Southern Explorer - Blue Flag beaches on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast

SOUTH AFRICA | KWAZULU-NATAL | SOUTH COAST
BEACHES

The South Coast has some great beaches offering both point and beach breaks. This means that the waves break either on a rocky outcrop (point break) or they break onto sandbanks out to sea (beach breaks).

Sand banks are both fun and dangerous at the same time. Avoid swimming far out to stand on the sandbank and play in the waves. There are dangerous currents on the edge of the sand banks and they are prone to collapsing causing your safe environment to change without any notice!

If you find yourself in one of these rip currents please do not try to fight it but rather allow it to take you out to sea, from there you can determine your best route back to shore. If it is a protected beach, signal the lifeguards by waving your hands over your head and then try to relax as one of the many competent lifeguards on our coast are on their way to save you.

Please enjoy your stay on the coast and please remember that prevention is better than cure: swim only at protected beaches during the times that lifeguards are on duty!

120km of beautiful, beautiful beaches,
the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast begins just
south of Durban, at Illovo Beach and
continues through to Port Edward on
the KZN border in the south.

Tour 1: Illovo Beach \| Umkomaas \| Scottburgh \| Pennington \| Sezela

As you travel south from Durban, take time out to explore the string of delightful hamlets that comprise the South Coast. Pop into our members in Illovo Beach, Umkomaas, Scottburgh and Pennington, where you can be assured of a friendly welcome and quality service.
	Pennington Conservancy deck

Tour 2: Bazley \| Ifafa Beach \| Mtwalume \| Hibberdene \| Umzumbe \| Pumula \| Banana Beach \| Sunwich Port \| Anerley \| Southport \| Sea park \| Umtentweni \| Port Shepstone \| Marburg

This stretch of coastline offers the most stunning views, even from the car as you drive past.

We recommend that you take the alternate route at Hibberdene and leisurely savour the natural beauty or the Indian Ocean and the lush coastal vegetation.

Please note that the speed limit is 60km/h as you drive through Hibberdene. This is well enforced with cameras and patrol vehicles. There are many pedestrians, including children and the aged.

Ifafa Beach

Most beaches in this tour are protected. Bazley, Hibberdene, Umzumbe, Banana Beach, Sunwich port, Southport, Umtentweni and Port Shepstone have lifeguards on duty. Mtwalume and Hibberdene have facilities to launch small craft. Surfers, scuba divers and fishermen frequent most of them. The protected cove which is Umzumbe, is favoured by those learning to surf. Hibberdene holds a popular annual fishing competition.


Sea Park	Banana Beach

Tour 4: Oslo Beach\| Shelly Beach \| St Michaels \| Uvongo

As you leave Port Shepstone and continue south, you pass an untamed stretch of coastline which is Oslo Beach. Access to the beach is restricted to tiny walkways and private entrances until Shelly Beach, where there is a very busy launch site and one may go to book fishing and pleasure charters.

The first swimming beach on the tour is found at St Michaels, where there are various activities, as well as food on offer.Parking is available on both sides of the river and as the river mouth is usually closed, one can walk across the beach from one bank to the other.

In season there are many additional activities and festivals planned, to offer maximum enjoyment for the whole family.

St Michaels on Sea

	Like St Mikes, Uvongo beach centres around the scenic river mouth. Many people are drawn by the tranquil waterfall and the steep cliffs which protect the beach from the wind. Again, there is access from both banks, and one can usually walk across to the other side.
Uvongo Beach and lagoon

Tour 5: Lucien \| Margate \| Ramsgate


Lucien Beach tidal pool, Margate	Arts and crafts are always on sale at Margate beachfront

Tour 6: Ramsgate \| Southbroom

	If you want to relax, yet still have all the amenities on offer, Ramsgate beach should be your choice. With a selection of restaurants on offer, parking, tranquil walks, canoes and sidewalk sellers, Ramsgate offers a quiet alternative to its busy neighbour, Margate.
Ramsgate



From top: Ramsgate, Southbroom	Ramsgate main beach

Dassies on the rocks, Ramsgate

Tour 7: Southbroom \| Marina Beach \| San Lameer

	Southbroom's "granny pool" is a lovely, large tidal pool. The local conservancy has built an extensive timber walkway, with ablutions and well tended gardens.

Granny Pool, Southbroom	Granny Pool amenities, Southbroom

Tour 8: Trafalgar \| Palm Beach \| Leisure Bay \| Port Edward


Port Edward

Tour 9: Port Edward \| Wild Coast

THERE ARE 4 ACCREDITED AND 4 PILOT BLUE FLAG BEACHES ON THE SOUTH COAST.

THE BLUE FLAG IS AN EXCLUSIVE ECO-LABEL WITH STRICT CRITERIA DEALING WITH WATER QUALITY, ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INFORMATION, ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND SAFETY.