The South Coast Region of KwaZulu-Natal
- Starting south of Umkomaas, the Hibiscus Coast stretches for about 200km to Port Edward.
This region is a sparkling necklace of bustling towns, quaint villages and natural coastal forest;
punctuated by several rivers, streams and lagoons that merge with the blue Indian Ocean. It is a place
of serene tranquillity, bright sunshine, endless beaches of which many are Blue Flag rated, lush subtropical
foliage and a thousand and one things to see and do.
- The internationally renowned Aliwal Shoal - a fossil of sand dune of sponges, soft and hard coral - is
a rare treasure five kilometers off shore from Umkomaas. Its unstinting beauty secures its spot in the top
10 dive destinations in the world. It was first spotted in 1849 but only highlighted when it sank the steamer Nebo in 1884.
- Port Shepstone is the largest town on the tropical KwaZulu-Natal Coast and was founded in 1867 when marble deposits
were found near the mouth of the Mzimkulu River (home of all rivers). For hundreds of years prior to the establishment
of the town, it was the Khoi and San people that roamed this area. A harbour was built and the first ship entered the
harbour on 8 May 1880. Prot Shepstone became the second port of the colony of Natal and had its own custom's house,
steam tugs and dredgers. In 1905 the cast iron "Checkerboard" lighthouse; shipped from Britain; was erected in its
present landmark position. Today the N2 freeway places Port Shepstone a mere hour's drive from Durban.
- In 1842 the English adventurer Dick King and his teenage Zulu tracker, Ndongeni, changed the course of history along this
route with their Great Ride.
- Every year between June and July millions of sardines make their way up the South Coast, accompanied by dolphins,
game fish, birds and predators only to disappear into the deep blue Indian Ocean. This spectacular migration is a
rare sight to behold. The South Coast without a doubt offers the most panoramic view of this spectacular event.
Everybody finds this phenomenon intriguing since it has never been established where they come from or where they
are heading. However, it amuses and provides entertainment while the local population becomes human predators as
they harvest an abundant share from the beaches.
- Bottle nose dolphins are common residents of the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Between July and November whales make their way up
north to Mozambique for breeding purposes. During these months whale watching is a popular pastime.
- The South Coast offers some of the most magnificent Blue Flag beaches. Margate is often called the Cannes of South Africa.
- The South Coast often is called the Golf Coast because it is one of the hidden gems of golfing destinations in Africa.
Some of South Africa's finest golf courses are to be found on the South Coast. With its mild tropical climate, this area
offers all-year golfing opportunities. As a premier local tourist destination in South Africa, the Golf Coast offers a safe,
affordable yet challenging golfing experience for golfers of all abilities. Selbourne, San Lameer and the Wild Coast are
the most popular courses.
- The South Coast is a mountain biking mecca and hosts several national epics every year.
- The South Coast also boasts one of South Africa's finest casino resorts. The Wild Coast
Sun Resort is situated a mere 5 km south of Port Edward.
