South Coast
This idyllic and popular coastline is a haven of unique and less-explored places, and stretches south from the Umkomaas River to Port Edward. Set amidst rolling hills fringed by palm fronds and wild strelitzias, the region is characterised by sun-kissed beaches, azure lagoons and friendly seaside villages.
Popularly known as the ‘Golf Coast’, this scenic region has 10 courses situated in close proximity to or even at the beach.
Ocean activities, however, remain the main attraction, with most of the local beaches enjoying international ‘Blue Flag’ status.
Excellent deep-sea diving areas at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks offer the opportunity of open water diving and shark cage diving. Every winter, there is the phenomenon of the Sardine Run – when millions of sardines migrate up the coast, accompanied by dolphins, other large predators and thousands of sea birds which feed on them. Depending on the temperature of the ocean and a few other factors, shoals of sardines have even come onto the beaches, to be scooped up by eager beach goers in every possible container.
Andrenaline junkies can jump off Oribi Gorge with the highest swing in the world, abseil down the Gorge or go white water rafting on the Umzimkulu river. Somewhat less scary but equally fascinating is a visit the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, which conserves plants found nowhere else in the world, or go birding – 400 bird species have been spotted along this coastline.
Shops and farm-stalls along the road offer a feast of locally produced wares such as nuts, freshly ground coffee, fruit, candles and a wide variety of handmade crafts. Accommodation on the South Coast is affordable, and ranges from up-market hotels, resort style hotels, boutique hotels, luxury B&Bs and guest houses, to self-catering apartments, chalets, caravan and camping facilities.
For more info, please visit our website at www.southcoast.kzn.org.za
