Destination: “South Coast”,
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Description:
The “South Coast” as it is fondly known by local Natalians is the southern coastline of KwaZulu-Natal, dotted with endless beaches, that stretches from just below Durban all the way down to Port Edward. Everyone you speak to may have a different opinion on which beach is the best to visit, but this probably depends heavily on where their annual family outings and summers were spent. Wherever you choose to go, you are sure to find long sandy beaches and good waves for surfing (and from mid-December to early January, a boat-load of visitors that escape the cities and head east for a beach holiday around Christmas every year).
Tourist Must-sees:
- Pennington, Scottborough, Hibberdeen, Uvongo, Margate, Ramsgate, St Michael’s and Leisure Bay are some of the more popular beaches among local holiday-makers. These are generally very busy in the summer months and you will usually find life-guards, vendors and tourists here between October and April.
- Some lesser known beaches that are just as beautiful, but less busy, are: Winkelspruit, Pumula, Southport, Southbroom and Munster.
- Lake Eland – a game reserve, restaurant and wedding venue – is also a wonderful day out for the whole family, especially on those occasional rainy days during the summer months. Go on a safari, take in the stunning views of Oribi Gorge, take a zip line tour, brave a walk out over the impressive gorge drop and eat a great meal, South African style. This is an especially sentimental place for me personally, as quite a few of the family’s and our friend’s weddings have happened here!
My favourite beach:
One of my favourite beaches is Southport, mostly for sentimental reasons, but also because of the lovely swimming bay and the wide sandy beach for tanning and beach games. It also has a small shady park in front of the only restaurant where you can picnic or braai (this is the South African word for “barbecue”). There is also a very nice restaurant a short walk up the road from the beach, called Castaways, that has a great menu.
Hungry?
MacBananas (a farm stall) has some of the best pancakes, shakes and lunches in the area. It is a definite favourite with the South Coast locals.
If you don’t mind waiting in queues during the December holidays, the Waffle House in Ramsgate also has a wide selection of savoury and sweet waffles – think along the lines of “Banoffee”, “Chili Con Carne” or “Fresh Strawberry.
Fish on the River (Port Shepstone) is also a hidden gem when it comes to seafood, especially fish and chips. Sit on the deck and look out over the river or enjoy the nautical decor in the breezy interior.
Fun facts:
“Vaalies” are what the locals call the hoards of holiday-makers that come from the Northern provinces (Gauteng, Freestate etc), which stems from the old provincial name of “Transvaal” and has stuck over the years. (Aside: You may not want to use this term when talking to an actual “Vaalie”, unless you’re a good sprinter or know kung-fu.)
P.S. It is always good to remember that safety comes first, so: swim where the lifeguards have designated, watch out for riptides, keep an eye on your belongings and wear sun cream at all times! A little caution goes a long way to ensure the happiest of beach days.