The KZN South Coast is a popular destination year-round. In the Mid South Coast in particular, two little coastal towns are well-known to offer a lot – that being Scottburgh and Pennington.

In Scottburgh, named after Natal Colony Governor John Scott in 1860, water-based activities at the stunning beaches are a must.

Fan favourites include surfing, snorkelling, fishing and shark diving. For those who prefer to be on land, become one with nature at TC Robertson Nature Reserve or get into the swing of things at one of the Mid South Coast’s stunning golf courses.

Scottburgh is also home to the world-renowned oldest Nile Crocodile in captivity, Henry. He will turn 126 this year at the local conservation centre.

A little further south is pristine Pennington, considered a gem of a town by many who visit.

Residents and local organisations strive to keep the town in tip-top shape at all times, making it a warm and welcoming area. Much like Scottburgh, Pennington has several attractions that make it the special place that it is. These include several whale-watching spots, popular golf courses, spectacular hiking and forest trails, and a Blue Flag beach.

Pennington was also a finalist in the 2025 kykNET Kwêla Dorp van die Jaar (Town of the Year) competition, proving just how celebrated and loved the quaint town is.

If you are looking for an adventurous ocean experience, hit the waves on your surfboard at Hibberdene main beach. It is an adrenaline-pumping activity that requires some skill; however, even if you are a beginner, you will find that learning to surf is one of the most enjoyable experiences the ocean can offer you.
However, if you are not that daring, one of the best ways to enjoy the ocean is swimming. It is a relaxing and enjoyable experience; sometimes it is the simple things that add the perfect touches to a holiday.

A variety of sea life can be seen in good water visibility. If you are snorkelling near rocks or small reefs, expect to see a variety of fish species, from small to large, and coral sponges of different shapes and colours.

A great marine activity that offers a different perspective of sea life beneath the ocean is diving. The reefs along the Hibberdene coastline are diverse, and a 7m high wall below the surf is covered in coral sponges and sea fans. It is something incredibly unique to the area.

Just when you thought it could not get better, there are ski-boat rides out to sea, fishing charters and ocean safaris. A boat ride at sea makes a holiday complete; get to see the deep waters and the marine life that thrives beneath.

Add to your swimming fun with bodyboarding; it is the next best choice for those who are a little hesitant about surfing. It will get you accustomed to wave riding on a smaller board and prepare you for a surfboard one day.

Southport Beach is a popular destination for many beachgoers. The beach, which boasts Blue Flag status, has a unique look with a lovely shady canopy formed from the trees in the background. Many sit underneath the canopy and watch the ocean; it is a wonderfully relaxing experience.

The beach has a tidal pool area, perfect for children and adults alike. Visitors can spend the day sitting in the pool and gazing at the crashing waves on the nearby rocks; there is nothing better than a fresh sea breeze.

Do not forget to pack your surfboards and snorkelling gear – this world-class beach is home to wonderful marine life and great waves; it is a win-win. As you may have guessed, the canopy area is perfect for picnics while watching the breathtaking sunrise over the ocean; what more could one ask for?

The canopy area and the beach are perfect for enjoying a meal, with plenty of space and spots; this is an activity that should be part of your next holiday!

The Southport beach and its surroundings are popular for obvious reasons; there is a beauty to it like no other. Come and experience it for yourself! This will be a destination you come back to over and over again.

The bustling seaside town of Port Shepstone is the business hub of the South Coast and offers holidaymakers a great array of family fun-filled activities.

Spiller’s Wharf on the mighty Mzimkhulu River has a variety of restaurants serving up delicious food, while The Block is a popular fishing spot.

Go jet-skiing on the river or take a relaxing boat trip. The lower KZN South Coast has a treacherous coastline which has resulted in a rich maritime history dating back to the 1500s. The tales of intrepid travellers can be discovered at the Port Shepstone Maritime Museum on the Port Shepstone beachfront.

To aid those navigating these waters, the 8-metre-high Port Shepstone Lighthouse was erected. Although it was retired from duty in 1905, the lighthouse is equipped with a radio beacon within the black-and-white chequered frame. Port Shepstone beach is the perfect spot to relax, play in the waves or catch up on your tan.

The shopping mecca of the South Coast, Shelly Beach has two shopping malls, offering big-brand wares and one-of-a-kind quirky items.

Deep-sea fishing and rock and surf angling are popular here, but feel free to pop into one of the fishing shops for all your tackle requirements and expert advice. Take a dive charter and explore the ocean depths or stay land-bound.

Also popular are exciting ocean safaris or fun boat rides, as well as diving charters to world-renowned Protea Banks, a Marine Protected Area. Enjoy a day at the beach and find unique shells; it will keep the family busy all day, especially the little ones, and will make for beautiful souvenirs to take back home.

St Michaels is a surfer’s paradise, with fantastic swells and large waves. St Mike’s, as it’s known colloquially, offers a great day out at the seaside for the family.

The paddling pool is great for buddying swimmers, while parents can relax on the grassy surrounds and watch the ocean action.

Other fun beach activities include a water slide or taking a slow paddle up the lagoon.

There are some superb restaurants where you can sip on a cool sundowner or enjoy a delicious meal right on the beach.

One of the main attractions in Uvongo is the beach. It is a unique alcove formation, with the beach surrounded on either side by rock formations and lush vegetation, with a waterfall as a backdrop and another magnificent rock formation hanging over the lagoon.

Uvongo is home to the breathtaking Uvongo Falls and lagoon. The 23m waterfall plummets into one of the deepest lagoons in the country, with rock escarpments and foliage sheltering the nearby beach.

The Uvongo Flea Market is a community market run by the Rotary Club of Hibiscus Coast. Every Saturday and Sunday, visitors can browse the stalls for something special. Funds raised benefit the local community.

Pick up anything from handmade clothing and accessories to toys and tools, pre-owned goods to African crafts, and so much more. Brunch or lunch can be enjoyed in the shade, and don’t forget to take home tasty convenience foods.

Everyone is invited to join the Uvongpo parkrun on a Saturday morning, from 08:00. It’s free, it’s friendly, and it doesn’t matter how fast you are. Parkrun is a free, community-based initiative that encourages people to enjoy regular physical activity in a supportive and inclusive environment. There are no age restrictions, and everyone is encouraged to complete the course at their own pace.

Considered the ‘fun capital’ of the KZN South Coast, the idyllic seaside town of Margate has something for everyone. From outdoor experiences in nature reserves and on beaches, through to great dining and retail offerings, Margate continues to attract attention for all the right reasons.

Swimming, snorkelling and surfing are popular.

The KZN South Coast is known for its quality fishing spots, with Margate Pier one of the coast’s most popular for shad, kob and garrick.

Visitors can choose from a variety of accommodation, suited to every need, taste and budget. From oceanside caravan parks and self-catering accommodation, to charming B&Bs and top hotels, there’s somewhere for everyone to stay.

The vibrant town also boasts many great restaurants serving delicious dishes, with many of the eateries offering ocean views.

Margate has a vibrant local art scene; pop into the Margate Art Museum to view some stunning works. A wide variety of top art and crafts are on display.

If feeling a little adventurous, the 28-hectare River Valley Nature Reserve has walking trails along the banks of the river into the riverine forest, which is home to many interesting birds. Look out for the green-backed heron, tambourine dove, grey or purple-banded sunbird and brown scrub robin.

For a fantastic cultural hinterland excursion close by, head to the KwaXolo Caves. It is a mountainside hike along a cable-and-rung system to the caves adorned with ancient San artwork. This pristine range of caves has preserved San paintings that are over 100 000 years old.

A day at the beach is a must with the whole family, or solo; either way, it makes for a fun, relaxing experience. Get your snorkelling gear or surfboards and hit the waters! Try your luck at fishing; find out from locals which times are best for the catch of the day.

For birdwatchers, more than a third of South Africa’s bird species can be found in Ramsgate. Many birds mean many plants. Explore and experience a wonderfully diverse and colourful range of indigenous plant species. All this incredible fauna and flora stretches from the coast and reaches far inland.

For a more relaxing outing, take a trip to the Ramsgate Whale Watching deck, and don’t forget your camera. The mating and migration seasons are the best times to view whales from the deck. If you are lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of dolphins.

Port Edward is the southernmost coastal region of KZN. At its tip, the Umtamvuna River separates KZN from the Eastern Cape. Its beautiful beaches and rustic-rural combination make for a scenic and relaxing getaway.

If you’re looking for a little more action, the Umtamvuna Gorge has a variety of activities, including nature trails, wakeboarding, ski-boating, stand-up paddling, and much more.

Learn some history at the Sao Joao Portuguese Monument. It was erected on North Sand Bluff to commemorate the souls lost in 1552 when the Portuguese ship Sao Joao sank in the shallow waters off modern-day Port Edward.

The cargo washed ashore after the wreck, with some items still being discovered today.

The Umtamvuna Gorge is also a spectacular adventurer’s playground offering nature trails, wakeboarding, ski-boating, stand-up paddling and many more adrenaline-fuelled pursuits. The Mpenjati Nature Reserve is a 66-hectare sanctuary for shy, forest-dwelling blue, red and grey duiker, as well as numerous bird species and a host of vervet monkeys.

Visit the Red Nature Desert, approximately 200m in diameter and is known as the world’s smallest desert, consisting of 2 Berea formation red sand exposures.

Surprisingly, many plants grow in the seemingly harsh habitat today – black mangroves, endemic cabbage trees, wild frangipani, and umdoni trees, three proteas, namely the tall silver sugar bush, the common sugar bush and the dwarf grassveld sugar bush. In spring, feast your eyes on a bright spectacle of flowers in the unspoiled grasslands as you walk through the reserve.