KZN South Coast

The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is a warm, friendly stretch of coastline that runs south from the greater eThekwini/Durban area to the border with the Eastern Cape. Golden beaches, sheltered tidal pools, coastal forests, estuaries and a surprising interior of gorges and reserves make it perfect for families, couples and independent travellers who want a classic beach holiday with options for nature, adventure and quiet exploration. This guide — written for South Coast Explore — gives practical travel advice, top towns and beaches, unmissable experiences, a flexible 7-day sample itinerary, safety and timing tips, and simple SEO-friendly copy you can use on your site.

What makes the South Coast special

The South Coast’s appeal is its variety in a compact area. You’ll find lively promenades and Blue Flag beaches, long stretches of quieter sand, estuary lagoons for birding and paddling, and easy access inland to dramatic gorges and private reserves. The main hubs — from Scottburgh and Umkomaas in the north, through Margate and Port Shepstone, down to Port Edward in the south — each have their own character and practical advantages for visitors. If you want both beach days and green days, this is an ideal coastline to explore.

Towns to know (quick orientation)

• Scottburgh & Shelly Beach: classic family-friendly beaches with tidal pools and easy amenities.
• Margate & Ramsgate: lively tourism hubs with promenades, events and restaurants.
• Pennington & Umdoni: quieter, with good access to estuaries and nature reserves.
• Umkomaas: the gateway to Aliwal Shoal — ideal for snorkelling and dive trips for older children and certified divers.
• Port Edward & Marina Beach: quieter southern beaches with long sands and scenic drives.
  These towns are close enough for day trips between them, so you can base in one place and explore widely.

Best beaches and what to expect

The South Coast is known for high-quality beaches — several hold Blue Flag status in many seasons — which means cleaner water, lifeguards and good facilities. Margate’s main beach and Lucien (Margate North) are consistently popular for safe swimming and family amenities, while quieter stretches around Port Edward and some northern coves are perfect for people seeking space and slower days. Tidal pools and protected spots are a big draw for parents with small children. Check current Blue Flag listings and local lifeguard timetables before you go.

Unmissable experiences

• Aliwal Shoal boat trips (Umkomaas): world-class reef diving and regular snorkel excursions give older kids and adults a chance to see ragged-tooth sharks, potato bass and colourful reef life. Book with a registered operator.
• Blue Flag mornings: arrive early to enjoy calm water, cleaner sand and the quieter side of Margate or Shelly Beach. Lifeguards usually operate during peak times.
• Oribi Gorge & Lake Eland: a short inland drive rewards visitors with dramatic canyon views, suspension bridges and family-friendly adventure activities such as ziplines and guided walks. These interior experiences contrast beautifully with the coastal days.
• Local markets and seafood: the promenade towns host markets and fish-and-chip spots that are perfect for a relaxed lunch after a beach morning. Margate and Port Shepstone have good options for local suppliers and seaside dining.

A flexible 7-day South Coast itinerary

This sample balances active days and downtime so families and mixed groups aren’t stretched.

Day 1 — Arrive & settle
Base yourself in Scottburgh or Shelly Beach for easy beach access. Unpack, find a sheltered spot on the sand and enjoy an easy evening promenade.

Day 2 — Blue Flag morning & local market
Start at a Blue Flag beach for a calm swim. Spend the afternoon at a local market or a coastal café. Margate is a good town for afternoon options.

Day 3 — Aliwal Shoal boat trip or snorkel
Older kids and adults can snorkel or dive; non-swimmers can enjoy a boat trip and coastline views. Book in advance during holiday periods.

Day 4 — Oribi Gorge & Lake Eland
Drive inland for a gorge viewpoint, short hikes and (if you want) a family activity park like Lake Eland for a suspension bridge or zipline.

Day 5 — Tidal pools & surf school
Choose a sheltered tidal pool for little ones and book a surf lesson or boogie-board hire for teens. Finish with a beach braai (barbecue).

Day 6 — Explore Port Edward & quiet southern beaches
Head south for scenic drives and quieter beaches. Pack a picnic and make a slow day of it.

Day 7 — Last swim & depart
A relaxed morning on the beach, a final coffee on the promenade and then a slow drive home or onto your next destination.

Where to stay — tips for picking accommodation

Choose accommodation that matches your travel style and priorities:

• Families: self-catering apartments or resorts with beach access and kid facilities.
• Budget travellers: guesthouses and B&Bs close to town centres.
• Couples and quiet breaks: smaller guesthouses, seaside cottages or quiet caravan parks.
  Book early for December and school holidays — the South Coast fills fast, especially Blue Flag beachfront stands and family units.

Practical travel & transport tips

• Driving: a car is the most convenient way to explore the coast and inland attractions; distances between main hubs are short.
• Fuel & supplies: larger towns such as Margate and Port Shepstone have supermarkets and service stations — stock up before heading to quieter southern beaches.
• Safety: swim between flagged areas when lifeguards are on duty and supervise children at all times. Check tide times and conditions before rockpooling.

Food, markets and family dining

South Coast towns have a variety of food options — seaside cafés, fish-and-chips, casual family restaurants and weekend markets that sell local produce and crafts. Farm stalls near inland reserves are a great place to stop for snacks and take home local treats. Supporting local traders helps communities and makes your trip more memorable.

Best time to visit

• Summer (Dec–Feb): classic beach weather, warm seas and busy towns — expect peak crowds and higher prices.
• Shoulder seasons (spring & autumn): usually the best compromise — warm enough for swimming, fewer crowds and better availability.
• Winter: quieter, cooler water and good chances for clear scenic days inland; some operators offer off-season rates. Always check events and school holiday dates for surges in visitors.

Safety, conservation and responsible travel

• Respect local rules: many beaches and estuaries are monitored to protect nesting birds and marine life; follow signage and seasonal restrictions.
• Use registered operators: for activities like diving, snorkelling and guided nature walks — operators contribute to safe experiences and local conservation efforts.
• Leave no trace: pack out litter, avoid trampling dune vegetation and use marked trails in reserves and parks. The South Coast’s natural assets depend on respectful tourism.

Quick packing checklist

Swimsuits, rash vests and reef shoes; broad-spectrum sunscreen; hats and a lightweight sun shirt; a small first-aid kit; a refillable water bottle; binoculars for birding; copies of bookings and emergency contacts; and comfortable walking shoes for inland trails.