10 Amazing Facts about the KZN South Coast

The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast, a renowned domestic holiday destination, is home to some of the country’s most interesting and diverse sites and activities. This Tourism Month, we’re celebrating by sharing the top 10 amazing facts about the region!

1. The KZN South Coast has the highest number of blue flag beaches in KZN

Within KZN, there are 6 Blue Flag beaches – an internationally-recognised demarcation of quality – and 5 of these are located on the KZN South Coast. With golden sands and the warm, Indian Ocean, visitors can enjoy bathing, surfing, snorkelling and diving along this beautiful coast.

2. The KZN South Coast is home to the smallest desert in the world

Situated just 10 kilometres from Port Edward is the Red Desert. Stretching 200 metres in diameter, this recently-proclaimed nature reserve is also the world’s smallest desert, and the site of many archaeological discoveries.

3. The KZN South Coast is also known as ‘The Golf Coast’

With 11 golf courses alongside oceans and coastal forests, there is a green for every golfer. The diverse courses can be found at Umkomaas, Scottburgh, Selborne Park, Umdoni, Port Shepstone, Harding, Margate, Southbroom, San Lameer, Port Edward and the Wild Coast Sun.

4. The KZN South Coast has two of the world’s top dive sites and Marine Protected Areas

Aliwal Shoal just 5km offshore of the Umkomaas River; and Protea Banks, 8km off Shelly Beach, are both world-revered dive sites, home to a number of ocean creatures. These wondrous ocean sites are both Marine Protected Areas and have prompted numerous international documentaries and attracted an influx of global tourists.

5. The KZN South Coast has the only MSA-approved racing track in KZN

Dezzi Raceway in Port Shepstone is the only Motorsport South Africa (MSA)-approved racing track in the province, and the host of numerous prestigious motorsport events. The track includes two purpose-built drift circuits for high-octane entertainment!

6. The KZN South Coasts enjoys the annual Sardine Run #GreatestShoalOnEarth

Winter brings the planet’s biggest biomass migration close inshore of the region, giving visitors front-row seats to the ocean-based feeding frenzy. This is a must-see annual spectacle, as shoals of silver fish are followed by bigger fish, sharks, dolphins, whales and sea birds.

7. The KZN South Coast has the highest gorge swing in the world

The Wild Gorge Swing in Oribi Gorge is the highest swing of its kind in the world. Located at the top of Lehr’s Waterfall, the swing is the equivalent of launching off a 55-storey building (165 metres). A definite bucket list addition for any thrill-seeker.

8. The KZN South Coast has the most tidal pools in KZN

This family-friendly swimming destination has several tidal pools which provide sheltered beach swimming regardless of the surf conditions.

9. The KZN South Coast witnesses annual the Humpback Whale migration
Between June and December, more than 30 000 Humpback Whales participate in the annual migration which can be viewed from any of the 58 KZN South Coast beaches, and the many oceanside restaurants and cafés.

10. The KZN South Coast is an affordable holiday destination

With so many unique, family-friendly holiday activities, and a variety of accommodation options, the KZN South Coast is also an incredibly affordable domestic destination for the entire family. With 2020 proving a financially-constrained time for many South Africans, the area is emerging as a prime holiday spot for those wanting to maximise on family time, without breaking the budget.

“These are just a selection of the many unique and enriching sites and activities that can be found on the KZN South Coast,” explained CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism, Phelisa Mangcu. “As an affordable destination offering all manner of nature-based, outdoor activities, the region is the perfect location for those wanting to unwind and reconnect with family after a challenging year. This truly is #ParadiseForEveryone.”

USCT is continuously encouraging all tourism establishments to adhere to the strict TBCSA (Tourism Business Council of South Africa)-developed Covid-19 health and safety protocols, which have received the stamp of approval from the World Travel & Tourism Council. This ensures a ‘safecation’ for all visitors.

For more information on the KZN South Coast, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. Alternatively, follow ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook and YouTube, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter and Instagram.

High resolution images are available upon request.
(Images: Supplied by USCT)

The KZN South Coast has the highest number of blue flag beaches in KZN. Pictured: Umzumbe Beach.

The KZN South Coast is home to the smallest desert in the world.

The KZN South Coast is also known as ‘The Golf Coast’. Pictured: San Lameer.

The KZN South Coast has two of the world’s top dive sites and Marine Protected Areas. Pictured: Protea Banks.

The KZN South Coast has the only MSA-approved racing track in KZN.

The KZN South Coasts enjoys the annual Sardine Run #GreatestShoalOnEarth.

The KZN South Coast has the highest gorge swing in the world.

The KZN South Coast has the most tidal pools in KZN. Pictured: Margate Tidal Pool.

The KZN South Coast witnesses annual Humpback Whale migration.

The KZN South Coast is an affordable holiday destination.

About Ugu South Coast Tourism
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is the official destination management organisation of the Ugu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The Ugu District comprises four local municipalities that include Umdoni, Umzumbe, Umuziwabantu and Ray Nkonyeni. USCT’s mandate is to grow tourism within the KZN South Coast. This involves implementing marketing and development initiatives that are aimed at showcasing the diverse offerings and experiences of the South Coast as tourist destination. A board of directors oversees USCT, headed by CEO, Phelisa Mangcu.

About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches, and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title for ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to a number of high-profile events including the The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

Issued on behalf of:
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za