Plan a festive break that ticks every box – sunshine, seaside serenity and endless family activities

It’s never too early to start planning your year-end vacation. In South Africa, we call it “Dezemba”, which is so much more than a month, it’s a mood that embodies vibrant, festive and joyful celebrations.

As South Africans, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to seaside escapes (we are, after all, at the tip of Africa). But if you’re wondering where to find that perfect blend of beach bliss, family fun, and summer sunshine, here’s your ultimate Dezemba checklist:

✅ Bask in glorious weather
✅ Enjoy quieter, unspoiled beaches
✅ Access to water for cooling off, be it ocean waves, river waters or pool paradises
✅ Enjoy endless fun for the whole family (of various ages)
✅ Savour great food, good vibes, and golden memories

And here’s the best part, Wild Coast Sun doesn’t just tick these boxes; the resort goes beyond them.

Where the Eastern Cape meets KwaZulu-Natal, the Sun International’s only beachfront resort is surrounded by ocean, river, lagoon and 750 hectares of lush indigenous bush. Expect vast, uncrowded beaches, rolling green hills, and that perfect subtropical weather with warm, sunny days with refreshing sea breezes that make every moment feel like summer should.

When it comes to water, guests are spoiled for choice:

• Wild Waves Water Park:  Six thrilling slides, a Lazy River to float your cares away, and a Children’s Zone for younger adventurers.
• Mtamvuna River: Hours of fun await with wakeboarding, kayaking, paddle boating, stand-up paddle boarding, and scenic cruises.
• Blue Flag Beach: Safe swimming, soft sands, and ideal surf conditions, without the crowds of Cape Town or Durban.

Beyond the water, Wild Coast Sun is packed with entertainment for all ages. There’s an 18-hole championship golf course with sweeping ocean views, a casino for a touch of glitz, the Mangwanani Spa for pure relaxation, and a buzzing games area for children. Adventure-seekers can go quad biking, horse riding on the beach, skypark(ing), or hiking through the resort’s beautiful wild surroundings.

When it’s time to refuel, a dozen restaurants and bars await, from seaside seafood spreads and family-style pizza to sunset cocktails at The Riverside with unbeatable views.

When you’re planning your Dezemba holiday this year, make it one that truly delivers. Sun, surf, and smiles are all wrapped up in one unforgettable coastal escape.

Recently recognised as South Africa’s Best Weekend Escape and Best Luxury Beach Resort, it is easy to see why guests and families love every moment.

With more than 100 activities to enjoy both onsite and throughout the scenic South Coast region, boredom isn’t even on the map.

Ends.

                                                                                                                                                                            

For more holiday activity inspiration, visit the Wild Coast Sun website /

https://www.suninternational.com/wild-coast-sun/activities/things-to-do/

• Petrified Forest beach tour, step out of your hotel room and onto the beach
• Segway tours, around the resort

Within the South Coast region:

• Mac Banana Estate & Adventures
• Aliwal Dive (scuba diving and shark cage diving)
• Beaver Creek Coffee Estate
• Clearwater Trails, for mountain bikers, trail runners and nature walkers
• Mattison Square, a quaint open-air shopping centre worth visiting for a wide range of eclectic arts and crafts
• Munster Motor Museum & Classic Cars, a museum that gives an interactive display of antique cars from restoration in the workshop to final display
• Red Desert Nature Reserve, the world’s smallest desert
• Mkambati Nature Reserve
• Riverbend Crocodile Farm
• Nyandezulu, a lovely rural village 9km inland from Shelly Beach
• Pure Venom Reptile Park
• Pistols Saloon and Wild West Museum, with Huckleberry the donkey, who is a familiar face and regular to Pistols Saloon – he drinks cold drinks at the bar and munches on carrots.

                                                                                                                                                                            

Follow Wild Coast Sun for news updates:

Instagram: @wildcoastsunresort

Facebook: @WildCoastSun