Top Places to Visit in KZN
Discover the Ultimate Coastal Experience in KwaZulu-Natal
KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is one of South Africa’s most diverse and breathtaking provinces, offering travellers everything from golden beaches and lush forests to world-class dive sites and charming seaside towns. Along its famed South Coast lies a collection of destinations that perfectly blend adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty.
Whether you’re seeking family fun, romantic escapes, or outdoor thrills, the KZN South Coast is home to some of the most unforgettable places to visit in the province. Through South Coast Explore, visitors can plan unique local experiences, discover hidden gems, and find the perfect place to stay with partners like Seaside Escapes and Emerald Cove.
1. Shelly Beach – Dive into Adventure
Shelly Beach is one of the most exciting coastal destinations on the KZN South Coast. Its name comes from the abundance of seashells scattered along its shoreline, but it’s best known as the gateway to ocean adventure.
Shelly Beach offers direct access to the world-renowned Protea Banks, a deep reef system teeming with sharks, rays, and tropical fish. With Dive In Adventure Tours, visitors can experience guided ocean safaris, shark dives, and even join the incredible Sardine Run – a once-a-year marine spectacle.
For a relaxing stay, Emerald Cove offers self-catering accommodation surrounded by lush gardens just steps from the beach. The resort’s family-friendly atmosphere, swimming pool, and braai areas make it ideal for both weekend getaways and long coastal holidays.
2. Margate – The Heart of South Coast Holidays
When it comes to vibrant seaside living, Margate takes centre stage. This lively town is the hub of South Coast tourism, famous for its wide beach, palm-lined promenade, and bustling holiday atmosphere.
Here, visitors can explore art galleries, sip cocktails at ocean-view cafés, and enjoy water sports ranging from jet skiing to surfing. Margate Beach is Blue Flag accredited during summer, ensuring clean, safe swimming conditions for the whole family.
For accommodation, Seaside Escapes manages a range of stylish apartments and family units right along the coast — giving travellers easy access to the area’s beaches, restaurants, and nightlife.
3. Uvongo – Lagoon Views and Coastal Serenity
Just a few minutes from Margate, Uvongo offers a calmer and more scenic experience. Its waterfall lagoon is one of the most photographed spots on the South Coast, creating a tranquil setting for swimming, paddleboarding, and picnicking.
Uvongo is also home to Dive In Adventure Tours, offering diving certifications like the Master Scuba Diver course — perfect for those looking to take their underwater adventures to the next level.
With local markets, oceanfront cafés, and family-friendly beaches, Uvongo provides the ideal blend of peace and proximity to action.
4. Ramsgate – Art, Culture, and Coastal Charm
For travellers who love creativity and calm, Ramsgate is a must-visit destination on the KZN South Coast. Known for its artistic spirit, this village is home to local galleries, craft markets, and the iconic Waffle House, a favourite among locals and visitors alike.
Ramsgate Beach is clean, scenic, and perfect for swimming or snorkelling in the warm Indian Ocean. The Ramsgate Marine Ramble offers beautiful coastal walking trails, while nature lovers can visit the nearby Butterfly Valley or Riverbend Crocodile Farm for fun family outings.
5. Port Shepstone – History and Ocean Views
A blend of heritage and seaside beauty makes Port Shepstone one of the top places to visit in KZN. Founded in the 1800s, it’s known for the striking Port Shepstone Lighthouse, perched at the mouth of the Umzimkulu River.
The town’s beaches offer great surfing, angling, and paddleboarding, while its rivers provide scenic kayak routes. Adventure lovers can head inland to the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve to enjoy hiking trails, abseiling, and one of the highest gorge swings in the world.
As the gateway to the southern region, Port Shepstone makes an excellent base for exploring nearby attractions.
6. Scottburgh – Family Beach Breaks
Moving north along the coast, Scottburgh is a family favourite thanks to its gentle surf, lifeguarded beaches, and natural tidal pool. It’s one of the most accessible beach towns in KZN, making it ideal for families with young children or groups looking for a relaxed atmosphere.
Scottburgh is also the perfect launching point for dives at Aliwal Shoal, one of the world’s top-rated diving reefs. With colourful coral, turtles, and ragged-tooth sharks, it’s an unforgettable experience for ocean lovers.
7. Southbroom – Luxury on the Coast
For travellers seeking something elegant and exclusive, Southbroom stands out as one of the most luxurious places to visit in KZN. The area boasts pristine beaches, a Blue Flag rating, and a lush coastal forest that gives it an unspoiled, tropical feel.
Southbroom Golf Club is one of the most scenic in South Africa, with ocean views from nearly every hole. Boutique guesthouses and villas add a touch of sophistication, making it perfect for couples or travellers wanting a more refined escape.
8. Port Edward – Southern Gateway to KZN
At the southernmost end of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline lies Port Edward, a tranquil town where adventure meets relaxation. Known for its fishing, surfing, and hiking, it’s also the best base to explore the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve — a dramatic landscape of cliffs and river valleys that forms the natural border between KZN and the Eastern Cape.
Visitors can tour the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate, enjoy a cup of locally grown coffee, or take a scenic boat ride on the Umtamvuna River. During the Sardine Run, Port Edward becomes one of the best viewing points for this world-famous ocean event.
9. Oribi Gorge – Adventure Beyond the Coast
Just 25 kilometres inland from Port Shepstone lies Oribi Gorge, a paradise for nature and thrill seekers. Carved by the Mzimkulwana River, this spectacular gorge features towering cliffs, forested slopes, and waterfalls that plunge into deep valleys.
Visitors can hike scenic trails, zip-line across the gorge, or take on the legendary Wild Swing — one of the highest in the world. It’s an unforgettable inland adventure that adds a dramatic twist to any coastal holiday.
10. Where to Stay – South Coast Explore Partners
Your KZN adventure wouldn’t be complete without the perfect place to stay. That’s why South Coast Explore works with trusted partners who showcase the best of local hospitality:
- South Coast Explore – Your gateway to discovering the hidden gems, events, and experiences that make the KZN South Coast special.
- Seaside Escapes – Offering a collection of beachfront apartments, cottages, and family-friendly self-catering stays across the South Coast.
- Emerald Cove – A tropical retreat in Shelly Beach featuring self-catering chalets, poolside relaxation, and direct beach access.
Plan Your Visit to KZN South Coast
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast offers some of the most beautiful and exciting places to visit in South Africa. From diving with sharks at Protea Banks to exploring waterfalls, forests, and art-filled villages, this province delivers experiences that linger long after your holiday ends.
Plan your next getaway with South Coast Explore, find your dream stay through Seaside Escapes or Emerald Cove, and experience the best of what KZN has to offer — sunshine, surf, and unforgettable coastal charm.
