"KwaZulu-Natal’s balmy coastline has been a favourite holiday destination for generations. Here, sandy beaches hold pockets of rock pools and verdant dune forests. There are laid-back seaside towns, thriving nature reserves and, in the north, a diverse wetland park that is now a World Heritage Site. ”
- Narina Exelby
KwaZulu-Natal Coastline
The eastern stretch of South Africa’s coast, where sandy beaches slip into the warm Indian Ocean, enjoys hot summers and mild winters, making it a fantastic year-round destination for travellers. Along here there are plenty of opportunities for surfing, fishing and golfing; adrenaline junkies can get more than their fix at Oribi Gorge; those wanting some peace will find it in a myriad nature reserves, while the coastal forests offer excellent birding opportunities. And, of course, there are plenty of places to eat ice-creams and build sandcastles.
South Africans use the balmy city of Durban as the point at which they divide the coastline between what they call the South Coast and the North Coast (tourism authorities have labelled them the Hibiscus and Dolphin Coasts). The South Coast is marked by a string of seaside towns that for generations have been popular family holiday destinations: Amanzimtoti, Scottburgh, Park Rynie, Shelley Beach, Margate, Southbroom – towns with gorgeous beaches, many with calm lagoons, and almost always, cafes selling waffles and ice-creams.
Along the North Coast, from Umhlanga Rocks to Ballito, Salt Rock, Sheffield Beach and Zinkwazi, many old sugarcane farms have evolved into suave and beautifully landscaped housing estates and holiday properties.
It is at Tugela River that the Zululand Coast – territory of mighty Zulu king, Shaka – begins, and where development fades into the wilder Elephant Coast. Here, the unique interlocking ecosystems of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, provide opportunities for going on game drives and guided walks, on deep-sea fishing trips, bird watching, scuba diving, whale watching, turtle tours and horse riding. Spending time spent in this phenomenal region of pristine bays, bush and beaches is a real privilege.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
SUMMER
The hottest time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
The hottest time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall decreases as the months' progress.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
AUTUMN
Pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall decreases as the months' progress.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
WINTER
The driest months of the year, with barely any rainfall and blue skies dominating. Midday temperatures are very pleasant, averaging around 25°C/77°F. Mornings can be cool, so worth packing warm clothes should you wish to take in any outdoor activities.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
With pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall increases towards the end of October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SPRING
With pleasant midday highs and generally clear conditions, this remains a fantastic time of year to visit. The likelihood of rainfall increases towards the end of October.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER
The hottest time of the year, with days predominately over 30°C/86°F. This period of the year is also the wettest, though rainfall usually comes in the form of short afternoon thunderstorms.
With its location along the Indian Ocean KwaZulu-Natal enjoys a humid subtropical climate, with hot humid summers and warm largely dry winters.
SUMMER / WET SEASON
This is the perfect time to visit the Southern part of South Africa (Western, Garden Route and Eastern Cape), with clear skies and warm weather dominating. It is also a good time to visit KwaZulu-Natal and the Drakensburg Mountains.
These months mark the wet season throughout the north of the country, where you can expect high temperatures and thunderstorms. So not ideal for safaris within these regions.
Of all the countries in Africa, South Africa is arguably the most climatically diverse; the beauty of this is that it is one destination which can be truly great throughout the year, you just need to know where to travel. With this in mind, we could suggest getting in touch to learn more.
Explore KwaZulu-Natal Coastline Properties
Kosi Forest
Kosi Forest
Concealed amid a sand forest by Kosi Lake, Kosi Forest is an eco-lodge with a peaceful, rustic ambience. With cosy rooms and outdoor bathrooms hidden amongst the trees, the lodge is a tranquil base for exploring the wetlands and ..
The Oyster Box
The Oyster Box
The Oster Box is a quirky hotel just moments away from the warm Indian Ocean and the sandy Umhlanga Beach. With a bright red and white lighthouse sitting between the elegant, Mediterannean-style façade and the ocean, the hotel ..
Thonga Beach Lodge
Thonga Beach Lodge
With stylish, eco-sensitive suites right on the private Mabibi Beach, Thonga Beach Lodge is a wonderfully reclusive accommodation concealed by coastal dunes and offering a warm, laid-back atmosphere. Thonga makes a perfect spot to ..
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
