beautiful towns

This popular fishing town can be found alongside the mouth of a river known as Bilanhlolo, a Zulu term which translates to ‘the marvellous boiler’. In full flow, the strong currents form bubbles, giving the impression of boiling water, despite its coolness to the touch. Ocean fishing, mussel hunting, canoeing and paddle boating are all big aquatic drawcards, and for those seeking relaxation at the seaside, the area is home to two swimming beaches, including one of the KZN South Coast’s Blue Flag beaches – Ramsgate Main Beach. This is an international recognition, demarcating the beach’s high environmental and quality standards. With its ocean-based tidal pool – Noel Quarry Pool – families can be assured of a fun, safe, beachside holiday. Ski Boat Bay is a second swimming beach located in the south, with ski boat and jet ski launch facilities. 

Witness the annual migration of the Humpback Whale from the Ramsgate Whale Deck, overlooking Ramsgate Main Beach, Ramsgate Lagoon and Noel Quarry Pool. Between May and December, some 30 000 of these beautiful mammals make their way across the Indian Ocean, many of whom can be spotted from the deck during this time. 

For nature lovers, Ramsgate is located near a number of nature reserves, home to hundreds of bird species and indigenous wildlife. This is the ideal backdrop for hiking, birdwatching, trail running or a delicious picnic site. 

This family-friendly KZN South Coast town is also the home of  Ramsgate Butterfly Valley, specialising in breeding South African species. This fun, educational outing gives visitors the chance to view the incredible lifecycle of the butterfly, from pupae to colourful winged creature – and makes the perfect setting for holiday pictures. 

As an artistic coastal village, Ramsgate has a history of creativity, attracting renowned South African artists such as Errol Boyley, Anton Benzon, Walter Battiss, Paul Buck, Tita Faschiotti, Rob Wareing, Diane Erasmus and Marke Meyer. Revitalise your creative spirits here by visiting the quaint antique shops, or soak in the culture at one of the many fine-dining restaurants and cafés. Among these is The Waffle House, an iconic KwaZulu-Natal South Coast eatery that has been serving wholesome Belgian waffles since 1991.

Named by the great Zulu king, Shaka, who announced this was a place of refreshingly ‘sweet waters’, Amanzimtoti (or ‘Toti’ as it’s known to locals) still has close links to its centuries-old heritage. Visitors can find quality African arts and crafts, with the iconic natural setting blending with the modern amenities that make this such a popular holiday destination. 

One such contemporary attraction is Galleria Mall, a deluxe regional shopping centre boasting a combination of retail options, entertainment and fine dining. The Galleria Ice Rink provides the ultimate ‘cooling’ attraction in this warm location, with Epic Karting, Galaxy Bingo, The Fun Company games and Nu Metro cinemas making this the perfect rainy day getaway. 

The entertainment continues at Splash! Waterworld where 10 waterslides; safe, clean pools, and eating facilities offer a full day of activities. 

Located on the Sapphire Coast, visitors wanting a beachside holiday have found the right destination. Based along the region’s 40 kilometres of golden sand is the beautiful Amanzimtoti Beach, which provides perfect surf conditions for swimming, surfing, snorkelling, canoeing or simply sunbathing and sandcastle-making. There are many seaside restaurants and accommodation facilities for ease of accessibility. 

For a day out, the Amanzimtoti Bird Sanctuary is the ideal setting, with rolling lawns surrounding a large expanse of open water  – gardens on the one end, and indigenous forests on the other. Visitors can take an easy 30-minute, self-guided trail through the forest, identifying one of the 150 indigenous bird species, including Spur-winged geese, white-faced duck, greenback heron, giant kingfisher and hamerkop.

Those itching for some time on the greens are never disappointed on ‘The Golf Coast’. Amanzimtoti Country Club, which was first opened in 1915, has an immaculate course within the local conservancy. This user-friendly course is challenging enough  for experienced golfers, and suited to holidaymakers looking for an engaging round. The child-friendly club, with stunning coastal views, also has a play area to keep children engaged while parents unwind. 

For a truly remote and tranquil beachside getaway, Bazley Beach on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is a coastal paradise. The beach merges with the iFafa River mouth, creating a lagoon that is ideal for canoeing, swimming and rafting. Those seeking simple relaxation can unwind on the golden sands, with the sub-tropical climate making this a year-round tourist retreat. The many seaside rock pools, warm beach and lagoon make this the perfect family holiday setting, and for those seeking more adventure, the Indian Ocean is a true diver’s haven. One of the biggest drawcards of Bazley Beach is the incredible fishing found here – for those who enjoy casting the odd line through to the more dedicated anglers, Bazley Beach is the spot!

A popular accommodation venue is Mac Nicol’s Bazley Beach Caravan Resort which has been hosting tourists since 1971. The resort is just 90m from the beach, with two swimming pools, children’s activities, entertainment and outdoor excursions. 

Just a few kilometres north of Bazley is the 2 200-hectare Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve consisting of grasslands, coastal forests and wetlands teeming with indigenous bird- and wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a hike or drive and picnic while observing zebra, wildebeest, bushbuck, blesbok, impala, oribi, reedbuck, blue and grey duiker, black-backed jackal, and mongoose, among others. 

This idyllic coastal village is found between Umkomaas and Scottburgh on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, consisting of a stretch of white sand alongside the warm Indian Ocean. The dedicated Clansthal Conservancy maintains the area between the Mhlongwana River in the north and the Mhlongwa River in the south, ensuring Clansthal remains in the pristine condition for which it’s renowned. 

A popular tourist attraction is Green Point Lighthouse located very near Clansthal at Green Point, a world-famous surf break. The lighthouse, which is a National Monument, is a cast-iron structure that was erected in 1905 to warn incoming ships to avoid the nearby Aliwal Shoal, This rocky reef was named after the sinking of the three-masted ship, The Aliwal, in 1849. In 1961 this isolated lighthouse was automated, requiring no staff for operation, but continues to prevent shipwrecks to this day. 

The reef, too, is a major area drawcard. As a Marine Protected Area home to a diverse variety of marine life, divers from across the globe come through to experience what’s considered one of the world’s top 10 dive sites. 

Outside of its coastal and heritage attractions, Clansthal is also situated close to Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve and Oribi Gorge, both teeming with local wildlife against dramatic backdrops of cliffs, grasslands, wetlands and coastal forests. For the thrill-seekers, Oribi Gorge offers Wild 5 Adventures, including The Wild Gorge Swing 165 metres off Lehr’s Waterfall; white water rafting, and Oribi Gorge abseiling. 

With the Mkhandandlovu (‘head of the elephant’) River in the north, the Itongasi (‘I don’t know’) River in the south, and the inviting swimming beach further south, the aquatically-ensconced Glenmore Beach is water-lover’s ideal holiday destination. To the north of Glenmore is Munster, and while the two KwaZulu-Natal South Coast locations are often referred to interchangeably, each one does have its own unique charm and attraction. 

Glenmore Beach is a popular, shark-net-protected swimming and surfing bay, consisting of expansive stretches of soft ocean sand, surrounded by lush, coastal vegetation. For those in search of a relaxing family holiday consisting of sunbathing and splashing along the water’s edge, there’s no better place. The subtropical climate, synonymous with the laidback KwaZulu-Natal South Coast  , makes this a year-round holiday retreat, and for those wanting a winter seaside holiday, the cooler waters bring with them the frolicking common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as the annual migration of the humpback and southern right whales. The global attraction – the Sardine Run – also takes place in winter, attracting a host of ocean creatures (fish, dolphins, sharks, whales and overhead seabirds) following the streaming mass of silver sardines in a feeding frenzy. 

Anglers looking for a good spot to cast a line need look no further than Glenmore Beach. From the mouth of the Itongasi River, boats can be launched for those wanting to charter a fishing boat and enjoy a day of deep-sea angling. Otherwise the rocky outcrops have proven the ideal fishing haunt for those looking for something closer to land. 

The nearby Mac Butterflies, located in a beautiful valley consisting of indigenous flora, is a wonderful family outing. Visitors can take a tour of the butterfly dome, stroll over bridges and past the waterfall, before enjoying some putt-putt, a visit to the animal farm, and a meal at the on-site restaurant. 

The shimmering mass of water, where Ifafa lagoon meets the Indian Ocean at Ifafa Beach, inspired King Shaka Zulu to name this the ‘place of sparkling waters’. The Ifafa lagoon and estuary, which sit below stunning cliffs and coastal forests, invites visitors on a tranquil paddle, or to enjoy some leisurely birdwatching. 

When winter brings cooler waters, Ifafa boasts two popular lookout points from which the migrating humpback and southern right whales can be spotted, as well as the playful common and bottlenose dolphins. 

The warm sandy beaches, swimming bays and tidal pools make Ifafa Beach a sought-after family holiday destination. But for those seeking more excitement, there is also a river-crossing 4×4 trail, and a paragliding site to get the adrenaline pumping. 

Without a doubt, Ifafa is best-known for its incredible fishing, with anglers coming from far and wide to experience these fish-laden waters. Whether it’s seaside or dam fishing, there are endless spots, with Ifafa also home to some of the best reefs for spearfishing. 

Moving away from the water, visitors can enjoy agri-tourism adventures in the form of local farm tours. These enjoyable excursions will give some insight (and taste sampling) of the local banana plantations, pineapples, macadamia and pecan nuts and sugar crops. There are also incredible eucalyptus and Protea plantations to be explored. 

A popular holiday location is Ifafa Beach Caravan Resort, complete with all necessary on-site facilities, Johnno’s Restaurant, and easy access to the inviting swimming beaches.