A renowned holiday destination, KZN’s South Coast is home to some of the country’s most interesting and diverse sites and activities. Come December, there’s a flurry of holiday makers who regularly visit the region to indulge in the sun, the sea and the local entertainment. We rounded up just a few of the incredible things that this region boasts …
A golf coast
With 11 golf courses alongside oceans and coastal forests, there is a green for every golfer. The diverse courses can be found at Umkomaas, Scottburgh, Selborne Park, Umdoni, Port Shepstone, Harding, Margate, Southbroom, San Lameer, Port Edward and the Wild Coast Sun.
Blue flag beaches
KZN boasts six Blue Flag beaches – an internationally-recognised demarcation of quality – five of which are located on the South Coast. With golden sands and the warm Indian Ocean, visitors can enjoy bathing, surfing, snorkelling and diving along this beautiful coast.
The smallest desert in the world
Situated just 10 kilometres from Port Edward is the Red Desert. Stretching 200 metres in diameter, this recently-proclaimed nature reserve is also the world’s smallest desert, and the site of many archaeological discoveries.
Top dive sites and marine protected areas
Aliwal Shoal, just 5km offshore of the Umkomaas River, and Protea Banks, 8km off Shelly Beach, are both world-revered dive sites, home to a number of ocean creatures. These wondrous ocean sites are both Marine Protected Areas and have prompted numerous international documentaries and attracted an influx of global tourists.
The only MSA-approved racing track in KZN
Dezzi Raceway in Port Shepstone is the only Motorsport South Africa (MSA)-approved racing track in the province, and the host of numerous prestigious motorsport events. The track includes two purpose-built drift circuits for high-octane entertainment!
Sardine Run #GreatestShoalOnEarth
Winter brings the planet’s biggest biomass migration close inshore of the region, giving visitors front-row seats to the ocean-based feeding frenzy. This is a must-see annual spectacle, as shoals of silver fish are followed by bigger fish, sharks, dolphins, whales and sea birds.
The highest gorge swing in the world
The Wild Gorge Swing at Oribi Gorge is the highest swing of its kind in the world. Located at the top of Lehr’s Waterfall, the swing is the equivalent of launching off of a 55-storey building (165 metres). A definite bucket list addition for any thrill-seeker.
Tidal pools
This family-friendly swimming destination has the most tidal pools in KZN which provide sheltered beach swimming regardless of the surf conditions.
The Humpback whales
Between June and December, more than 30 000 Humpback Whales participate in the annual migration which can be viewed from any of the 58 KZN South Coast beaches and the many oceanside restaurants and cafés.
Affordable holiday destination
With so many unique, family-friendly holiday activities and a variety of accommodation options, the KZN South Coast is also an incredibly affordable domestic destination for the entire family. With 2020 proving a financially-constrained time for many South Africans, the area is emerging as a prime holiday spot for those wanting to maximise on family time, without breaking the budget.
These are just a selection of the many unique and enriching sites and activities that can be found on the KZN South Coast. As an affordable destination offering all manner of nature-based, outdoor activities, the region is the perfect location for those wanting to unwind and reconnect with family after a challenging year. This truly is #ParadiseForEveryone.
