Melville Beach, South Coast

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 Hibiscus Coast.

Add to this already inviting picture the profusion of wild banana trees and the abundant indigenous vegetation that attracts a variety of local birds, and Melville Beach takes on an added appeal. Banana Beach, just a short walk from here, is a glorious bathing beach dotted with little tidal pools that, together with Melville’s beach, provide a real stretch of enviously unblemished coastline.

Essentially Melville Beach is regarded as something of an extension of Port Shepstone and has little in the way of development. Your nearest shops are in Southport and, aside from accommodation and effortless days on the beach, you are distracted by very little else. But you’re not limited to remaining in Melville Beach. Hibberdene, Uvongo and Lucien Beach near Margate all have Blue Flag Status, and the main beach in Margate is a pilot beach - everyone who visits the Hibiscus Coast heads here.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to entertainment. There are no fewer than seven golf courses in the area and a number of game reserves between Scottburgh and Port Edward. Oribi and Mpenjati nature reserves are within 30 kilometres and offer hiking and abseiling opportunities, the Wild Coast Sun resort and casino is a very popular day trip, and the Uvongo bird park offers hours of bird watching.