KwaZulu-Natal Beaches

Saddle up for a leisurely beach stroll on horseback or be thrilled by a fast gallop if you have more experience and confidence. The 12 km bridle trail meanders through some lovely bush paths and onto a peaceful beach. Fascinating and colourful birds can be spotted along the way. You may choose to ride the full distance without stopping or you could opt to dismount for a welcome half way rest with light refreshments. If the weather is good you will be able to take your horse for a swim or roll in the shallows.

Amanzimtoti Main Beach is very popular for swimming and family beach holidays. The sandy beach offers life guards all year round, lots of parking, pubs, restaurants and shops. Holiday beach activites for kids are offered during peak seasons.

Home to the Baggies Surf Pro, Baggies Beach is a hot surf spot and playground of international surfer Frankie Oberholzer. The beach kiosk makes the best 'Surfer Special' sandwiches. Sometimes called Warner Beach, the long sandy beach is popular with locals who come to watch the kite surfers or the sun go down. In season lifesavers are on duty and it is one of the best places to hang out on the South Coast during summer holidays. Baggies Beach has a stunning natural tidal pool teeming with sea life. Bring your goggles and flippers and swim amongst the fish. During June and July residents and visitors flock to the beach to witness the phenomenal annual Sardine Run, considered one of the largest migrations on the planet. This major event on the diving calendar attracts numerous international photographers and documentary film-makers eager to capture images of the spectacle.

Stretching south of the Mozambique border, the gorgeous sandy beach at Kosi Bay Nature Reserve has much to offer nature and ocean lovers. Part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the beach lies parallel to the Kosi lakes and long strip of high sand dunes interrupted by a sandy estuary. Dolphin and whale watchers will be delighted by frequent sightings, particularly during winter when humpback whales migrate north to calve in the warmer Mozambique waters. You could take a boat trip to see dolphins and whales and there is some great snorkelling on the reefs. December and January is a particularly exciting time in Kosi Bay, for this is when loggerhead and leatherback turtles haul themselves up the beach to scoop out nests and lay their eggs. Access to Kosi Bay estuary and beach is a 45-minute drive requiring a 4WD vehicle. The route provides spectacular views across the fish trap dotted lake to the sea from the top of the high dunes. NOTE: Kosi Bay is in a malaria region. If you are planning to travel to iSimangaliso Wetland Park and Kosi Bay please consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice and refer to our article on malaria.

One of the last pristine and undeveloped wilderness beaches left on the African coastline, Mabibi Beach is a sub-tropical paradise and perfect playground. This magical sandy Maputaland beach is hidden in a sheltered bay surrounded by coastal forest. The crystal clear, warm water offers tranquil swimming, awesome snorkelling on coral reefs and exclusive offshore scuba diving. Situated in the heart of iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater St Lucia Wetland Park), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mabibi is just 25 km north of Sodwana Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

The palm-fringed Salt Rock Beach has great surf, beautiful off-shore reefs for diving and some good fishing spots. It's a popular family beach with picnic areas, showers and a massive tidal pool. Salt Rock Beach is protected by shark nets and fully trained lifeguards are on duty seven days a week from 6am until 5:30pm.

Scottburgh Beach is a hub of activity throughout the year. With shark nets in place and lifeguards on duty all year round, it is a safe bathing beach with a host of fun things to do for the whole family. Activities on the beach include a super tube waterslide, mini-golf, canoe hire (fabulous for leisurely trips up the lagoon), fishing, body board and surfboard hire. During peak season orbing and abseiling is also on offer. Scottburgh Beach is close to numerous restaurants, bars, curio shops, surf shops and takeaway outlets.

The gorgeous golden blonde sands of St Lucia Beach stretch as far as the eye can see in both directions. This sub-tropical beach experiences around 300 days of sunshine a year. Not only that, the Indian Ocean is pleasantly warm. Take care when swimming here though as there are rip currents and it is advisable to stay close to shore and avoid rough surf. Heading north on the landward side of the estuary is the beginning of the highest coastal dunes in the world – it’s impressive. To the south is a pleasant stroll to the estuary of the Imfolozi River. Shore-based fishing is very popular along this stretch, mostly for shad.

Warner Beach offers excellent surfing conditions and is home to some of the top surfers on the planet. It's also a popular kite surfing beach and has a lovely little beach shop and take-away outlet, ample parking and showers. Not far lies the legendary Aliwal Shoal, one of South Africa’s best dive sites. Whales and dolphins can often be spotted from the shore. The annual Sardine Run passes Warner Beach, attracting scores of tourists, divers and fishermen to the area.

Willard Beach is the main attraction for visitors to Ballito. Part of the Dolphin Coast's magnificent stretch of golden beaches and sheltered coves, Willard Beach is perfect for a day of fun in the sun. From swimming beaches that are protected by shark nets and attended by professional life savers, to popular surfing spots and tidal pools, the Dolphin Coast has it all.One of KwaZulu-Natal's top beaches, Willard Beach is set against a backdrop of holiday accommodation and tourist facilities. The long sandy beach is great for leisurely strolls and family beach fun. The sea is warm and the surf is good. Plenty of entertainment options include scuba diving, microlite flips and a selection of great seafood restaurants.