9 Places locals love along the South Coast of KZN
Who wouldn’t want the locals’ secrets on everything good along the South Coast?
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is a hub of adventure in SA. Apart from the abundance of most scenic hikes that meander along this subtropical coastline, the South Coast is mostly known for its pristine marine activity offerings.
KZN has everything you can dream of – from scuba diving to snorkeling, canoeing, slippery-sliding surfing and sun-tanning.
These are Traveller24's favourite things to do on the KZN South Coast:
What: The Aliwal Shoal is rocky reef which is the remains of an ancient sand dune approximately 5km off the coast of KZN. The reef is a gold mine of marine life for scuba divers and snorkelers and has been internationally recognised as one of the top 10 dive sites in the world.
Where: 5km off the coast of Umkomaas
Canoeing and river rafting in Umkomaas
What: Speaking of Umkomaas, you don’t need to be 5km offshore to experience this former harbour town at its best. The town rests beside the mouth of the navigable uMkhomazi River, which makes it the perfect spot for canoeing up the river estuary to spot birds and other wild- and marine life. Umkomaas is also a fishing hotspot, so pack your fishing rod.
Where: 48km south of Durban
What: This waterpark on the border of KZN and the Eastern Cape is one of our favourites because of its superfast, internationally-acclaimed aqua loop water slide.
Where: Wild Coast Sun, 5km outside Port Edward
What: These sea pools offer days of fun, especially when the sea is rough. The waves crash over the edge of the pool – built on the ocean’s edge – showering all inside with sea spray and foam. FUN!
Where: just outside Scottburg, at the Park Rynie resort
Dive with Sharks at Blue Wilderness Dive Centre
What: Want to swim with sharks? Of course you want to! Blue Wilderness offers unforgettable, ethical expeditions that allows both snorkelers and Scuba divers to have face-to-face encounters with the blacktip shark of Durban's Aliwal shoal.
Where: Old Main road, Ellingham Resort, Rocky Bay
Happy Wanderers & the rest of the spectacular South Coast Beaches
This resort’s beach is one of the best kept secrets of the South Coast. In fact, the South Coast harbours a few secret beaches for solitude-seeking travellers.
For those who aren’t as obsessed with water-based adventure, fear not. KZN is just as perfect for land-based fun. Check out these locals’ favourite spots:
What: This southernmost nature reserve in KZN is a natural botanical paradise consisting of an interesting stretch of riverine forest and steep rocky cliffs. Bordering the Umtamvuna River, is famous for its awesome hiking and MTB trails.
Where: just outside Port Edward
What: Oribi Gorge is a canyon in southern KZN just west of Port Shepstone. It’s a playground for nature-lovers of all calibre – from extreme adventures to laid-back travellers. The Gorge also offers the perfect place to spot Loeries and endangered oribis in their natural habitat.
Where: 120 km south of Durban.
Source: Traveller24
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