Seychelles or South Coast? Discover paradise-like spots in KZN
Dreaming of an island getaway? You might not have to fly, paradise is just a road trip along the KZN South Coast away…
Think paradise requires an international flight? Think again. KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast delivers tropical charm, no passport needed.
With palm-fringed beaches, secluded coves, and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean, parts of this coastline could easily be mistaken for the Seychelles. Here’s where you can experience KZN’s island-style escape…
1. Umzumbe: Secluded and serene
Locals often keep this small village a secret, treating it like a hidden gem. The beach holds Blue Flag certification, ensuring it’s clean, safe, and perfect for swimming. What sets Umzumbe apart is its untouched charm, no crowds, no concrete, just swaying palms, rock pools, and soft sand. It gives off Seychelles vibes.
2. Port Edward: Turquoise waters, golden sands
Situated near the Wild Coast border, Port Edward in KZN offers a relaxed, barefoot-luxury vibe. The beaches stretch wide, the surf stays clean, and the water shines a glassy blue, especially at Silver Beach. With subtropical vegetation hugging the coastline and the Mkambati Nature Reserve just beyond, this is where you go when you want to feel off-the-grid but still have access to a decent espresso.
3. Margate to Ramsgate: Classic South Coast coastline with flair
This stretch is where the South Coast shows off. Margate brings the buzz with beachfront cafes and boardwalks, while Ramsgate dials it down with its lagoon, art galleries, and chill pace. The water here is warm year-round, the palm trees are real (not imported), and the sunsets can hold their own against any Indian Ocean island.
4. Umtentweni, KZN: Green meets blue
Umtentweni sits just north of Port Shepstone and blends lush greenery with the glitter of the sea. Think forested dunes rolling down to the shoreline, monkeys in the trees, and golden hour lighting that could make any Instagram filter redundant. Quiet, scenic, and ridiculously photogenic.
5. Oribi Gorge: Not a beach, but still a showstopper
If your idea of paradise includes more cliffs and canopies than waves and coconuts, the South Coast’s Oribi Gorge delivers. Just inland from the coast, this dramatic canyon carves through the countryside like something out of a nature doc. There are waterfalls, zip lines, suspension bridges, and views that remind you that paradise isn’t only found at the beach.