- Port Edward
Port Edward is the last/first South African town before entering the Wild Coast, so it's a little more rugged than towns a few kilometres up the road, and yet a lot more developed than anything in the Wild Coast.
- Leisure Bay
Leisure Bay is just a short drive from Port Edward, the gateway to the Wild Coast.
- Southbroom
A stunning golf course, great beach, snake park, croc park and one of the finest shoe-makers in the country..
- Trafalgar
Trafalgar’s marine reserve protects the only marine fossil beds in South Africa.
- Ramsgate KZN
This flourishing holiday resort has boating on the lagoon and river, protected sea bathing, fishing and a fine beach.
- Margate
Margate is the quintessential South Coast holiday town.
- Oribi Gorge
This spectacular gorge is one of the South Coast highlights.
- Umtentweni
A sweet little seaside town with warm surf and a quiet soul.
- Banana Beach
Banana Beach is aptly named for the profusion of wild strelitzia (banana) which are found growing locally.
- Umzumbe KZN
A quiet little South Coast town.
- Scottburgh/Park Rynie
Close to great scuba diving at Landers Reef and Aliwal Shoal, this is a good stop for underwater enthusiasts.
- Umkomaas
A small, relaxed seaside town, Umkomaas is home to the Aliwal Shoal – one of the world’s top 10 dive spots.
- Warner Beach
Warner Beach is just south of the airport and the buzz of the city of Durban.
- Paddock
Paddock is close to Oribi Gorge
Port Shepstone has an excellent golf course, varied coastal and river mouth fishing, a tidal pool and sandy beach and is the gateway to Oribi Gorge.
Situated at the mouth of the Mzimkulu River (the great home of all rivers), 120km south of Durban and close to Oribi Gorge, this is the largest town on the South Coast. It is also the administrative, educational and commercial centre for Southern Natal whose industries include a sugar mill, a lime works and a marble quarry. Timber, wattle bark and sub-tropical fruit are also grown in the district.
Founded in 1867 when marble was discovered nearby, a harbour was built and the first ship entered it in 1880. In 1882 a party of 246 Norwegian immigrants settled here and played a large part in the development of the area. After the opening of the railway to Durban in 1901 the harbour fell in disuse and eventually the river silted up. The 27,000 candle lighthouse still stands at the mouth of the Mzimkulu River.
Port Shepstone has an excellent golf course, varied coastal and river mouth fishing, a tidal pool and sandy beach and is the gateway to Oribi Gorge.
Developed as a port in the 19th century, sugar, lime and marble were shipped out from Port Shepstone until rail proved more practical since the river regularly dumps silt into the harbour.
Places to Stay
- The Spot Backpackers
The Spot backpackers is a charming little backpackers set just a few meters from the beach on the south Coast of Natal.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
Located in the bustling heart of Sea Point with easy access to city amenities, public transport and (yippee) the Sea Point swimming pools by the sea.
(Sea Point,Cape Town)
Lungile backpackers in PE is perched on top of a hill in an attractive house overlooking the city and the ocean, Lungile is just three minutes walk from Port Elizabeth's main beach.
(Port Elizabeth,Sunshine Coast)
Durban Backpackers - On the Beach is on the beach and within walking distance of La Lucia Mall and a bunch of city amenities.
(Durban ,Durban)
This Mossel Bay backpackers is a genuine train that’s parked just a spit away from the main beach in Mossel Bay. All cabins face the sea. What more could you want?
(Mossel Bay,Garden Route)
Stop over here if you're on the road between SA and Mozambique, or want to go from Mozambique to the Kruger and Swaziland and need to restock.
(Komatipoort,Mpumalanga)
Isinkwe backpackers is a well managed bush camp set in the middle of indigenous bush, just outside of Hluhluwe.
(Hluhluwe,Zululand)
This Backpackers' hostel is set in 3 hectares of forest near to the Vic Bay's famous surfing beach
(Victoria Bay,Garden Route)
Cape Town's newest backpacking hostel, which is close to the Waterfront.
(Green Point,Cape Town)
You can see the shark boats launch from here. From your armchair, actually.
(Gansbaai,Overberg )
An established lodge with backpacker facilties.
(Zavora,Mozambique)
