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Things to do on the KZN South Coast
In this holidaymaker’s dream guide, we take a look at the top things to do on the KZN South Coast.
The beautiful stretch of coastline from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward has developed into the ideal playground for locals and international tourists alike.
The KZN South coast offers some extreme bucket list adventures and a good variety of outdoor attractions. Some things to look out for include jumping off a 165m waterfall, mountain biking through the beautiful South African nature reserves, walking on a swing bridge or even tubing down a state of art South Coast water slides.
MARGATE THINGS TO DO
Kart Freaks
Kart Freaks in Margate offers epic Go Kart tracks to challenge and race your friends. There are also quad bikes with an ATV track, paintball, restaurant, sweet shop, car wash and trailer hire available.
- GPS: -30.854968, 30.372118|Phone: +27 39 312 1514 | Facebook
Surf Action Margate – Surf up!
The surf shop with a history! Action Surf is owned by Ant Brodowicz who in 1978 became the 7th ISA World surfing champion. This surf shop will have everything you looking for: accessories, clothing, skate, surf, and bodyboards. Surf lessons are also on offer!
If you are lucky you may even be served by the legend himself who is truly a genuine person. Check out the website it’s loaded with information.
- GPS: -30.863712, 30.369992 | Phone: +27 39 317 3604 | Website
RAMSGATE THINGS TO DO
The Waffle House
This historical South Coast landmark is nestled in the tranquil sub-tropical edge of the Ramsgate Lagoon. The chocolate chip waffle is a favourite or try one of their unique savoury waffle.
Finish your visit with a leisurely walk across the quaint wooden bridge to the beautiful Ramsgate beach for a swim or a laze on the sand. Can get very busy in the season so go early!
- GPS: -30.887690, 30.347854 | Phone: +27 39 314 9424 | Website
Resonant Circle in Ramsgate
This is pretty cool! It works with acoustics if you stand in the centre of the compass and face in the exact SW position then say your name loud, it echos all around you. A very interesting science lesson!
- GPS: -30.888393, 30.348338 | No Website Available
Canoe or paddle boat up Bilanhlolo River
On Ramsgate Beach next to the famous Waffle House is a path that takes you to the beach. You can hire a canoe or paddle boat for the whole family and go up the Bilanhlolo River.
- GPS: -30.888826, 30.348889| No Website Available
Lobster Pot Restaurant
A great seafood and grill spot! The four-course Sunday lunches are the best! This gem in Ramsgate has been around for more than 50 years and is an iconic landmark. If you love seafood this is the place!
- GPS: -30.890221, 30.347297 | Phone: +27 39 314 9809 | Facebook
Butterfly Valley – Butterfly Farm
What makes Ramsgate Butterfly Valley so unique is that they specialise in breeding butterflies that are from South Africa. Butterfly Valley witness the entire life cycle of the butterfly and share these beautiful creatures with the public to view.
- GPS: -30.887196, 30.340075 | Phone: +27 39 314 9809| Website
Bellevue Park Eco Play zone and Botanic Garden
Bellevue Park is a natural heritage site and the area has been rehabilitated to provide a living resource to encourage environmental education. This is a great place for the little kiddies and even the older folk. Relax on the grassy lawns which are surrounded by over 200 species of indigenous trees and wildlife. There is a sand pit, obstacle course, slides and swings to keep the little ones busy.
- GPS: -30.901874, 30.321675| Website
SOUTHBROOM THINGS TO DO
Pistols Saloon & Wild West Museum
Pistols Saloon is more than just a music bar, it has a real wild west museum next door with cowboy memorabilia that is open to the public to view. The pub itself is full of character and will make you feel like you in an old western movie.
Huckleberry the donkey is one of their best patrons that to walks around the saloon a few times a day to get petted and greeted by all the visitors. The donkey is an absolute favourite among the kids!
- GPS: -30.902460, 30.321622 | Phone: +27 39 316 8463 | Website
Southbroom Surf School
I have only ever heard good reviews about this surf school. With 20 years of surfing experience along the coast, you know you are getting professional coaching. This school offers private lessons, semi-private lessons, surfing lesson packages, hosts kids’ parties and offer board hire.
- GPS: -30.907175, 30.333118| Phone: +27 73 536 8728 | Website
Riverbend Crocodile Farm
The Riverbend Crocodile farm is open for crocodile viewing and feeding which takes place twice a week. You can watch baby crocodile hatching demonstrations in the summer months and the farm host snake demonstrations. (check out their website for details)
The Riverbend also has a cafe, art, wine gallery and a small curio shop. The staff are always friendly and willing to show you around.
- GPS: -30.905217, 30.317950|Phone: +27 39 316 6204 | Website
MARINA BEACH THINGS TO DO
Selsdon Park Estate Horse and Pony Rides
What an awesome way to see the beaches of the South Coast, on horseback. Selsdon Park’s horse rides to cater for the whole family from beginner through to advanced. The estate has a selection of 20 horses including ponies and draft horses.
- GPS: -30.953213, 30.284201| Phone: +27 83 301 2941 | Website
Nightingale Shipwreck
Nightingale Shipwreck, which ran aground on the rocks off Glenmore Beach in 1933. Part of the wreck, the boiler and cylinder, can still be seen on the rocks and is accessible at low tide. Interested visitors can still pick up pieces of porcelain or trader beads from the beach, particularly after storms and high seas.
- GPS: S 31° 00.405′ E 030° 15.661′ | No Website
Bucks Farm Stall
Bucks farm stall is famous for its homemade pies! There is a dam right next door where you can picnic with the family or fish for bass. The store sells local crafts, honey, gifts, toys and other homemade goodies.
- GPS: -30.953213, 30.284201 | Phone: +27 39 859 4091 | No Website
PALM BEACH THINGS TO DO
Mpenjati Nature Reserve
Mpenjati Reserve is located just before Palm Beach, for a small fee you get to relax along this river where there are braai and toilet facilities. It is a safe and protected area, you can fish, canoe or go look for fossils along the shore at low tide.
- GPS: -30.971288, 30.278168| Website
Mac Banana – so much to do!
Mac Bananas Estate is an all-in-one experience. The food emporium offers a great selection of nuts, fruit, jams, pickles, and sweets and a cellar with a great selection of wines. The Banana Cafe is famous for its sweet and savoury pancakes.
There is also a few speciality stores, a small nursery and a car wash. Mac Bananas offers a great variety of activities and adventures. There are guided pony rides, Mac Venture golf, a rope adventure park with a zip line, Quad bike and segway tours, Paintball, Mac Farmyard with animals and a butterfly dome. This is not a one-stop to be missed and something the whole family would love!
- GPS: -30.992746, 30.259953 | Phone: +27 39 319 1033 | Website
The Cow Shed Coffee Shop
The Cow Shed serves an amazing breakfast while the kiddies play on the jungle gym. After breakfast browse through the nearby clothes and gift shops.
- GPS: -31.038876, 30.219937 | Website
PORT EDWARD THINGS TO DO
The Pont Holiday Resort and Water Resort
Family boat rides to different tubing options at reasonable prices. I have been on their cruise which is very relaxed you can have a few drinks and admire the view while you gently meander down the river. I have also been on their tubes and it is a whole lot of fun!
The skippers are very friendly, good with kids and know to keep you safe while you hold on for life. There are different packages on offer for all ages. The Pont also offers is also a newly renovated restaurant.
- GPS: -31.066659, 30.180946 | Phone: +27 39 311 2211 | Website
Beaver creek coffee estate Tours
For all the coffee lovers! Visit the Estate to sample coffee and purchase the range of freshly roasted Beaver Creek coffee. There is also a selection of other coffees on sale from around the world, jams, homemade goodies and other novelties.
The Estate Cafe serves delicious meals and a range of freshly roasted coffee all day. Daily coffee tours start at noon, booking is essential during the holiday season – check out their website for further details.
- GPS: -31.044055, 30.182286 | Phone: +27 39 311 2347 | Website
Red Desert
The Red Desert found just outside Port Edward is reputed to be the smallest desert in the world. The desert stretches barely 200 meters across and is surrounded by lush, tropical vegetation. Theories of the origin of the desert range from extra-terrestrial landings to excessive overgrazing in a confined area.
- GPS: -31.066614, 30.191599 | No Website Available
Clearwater Trails
Clearwater trails provide avid bikers with an amazing adventure experience. There also have runner’s trails available or go on a nature walk to admire the views.
The trails go through beautiful farmlands and mixed terrain and border the botanically rich eZemvelo Wildlife Umtamvuna Nature Reserve. The reserve lies on the borders of the Eastern Cape, which is just a couple of hours away from the beautiful Transkei and the famous Hole in the Wall.
Bikes and gear are available for hire and there is a cafe that serves a range of breakfasts, lunches and tea-time treats.
- GPS: -31.046120, 30.168802 | Phone: +27 83 549 6710 | Website
Wild Waves Water Park
Wild waves water park is part of the Wild Coast Sun just 5km from Port Edward. The park has an incredible assortment of slides and rides that will keep every family member’s adrenaline pumping.
- GPS: -31.087245, 30.183620 | Website
Wild Coast Sun Casino
Who is feeling lucky? Besides the slot machines, the casino offers poker machines, blackjack tables and roulette wheels. While you are busy making your fortune there are ample activities on offer to keep the kids entertained for hours.
- GPS: -31.085904, 30.179951 | Website
AMANZIMTOTI THINGS TO DO
Galleria Mall Ice Rink – Hit the ice!
This is a state-of-the-art real ice rink! You can hire skates and it is suitable for the first-timer, right up to the professionals. They have different events, check out their website for details and times.
- GPS: -30.033163, 30.900424| Phone: +27 31 904 1156 | Website
Splash Waterworld Amanzimtoti – Slide, splash, repeat
This is a Toti favourite! The park is suitable for the whole family and it can be a whole day outing, making it well its monies worth. There are 10 different water slides available which are suitable for different ages.
Everything you need is available at the park including the ice cream happiness station, large recreational pool, adventure river with tubes, mini golf and even a braai area.
- GPS: -30.048567, 30.890472| Phone: +27 31 904 2273 | Website
Illovo Nursery – something for the whole family
This nursery is an Amanzimtoti South Coast gem! There is a great range of Bonsais, a petting zoo for the kiddies, a restaurant on a wooden deck and a pond where you can sit and feed or watch the ducks.
- GPS: -30.120767, 30.846032 | Phone: +27 31 916 2491 | Website
UMGABABA THINGS TO DO
African Crafts at Ultra City – Local crafts
Support the local talent, at the Umgababa Ultra City as you drive up towards Durban. Locals sell their African goods, grass baskets and mats that they make. A great souvenir to take home.
- GPS: -30.166039, 30.818222 | No Website Available
UMKOMAAS THINGS TO DO
The Hope Shop Umkomaas – Gifts and souvenirs
This is one of my favourite shops situated in the quiet town of Umkomaas. I have spent many hours here! If you looking for something different or unique then this is the place. They have bohemian clothing, crystals, handmade jewellery and lots of trinkets. Great place to buy gifts.
- GPS: -30.206144, 30.798927 | Phone: +27 39 973 2424 | Facebook
Aliwal Shoal – Scuba Diving
Aliwal Shoal is a very popular diving spot located 5KM off Umkomaas. Aliwal Shoal Scuba have many years of experience diving along the rocky reef and is a favourite with local and international visitors.
There are a variety of diving packages, and diving courses available. Check out their amazing website which is full of pictures, information and prices.
- GPS: -30.205654, 30.802292 | Phone: +27 82 800 4668 | Website
SCOTTBURGH THINGS TO DO
The Shell Shop Atlantis – Shell Gift and Bead Shop
You can spend at least an hour here and probably won’t leave empty-handed. There are so many unique and intricate shells and gifts. It’s the perfect little shop to take a little piece of the ocean home with you, they offer a wide selection of beads and also stock hand-carved wooden items for the home.
- GPS: -30.281651, 30.756826 | Phone: +27 39 976 1992 | Facebook
Scottburgh Main Beach
One of the best beaches along the coast. The rocks form a beautiful little bay which is perfect for the kiddies to splash in the waves. There are a tidal pool and a large grass bank for you to put your umbrella up and soak up the sun.
- GPS: -30.284955, 30.759410 | No website
Crocworld Conservation Centre
Crocworld has over 10,000,00 crocodiles, alligators, African Long-shouted and Dwarf Crocodiles. The centre offers a complete wildlife experience. You can meander through the man-made wetland park to view the water birds and flamingos.
George of the Jungle’s treetop house is sited 10 meters above the forest floor and houses exotic parrots, monkeys and other small mammals. The top deck enables visitors to view, but not disturb, the indigenous wildlife below. Feeding is held twice daily at 11 am and 3 pm.
- GPS: -30.255205, 30.772020 | Phone: +27 39 976 1103 | Facebook
Enzos Pizza Scottburgh
Known as the best pizza along the South Coast! The restaurant has a real Italian feel to it. Enzo’s had been serving South coasters with delicious pizzas and pasta for many years. You will not be disappointed!
- GPS: -30.284036, 30.758102 | Phone: +27 39 978 3674 | Website
ROCKY BAY THINGS TO DO
Shark Cage Diving KZN
Shark cage diving at Rocky Bay is operated by scuba diving expert John Miller. John has 25 years of Scuba Diving experience, both in diving with sharks and diving coral reefs.
Together with his experienced team, John will ensure you have the most unforgettable shark diving experience! Check out this awesome video about the experience here:
It is a “once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
- GPS: -30.335478, 30.733636 | Phone: +27 82 373 5950 | Website
PENNINGTON THINGS TO DO
The Wrecked heron
Imagine being served a cocktail or cold draft on a 1957 wooden ferry boat which is in the middle of the bar! This old boat was bought back to life and adds such character to the pub.
The Wrecked Heron overlooks the beach and the swimming pools in the Happy Wanderers resort are a stone’s throw away. There is a restaurant next door which makes burgers to die for! This is quite a unique experience! Day visitors are welcome.
GPS: -30.354531, 30.718352 | Phone: +27 39 975 1226 | Facebook
UMZUMBE THINGS TO DO
Umzumbe Surf Camp – Learn to surf
A great way to meet new friends and enjoy the beach in Summer. Uzumbe surf camp offers one on one instructions and all equipment needed to catch a wave is included.
The camp offers different surf packages, however, booking is essential so check out their website for dates. Suitable for all ages who want to learn how to surf!
- GPS: -30.354531, 30.718352 | Phone: +27 73 536 8728 | Facebook
UMTENTWENI THINGS TO DO
Whale Viewing Deck – Umtentweni Conservancy
The Umtentweni whale deck offers magnificent views over the Indian Ocean and the Umzimkulu River Mouth. Built as an initiative of the Umtentweni Conservancy, this viewing deck provides a high vantage point. Come down to relax and watch the waves and spot a few whales and dolphins if you are lucky!
- GPS: -30.729171, 30.463456 | Facebook
PORT SHEPSTONE THINGS TO DO
Oribi Gorge and the Wild 5 Adventures
This one is for the adrenaline junkies out there! The Wild 5 offers 5 different adventures: Abseil down a 110m Cliff face, water rafting down some really fast rapids, a wild Swing (which is the highest of its kind in the world) or take a zip line that spans 165m above the treetops.
You can walk over the 84M suspension bridge and hike along the top of the Gorge. Some of the waterfalls are truly breathtaking and could easily rank among some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
Besides all that, there is a paintball arena, loads of sites to view from the car and mountain bikers can follow a very scenic track. Lock in your love along Lock-Lane and throw the key into the gorge! There is something for the whole family, check out their website for more information.
- GPS: -30.667666, 30.304769| Phone: +27 72 042 9390 | Website
Pure Venom Reptile Park
If you love creepy crawlies this one is for you! The reptile farm has a mix of pythons, anacondas, cobras, and rattlesnakes. The animal farm has parrots, ducks, goats, pigs, rabbits and plenty more. There is also a family restaurant and curio shop selling souvenirs and accessories. Open 7 days a week 9 am-4 pm.
- GPS: -30.785937, 30.385043| Phone: +27 82 492 8256 | Website
Lake Eland Game Reserve
Lake Eland offers a whole playground! You can fish, hike, picnic or take an extreme slide on the longest zip line in Africa. The reserve offers a suspension bridge, eagle lookout point, self-game drives, horse riding, a 4×4 track, paintball games and amazing wildlife.
A fully equipped restaurant is also available. Check their website for accommodation bookings and prices. What a great day out this could make!
- GPS: -30.808398, 30.412249| Phone: +27 39 687 0395 | Website
Leopard Rock Coffee Shop
26Km from Port Shepstone, set on a rocky incline with sweeping views over the majestic Umzimkulu River Gorge you will find the Leopard Rock lookout. This is a famous spot for photos with its overhanging rock and views.
- GPS: -30.652276, 30.281145 | Phone: +27 74 124 0902 | Website
Shelly Centre
Shelly Centre is the most popular seaside shopping mall down the south coast, with a variety of different shops you will find all the odds and ends that you are looking for. The centre has 6 Ster-Kinekor cinemas and was recently voted best shopping centre for the 10th year in a row.
- GPS: -30.809056, 30.409322 | Phone: +27 39 315 1304 | Website
UVONGO THINGS TO DO
Uvongo Rotary Market
Every Saturday morning the Rotary holds a flea market with rows of stalls to walk through and discover interesting goodies, food and homemade goods. There is a tea garden and on some weekends they have some relaxing live music.
In December in the adjacent field, there is a Christmas Market held in a huge tent they have some nice gift ideas!
- GPS: -30.827860, 30.392123 | Facebook
The crazy part is that this is the tip of the iceberg of what you can look forward to enjoying while holidaying with us!
Dumela Holiday Resort is situated in Margate, the heart of the South Coast. We pride ourselves on being the best family resort with various facilities on site which include a family swimming pool, thatched pub and exquisite braai areas just to name a few. We are pet friendly too, which means that no one gets left behind 🐾
🌟 Contact us via Whatsapp/Email in either Xhosa, Zulu, English or Afrikaans.
For more information:
reservations@dumelamargate.co.za | 039 317-3303/6 or WhatsApp on (082) 620-8774 valid during office hours only | Directions to our office
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Source: https://souldrifters.com/attractions-on-the-kzn-south-coast/