6 facts that make Port Shepstone a unique #KZNSouthCoast destination

The iconic town of Port Shepstone, found in the lower #KZNSouthCoast at the mouth of the Mzimkhulu River, boasts a range of exciting offerings for visitors. From rest and relaxation at the seaside, through to business-focused events, Port Shepstone has it all!

“Port Shepstone renowned for its beautiful beaches, as well as being the business hub of the KZN South Coast, but there is much more to the area,” explained CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT), Phelisa Mangcu. “We’ve chosen Port Shepstone for an #InTheSpotlight feature to give visitors a more in-depth look at this wonderful location, and to share some of the incredibly unique attractions for both tourists and locals.”

6 reasons to visit Port Shepstone

1.       Port Shepstone is the #KZNSouthCoast business hub

This seaside town, found between Hibberdene and Margate, is just 120 kilometres south of Durban and has grown to become the administrative, educational, distribution and commercial centre for the region. As a unique business destination, Port Shepstone offers world-class tourism facilities in the form of accommodation, conferencing and banqueting venues, as well as quality dining options. In addition to being the regional economic hub for the KZN South Coast, Port Shepstone is also the seat for both Ray Nkonyeni and Ugu District municipalities, as well as the site of the USCT head office.

2.       Port Shepstone is home to Dezzi Raceway

Dezzi Raceway is the only Motorsport South Africa (MSA)-approved race track in KwaZulu-Natal, renowned for staging nationally-televised events and attracting crowds of spectators to watch the many motorsport events, including drifting and drag racing. Dezzi Raceway started as a single-tarred raceway for car testing, but has subsequently evolved into a competitive racing circuit for drivers of all calibres. Dezzi hosts the annual ‘Dezzi Invitational Time Attack’ which features top South African motorists competing for the top title.

3.       Port Shepstone’s chequered lighthouse

The lower KZN South Coast has a treacherous coastline which has resulted in a rich maritime history dating back to the 1500s. The tales of intrepid travellers can be discovered at the Port Shepstone Maritime Museum on the Port Shepstone beachfront, awash with the relics of shipwrecks that tell the story of many seafarers’ fates. To aid those in navigating these waters, the 8-metre-high Port Shepstone Lighthouse was erected. Although it was retired of duty in 1905, the lighthouse is equipped with a radio beacon within the black-and-white chequered frame.

4.       Port Shepstone is situated on the #KZNSouthCoast’s largest river

Based on the Mzimkhulu River, Port Shepstone offers visitors a number of water-based activities from Spiller’s Waterfront, including kayaking trips from Spiller’s Wharf, and sunset cruises. Spiller’s Waterfront also boasts a range of retail and fine dining options suited to all interests and tastes.

5.       Port Shepstone is a thriving agri-tourism destination

BBS Farms is a community-empowering initiative that provides local residents with employment and supplies produce to international buyers – including macadamia nuts and tomatoes. Co-owned by women, the farm was established to provide fresh produce to the local community, and now grew to create jobs for 27 permanent and 10 temporary workers. Visitors are able to experience, first-hand, the beautiful local farmlands and try home-grown produce.

6.       Port Shepstone is home to Burry Stander Bike Park

The Burry Stander Bike Park – opened in honour KZN South Coast’s late Olympic biker, Burry Stander – is an attraction and activity venue in one. Cyclists come from all over to enjoy this quality bike park, which is also the site of a bike shop offering a range of cycling services. The park includes a 2km cross country track; 5km farm track; Kiddies Zone; and Coffee Shop.

For more information about USCT, as well as other events and activities on the #KZNSouthCoast, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores or visitwww.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. USCT is also on social media – follow the ‘South Coast Tourism’Facebook page, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter.

High resolution images are available upon request.

(Images: Supplied by Ugu South Coast Tourism)

Dezzi Raceway.

Port Shepstone Lighthouse.

Umzimkulu River.

BBS Farm.

Burry Stander Bike Park.

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