- 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.
- Port Shepstone
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.
- 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
South Coast
The South Coast coastline is less dramatic than in other parts of South Africa, but there are plenty of great beaches and lots of good surf spots. It has some awesome backpacking lodges.
The South Coast Daze
Do yourself a favour and get off the highway and onto the R102.
Meander through valleys of dense sugarcane fields, tantalised by occasional glimpses of the sea. Once overcome by curiosity, veer seawards, stop, walk the beaches and explore rock pools.
The coastline is peppered with holiday resorts, the surf is consistently good, the water’s warm, the diving’s astonishing and outdoor recreation is a way of life.
Do yourself a favour and get off the highway and onto the R102.
Meander through valleys of dense sugarcane fields, tantalised by occasional glimpses of the sea. Once overcome by curiosity, veer seawards, stop, walk the beaches and explore rock pools.
The coastline is peppered with holiday resorts, the surf is consistently good, the water’s warm, the diving’s astonishing and outdoor recreation is a way of life.
Nature Reserves and walks.
The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve near Port Edward has a huge diversity of rare and endemic flora and plenty of small game. The nature walks are awesome.
Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
Home to buck, monkeys and prolific bird life, the gorge has 6 trails up to 9km long.
Mpenjati Nature Reserve (Southbroom)
Meander splendid beaches, puzzle over rock formations, seek out rare fossils and walk along the coastline.
Diving
Umkomaas has a huge variety of dive sites, most of which are around Aliwal Shoal. Ragged tooth sharks are the main attraction, but intrepid divers will meet large stingrays, moray eels and ragged-tooth sharks hiding in caves. Raggie Cave And Shark Alley (14m) is best known for housing groups of ragged tooth sharks in winter.
Protea Banks has an average depth of 28m and the chances of seeing a variety of sharks is high. Divers must be qualified to dive to 30 m.
Park Rynie has some amazing dive sites with spectacular plant life and numerous caves, gullies and swim throughs. Small marine life, reef fish, Zambezi sharks, dolphins and game fish can be seen.
The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve near Port Edward has a huge diversity of rare and endemic flora and plenty of small game. The nature walks are awesome.
Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
Home to buck, monkeys and prolific bird life, the gorge has 6 trails up to 9km long.
Mpenjati Nature Reserve (Southbroom)
Meander splendid beaches, puzzle over rock formations, seek out rare fossils and walk along the coastline.
Diving
Umkomaas has a huge variety of dive sites, most of which are around Aliwal Shoal. Ragged tooth sharks are the main attraction, but intrepid divers will meet large stingrays, moray eels and ragged-tooth sharks hiding in caves. Raggie Cave And Shark Alley (14m) is best known for housing groups of ragged tooth sharks in winter.
Protea Banks has an average depth of 28m and the chances of seeing a variety of sharks is high. Divers must be qualified to dive to 30 m.
Park Rynie has some amazing dive sites with spectacular plant life and numerous caves, gullies and swim throughs. Small marine life, reef fish, Zambezi sharks, dolphins and game fish can be seen.
Places to Stay
- Blue Sky Mining Backpackers
Set just outside Durban, Blue Sky Mining is interesting and an unusual place with awesome views.
- Irie Lodge
This backpackers is only 700m from the beach, with a sweet sea view.
- Ku-Boboyi River Lodge
A warm backpackers on the south coast which welcomes with a beautiful view, and great home cooking.
- Mantis and Moon Backpackers
A quiet beach with warm water year round, thumping surf and safe swimming is just a 2 minute walk away. Most mornings see dolphins cruising around the point.
- 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.
- Vuna Valley Ventures
This Port Edward backpackers is elegantly at one with nature. A lovely stop.
What to do
- Aliwal Dive Centre and Lodge
Aliwal Shoal is one of the world's top dive sites, so grab this opportunity to get out there and discover an awesome array of marine life.
- Oceanworx Dive Charters
For the best Scuba diving on the South Coast and some of the best scuba in the world.
Feeling lucky?(randomly selected service providers from all regions)
A great backpackers in the centre of Windhoek.
(Windhoek,Namibia)
Topsail House is a perfect place to stay in the centre of Simon's Town.
(Simon's Town,Cape Town)
This Backpackers is where you can kick back and relax under the big amber tree...
(Cape Town City Centre,Cape Town)
A backpackers, club and restaurant all rolled into one.
(Inhambane and Tofo,Mozambique)
In the Mdumbi River valley in the heart of rural Transkei, this small settlement on the coast has brilliant surf and great fishing. As there’s only one small shop, we suggest that self-caterers stock up before arriving.
(Coffee Bay,Wild Coast)
Hermanus Backpackers just gets better and better, thanks to the hard work and dedication of the live-wire owners, Braam and Hayley.
(Hermanus,Overberg )
Tekweni Backpacking hostel in Durban cooks. One can’t say anything else about this ever-buzzy hostel and its hordes of people.
(Durban ,Durban)
High up on the plateau with spectacular views, they are within easy reach of Livingstonia and Manchewe Falls.
(The Kruger National Park,Malawi)
This log cabin is set close to the world’s highest bungy jump with a huge view over the Bloukrans Gorge and indigenous forest below.
(Bloukrans,Garden Route)
See Soweto the eco-friendly, local way.
(Oribi Gorge,Johannesburg)
