South Coast Holidays
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is one of South Africa’s most accessible and varied beach regions. From the sheltered tidal pools at Amanzimtoti to the surf breaks and Blue Flag sands around Margate and Ramsgate, the South Coast combines warm Indian Ocean water with short driving distances, family-friendly beaches and world-class dive sites. These three itineraries (3, 5 and 7 days) are written north → south so you can follow the coastline without backtracking. Each option lists a base for the night, must-see activities, realistic drive notes and practical tips.
How to use this guide
Choose the itinerary that matches your time and interests. Book high-demand services (dive trips, surf lessons) in advance, especially during December–January and school holidays. Unless you prefer a single base, splitting nights between central and southern clusters reduces daily driving and lets you experience more of the coast.
3-Day Family Escape — easy drives, warm water, child-friendly beaches
Base: Margate or Scottburgh (Margate for livelier evenings; Scottburgh for a quieter, family-friendly base)
Day 1 — Arrival and gentle beach time
- Morning: Depart Durban and stop at Amanzimtoti to stretch legs and explore the tidal pools.
- Afternoon: Check into accommodation in Scottburgh or Margate, then spend the afternoon on Scottburgh Beach or Margate Main Beach. Families can enjoy calm paddling, play areas and an easy beachfront dinner.
Drive note: Amanzimtoti → Scottburgh is typically 30–45 minutes depending on traffic.
Day 2 — Marine experience and shoreline exploration
- Morning: Take a half-day snorkel trip (family-friendly) from Umkomaas to experience Aliwal Shoal’s shallow reef sections (book in advance).
- Afternoon: If diving isn’t for the children, opt for rock-pool exploring at Manaba or Lucien. Return to your base for a relaxed evening.
Day 3 — Uvongo waterfall and departure
- Morning: Visit Uvongo waterfall and the nearby lookout for photo opportunities.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a last swim or pick up souvenirs before heading home.
Why this works: Short drives, family-safe beaches and a highlight marine experience make this perfect for first-time visitors and families with limited time.
5-Day Adventure + Relaxation — diving, surfing and nature
Base: Scottburgh (central) and Margate (2 nights)
Day 1 — Arrive and settle
- Drive down the coast, check into your Scottburgh base and walk the esplanade at sunset.
Day 2 — Full day: Aliwal Shoal
- Full-day dive or snorkel trip to Aliwal Shoal from Umkomaas. Divers will enjoy wrecks and pelagics; snorkellers can enjoy shallow reef gardens. Operators supply gear and guidance. Book early.
Day 3 — Surf lesson and Margate evening
- Morning: Book a surf lesson at a learner-friendly break (St Michael’s or a Margate beginner spot).
- Afternoon/Evening: Transfer to Margate, stroll the promenade and sample local seafood.
Day 4 — Waterfall and nature reserve
- Morning: Visit Uvongo waterfall.
- Afternoon: Explore Mpenjati Nature Reserve and Trafalgar’s tidal pools.
Day 5 — Southern cove and departure
- Morning: Head south to Leisure Bay or Munster for a quieter beach experience before returning home.
Why this works: This itinerary balances adrenaline (diving, surfing) with easy beach days and nature walks — ideal for small groups and active couples.
7-Day Road-Trip — the best of the South Coast
Base plan: Scottburgh (1), Margate (3), Southbroom/Marina (2), Port Edward (1)
Day 1 — Durban to Scottburgh
- Travel down from Durban, stop at Amanzimtoti en route, and settle into Scottburgh for the evening.
Day 2 — Aliwal Shoal diving/snorkel
- Full-day marine trip from Umkomaas. Return to Scottburgh or transfer to Margate late afternoon.
Day 3 — Margate family day
- Enjoy Margate Main Beach, try local eateries and seaside amusements.
Day 4 — Lucien, Manaba and Ramsgate
- Spend the morning on Lucien (quieter, Blue Flag) and the afternoon exploring Ramsgate’s lagoon area.
Day 5 — Uvongo and Trafalgar
- Visit Uvongo waterfall, then head to Trafalgar/Marina for tidal pools and a nature walk in Mpenjati Reserve.
Day 6 — Southbroom and Palm Beach
- Move to Southbroom for cliff walks, boutique hospitality and relaxed coastline time.
Day 7 — Port Edward and Red Desert detour
- Finish at Port Edward with an optional short detour to the Red Desert for dramatic red dunes before returning north or continuing to the Wild Coast.
Why this works: This itinerary showcases the full variety of the South Coast — beaches, reefs, waterfalls and quiet southern coves — while keeping daily drives manageable.
Suggested places to stay by budget
- Budget/family self-catering: Scottburgh, Park Rynie — apartments and holiday cottages.
- Mid-range: Margate and Ramsgate — beachfront apartments and guesthouses.
- Higher end: Southbroom and Palm Beach — boutique guesthouses, villas and small hotels.
- Diving base: Umkomaas — choose operator partner accommodation for convenience.
Practical travel notes & safety
- Blue Flag beaches: Several South Coast beaches hold Blue Flag or pilot Blue Flag status — check local listings for seasonal lifeguard schedules.
- Diving seasons: Aliwal Shoal offers dives year-round; conditions vary by month. Book with licensed operators and confirm seasonal windows.
- Driving advice: Plan your trip north → south to avoid backtracking. Allow extra time for stops, especially at scenic lookouts and waterfalls.
- Safety: Always swim in flagged zones during lifeguard hours. Carry reef-safe sunscreen, water and suitable footwear for tidal pools.
Quick packing checklist
- Reef-safe sunscreen, hats and sunglasses.
- Beach towels and water shoes for rock pools.
- Light layers for coastal evenings.
- Snorkel or mask if you prefer your own gear.
- Copies of bookings and operator contact numbers.
Conversion & publishing notes (for your WordPress post)
- Include a clear booking CTA at the top and end of the post: “Book your South Coast holiday” (link to accommodation search or enquiry form).
- Add internal links to town pages (Margate, Scottburgh, Umkomaas), experience pages (Aliwal Shoal, Uvongo waterfall), and accommodation listings.
- Offer downloadable 3/5/7-day PDF itineraries to capture emails and increase engagement.
- Embed a simple north → south map with cluster pins and estimated drive times.
Final tip
The South Coast rewards slow travel: take time for tidal pools, a sunrise swim, and a short nature walk between beach stops. Follow the north → south flow in this guide and you’ll avoid unnecessary driving while seeing the coast in the order it was meant to be explored.
