with the big ones.
 We also have our wildlife along the coast, so take heed when your resort warns you “Please don’t feed the Monkeys, and keep your windows and doors closed while out of your unit.” Here is a little story:- Wild Coast Sun Timeshare. He stood at the sliding door – hands pressed against the glass, and cased the joint. There it was – the loot. We watched him, but next thing he was gone. Later that afternoon, we were quietly watching the cricket on the television and had the glass door open. Quick as a wink, he darted in, grabbed the packets of sugar and on the way out, dropped one packet. No trouble, he turned back and scooped it up, and leapt over the balcony before we had time to blink. Lovable little creatures, but can be a nuisance!
The winter months are the ideal time to visit the game parks, as, because the rainfall is sparse (if any at all) the vegetation is dry, and at a low level, and the animals do not have the thick summer foliage in which to hide. The timeshare resorts in these areas also tend to be in high demand. A visit to Mabalingwe Timeshare Resort had our overseas visitors squealing with delight (or was it terror) when a family of warthog came running on to our patio. They were only looking for something to eat.
If you fancy a REAL WINTER break, the Western Cape has it !! Cold fronts coming from the South, bring gale force winds, driving rain and fierce South Atlantic storms. Warm clothes and a brolley are a must, and if you are lucky there could be snow about the mountains. But, to beat the cold, there are the museums - South African Museum, and the Bo-Kaap Museum (which has interesting stories of the unique Malay community) and the Jewish Museum, besides all of the other attractions. Only in a cold climate can one appreciate the tastes and aromas that emanate from the numerous Cape restaurants. There is something special in choosing from the cultural variety and coming in from the cold to a plate of excellent food.
ON THIS NOTE, I MUST LEAVE YOU TILL SPRING !!
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