Stretching from Amanzimtoti to Port Edward, South Africa’s KwaZulu Natal South Coast is all about stunning beaches, excellent fishing and fantastic golf locations. Well-developed resort towns dot this lush coastline and cater to every need from diving to dining, with top-notch golf courses often forming the basis of holidays to the area. Animal lovers flock to the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary, home to 150 bird species including Giant Kingfisher and Hamerkop. Adventure sport enthusiasts can take a brave leap at the Oribi Gorge’s Wild Gorge Swing, the highest swing in the world, equivalent to a 55 story building. The KwaZulu Natal South Coast offers visitors an endless summer with a variety of activities including excellent swimming, snorkeling, hiking, birdwatching, dolphin spotting and viewing the annual sardine run.
Named after the many thorny climbers that were once found along the Hluhluwe River, on whose banks the town rests, Hluhluwe is sandwiched between the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park and Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve. This fact ensures that visitors will be treated to incredibly scenic surroundings. Those who enjoy fresh, juicy South African pineapples can indulge themselves to the fullest, with most of the country’s pineapples produced in this region. Visitors can also look forward to exploring one of many surrounding reserves to view the world-renowned Big Five; soaking up the incredible natural scenery; and enjoying a variety of activities including scuba diving, horse riding, hiking, canoeing, boat cruises, and mountain biking!
Located on Kwa-Zulu Natal’s coast within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay is known primarily as a top diving destination. The Southern Coral Reef is the only tropical dive site in South Africa and one of the few places in the world where dive sites are reached by weaving a path through breaking waves. Divers can enjoy warm water; deserted beaches; exciting coral reefs; and a great diversity of seascapes, marine life and spectacular night dives. In summer, loggerhead and leatherback turtles can be seen nesting on the beaches, and dolphins, manta rays, whales, and black, blue and striped marlin are prevalent here. Other popular activities include boating, angling, fishing, whale watching, snorkeling and canoeing. For those who prefer staying on land, there is still plenty on offer in the form of nature walking, and bird watching, while the more adventurous can try microliting.
Scattered across the undulating plains of KwaZulu Natal, a wonderful array of game reserves can be explored. These magnificent parks are renowned for their dramatic hilly countryside, diversity of flora and fauna, high standards of conservation and their invaluable contribution to protecting endangered species, including the white rhino, from extinction. It is possible to see the famous ‘Big Five’ animals, as well as a variety of other animals. The area is a bird watcher’s paradise, with the Mkhuze Game Reserve alone home to 420 different species of birds, and species like the Pel’s Fishing-Owl and Pink-throated Twinspot making special appearances. Visitors can enjoy a host of activities including day and night game drives, scuba diving, deep-sea fishing, hiking and guided walks. Many of the parks include stunning beaches, which feature turquoise, warm Indian Ocean waters and soft white sands!
