The Wildebeest - all about South Africa - towns, places of interest, animals and plants

The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa

KZN South Coast

Above - Park Rynie

The KZN South Coast is one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Africa. It is particularly popular with South Africans living in Gauteng or other inland regions. Even the local "Natalians", particularly from Durban, like to spend weekends away "down the coast". Here are some of the most popular destinations listed from north to south. Don't forget that there are also great places along the KZN North Coast.

Amanzimtoti

'Toti, as South Africans like to call it, is only 26 km from Durban so it provides the best of both worlds - all the features of a coastal town and easy access to Durban's many attractions. The beaches offer swimming, surfing and fishing.

Warner Beach

Warner Beach is a popular spot for beach walks, jogging, surfing and fishing.

Illovo Beach

The village of Illovo Beach is located on the south bank of the Illovo River with many of the buildings being built on the hillside overlooking the ocean. There are many popular accommodation resorts in the area.

Umkomaas

Umkomaas has some great beaches but most people know it for its proximity to Aliwal shoal which is one of South Africa's premier diving destinations. Other attractions include their golf course and the Empisini Nature Reserve.

Scottburgh

A great place for a family vacation! You can enjoy the beautiful beach, visit Crocworld or take a drive to Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve.

Park Rynie

Park Rynie has a beautiful beach which attracts a lot of visitors. The village is also well situated to provide access to nearby Scottburgh and Rocky Bay.

Rocky Bay

Caravanners enjoy the large caravan park located right on the beach. Another attraction is the shark-cage diving trips which launch from the beach.

Hibberdene

This coastal village is located 100 km south of Durban and is not too far from Port Shepstone. It has four beaches and offers opportunities for fishing and safe swimming.

uMzumbe

uMzumbe is a quiet little village with a popular beach, a tidal pool and good fishing.

Sea Park

Sea Park is one of the smallest villages on the South Coast but it too has a popular beach. It has few facilities but Port Shepstone is nearby for anything that you need.s

South Port

A tiny, quiet village with a nice beach. There is also a tidal pool and many other beaches and attractions nearby.

Umtentweni

This village has undergone a transformation from a rustic seaside village to a popular residential spot. Visitors will still enjoy its beach and easy access to Port Shepstone.

Port Shepstone

Situated 120 km from Durban this town attracts many visitors during the school holidays. The beaches offer swimming, snorkeling, surfing and fishing. It is also the nearest town to the amazing Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.

Shelly Beach

Sandwiched between Port Shepstone and Margate is Shelly Beach which attract beach goers and also offers fishing and scuba diving.

Margate

This town has plenty to offer visitors. Great beaches, good fishing, surfing and snorkelling.

Ramsgate

Relax on the beautiful beach or walk the 6 km Ramsgate Marine Ramble. This quaint resort has plenty of appeal.

Port Edward

Although Port Edward is located furthest from Durban, 164 km to be exact, it is one of the most popular resorts on the KZN South Coast. Spend your day relaxing on the beach or fishing then cross the Mtamvuna River to visit the Wild Coast Sun Casino and Hotel.