The South Coast Region, KwaZulu Natal

South African visitors that are looking for the ultimate summer holiday getaway are spoilt for choice when they choose to stay along the South Coast in KwaZulu Natal. This stretch extends from the holiday (and surfing) hotspot of Amanzimtoti (where the endless beaches are only a short drive from the city centre of Durban), all the way to Port Edward.

Did you know? Once you've booked your hotel or South Coast accommodation, explore the destination pages below for info on attractions, activities and things to do when you visit the KwaZulu Natal coast.

The South Coast is magnificent for its natural beauty and the many things there are to do and see here. Its natural treasures include sprawling beaches that are lapped by the warm water of the Indian Ocean, tranquil lagoons, and rocky coves. Slightly further inland, there are subtropical forests, rolling grassy hills, and spectacular greenery. What’s more, the South Coast enjoys sunny weather almost all year round, which means that it’s also a lovely winter destination in South Africa.

This area includes a pretty stretch called the Hibiscus Coast, which is named after the colourful hibiscus trees that freckle the KZN coastline. This vibrant beauty is complemented by some great golf courses (including two of the top courses in South Africa). Those that love being outdoors will enjoy the nature reserves that showcase some gorgeous fauna and flora, and the hiking or cycling trails that wind their way through the prettiness.

The warm ocean is home to loads of colourful and unique marine species. Discover a whole new world when you explore them by snorkelling or SCUBA diving beneath the surface. Aliwal Shoal (near Umkomaas) is renowned as one of the best diving spots in the country, while Protea Banks is acclaimed for its shark diving. Formal whale-watching tours are a treat, or visitors can watch the antics of the energetic dolphins from the shores. The rivers and lagoons are great for stand-up paddling.

The whole South Coast countryside, and particularly along the many rivers and on the banks of the lagoons, is alive with a massive array of birdlife. In fact, there are hundreds of avian species her for birders to spot.

Did you know? The South Coast boasts several wildlife sanctuaries, including the Uvongo Bird park, and two crocodile parks – Crocworld and Riverbend Crocodile farm, where these prehistoric creatures can be viewed up close. Another attraction for reptile enthusiasts, or simply curious visitors, is Pure Venom Snake Park.

The South Coast also has plenty of blue-flag status beaches - Hibberdene, Margate Main beach, San Lameer and Ramsgate - all meet pre-requisites for water quality, environmental education and information, safety and services.

Even winter has its share of highlights with the sardine run - followed as it is by dolphins, other large fish and thousands of sea birds – it is a spectacle to behold. This beautiful part of South Africa is one of the few places where licking an ice-cream cone, whilst strolling the seafront promenade, is a winter-getaway prerequisite.

Find accommodation on the South Coast

South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / South Coast Accommodation

Destinations in the South Coast Region

Amanzimtoti

Overnight? Amanzimtoti accommodation
The name ‘Amanzimtoti’ means ‘sweetwaters’ and is generally attributed to the famed King Shaka of the Zulus. During one of Shaka’s campaigns, he and his army stopped to rest here. He was brought a calabash filled with water from the local river and once h...

Anerley

Overnight? Anerley accommodation
Anerley lies just eight kilometres north of Port Shepstone, sandwiched between Sunwich Port and Southport on the south coast of KwaZulu Natal. Like many of the other typical little resorts along this stretch of coast, Anerley is largely about the beac...

Bazley

Overnight? Bazley accommodation
Roughly 70 kilometres south of Durban, just a little further south than Pennington, Bazley forms part of the south coast’s endless stretch of beach that offers a continuous source of swimming, diving, fishing and all round family fun. It’s not surpris...

Clansthal

Overnight? Clansthal accommodation
The beautiful little village of Clansthal, practically a retreat from other bustling towns on the south coast, lies snug between Umkomaas and Scottburgh, just 40 kilometres from Durban. Clansthal is one of those gems where everything seems to take on ...

Doonside

Overnight? Doonside accommodation
Perched on the banks of the Little Manzimtoti River, within the balmy province of KwaZulu-Natal on the eastern coast of South Africa, lies the small coastal resort town of Doonside. With an area of only a fraction more than one square kilometre, this town...

Elysium

Overnight? Elysium accommodation
Elysium is situated in the Umdoni Coast of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. A small village nestled between Mtwalume and Ifafa Beach, Elysium’s tranquillity, beauty and peacefulness is what attracts most visitors to its shores. In Elysium, one can wake up ...

Glenmore Beach

Overnight? Glenmore Beach accommodation
Whilst some tend to lump Munster and Glenmore beach into the same hand basket, there is a subtle difference. Actually the four areas on the lower end of the Hibiscus Coast - Trafalgar Beach, Palm Beach, Munster and Glenmore beach - lie virtually on top of...

Harding

Overnight? Harding accommodation
The town of Harding is situated in the beautiful South African province of KwaZulu-Natal, where balmy summers and tropical vegetation abound. This little farming town is an administrative centre with its focus on agriculture, dairy and timber. It was o...

Hibberdene

Overnight? Hibberdene accommodation
For a family holiday in South Africa and budget-friendly lodges along the South Coast, Hibberdene accommodation is an ideal option. Hibberdene is the gateway to the Hibiscus Coast of Kwazulu Natal. Hibberdene is a cosy seaside town situated 97 km south of...

Ifafa

Ifafa is a Zulu expression meaning ‘place of sparkling waters’ or ‘sparkling one’. The legend goes that King Shaka arrived at a place with beautiful views over a lagoon where the river meets the Indian Ocean and he named this place Ifafa. When you visit t...

Illovo Beach

Overnight? Illovo Beach accommodation
The warm blue of the Indian Ocean laps stretches of white sand, testifying to the undeniable natural splendour of the South African province of KwaZulu-Natal. It is these idyllic conditions that characterise the holiday resort town of Illovo Beach, so nam...

Ixopo

Overnight? Ixopo accommodation
Ixopo is the main centre of the Southern Midlands and forms part of an important sugar farming, and forestry area. Although originally called 'Stuartstown', the original Zulu name 'Ixopo' has prevailed. This charming town is not a major tourism 'hub' ...

Kelso

Overnight? Kelso accommodation
Kelso is nestled on the Umdoni Coast of South Africa. Kelso was once an important link in the transportation of sugar by boat down the Umzinto River to larger vessels out at sea. Today, it has become an oasis for many who wish to unwind and relax. Kel...

Kingsburgh

Overnight? Kingsburgh accommodation
Kingsburgh and Amanzimtoti are usually lumped together as a southern addendum to Durban, despite lying 40 km outside the city. There is some geographical truth to their being spoken about in one breath – they do lie alongside one another on the south ...

Leisure Bay

Overnight? Leisure Bay accommodation
Leisure Bay, on the lower south coast of KwaZulu-Natal, nestles in amongst Glenmore Beach, Munster, Palm Beach and Trafalgar Beach, one more little seaside village that beckons with unspoilt swimming beaches, gorgeous sub-tropical vegetation, rock and sur...

Manaba Beach

Overnight? Manaba Beach accommodation
Pretty and popular Manaba Beach lies just north of Margate, still within Margate's jurisdiction. More often than not Margate and Manaba Beach are spoken about in the same breath. Certainly luxury accommodation is advertised as lying in the prime spot of '...

Margate

Overnight? Margate accommodation
Margate is one of the great holiday spots in South Africa; thanks to its gorgeous coastline, variety holiday resort accommodation in Margate, some right on the beach, warm water, and exciting vibe. This town is situated on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal...

Marina Beach

Overnight? Marina Beach accommodation
Just south of Margate lies Marina Beach, between the villages of San Lameer and Southbroom, an easy hour and a half’s drive from Durban. Close to the Mpenjati River mouth and lagoon, it is a long sandy beach with its own tidal pool and a well deserved blu...

Melville Beach

Overnight? Melville Beach accommodation
Melville Beach, lying snugly between Hibberdene and Port Shepstone, is a beautiful, unspoilt beach that offers miles of walking, shell gathering, snorkelling and time out from the rat race on one of the most beautiful stretches of KwaZulu Natal - the Hibi...

Mtwalume

Overnight? Mtwalume accommodation
Mtwalume is a small seaside village situated in the Umdoni Coast of KwaZulu Natal. This quaint village was named after the Mtwalume tree, the bark of which was traditionally used by the Zulus for medicinal purposes. The little seaside village of Mtwal...

Munster

Overnight? Munster accommodation
Just before you reach Port Edward on the south coast lies the quaint little village of Munster, midway between Southbroom and the Wild Coast. Munster is within walking distance of adjacent Glenmore Beach and it can get a little confusing, particularly ...

Oribi Flats

Overnight? Oribi Flats accommodation
As its name implies, the Oribi Flats of the Ezingoleni Rural region lie, well, stretched out or flat in view of Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and its tumescent gorges, waterfalls and rock faces. Actually Oribi Gorge is one of two gorges, the eastern one to b...

Oribi Gorge

Overnight? Oribi Gorge accommodation
The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a wonderfully scenic area offering excellent hiking opportunities. The area boasts cliffs and forests and spectacular hiking trails and picnic sites. Wildlife in the Oribi Gorge consists of many antelope, although the ori...

Oslo Beach

Overnight? Oslo Beach accommodation
Oslo Beach lies in an enviable position, sandwiched between Shelly Beach - the beautiful and popular beach named such because of the overabundance of shells on its shores - and Port Shepstone. The little village of Oslo Beach is virtually a suburb of ...

Palm Beach

Overnight? Palm Beach accommodation
The little village of Palm Beach, named after the Ilala Palm (hyphaene critina), a species indigenous to sub-tropical Southern Africa and used by rural communities for centuries - the leaves for woven rooftops, baskets and mats and the sap for liquor - li...

Park Rynie

Park Rynie is situated in the Umdoni Coast in KwaZulu Natal. Park Rynie is a small village, tranquil and unique, offering excellent holiday getaways. Rocky Bay is a beautiful swimming beach with shark nets for safe swimming as well as excellent tidal pool...

Pennington

Overnight? Pennington accommodation
Once a dairy farm, today, it has become an exclusive and picturesque estate boasting spectacular water features, lush forests, abundant bird life, deer, conference centre, luxurious Pennington accommodation and a superb golf course. Pennington is part of ...

Port Edward

Overnight? Port Edward accommodation
Situated in the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu Natal, Port Edward was named after the Prince of Wales who later became King Edward VII. In 1947 it became a village - in fact the last village in KwaZulu Natal. Today Port Edward is a popular holiday destination....

Port Shepstone

Overnight? Port Shepstone accommodation
Port Shepstone is one of the largest towns of the KwaZulu Natal South Coast in South Africa. Port Shepstone is a popular tourist destination and offers a diversity of attractions and activities. Port Shepstone boasts unspoiled sandy beaches with warm ...

Pumula

Overnight? Pumula accommodation
Pumula is one of very few little seaside villages along this part of the popular Hibiscus coast that has managed to retain something of the wildness one expects from sub-tropical coast on the Indian Ocean. Just south of Hibberdene, with only Woodgrang...

Ramsgate

Overnight? Ramsgate accommodation
Ramsgate is a quaint seaside village on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, situated about four kilometres south of Margate. Ramsgate is located on the mouth of a river known by the Zulu name Bilanhlolo ("the marvellous boiler") for the bubbles caused b...

San Lameer

Overnight? San Lameer accommodation
Sam Lameer had humble beginnings when it was proclaimed a private township in 1977. Now this delightful town on KwaZulu Natal’s South Coast is a private estate boasting an acclaimed 18 hole championship golf course, hotel, conference centre, restaurant an...

Scottburgh

Overnight? Scottburgh accommodation
Scottburgh is situated 58km south of Durban in KwaZulu-Natal. It is a quaint village nestled alongside stretches of shoreline washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean with white sandy beaches, lush indigenous forests and magnificent rolling hills. ...

Sea Park

Overnight? Sea Park accommodation
The little village of Sea Park, wedged between the towns Southport and Umtentweni on the south coast of KwaZulu Natal, provides the promise of beautiful unspoilt beach, tropical evenings, warm water and balmy air. This is a beautiful part of the coast...

Selborne

Overnight? Selborne accommodation
Selborne Park is situated just outside of Pennington and part of the South Coast in KwaZulu Natal. Once a dairy farm, today, it has become an exclusive and picturesque estate boasting spectacular water features, lush forests, abundant bird life, deer, con...

Shelly Beach

Overnight? Shelly Beach accommodation
Shelly Beach is a friendly town where the true tranquillity is rivalled only by its incredible scenery. Situated in the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, Shelly Beach is famed for its hospitality and safety as well as the hordes of beautifu...

Southbroom

Overnight? Southbroom accommodation
Find beachfront accommodation in Southbroom when you plan your summer holiday in South Africa to get the most out of KwaZulu Natal, Southbroom is a flourishing, up-market village with so much to offer holidaymakers. In fact, it has been considered the ‘je...

Southport

Overnight? Southport accommodation
One of the myriad, pretty seaside villages on this stretch of the Hibiscus coastline, Southport is essentially a beautiful, secluded beach, rich in shady areas and ideal for family holidays. Sandwiched between Sunwich Port and Sea Park, Southport and ...

St Michaels On Sea

Overnight? St Michaels On Sea accommodation
Perched on the scenic Hibiscus Coast, right between the coastal towns of Margate and Port Shepstone, is the charming little retreat of St Michaels on Sea. It may be a small town, but it has plenty to offer visitors to KwaZulu Natal in the way of sea, sun...

Sunwich Port

Sunwich Port, on the southern side of Melville Beach en route to Umtentweni and Port Shepstone and regarded as part of the larger Port Shepstone area, is a little hamlet that lies in a sheltered valley through which the Damba River flows on its way to the...

Trafalgar

Overnight? Trafalgar accommodation
The war-like connotations of the name 'Trafalgar' for one of the little towns along the south coast of KwaZulu Natal is rather obscure to say the least. Trafalgar lies just south of San Lameer, north of Palm Beach and closest to the Port Edward side of th...

Umgababa

Overnight? Umgababa accommodation
The little coastal town of Umgababa lies roughly 36 kilometres south of Durban, just south of Illovo Beach and north of Umkomaas, in the same stretch of coastline as Amanzimtoti. At first glance Umgababa is little more than a rural town with a smatteri...

Umkomaas

Overnight? Umkomaas accommodation
Umkomaas is situated on a hillside crowning the river's southern bank boasts some spectacular sea views. This beautiful area might be small but it is quite a buzz - divers from across the world come to Umkomaas to access the famous Aliwal Shoal. Aliwal Sh...

Umtentweni

Overnight? Umtentweni accommodation
For holiday accommodation near Durban, Umtentweni is a fabulous choice as it is pretty, tranquil, and close to the big city’s amenities. Umtentweni lies at the mouth of the Mtentweni River which is named after a species of grass which grows on its banks. ...

Umzinto

Named after the Mzinto River, Umzinto is located on the Umdoni Coast in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The Umzinto River is so named because of its destructive nature during floods. The planters and millers started growing cane on the hilly terrain around t...

Umzumbe

Overnight? Umzumbe accommodation
The cosy little hamlet of Umzumbe lies between the Umzumbe and Ingambili Rivers, just 5 kilometres south of Hibberdene and 100 kilometres from Durban. The village itself is almost blanketed in a wild dune forest, access to its unspoilt beach is easy, ...

Uvongo

Overnight? Uvongo accommodation
Part of the Hibiscus Coast, Uvongo is a welcoming town with secluded, unspoiled beaches, superb fishing spots, a nature reserve, beautiful scenery and so much more. Uvongo is named after the Ivungu River and is well known for its waterfall that plummets 2...

Warner Beach

Overnight? Warner Beach accommodation
The coastal village of Warner Beach lies just south of Kingsburgh, and north of Winklespruit, on the coast south of Amanzimtoti. Divided by the Outer Ring Road into two little villages - a section that lies right at the beach and another section further ...

Widenham

Overnight? Widenham accommodation
Pretty Widenham lies in the lower reaches of Umkomaas on the southern side of the Mkhomazi River mouth, roughly 50 kilometres south of Durban. Largely residential and filled with lovely beach cottages, the area is geared for holiday escapes and beach side...

Winklespruit

Overnight? Winklespruit accommodation
Lying between Warner Beach and Illovo, the little seaside town of Winklespruit, just south of Amanzimtoti is typical of so many little seaside villages along this stretch of coast - lined with lush sub-tropical vegetation and home to a sandy beach that st...

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