Destination overview

The Kwa Zulu Natal South Coast is an enticing, spectacular and fascinating showpiece flanked by the warm Indian Ocean and soaring peaks. A 'must-see, must-do' destination, it offers a unique blend of sophistication, cultural diversity and excitement - in the most breathtaking setting imaginable. Popularly known as the 'Golf Coast', thanks to its selection of fine courses, this 120-kilometre stretch of inviting Indian Ocean, expansive golden beaches and unique sub-tropical bush could just as easily be afforded a number of perfectly appropriate titles to describe how visitors are spoilt for choice.

There's a rich, authentic and living Zulu culture to discover, plus the unmistakable motifs of sub-continental Indian influence. Your South Coast odyssey starts when crossing the Mkomazi River, half an hour from Durban, named the Place of Whales by King Shaka in the mid-nineteenth century after he marvelled at these giant creatures basking in the river mouth.

The much-visited and photographed Drakensberg mountain range offers yet more contemplative moments with majestic, inspiring peaks and timeless rock paintings. This fascinating art form, coupled with archaeological finds across the region, places the Khoi and San folk on the South Coast millennia before King Shaka Zulu tested the limits of his empire during the early 1800s.

The internationally-renowned Aliwal Shoal lies five kilometres offshore – this fossilised sand dune of sponges, soft and hard coral was first spotted in 1849 but not properly highlighted until after it sank the steamer Nebo in 1884. This wreck was joined almost a century later by that of the Produce, and together they add a significantly interesting dimension to this kilometre-long underwater wonderland.

Scottburgh, where the Mphambanyoni River and Indian Ocean meet is a thriving, beautifully situated resort town, with an expansive swimming beach manned year-round by lifeguards and fully shark-netted. The waves here are a great drawcard for surfing enthusiasts. Angling and snorkelling spots abound, as do opportunities for land-based sports, with the 5,323 metre undulating oceanside golf course topping many lists. Head inland and you're in traditional Zulu territory, and with it, the chance to witness first hand all the song and dance of a living culture.

Climb the imposing Execution Rock - a short distance beyond the village of Dududu - for vast, spectacular views. Stories abound of the colonial eccentrics who renounced their duties to immerse themselves in the alternative Zulu lifestyle here. It's still possible to see your future laid out in a throw of the bones, or return home with authentic handicrafts and a highly descriptive, custom-divined Zulu name - all guaranteed to impress your friends!

A little south of Scottburgh is Sugar Country, centred around the predominantly Indian-influenced town of Umzinto, and close by is the 2,189 hectare Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, a combination of open grassland and coastal forest, home to a wide range of wild animals plus more than 300 confirmed bird species. Yet further inland, the small town of Highflats is a convenient base for exploring cultural sites relating to the truly ancient San people. Caves, rock paintings, religious shrines and ceremonial sites bear witness to this fascinating culture's deep understanding of the relationship between man and nature.

Back at the coast and continuing south, you will enter the district of Pennington, which incorporates a long list of quiet beaches and beautiful bays. Pennington is also where you'll find one of the country's Top 12 golf courses - the prestigious Selbourne Park Golfing Estate - billed as a cross between Gleneagles and Augusta.

For a non-competitive foray into the wonders of nature, Ifafa Lagoon, Nkomba Bird Sanctuary, Mkamati and Nkumbane Dams are all perfect for appreciating the profusion of flora and fauna waiting to be enjoyed in this part of the world.

Referred to as No-Man's Land during the era when local tribes, Zulu imperialists and European opportunists each sought the lion's share of its natural spoils, the Harding district remains an environmental treasure-trove. Beneath the Ngele Mountain range, the Weza-Ngele state forest nature reserve is home to enormous old trees, many small animals and an encyclopaedic collection of fantastically-plumed birds. Thanks to well- maintained trails, visitors can absorb these splendours on foot, from horseback or mountain bike. Well-stocked trout dams lure fly fishing enthusiasts from all quarters.

En-route back to the coast, Paddock Station is a favourite jumping off point for Oribi Flatsand, a tour of the Oribi Nature Reserve. This wonder of the natural world is tucked within the amazing, 27-kilometre Oribi Gorge, with thousand-million-year-old boulders at the base of cliffs formed from sandstone deposited some 365 million years ago. Rare plants and animals can be appreciated from a number of easily accessible viewing sites.

What about some adventure sports? Oribi Gorge presents one of the world's highest abseiling challenges, plus white-knuckle, white-water rafting during the November to April rainy season. Returning to the seaside and continuing south, you enter a ten-kilometre string of shoulder-to-shoulder resort towns with interlinking bays and golden beaches. Boutiques and artist's outlets offer great shopping opportunities and when the sun goes down, The Strip is ablaze with pavement cafés, restaurants, bars and clubs spinning the latest dance tunes for all-nighters. Margate boasts its own Mardi Gras, and live music spectaculars on the beach regularly inspire thousands of party animals to dance up a storm with sand between their toes!

Many artists have gravitated towards this corner of the Zulu Kingdom and their endeavours - covering all the various disciplines - can be viewed and purchased while traversing the Southern Explorer Craft Route. At Southbroom meet some characters at the nearby artists' retreat and at the Art Gallery adjacent to the spine-chilling individuals housed at Riverbend Crocodile Farm!

At Trafalgar you'll find another sweeping, golden beach, and also a Marine Reserve. The reserve incorporates two kilometres of shoreline and reaches 500 metres out to sea, giving protection to rich and valuable fossil beds dating back some 90 million years. Snorkelling is also very popular here.

Whether it’s history and culture you crave, great shopping, natural wonders or just a quiet sandy beach, you will find all this and more in the Kwa Zulu Natal South Coast.