The Zinkwazi area and surrounds have been identified as one of the ten environmental hot-spots in the world. Our abundant rockpools, tropical forests, lagoon, estuarine river and sandy beaches make Sugar Bay the perfect location for in-depth biological studies of the diverse flora and fauna of South Africa. Experience a hands-on tour of what is learned in the classroom under the guidance of our counselors, or book a guest lecturer.

Marine Biology

Our primary dune vegetation poses a fantastic opportunity to study the evolutionary development of the KZN shore line. The sea, river and lagoon offers a huge variety of 40 fish species that may even jump into your lap during kayak classes and our beach is always popular with land and offshore fishermen. Taste mussels and oysters while learning about their natural survival. Fish for one of the 13 prawn species, catch one of the 10 different types of crabs or pick up shells, cuttlefish and crayfish tails scattered along our beaches. Book a talk with the Sharks Board or our very own shark activist to investigate the effects of the shark nets  upon the marine life (including different shark species, resident green turtles and bottle-nosed dolphins). Or request a Whale Watchers Walk in the October season and increase your chance of spotting these majestic creatures.

Botany

Conduct a study of one of the indiginous trees such as the beautiful Wild Fig Tree; study the life-cycle of sugar cane or investigate the Chromalina Odoratta alien species. Explore the famous Zinkwazi forest which is the last remaining pristine coastal forest in Southern Africa (south of the Tugela River) and which boasts more indigenous tree species than the whole of Britain combined.

Land Organisms

Zinkwazi Beach is a rich source of insects, bird life and wildlife providing an ideal place to take the classroom outside. We are home to over 180 identified bird species and another 200 still to be identified.  Sugar Bay is located on the Zululand Birding Trail. Spot our namesake, the Fisheagle, or an elusive buck or wild pig, while kayaking in Zinkwazi River Nature Reserve. Within Sugar Bay’s  grounds you can observe dung beetles, tree frogs, geckos,  vervet monkeys and thick-tailed bush babies in their natural habitat, as well as our resident  goats and potbellied pigs.