The South Coast of KwaZulu Natal is a popular ‘endless summer for all’ strip of coastland that trails down from the holiday mecca of Amanzimtoti, the beach playground just outside of Durban, all the way to Port Edward. The South Coast is a collection of golden beaches, lagoons, rocky coves, grassy slopes, warm Indian Ocean waters, perpetually sunny weather, sub-tropical forests, and vegetation tha
t draws the crowds, particularly during the festive season. The South Coast, which includes the Hibiscus Coast, named such for the perpetual Hibiscus trees in evidence along the coast, is also strewn with numerous nature reserves, hiking trails, snorkelling and diving locations, and some excellent golf courses, including two of the country’s top ten. Often compared to the state of Florida in the US, the South Coast is strewn with river inlets that cut inland from the coast, and provide wonderful birdlife as well as opportunities to paddle upstream along estuaries and lagoons. Aliwal Shoal (near Umkomaas) is a diving destination of note, while Protea Banks, but a little way further south, is deemed one of the world’s top shark dives. The South Coast also has plenty of blue-flag status beaches - Hibberdene, Margate Main beach, San Lameer and Ramsgate - all meet pre-requisites for water quality, environmental education and information, safety and services. Even winter has its share of highlights with the sardine run - followed as it is by dolphins, other large fish and thousands of sea birds – it is a spectacle to behold. This beautiful part of South Africa is one of the few places where licking an ice-cream cone, whilst strolling the seafront promenade, is a winter-getaway prerequisite.
