KwaZulu-Natal is known for its nice warm weather and golden beaches. Even during the winter season (June to August) you can still enjoy a sunny day at the beach.
There are many activities to do in and around KwaZulu-Natal.
Whether you are going to the South coast or Dolphin coast, make sure to stop at the Nelson Mandela Capture Site, which is a cultural and historical exhibition that is situated in Howick.
GPS Coordinates (Nelson Mandela Capture Site)
Dolphin Coast
1.Enjoy the beach
The dolphin coast has so many spectacular beaches that goes on for miles. Along the coastline there is a wooden walkway for those who wants to enjoy the beach without getting sand in their shoes.
Some of my favourite beaches on the Dolphin coast is Ballito, Salt Rock and Thompson’s Bay.
2.Go to Ushaka Marine World
You will need a whole day if you plan on visiting Ushaka Marine World. There are so many activities; from waterslides, meeting a dolphin, swimming with sharks, aquarium, you name it!
Next to Ushaka Marine World you will also find the famous Moyo Ushaka Pier, where you can have a drink and enjoy the sunset after a busy day at Ushaka Marine World.
GPS Coordinates (Ushaka Marine World)
3.Take a trip to Umhlanga Beach
There are many restaurants along the Umhlanga coastline with stunning views of the ocean.
Make sure to enjoy the sunrise at the Umhlanga whalebone pier overlooking the beautiful Umhlanga lighthouse.
This is also where you can find the famous Oyster Box where you can go for drinks next to the beach.
GPS Coordinates (Umhlanga Pier)
4.Go to the Waterberry Coffee Shoppe
The Waterberry Coffee Shoppe is nestled in what feels like a forest. They have the most delicious waffles, cakes and coffee. After your breakfast or lunch, you can take a short walk through the forest – known as the ‘forest walk‘. Ask your waiter to show you where the walk starts.
GPS Coordinates (Waterberry Coffee Shoppe)
5.Visit the Hole in the wall (Thompson’s Bay)
With the Dolphin coast having a nice walkway along the coast, it is easy to walk from one beach to another.
Thompson’s Bay is probably one of my favourite beaches on the dolphin coastline. Here you will find a nice, big tidal pool and next to the tidal pool you will find the ‘Hole in the Wall’. This will lead you to a nice, quiet beach. Just make sure that you go there during low tide, as the waves crashing along the footpath at the Hole in the Wall can make the pathway a bit slippery and therefore dangerous.
GPS Coordinates (Hole in the Wall)
6.Enjoy a sunrise
The dolphin coast has some of the most beautiful sunrises. Make yourself a cup of coffee and watch as the sky lights up.
7.Swim in one of the many tidal pools
There are many tidal pools to take a dip in. From the tidal pool at Shaka’s Rock, Ballito to Thompson’s Bay.
Make sure to take your snorkeling gear with and enjoy some snorkeling.
8.Go shopping
If you feel like you are in the mood for shopping, take a trip to the GateWay mall. Here you will find plenty of shops and another bonus is the WaveHouse located in the mall. The WaveHouse has a man-made wave ride where you can surf and also other water slides to enjoy.
GPS Coordinates (GateWay Mall)
9.Visit Sugar Rush Park
There are many activities to do at the Sugar Rush Park; from a market, to mountain bike trails and put-put. Or if you would just like to go grab a cup of coffee with beautiful sceneries.
This is the perfect spot for children to play at.
GPS Coordinates (Sugar Rush Park)
South Coast
1.Go hiking at the Mpenjati Nature Reserve
The Mpenjati Nature Reserve has two wonderful hiking trails with the most beautiful outstretched beach.
There are two hiking trails:
- The Ipithi trail is 1.2 kilometers long and will take you along the south bank of the river.
- The Yengele trail is 1.8 kilometers long and goes through the dune forest.
While hiking, go a bit of the trail and wander along the beach. This beach is very quiet, compared to other beaches (even during peak season).
GPS Coordinates (Mpenjati Nature Reserve)
2.Enjoy a waffle at the famous Waffle House
In Margate, you will find the famous waffle house. The waffle house serves the most delicious waffles (sweet and savory), but since this is a popular spot, they do get bus -, meaning you will have to wait for a table. However, it is totally worth it!
GPS Coordinates (Waffle House)
3.Visit the red desert
On the South coast you will find the world’s smallest desert. This red desert is described as a miniature version of the Arizona desert.
It is located about 10 kilometers from Port Edward and is 200m in diameter.
Just park your car at the Red desert national park area and take a short walk to this mini-desert.
GPS Coordinates (Red desert)
4.Go to the Riverbend Crocodile Farm
The crocodile farm is open daily from 09h00 to 16h30 and provides you with the opportunity to have a look at the crocodiles and even watch them feeding it.
Here you will also find an Art Gallery and a café to just sit down and unwind.
GPS Coordinates (Riverbend Crocodile Farm)
5.Enjoy the beach
The South coast has many beaches to have a relaxing day – from Ramsgate, Margate to Uvongo. With KwaZulu-Natal having the warmest water for swimming in South Africa, do go and enjoy a dip in the ocean.
6.Go swimming in the tidal pool
With the main beach just next to the tidal pool in Ramsgate, this is the perfect spot to go swimming – either in the big tidal pool or in the ocean.
GPS Coordinate (Ramsgate Tidal Pool)
7.Enjoy a paddle boat ride
At Margate’s main beach you can rent a paddle boat and enjoy paddling onto the Bilanhlolo river. This is also located next to the Waffle House, so you can enjoy your paddling and end it off with a nice waffle.
GPS Coordinates (Paddle Boat)
Travel with Mariska 