Sunwich Port, South Coast

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 sea, its mouth at the neighbouring town of Anerley.

Sunwich Port’s protected beach means that swimming here is safe and that the beach is manned by lifeguards who patrol the protected beaches in and around Port Shepstone. The beach at Hibberdene, just up the coast from here, has Blue Flag status, as does the main beach in Margate, and fishing all along this beautiful stretch of coast is a way of life.

Regarded as the sister village of Anerley, Sunwich Port is just two kilometres from Anerley’s beach, which has a beautiful sandy stretch and an inviting tidal pool. But you’re not limited to swimming, surfing and fishing when on the Hibiscus coast. Not even 30 kilometres from here is Oribi Gorge, the 400 metre deep canyon touted as the largest and certainly the most spectacular ravine in KwaZulu Natal and worth a visit for the hiking and breathtaking views as well as abseiling for those seeking an adrenalin rush.

The Skyline Nature Reserve, between Uvongo and Margate, is a world of indigenous and exotic trees and plants that offers self-guided trails and sightings of duiker and bushbuck; and Inkwazi’s Flea Market, every Sunday in Port Shepstone, is on the banks of the Umzimkulu River and includes the opportunity of a river cruise.