Attractions and activities

 
The beautiful ocean provides the main attraction of this region: swimming, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, dolphin and whale watching.

The Sardine Run

A unique migration of massive sardine shoals which move along the coast every year in late June or July. This event provides an exciting spectacle as the shoals are followed by thousands of game fish, sharks, dolphins and Cape Gannets who feast on the tiny silver fish. Occasionally they are chased inshore, much to the delight of the local people who scoop them up by the bucketful.

Many Scuba diving sites from exploring shipwrecks to shallow reefs, spectacular plant life with numerous caves, gullies and swim troughs whilst the experienced divers can explore one of the top shark diving sites in the world.

Hiking and Other trails

There are a number of hiking, walking, 4 x 4, canoeing and horse trails inland and on the beach

Bird parks

Uvongo's Bird Park boasts a variety of birds, some animal species and a lovely Tea Garden

Crocodile Farms

Just before Southbroom, Ramsgate boasts a popular Crocodile Farm with arranged tours and a recognised restaurant

Craft Markets

Local crafts are displayed at most of the beaches. A big attraction is the Craft Market just across the Umtamvurna river at Port Edward, opposite the Wild Coast Sun in the Transkei

Nature Reserves

With at least eight in the vicinity worth visiting, this is a must. Some renowned for their magnificent views of deep River Gorges. Others, a treasure house of rare and endemic trees and plant species in a diversity of habitats, with spectacular wild flower displays after the spring rains to magnificent nature walks along the entire KZN coastline. Sites of large colonies of Cape vultures can be observed on their nesting sites. Other reserves contain leopards, baboons, small antelope and a prolific bird life plus game ranches stocking a variety of wildlife

For the extreme adventure and adrenalin junkie

The Orbi Gorge offers stunning hikes and trails, white water rafting, abseiling and bungee swinging over the spectacular rocky outcrop falling 170 metres to the forest floor where bird calls echo and buck roam.

Golf

Within short driving distance are numerous world renowned golf courses.

Diving

A number of companies offer Scuba courses ranging from beginner to professional.

Dolphin and Whale watching trips

Ocean based activities including dolphin and whale watching trips are offered in Margate and Shelly Beach.

Margate Airport

The ideal gateway to the hub of the Lower South Coast. Margate Airport invites the private pilot or visitors choosing to fly direct to Margate on SA Airlink a quick and easy access to our Jewel Coastal towns. Yearly air shows and competitions for parachuters provide an interesting show for the aviation lovers.

Durban International Airport

One of the three major international airports in South Africa,Durban International Airport is the gateway into the East Coast of South Africa.Excellent transport links, the N2,connects Margate to Durban International Airport.

Weekly Activities

 For a comprehensive list of weekly activities in Margate.

Art Galleries

There are numerous Art Galleries on the South Coast offering art lessions.

Lighthouses


Shopping Centres

Shelly Centre is the premier shopping centre on the South Coast with a variety of shops, restaurants. It really is the pick of the Hibiscus Coast, with plenty of secure parking. With a friendly warm atmosphere you are sure to find whatever you want and more.There are also other shopping malls along the Hibiscus Coast

Tour Operators

There are a number of local tour opertators in Shelly Beach and Margate.

Tourist Activities

Besides enjoying the golden beaches there are a host of other activities along the Hibiscus Coast

General Tourist Information

To ensure that  your holidays are relaxing and safe we have a list of useful contacts including details of the local hospitals and emergemcy services.

Shipwrecks

Along the Wild Coast are numerous shipwrecks.


                                                                             
            Extending from the Umkomaas River to Port Edward, the South Coast of Kwa-Zulu Natal is undoubtly one of South Africa`s most popular and fastest growing holiday destinations. The jewel being the coastal town of Margate. Located on the shoreline of the warm Indian Ocean, Margate boasts golden beaches, rivers, numerous lagoons, cool green forests, tranquil nature reserves and world renowned golf courses.

Excellent infrastructure currently exists in this area with transport links being provided by the N2 which connects Margate to Durban, the largest city in Kwa-Zulu Natal and a host city of the World Football Cup 2010 finals.