Think of the Kwazulu Natal South Coast and you think of wonderful beaches, sardines, whales, dolphins, the Oribi Gorge and hibiscus flowers. Also known as the Golf Coast because of a comprehensive selection of 11 fine golf courses. The 120km stretch of inviting Indian Ocean, expansive golden beaches and unique variant of sub-tropical bush, is a holiday-maker's haven offering excellent swimming and surfing, exciting nightlife and organised daytime activities.
Margate Beach: A mile long beach on the South Coast, ideal for swimming, bodyboarding and surfing. There is also a famous fishing spot off a specially-constructed pier. Margate is a vibrant holiday town with dozens of restaurants, bars and shops.
Ramsgate Beach: Ramsgate is a quaint village just south of Margate. A quiet beach with picnic facilities in a park-like setting provides a peaceful haven from the bustling beach towns. An easy walking trail extends southwards from Ramsgate towards the picturesque Southbroom beach and lagoon.
Marina Beach: A long sandy beach and tidal pool between Southbroom and San Lameer. It is close to the Trafalgar Marine Reserve and Mpenjati river mouth and lagoon.
Willard Beach: This is the main swimming beach in Ballito, Pearl of the North Coast. A 2.4 km boardwalk follows the shoreline southwards providing an opportunity for an easy stroll with spectacular views of bays and coves. A more rugged trail extends northwards from Willard to Shakas Rock which takes you through a hole in a cliff best attempted at low tide.
South Beach: Part of Durban's world famous 'Golden Mile', South Beach is ideal for swimming and surfing, especially for kids as it is protected from the powerful westerly winds and large waves by the Bluff.
A scenic highlight at the South Coast is the Oribi Gorge, some 20 kilometres inlands from Port Shepstone. The Umzilkulwana river has cut a dramatic gorge into the rock plateau. In the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, 2,000 hectares in size, one has a spectacular view of the gorge. A road leads down to the river lined by lush vegetation and limestone rock formations. Several waterfalls gush forth into the river. Crystal-clear water, rapids, pools and sandbanks together compose the picture of a paradise. Rock eagles circle above the gorge.
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In total some 250 bird species were counted, and there are 40 mammal species, among them giraffe, zebra, antelopes like the Oribi, Blue Duiker, Bushbuck and Reedbuck.
On the opposite side of the gorge lies the Oribi Gorge Private Conservancy, previously a farm. From here one has wonderful views of the gorge. If you are adventure-minded, you can try the foofy slide 170 metres high above the gorge. Abseiling, horseback rides and white-water rafting are other options.
