Property on the South Coast

Margate, Port Shepstone, Scottburgh, Port Edward, sardines, golf, whales, dolphins, the Oribi Gorge, hibiscus flowers and golden beaches are some of the terms which people associate with this magnificentSouth Coast region of South Africa and the Zulu Kingdom.

Sub-tropical forests, blue lagoons, golden beaches, rocky coves, the warm Indian Ocean and sunny weather make KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast a popular year-round holiday resort for both local and international visitors. Accommodation varies from up-market hotels to camping facilities, and everything in between.

Swim in the surf or just laze on the South Coast beaches, working on your suntan. Three beaches, namely Ramsgate, Marina Beach and Lucien, have International ‘Blue Flag’ status.

For the golfer, the South Coast is close to golfing paradise. Named by many ‘The Golf Coast’, there are nine excellent 18- hole golf courses, two of which are rated amongst the top 12 in the country.

If you want to commune with nature, visit the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve, which conserves plants found nowhere else in the world, or go birding – 400 bird species have been counted along this coastline.

Scuba diving is a popular sport on the South Coast with excellent deep-sea diving areas at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. Try surfing at the internationally acclaimed surf spots or go abseiling in the Oribi Gorge. Breathtaking is the way you would describe both the scenery and your feelings as you plunge over the edge and swing high over the deep gorge.

Every winter, there is the phenomenon of the sardine run – millions of sardines migrate up the coast, accompanied by by dolphins and other large fish and thousands of sea birds which feed on them, and people come from far and wide to scoop up buckets of this natural harvest.

Shelly Beach

Shelly Beach is a friendly town where the true tranquility is rivalled only by its incredible scenery. Situated in the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu Natal in South Africa, Shelly Beach is famed for its hospitality and safety as well as the hordes of beautiful shells that wash up onto the shores.

Shelly Beach has become one of the fastest developing commercial and residential towns on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast. Shelly Beach is a slice of sub-tropical paradise abundant in lush foliage and perfect scenery. The warm waters abundant in exquisite tropical fish and coral reefs compliment the pristine beaches.

There are numerous tidal pools and lagoons. These waters are ideal for all water sports especially snorkeling and diving. Shelly Beach boasts numerous popular diving and snorkeling sites where the most spectacular varieties of tropical fish, sharks, corals as well as mystical underwater caves can be discovered. These popular sites include Potato Reef, The Caves, Deep Salmon, Arena Reef, Bo Boyi Reef and Adda Reef.

Shelly Beach is also a shell collector’s paradise. Here, the finest miniature pink lady shells can be found hidden among the many varieties. Take a leisurely stroll on these warm sands and find delight in the abundance of beautiful shells just laying there. Shelly Beach is renowned for its superb rock and surf fishing and boasts the largest ski boat base between Durban and East London. It also hosts numerous deep sea angling competitions throughout the year.

St Michaels on Sea

St Michaels on Sea is a small seaside town on the south coast and lies between Margate and Port Shepstone in the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu Natal.

St Michaels is a tranquil and idyllic little town boasting picturesque scenery and pristine beaches. In fact, these superb characteristics attract so many to St Michael on Sea. The main swimming beach at the mouth of the Umhlangeni River is popular with both swimmers and surfers alike. St Michaels on Sea is a surfer’s paradise that attracts local and tourist surfers to their memorable surf locations. The combination of warm waters with fantastic swells and large waves are perfect for surfing. These waters are also ideal for all other water sports including windsurfing, jet skiing and boating. There are also a few popular fishing spots and superb tidal pools.

The warm Indian Ocean flows across this beautiful shoreline and contains a world of wonders! Go scuba diving or snorkeling and discover the diverse species of exquisite tropical fish and coral reefs. An underwater camera is essential in these clear waters as you’re bound to come across wide varieties of sharks, sting rays, jelly fish and game fish. If this is too much activity for you, take a leisurely stroll or just generally relax and soak up some sun on the warm sands of St Michaels. Your overnight stay in St Michaels will not disappoint. The accommodation in St Michaels is as luxurious as it is cozy. Enjoy refreshing sun downers from your room as you admire the radiant sky and feast on sumptuous meals.

Uvongo

Part of the Hibiscus Coast, Uvongo is a welcoming town with secluded unspoiled beaches, superb fishing spots, a nature reserve, beautiful scenery and so much more. Uvongo is named after the Ivungu River and is well known for its waterfall that plummets 23m down into the lagoon, creating one of the deepest lagoons in the country.

Uvongo is also known for its large rock escarpments thick with beautiful foliage which shelters the beach. These shimmering waters are ideal for all water sports. There are pedal boats for hire with which one can explore the river more fully. Beside the river runs a footpath which flows to the Uvongo River Nature Reserve. There is a lovely children’s paddling pool situated on the grassy banks shaded by trees. So bring that picnic basket full of snacks and enjoy a fun family outing.

Spend the day relaxing on flawless beaches or snorkeling in the warm waters that flow across the shoreline. Hawkers can be found on the beach selling their fruit, basketry and craft. For a break from the beach life, there are numerous sporting facilities in the area as well as a spectacular 9-hole golf course nearby. A must is to plan a visit to the Uvongo Bird Park. This amazing park offers walk-through aviaries where a diversity of vibrant bird life can be discovered. Enjoy refreshing drinks or tea in the garden while the children enjoy themselves in the play-park.

The accommodation in Uvongo and other amenities are all nestled in beautiful settings offering the most magnificent views. With safe swimming, excellent amenities, great food, magnificent views from the beach side restaurant, Uvongo is a bustling holiday town that has much to offer the visitor.

Margate

Margate is a surprisingly exciting town situated on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natalin South Africa. It is the ideal base to explore the surplus of holiday opportunities offered by this sunny stretch of coastline.

Margate is the heart of the Hibiscus Coast and is a popular seaside resort offering some of the best diving on the South African Coast.Margate’s beauty is obvious from the moment you enter into its sub-tropical paradise of golden beaches, coastal florests and endless sunny days. The resort town of Margate acts as the economic center for a strip of coastline almost completely made up of accommodation, holiday homes and tourist- related establishments.

Margate boasts some of the most beautiful and immaculate beaches including a blue flag beach. The warm Indian Ocean flows across this wonderful coastline providing it with an abundance of beautiful tropical fish and coral reefs. Vast shoals of game fish and large groups of sharks congregating around diving sites such as Protea Banks, makes scuba diving, snorkeling and diving a must in Margate.

Other fantastic diving sites include Adda Reef, Deep Salmon, Bo Boyi Reef and Potato Reef. Besides the spectacular species of game fish and corals, one can also discover and explore the deep caves in these waters which become another water world all on its own. Other exciting water sport activities include canoeing, boardsailing, boating and skiing.

For those who would prefer a little shopping, Margate boasts fine art galleries and craft shops. If you are a bird lover, a visit to the Uvongo Bird Park is an absolute must. A walk-through aviary will not only captivate but also educate you on the diverse species of exquisite birds. Children can take advantage of the play park while parents can enjoy tasty snacks and refreshing drinks at the tea garden.

Ramsgate

Ramsgate is a quaint seaside village on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal, situated about four kilometres south of Margate.

Ramsgate is located on the mouth of a river known by the Zulu name Bilanhlolo (“the marvellous boiler”) for the bubbles caused by strong currents making it look like the water is boiling. Ramsgate is an extremely popular holiday town, especially with locals. This is in part because the fishing is good, and rocks off the shore abound with mussels.