South Coast Travel Guide
Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and how to get around South Coast with this comprehensive travel guide.
- Introduction to South Coast
- List of Places to Visit in South Coast
- Hiking/Biking Routes of South Coast
- Best Things to Do in South Coast: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for South Coast
- Food and Drink Scene of South Coast
- Where to Stay in South Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in South Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of South Coast
- Best Time to Visit South Coast
- Do’s and Don’ts of South Coast
- Safety and Health
- Getting to South Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in South Coast
- Where to Go Next from South Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Introduction to South Coast
Nestled in the province of KwaZulu-Natal, South Coast is one of South Africa’s top holiday destinations. Boasting a warm subtropical climate all year round, South Coast offers pristine beaches, breathtaking mountain views, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re looking for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, South Coast has something for everyone.
List of Places to Visit in South Coast
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
South Coast offers a wealth of cultural attractions, including museums and historical sites that chronicle the Zulu Kingdom’s past. KwaNzimakwe Multicultural Village is one of the most popular destinations for tourists. Here, you can learn about Zulu culture and traditions and explore the village’s architecture and art.
Other notable attractions include the South Coast Tourism Route, which takes visitors to various museums, galleries, and monuments in the area. The Ugu District Municipality Museum provides insights into the history of the region, including the influence of colonialism.
Natural Attractions of South Coast: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
South Coast has a stunning natural landscape, with gorgeous beaches, lush forests, and towering mountains. There’s no shortage of outdoor activities to enjoy, including surfing, hiking, and mountain biking.
Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. This reserve features stunning landscapes, including deep gorges, rushing waterfalls, and incredible birdlife. The reserve is also home to a zipline course where visitors can experience the thrill of soaring over the gorge.
For beach enthusiasts, South Coast has plenty to offer. Scottburgh Beach is a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing. Margate Beach, on the other hand, boasts warm waters and gentle waves that are perfect for swimming and relaxing.
Hiking/Biking Routes of South Coast
South Coast is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The region has multiple spectacular hiking and mountain biking routes. Port Edward Nature Reserve is an excellent destination for hikers, with miles of trails through forests and meadows. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is also a great hiking destination, with varied terrain and stunning views.
For mountain bikers, clear your way through the rolling countryside of South Coast. The area has various bike trails that cater to riders of all experience levels. Head to the Island’s Trails or Marais Street trails for an adrenaline ride.
Best Things to Do in South Coast: Activities and Tours
South Coast presents an array of exciting things for visitors to do. For starters, take a tour of the magnificent sardine run that takes place along the region’s coast every year. Catching the sardines requires patience and skills, but the display of nature is worth the effort.
For a unique activity, be thrilled with Skydive Southern Explorer, or romance on the South Coast wine trail. Take a visit to Southbroom Car Boot Market or find your way to the Robinson R44 helicopter tours for amazing site views.
Week-Long Itinerary for South Coast
With the region’s many attractions, it’s easy to fill a week in South Coast with plenty of fun activities. Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long visit:
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Day 1-2: Take a beach tour, including Scottburgh Beach and Margate Beach.
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Day 3: Visit the KwaNzimakwe Multicultural Village and Museum.
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Day 4-5: Explore the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, including hiking, zipline, and bird watching activities.
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Day 6: Take a skydiving or wine trail tour and visit the Southbroom Car Boot Market.
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Day 7: Enjoy the Robinson R44 helicopter tour and have a great scenic look at South Coast from a different angle.
Food and Drink Scene of South Coast
South Coast is known for its diverse cuisine, with dishes drawing influence from traditional Zulu, Indian, and European cultures.
Must-Try Dishes
Bunny chow is one of the most popular dishes in South Coast, a classic Durban meal that involves a hollowed-out loaf of bread, filled with spicy curry. The area’s seafood is also a must-try, with items ranging from grilled prawns to crispy calamari.
Local Beverages
South Coast is famous for its “shisa nyama” - translated to “burn meat,” this flavorful grilled meat accompanied with alcohol is a must-try. There’s also a variety of local craft beers, ciders, and wines that you can try throughout the region.
Where to Stay in South Coast: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
There’s no shortage of accommodation in South Coast, with options ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury hotels. Whether you’re looking for a beachside resort or a cozy guest house nestled in the countryside, there’s plenty to choose from.
Some of the most popular hotels in the region include Blue Marlin Hotel, Umthunzi Hotel & Conference, and Wild Coast Sun Resort & Casino.
What to Buy in South Coast: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Whether you’re looking for souvenirs to bring home for friends and family or want to take a piece of South Coast with you, there are various options available.
Some of the most popular local products include handmade pottery, traditional Zulu beadwork, and unique wood carvings.
Local Culture and Customs of South Coast
South Coast has a rich cultural heritage, with a significant Zulu population. Visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions, including dress codes when visiting cultural sites such as temples or villages. When entering someone’s home, asking permission is a common courtesy.
Best Time to Visit South Coast
South Coast enjoys pleasant weather all-year-round, but the best time to visit is during the summer months (December to February). The warm temperatures and sunny skies make it the ideal season to enjoy the beaches and partake in various outdoor activities.
Do’s and Don’ts of South Coast
Do:
- Respect local customs and traditions.
- Dress appropriately when visiting cultural sites.
- Try the local cuisine and beverages.
- Carry sunscreen and drink plenty of water when outdoors.
Don’t:
- Take photographs of locals without their permission.
- Litter or damage the environment.
- Engage in prohibited activities such as gambling if underage.
Safety and Health
Safety in South Coast
South Coast is generally safe for travelers, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should still exercise common sense and caution in public areas, particularly at night.
Health in South Coast
South Coast has a high prevalence of malaria, particularly during the rainy season (November to April). Visitors are advised to take necessary precautions such as malaria medication and mosquito repellent.
Getting to South Coast: Transportation Options and Logistics
Airports Near South Coast
King Shaka International Airport is the nearest airport to South Coast, located approximately 100 km away. From there, visitors can take a shuttle, car rental, or taxi to reach the region.
Bus Stations Near South Coast
There are multiple bus stations in the region, with intercity bus companies offering connections from Durban.
Other Options
Private car rentals or hiring a driver/taxi is one of the most convenient options for getting around South Coast. The local bus service, taxis, and Uber services are other options.
How to Get Around in South Coast
While car rentals are the most common way to get around the region, there are alternative transportation options, including the local bus service, or using taxis and Uber ride services.
Where to Go Next from South Coast: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
South Coast is ideally positioned for exploring neighboring attractions. Head to Uvongo, home to picturesque beaches and stunning waterfalls, or take a drive to Port Edward to explore the area’s rich cultural heritage. The Wild Coast is also a popular destination, featuring rugged cliffs, unspoiled beaches, and traditional Xhosa villages.
Conclusion
South Coast is an excellent destination for travelers looking to experience South Africa’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. With a wide array of activities, attractions, and accommodation options, there’s something for everyone in South Coast. So get on the road and experience the wonders South Coast has to offer.