The Best attractions on Natal South Coast

Romantic getaways KZN South Coast

Nothing lifts the spirits more than a beach holiday. And what could be more pleasurable than walking barefoot on the sand, feeling the sun on your skin, and feeling the fresh air with the sound of the ocean? Kwa-Zulu Natal, with its subtropical weather, golden beaches, and warm Indian Ocean waters, is one of the best family holiday resorts and one of the famous international and South African holiday destinations. You can relax on the golden beaches, enjoy the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, explore the Game and Nature Reserves, and experience the attractions of the KZN South Coast.

17 Best Things to Do at Holiday Resorts in KZN

Where is KZN South Coast, South Africa?

The South Coast is known as the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom. It boasts a 170km coastline that stretches from Scottburgh to Port Edward and borders the Wild Coast. If you’re travelling from Johannesburg, it takes about 7 hours to drive south on the N2. However, for a much better experience, you can skip the tolls and take the scenic route along the coastline, passing through small seaside towns with golden beaches.

1. Explore the Beaches

The first thing we always do is soak up the sun on long, golden, sandy beaches, swim in the surf, snorkel in rock pools, and relax while watching the waves lapping on the shore. One can frequently spot dolphins playing in the surf, and whales are often seen in deeper waters, blowing fountains and slapping their tails.

Blue Flag Beaches on South Coast KZN

The Hibiscus Coast in KwaZulu-Natal is renowned for its picturesque blue-flag beaches, which have met strict world standards for cleanliness and safety. Some blue-flag beaches on the South Coast include Marina Beach, Trafalgar, Southport, Umzumbe, Ramsgate, and Hibberdene Beach. Other famous South Coast beaches worth visiting are Scottburgh, Banana Beach, Uvongo, Lucien, Southbroom, Shelly Beach, St Michaels, and Port Edward Beach.

St. Michaels on Sea: The beautiful small seaside village of St Michaels on Sea is situated between Shelly Beach and Uvongo on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Its beautiful stretch of beach, swimming area with lifesavers, sea pool, children’s pool, amenities, and one of the best restaurants make St Michaels on Sea a popular holiday destination. Besides its stunning beach, St Michaels offers one of the best surfing spots on the South Coast. Located only a 6-minute drive from Margate, it’s the ideal spot to watch the surfers riding the waves while enjoying a coffee while the sun rises.

Sunrise over the Ocean at Holiday resort in KZNouth Coast
Sunrise over the Ocean at Holiday resort in KZN

2. Visit KZN Restaurants

When it comes to making enjoyable memories, nothing beats good food shared around a table. Don’t miss out on some of the best South Coast restaurants – check out the ones in the link below. Remember to Visit These Top Restaurants and Places to eat on the KZN South Coast.

3. Take a trip to Beaver Creek Coffee Farm

Beaver Creek Coffee Farm is on Izingolweni Road, just outside Port Edward. It’s more than just a Coffee roastery; it offers the ultimate Coffee experience. Since 1984, they have produced coffee using a blend of imported and locally grown Coffee beans to create the finest brews. You can enter their coffee shop to taste their freshly brewed coffee, light meals, and delectable cakes. But the real adventure begins with their Crop-to-Cup Tours, where you can explore the farm and witness the coffee-making process.

Get a Spirit for Adventure

Looking for something more adventurous than beach activities like swimming, bodyboarding, or playing volleyball? Try exploring the South Coast, and let me know how it goes!

4. Kayaking and Canoeing

Consider renting a kayak or a canoe to enjoy the fresh air of one of the lagoons or even the sea. Several popular rental spots exist, such as Bazley Beach, Uvongo, and St. Michael’s-on-Sea. Additionally, children will surely enjoy paddle boats available at St. Michaels and Uvongo Beach, where lagoons are present.

5. Horse riding

Going for a horseback ride on the beach is a popular activity on the South Coast. You can contact Selsdon Park Marina Beach at +27 083 301 2941 beside Wild Coast Sun.

6. South Coast Surfing

The South Coast of Kwazulu Natal is a popular destination for surfers, and it’s easy to see why. Surfers often catch waves at sunrise at various beaches, including St. Michael Beach. If you’re looking for a great place to eat, I highly recommend a restaurant offering a beautiful sea view. The Hibiscus Coast is fabulous for surfing all year round, with plenty of surf shops nearby selling equipment and offering lessons for those who want to improve their skills.

7. Abseiling, Bungee Jumping and Swing

Up for a challenge and seeking an adventure filled with adrenaline, head to Abseiling at Oribi Gorge. Why not experience the famous Oribi Gorge Swing, abseiling, or Bungee Jumping?

Woman Abseiling at Oribi Gorge Acivities at Oribi Gorge
Abseiling at Oribi Gorge

8. Windsurfing and Kitesurfing vs. Kiteboarding

Palmbeach and San Lameer Beach are two of the world’s best kite- and windsurfing venues in KwaZulu Natal.

9. Scuba diving at Aliwal Shoal

One of the most famous activities in Scottburgh is scuba diving at Aliwal Shoal. This is where you can spot Ragged Tooth Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Manta Rays, Dolphins and Whale Sharks. Another great outing is the Aliwal Dolphin-watching excursion.

10. Fishing on the South Coast KZN

If you are a fishing enthusiast looking for a great place to indulge in Swordfish bill fishing, light game fishing, or shark fishing, then the South Coast is the perfect destination. Get a fishing license from the nearest post office to start your fishing adventure. Once you have your license, contact the Shelly Beach Ski Boat Club at +27 082 777 7324 or Ruffian at Park Rynie at +27 083 273 9744 for assistance. Contact Mark at Unleashed Fishing Charters for Marlin Fishing at +27 084 581 2166.

KZN Game Reserves & Nature Reserves

When visiting KZN Holiday Resorts, don’t miss a trip to one of the Game Reserves on the South Coast of Kwazulu Natal, one of the top attractions.

Oribi Gorge Activities
Oribi Gorge Activities

11. Visit Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve

Oribi Gorge is one of the most beautiful game reserves and holiday resorts on Kwazulu Natal’s South Coast. The Reserve comes from a small, shy Oribi antelope living in the Gorge. The stunning Oribi Gorge is a Canyon about 5 km wide, over 400m (1300ft) deep and has a 330-metre-high abyss. The gorge was formed from erosion by the Umzimkulu River and is made up of 365 million-year-old sand, limestone cliffs, and crags with dense vegetation.

A river with rapids and ravines surrounds this breathtaking hidden gem, filled with lush forests. Amongst the few game reserves in KZN, Oribi Gorge is a favourite destination for many travellers as it offers a variety of accommodation options, ranging from Luxury to self-catering, including a campsite right next to the river. Staying more than one day is recommended to experience everything Oribi Gorge has to offer.

The Gorge at Oribi Gorge Nature reserve Resort in KZN
The Gorge at Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve Resort in KZN

Best Things to Do at Oribi Gorge

Oribi Gorge offers a range of activities, including hiking trails with stunning scenery and extreme adventure options, including:

  • Walking Trails and Hiking
  • Mountain Biking
  • Oribi Gorge Swing
  • River Rafting excursions
  • Oribi Bungee jumping
  • Visit the 150m Oribi Gorge waterfall
  • Picnicking and Birding
  • Oribi Gorge Abseiling
  • Being a birders’ paradise, remember your binoculars and cameras.
Oribi Gorge Nature reserve White water rafting Umzumkulu River KZN
Rafting The Mzimkulu River

Oribi White water Rafting

Go river rafting for one of the best adventure activities ever. On the South Coast, one can experience 4 to 6 hours of whitewater rafting through rapids of varying grades on the Mzimkulu River. One—or two-day tours are available.

12. Explore Lake Eland Game Reserve

Lake Eland Game Reserve is a nature reserve in the stunning Oribi Gorge region. Many people often ask if they are the same thing, but the answer is that Lake Eland is located within the Oribi Gorge. The Reserve is filled with diverse ecosystems, including sweeping grasslands, coastal forests, and wetlands, and is a haven for small fauna and flora.

One of the Reserve’s highlights is walking over the gorge via an 80-meter suspension bridge, which offers a spectacular view of the gorge below. Lake Eland is perfect for a family holiday, a romantic getaway, or team building. It is ideal for those who want to spend a few days there or those looking for a great day trip. With 2500 hectares of land to explore, there is plenty to do and see.

Where are Oribi Gorge & Lake Eland situated?

The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Lake Eland are breathtakingly beautiful destinations, located about a 30-kilometre drive west of Port Edward and easily accessible from Port Shepstone. Although the Reserve’s roads are made of dirt, they are all well-maintained and can be accessed by any vehicle. If you need the GPS coordinates, they are 30.69165, 30.17875, and the contact number is 073 859 3446.

Lake Eland Nature Reserve Activities

  • Self- and Guided Game drives
  • Hiking trails and mountain biking
  • Lake Eland Zipline
  • Picnic- and Braai areas
  • Fishing and Camping
  • Track for 4×4 enthusiasts
  • Paintball & Horse Riding
  • Relax at Lake Eland Spa
  • Restaurant and shop
  • Marriage Chapel
  • Team building and conference facilities
  • Overnight accommodation
An Eland at Lake Eland Game Reserve at Resorts in KZN
Eland at Lake Eland Game Reserve

Lake Eland Zip Extreme

Wild 5 Adventures and Lake Eland Game Reserve have opened the Zip Extreme at Oribi Gorge, the longest and fastest zipline in Africa. It spans a thrilling 4.5 km and can reach up to 160 km/h.

The Lake Eland Game Reserve Spa: At D219 Oribi Flats East Oribi Gorge, 4240, contact no 039 687 0395. See my Pinterest Pin at the bottom of the post.

The Wild Coast Sun

Port Edward, located in South Africa, is the closest town to the Wild Coast, also known as the Transkei border. It is a popular destination for family vacations, offering a beautiful stretch of beach and a lagoon. The Port Edward Holiday Resort, situated in KZN, is a well-known spot for swimming and taking long walks on the beach. Moreover, it is conveniently located near the Wild Coast Sun and Margate, making it a perfect place to explore the Hibiscus Coastline.

14. Explore Sun International Wild Coast Sun

The Wild Coast Sun is a family-friendly resort with an unspoiled beach and abundant entertainment options for a luxurious family vacation.

Wild Waves Waterpark Wild Coast

The Wild Waves Water Park, located at the renowned Wild Coast Sun, is home to some of the world’s most exciting water rides. The park offers thrilling adventures, including adrenaline-pumping slides like the Aqualoop, Superbowl, Boomerango, and other water sports. Additionally, a children’s playground allows kids to enjoy themselves while adults can relax and float along the Lazy River.

Guy on Jet ski in Ocean at Wild Waves Waterpark Wild CoastHoliday Resort in KZN
Wild Waves Waterpark Wild Coast

15. Visit Butterfly Farm Ramsgate

Ramsgate Butterfly Farm is a popular tourist spot to visit while on holiday in KwaZulu-Natal. At Ramsgate Butterfly Valley, you can witness the complete life cycle of these fascinating creatures. The attraction operates seven days a week on Fascadale Road, Ramsgate Beach, Ramsgate, 4285. For more information, you can call 073 422 5357.

The Sardine Run KZN Holidays

16. Experience The Greatest Shoal on Earth

One of the most spectacular marine migrations in the world is the Sardine Run, which takes place in South Africa. This natural phenomenon is significant for locals and visitors to holiday resorts in KwaZulu Natal on the South Coast. The Sardine Run is unpredictable between May and July in the mild winter months. Millions of sardines migrate from the cold Cape to the warmer waters to breed, forming a shoal up to 15 km long.

17. The Old Pont Holiday Resort in KZN

The Pont Holiday Resort is situated on the banks of the Mtamvuna River in KwaZulu-Natal. It is a family-friendly camping and water sports resort with a serene environment. The resort is a popular destination for holidaymakers seeking an escape in KZN. It has a fully licensed restaurant, a swimming pool, two freshwater boat launch sites, and a kids’ playground. If you want to visit the Old Pont Resort, you can find it at Lot 85/86 Old Pont Road, Port Edward, 4295. You can contact the resort at 039 311-2211 for any inquiries.

Where to Stay on the South Coast KZN

For Luxury as well as South Coast self-catering accommodation

Pin these for Later
Man enjoying a cup of Coffee at Beaver Creek Coffee Estate
Abseiling and other Activities at Lake Eland Game Reserve KZN

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One Comment

  1. A trip to South Africa is on the top of my bucket list! My boyfriend would love the surfing, and I have wanted to do a shark dive for as long as I can remember so will definitely be saving these links for later! Such a beautiful place I hope I can explore it one day soon.