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Port Shepstone
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SOUTH AFRICA
AFRICA
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![]() A fondly-recalled tale is the town's population explosion in August 1882, when 246 Norwegians arrived aboard the Lapland. Anchoring at night off what appeared to be a dark and uninviting shore, these selected immigrants were soon cheered by the sight of lantern-waving locals. The irrepressible William Bazely ignited five charges of dynamite in celebration, and the ship replied with some rockets and an impromptu music concert. An enormous bonfire was soon blazing on the beach...swelling the crowd and fuelling high spirits on both sides of the surfline. With sunrise came an end to the Norwegians' jollification. A high sea prevented their ship from entering the river mouth and, in small groups, they were hauled ashore by hand on a warp-connected lighter. Now wet, sea-sick and thoroughly disenchanted, these bedraggled individuals were greeted by a sight for which they were even less prepared, a welcoming party of 500 Zulu warriors in full feathers and war-paint. The Norwegians were reportedly more alarmed than amused.
Port Shepstone has 20 kilometres of beautiful beaches stretching north and south, which provide excellent surfing. Nearby, the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a great place for scenic day trips, providing visitors the chance the take in all the splendours of nature with its unusual rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
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