23 December 2025
The KZN South Coast is Open and Ready for Visitors
KwaZulu‑Natal South Coast — As of 23 December 2025, the South Coast is fully open and welcoming visitors following recent heavy rains. While some areas experienced temporary disruption, residents, local businesses, and volunteers acted quickly to restore beaches, public areas, and town centres, ensuring the region is safe, clean, and ready for holidaymakers.
From Margate to Port Edward, community-led clean-up efforts cleared debris, tidied streets, and prepared beaches for swimmers, sunbathers, and families planning festive holiday visits. Local businesses have reopened, offering cafés, restaurants, and attractions for visitors.
“The community came together incredibly quickly. Within days, our beaches and public areas were back to their best,” said a local resident involved in the clean-up. “Visitors can enjoy everything the South Coast has to offer without concern.”
Beaches Open and Ready
The South Coast’s beaches are now fully operational, including:
- Margate Beach: Ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and family-friendly walks, with lifeguards on duty.
- Uvongo Beach: Calm tidal pools, scenic views, and picnic spots perfect for families.
- Shelly Beach: Relaxed atmosphere and safe swimming areas for children.
- Port Edward Beaches: Secluded and tranquil, ideal for peaceful coastal escapes.
Read more about South Coast Beaches https://southcoastexplore.co.za/south-coast-beaches/
Visitors are encouraged to follow beach safety guidelines and check water conditions before swimming.
Towns and Local Communities
The South Coast’s towns are vibrant and welcoming:
- Margate: Hub for shopping, dining, and festive events.
- Uvongo: Laid-back town with boutique cafés, shops, and scenic viewpoints.
- Shelly Beach: Family-friendly with easy beach access and eateries.
- Port Edward: Offers quieter coastal experiences with nature trails and serene beaches.
Special recognition goes to Tidy Towns South Coast and other community groups whose dedication helped restore public spaces and beaches quickly. Their efforts highlight the resilience and spirit of the region, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can enjoy a safe and beautiful environment.
“The teamwork from residents and Tidy Towns volunteers was incredible. They’ve ensured that the South Coast is ready for visitors this festive season,” said a local business owner.
Cafés, Breakfast Spots, and Dining
Popular cafés and restaurants are welcoming guests again:
- The Coffee Cave (Uvongo): Fresh pastries, artisanal coffee, and coastal views.
- KC’s Café (Uvongo): Hearty breakfasts and casual lunch options.
- Thirsty Whale – Restaurant & Bar (Amanzimtoti Main Beach): Casual meals and sunset drinks.
- LM Prawns (Margate): Generous seafood portions.
- Breakers Restaurant (Uvongo): Fresh seafood with ocean views.
These venues provide safe and inviting spaces for visitors to enjoy local cuisine while supporting local businesses.
Learn more about food on the South Coast https://southcoastexplore.co.za/eating-out-on-the-kzn-south-coast/
Family-Friendly Activities
The South Coast offers a wide range of activities for families:
- Splash Water World: Pools, slides, and kids’ activities.
- Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve: Hiking trails, ziplining, and scenic viewpoints.
- Coastal Walks: Safe walking paths along Uvongo and Shelly Beach, including tidal pools and lookout points.
- Easter Markets and Local Events: Craft markets, egg hunts, and community festivals.
These attractions are fully operational and ready to welcome visitors of all ages.
Community Efforts
The rapid reopening of the South Coast demonstrates the remarkable resilience and community spirit of local residents and volunteers. Groups like Tidy Towns South Coast played a pivotal role in restoring beaches, parks, and public spaces, ensuring that the region is ready to welcome visitors safely and comfortably.
“Our community takes pride in keeping the South Coast beautiful and safe. Visitors will see just how much effort has gone into restoring our beaches and towns,” said a volunteer.
Planning Your Visit
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for the holiday season:
- Accommodation: Book beachfront guesthouses, boutique hotels, or self-catering units early.
- Travel: Coastal roads can be busy over the festive period; allow extra travel time.
- Safety: Follow lifeguard instructions, check conditions, and pack sunscreen and weather-appropriate clothing.
- Activities: Combine beach visits with trips to cafés, restaurants, local markets, and nature reserves for a full South Coast experience.
Thanks to the dedication of the local community and Tidy Towns volunteers, the KwaZulu‑Natal South Coast is clean, safe, and ready for visitors
Thanks to the dedication of the local community and Tidy Towns volunteers, the KwaZulu‑Natal South Coast is clean, safe, and ready for visitors this festive season. From Margate to Port Edward, beaches, cafés, restaurants, and attractions are fully operational, offering the perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travellers.
Visitors can enjoy sun, sea, and the welcoming spirit of the South Coast community, making the holiday season 2025 a safe and memorable time to explore the coastline.
That message has been echoed by FEDHASA KwaZulu-Natal, which released a statement confirming that the South Coast remains open for business and welcoming both new and returning visitors.
According to the association, while the brief weather event caused localised flooding late on Sunday afternoon, swift action and strong collaboration meant that the majority of affected businesses were operational again by midday on Monday. FEDHASA also raised concerns about outdated and misleading footage from the 2024 floods being shared online and incorrectly presented as current.
Emergency Contacts: Visitors should keep local emergency numbers handy and follow safety advisories during outdoor activities. leading
