Eight fun things to do on the South Coast in KZN

For many, a holiday at the South Coast is the one thing they missed the most during lockdown. It’s easy enough to get there by car, it boasts brilliant weather (most of the time) and its waters are warmer.

Here are some of the places you cannot omit from your itinerary when you’re planning your South Coast holiday:

Bucket list stays in the South Coast

The Oyster Box

The Oyster Box Hotel is a bucket-list item for most. Standing majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront, it overlooks the Indian Ocean and an iconic lighthouse.

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The hotel, which forms part of the Red Carnation hotel group, comes with a lot of history, Instagramable scenery and exquisite cuisine at different restaurants and bars, as well as a private wine cellar.

It also boasts a vast and vibrant art collection – one that brings together various works by South African artists, emphasising the creativity of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Capital Zimbali hotel

The Zimbali Coastal Resort has always been a popular destination for South Africans and international tourists alike. The hotel has recently been taken over by The Capital Hotels & Apartments and has evidently been dubbed The Capital Zimbali.

Officially open for the festive season from 15 November, the hotel has been refurbished to appeal to guests seeking the idyll of the KwaZulu-Natal Dolphin Coast and the serene comfort of exceptionally versatile accommodation.

Hotel guests have access to Zimbali Coastal Resort’s private beach, but can also choose between various lifeguard beaches in the area.

The hotel also boasts a brand-new spa by the Mangwanani Group, including a pool and a beauty centre.

Let San Lameer entertain you

This estate (which also includes permanent housing) is the perfect family getaway at the South Coast with almost anything you and your kids can dream of. Apart from a lovely beach accessed from the estate, it also has its own golf course, tennis and squash courts and more.

There is also a hotel with two swimming pools and just next to it, you’ll find a small shop for necessities (and ice cream) as well as a small library where your kids can choose some children’s books for the week and where you’ll be able to find an array of reading options too.

ALSO READ: Sun City dubbed Africa’s Leading Family Resort

What to do and where to dine in the South Coast

The Waffle House

Ramsgate’s The Waffle House is a popular dining destination for many, located right at the lagoon with a pathway that leads to the beach.

Here you’ll be able to find both sweet and savoury waffles that will tickle your tastebuds and they even cater to kids with waffle fingers, ice cream and chocolate sauce.

The Earth Shed

The Earth Shed in Southbroom was established in 2020 and apart from their impressive refillery and the quaint little shop that sells various local products – from clothes to cutlery – they also have a beautifully decorated café offering fresh and fabulous breakfasts, lunches and light meals.

Mac Banana

Apart from its Pancake House’s delicious pancakes that boast a variety of sweet and savoury fillings, they also have Fazenda restaurant with a jungle gym to keep the kids entertained, an ice cream shop and their very own MacNifico Pizzeria where you can indulge in pizzas prepared in a traditional wood fire oven.

The Mac Banana resort also offers the Mac Chimp and Zee Rope Adventure Park with a zipline and an obstacle course that will keep kids busy for hours. There is also a farmyard with numerous animals to feed, quad bikes, Putt Putt, butterflies to see, an arching and airgun range and paintball to tap into.

uShaka Marine World

Come rain or shine, uShaka Marine World is a must for your itinerary and it can be swopped around with other activities as it could work on both sunny and rainy days. Its impressive aquarium will have adults and kids in awe, teaching them about the ocean and the importance of keeping it clean.

There is also a variety of shops for those keen on doing some local Christmas shopping and various restaurants to dine at.

The seal, penguin and dolphin shows are also always a special affair – especially for the kids who get to see these animals from up close.

Pure Venom Reptile Park

This reptile park, located on a plot just outside of Port Shepstone, offers families the opportunity to learn more about various snake species, crocodiles and frogs, with the odd rabbit here and a pig and a mongoose there. They also have a small jungle gym at the back and a little souvenir shop in front.

These destinations, dining options and to-dos are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the South Coast and some proper research on the smaller towns and their offerings might bring you closer to an even more memorable experience.