KZN's coastline of 160 Kilometre's, south of Durban is well known as a holiday playground.

Amanzimtoti

The Zulu name, given to this area by Shaka, means the place of sweet water. Its seven kilometre beach front comprises two well-monitored bathing areas: Inyoni Rocks and Pipeline Beach. Both offer a wide range of facilities, adequate parking and safe, shark protected swimming areas. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the year.

The beach area has many restaurants, a mini waterworld and a saltwater pool. Sports catered for include scuba diving on the Aliwal Shoal, and horse-riding. A daily bus service operates between Durban, Amanzimtoti and the Wild Coast Sun.

Banana Express

Sadly the Banana Express closed in 2007. It was a narrow gauge steam train runs between Port Shepstone and Paddock. The train would climb and wind inland through lush green sugar cane fields and banana plantations, twisting and sometimes almost doubling back on itself as it negotiates the hills and valleys. There is talk of it being revived, we will update this once it happens.

Kingsburgh

Several smaller holiday resorts combine to form the town of Kingsburgh, namely Karridene, Warner Beach, Winklespruit, Illovo and Doonside. Named in memory of Dick King, who passed away in 1842 on his famous 1000 kilometre ride to Grahamstown.
All beaches offer safe swimming (offshore shark nets), wide stretches of sand and gentle lagoons.

Margate

Named after the English seaside town,it is the largest resort town along the South Coast. Facilities include good fishing, an amusement park, ice skating rink. In addition, discos and cabarets are laid on during the holiday seasons, along with a number of beach activities.

Ethnic Zulu crafts are available along the Margate streets.

Port Edward

Port Edward boasts a spacious safe swimming beach, with excellent fishing options. This resort was named in honour of the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII.

The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve has excellent bird life and rare plant species. Trails in this reserve during spring, is considered one of the best in KwaZulu-Natal.

Port Shepstone

The Mzimkulu is the largest river along the South Coast, with Port Shepstone situated at its mouth. The Umzimkulu River is navigable in small craft for a distance of eight kilometres.

Good beaches, a tidal swimming pool and other sports facilities are among the attractions of this coastal town.

Ramsgate

A pleasant holiday resort with good bathing beaches and a safe lagoon, with good fishing. Boats are available for hire on the lagoon.

Scottburgh

One of the most popular south coast resorts, the rugged coastline offers excellent fishing opportunities all year round. The main bathing beach is protected by shark nets and a team of dedicated lifesavers. Mini train rides, a supertube and a mini golf on the beach front keep the younger set endlessly entertained. The beach complex houses restaurants, take-away outlets, shops and ablution facilities.

Crocworld provides insight into breeding habits and conservation of the Nile crocodile. Other attractions include a snake tunnel, bunny park and a bird park.

Shelly Beach

Aptly named because of the multitude of shells found here. The Shell Museum is said to have the largest display of shells in South Africa. Safe swimming and good angling are enjoyed.

St Michael's on Sea

Bowling greens, safe swimming areas and a tidal pool are among the town's leisure options. Canoes and paddle-boats can be hired at the tea-room across the lagoon. St Michael's beach reputedly has the best surfing waves on the South Coast. The layout of the 9-hole St Michael's Golf Course (SCGC), with its many water features, guarantees a challenging round.

Umkomaas

The rocky coastline is a magnet for anglers, but unsuitable for bathing. Swimmers gravitate to a large tidal swimming pool. Sports facilities include tennis courts and bowling greens. The Umkomaas Golf Course, part of the South Coast Golf Circuit, is the setting for the Natal Amateur Championships. Pottery, woven items, baskets and leather goods are sold at the Umnini Zulu Crafts Center north of town. At the 300-acre Esulwini Nature Reserve on the outskirts of Umkomaas, 100 bird species have been identified. The coastal forest is also home to small antelope, monkeys and mongoose. Three walking trails are available. Open seven days a week. Umkomaas is a driver's Mecca. Dive operators are available to take divers to the world-famous Aliwal Shoal and further afield.

Uvongo

Uvongo Close to the beach, the Uvongo River tumbles 23 m into the lagoon, forming one of the deepest estuaries in the country. In addition to safe sea bathing, there is a tidal pool, children's paddling pool and boats for hire on the lagoon. Fishing conditions are good, especially at Orange Rocks Beacon Rocks and La Crete Point. Shad Bay, at Manaba Beach, is a favourite among fishermen. Along the upper reaches of the river, pleasant walks can be enjoyed. The Uvongo River Reserve, a 70-acre sanctuary for a variety of birds, has a wide diversity of trees and shrubs.

Wild Coast

Just across the Umtamvuna River, the Wild Coast Sun casino and entertainment complex attracts an appreciative clientele and offers the chance to win a fortune. The Wild One Jackpot never pays less than R 1.5 million! The world-class championship course at the Wild Coast Country Club forms part of the South Coast Golf Circuit (SCGC). You can expect to lose a ball or two at the 18th's enormous dam! Apart from golf, sports include tennis, bowls, swimming, water-skiing, windsurfing, canoeing and surfing.