The arrival of winter is something to be celebrated on the KZN South Coast as the slightly cooler months bring the #greatestshoalonearth – the annual Sardine Run! Believed to be the planet’s biggest biomass migration, shoals of silver sardines head northwards chased by hungry marine species.
This is a great opportunity for anglers looking to make the big catch, with sardines bringing bigger game fish close to shore. Charter boats will take visitors out for a day of Sardine Run action, whether fishing, snorkelling, or diving. Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, two of the world’s top dive sites, are ideal for close-up underwater action.
The cooler months also welcome the annual humpback whale migration with visitors enjoying daily sightings of playful whales breaching, often spotted close to the backline. But if you prefer a relaxed day at the seaside just sunbathing, swimming, or exploring rock pools, visit one of the KZN South Coast’s many golden beaches. The region is home to the highest number of tidal pools and internationally recognised Blue Flag beaches in the province.
The gorges, valleys, waterfalls, nature and game reserves, as well as lush farmlands, are the ideal backdrop to the many sports, extreme adventures, and cultural excursions on offer. Why not start with the peaceful and tranquil Mission Tourism Route? This is a must-try tour that gives insight into the history of Roman Catholic Mission Stations dotted throughout the region.
You could also embark on the 8km Weza Hiking Trail, crossing two amaKhosi areas before finishing at a real hidden gem, the Mkhoba Waterfall. For something more immersive, there’s the 71km Umzumbe River Trail connecting the hinterland with the coast. Cultural excursions continue with the KwaNzimakwe and Nyandezulu Experiences, including a guided hike to Ntantana Mountain overlooking the Nyandezulu Waterfall. There’s also Agri-Culture Tours with produce-tasting, fishing, hiking, and biking.
Get your heart rate up in Oribi Gorge where Wild 5 Adventures offers quad biking, paintballing, rafting, and abseiling, with the Wild Gorge Swing the highest swing of its kind in the world! There’s also Lake Eland Game Reserve, home to the 80-metre suspension bridge and the longest zip line of its kind in Africa, the Zip Line Tour.
If you enjoy a round of golf, then ‘The Golf Coast’ is for you! There are 11 quality courses to try, starting with the region’s oldest course, Umkomaas Golf Club before heading to the semi-links courses Scottburgh Golf Club and Port Shepstone Country Club.
Pennington has a double whammy – Selborne Park Golf Estate and Umdoni Park Golf Club – while San Lameer Golf Course can be found within South Africa’s first golf estate. More coastal courses can be enjoyed at Margate Country Club and Southbroom Golf Club before you head to timber farming land for thenine-hole Harding Country Club.
Finish off with rounds at Port Edward Country Club or Wild Coast Sun Country Club, rated in the top 10 golf courses in South Africa.
Uncover the ultimate outdoor adventure on the KZN South Coast!