Stretching from Zimbali to the Tugela River, the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal is renowned for its safe swimming beaches and glorious weather throughout the year. This popular holiday destination invites many visitors to Home to laid-back towns like Umhlanga, Ballito and Umdloti, the North Coast is a popular beach holiday destination. But it’s not just families and couples who visit this sub-tropical region. Bottlenose dolphins are a common sight in the sheltered bays along the shoreline – no wonder the region is also known as the Dolphin Coast!
In Umhlanga, luxury hotels and resorts abound, including the famous Oyster Box Hotel, one of the Leading Hotels of the World and a favourite destination for couples and honeymooners. Things to do in Umhlanga are varied and will keep the whole family entertained on holiday. There is lively evening entertainment on offer and plenty of things for kids too, especially at Gateway Theatre of Shopping. Plus, the town offers excellent restaurants to enjoy, whether you’re looking for a superb seafood meal or just want to have coffee and cake. The town is also an excellent base from which to explore further up the coast to Ballito, an equally charming town and the ‘Pearl of the Dolphin Coast.’
Why we love the KZN North Coast
- It’s near enough to Durban to enjoy the city’s numerous attractions but far away enough to retain a laid-back charm.
- Nearby Hluhluwe Game Reserve is a world-renowned Big 5 safari destination.
- The North Coast is a short drive away from the iSimanangaliso Wetland Park, home to hatching turtles – and South Africa’s first official World Heritage Site.
- Fun, friendly and sun-filled, the North Coast is an adventure playground, with plenty of outdoor sports on offer, from fishing and scuba diving to hiking and horse riding.
- Golfers will love the North Coast for its challenging golf courses.
- Culture and history buffs will be equally enthralled with plenty of historical sites to visit.
If an endless summer spent soaking up the sun on golden beaches, enjoying the great outdoors or delving into local culture appeals to you, a North Coast holiday will tick all the boxes. Browse our unbeatable KZN North Coast holiday packages and let’s plan your escape!
The inviting stretch of Indian Ocean shoreline along the KZN North Coast is a playground for families, adventure-seekers and romantic couples. This sub-tropical paradise features golden sandy beaches, great surfing breakers, quaint coastal towns, unique wildlife and marine reserves, and scores of activities from which to choose.
Along the North Coast, you will find excellent fishing, surfing and diving spots, challenging golf courses and safe swimming beaches. Wildlife enthusiasts will love the nearby game parks and nature reserves, including the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve and Hluhluwe National Park. For some retail therapy, the Umhlanga Rocks Gateway Shopping Centre is a must. Of course, family fun is the order of the day, and the North Coast delivers in the form of Wavehouse Water Park and Sugar Rush Park.
Things to do in North Coast
- Snap a selfie with the iconic red and white Umhlanga Lighthouse.
- Hike the Muti Train in the Harold Johnson Nature Reserve or in Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve.
- Visit historic battle sites like Fort Pearson, the Ultimatum Tree, Shaka Memorial Garden and Interpretive Centre, Morewood Memorial Gardens, and the grave of Chief Albert Luthuli.
- Enjoy a variety of water sports like fishing, scuba diving, surfing, kite surfing, snorkelling, and dolphin and whale watching.
- Explore the great outdoors by hiking, horse riding, quad biking, zip-lining or hot air ballooning.
- If you’re a golfer, you can take your pick from four renowned courses: Umhlali Country Club, Zimbali Golf Estate, Mount Edgecombe Golf Estate, and Prince's Grant Golf Estate in KwaDukuza.
- Enjoy a curry buffet at the legendary Oyster Box Hotel in Umhlanga.
- Learn all about sharks at the KZN-Natal Sharks Board.
- Enjoy an off-road adventure at Gateway’s 4x4 Track.
- Take the kids to Wavehouse Water Park.
- Savour fresh seafood at a choice of excellent restaurants.
In the North Coast, seaside fun is just a short drive from your hotel, resort or self-catering accommodation. Whether you are planning a local honeymoon, family holiday or an adventurous getaway with your friends, browse our unbeatable North Coast packages and let’s book your stay today.
When is the best time to visit?
- For most of the year, the North Coast hosts a warm sub-tropical climate - anytime is a good time to visit.
- Summer brings with it high temperatures, humidity and afternoon downpours.
- Winter is the best time for game viewing.
- Summer (November to March) is the best time for bird-watching.
- Summer is peak season as locals enjoy everything the coasts have to offer due to the warmer weather.
Getting there & getting around
- Flight duration from Johannesburg to Durban: 1 hour, 5 minutes.
- From Cape Town: 2 hours, 5 minutes.
- You can hire a car to explore KZN.
- You can also take a train or coach to Durban.
- Travel within the province is predominantly by road.
- With KwaZulu Natal's humid climate, pack breathable, loose clothing.
- Comfortable shoes.
- You'll end up swimming, so bring along your swimming gear.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat should definitely be included.
- Support local where possible in buying food, artisanal products and souvenirs.
- Be mindful about your impact on the environment, especially within the marine protected areas of the North Coast.
- Be safety conscious. Don't wander off alone, and always keep a map (or app) on hand.
- Don’t display cash or valuables. Leave jewellery and expensive watches at home.
- Keep your belongings safe – use the hotel safe for valuables.
- Contact the Thompsons Holidays 24-hour care line to assist in any travel related emergency.
