Things to do near
Southport
*Distances are shown as the crow flies and not necessarily the actual travelling
distance.
Beaches
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South Coast (1.5 km from Southport) Anerley Beach is situated on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, just eight kilometres north of Port Shepstone. The beach is quiet and peaceful most of the year except during peak season. There are plenty of picnic spots in the area as well as a stunning coastal forest. Anerley is ideal for fishing, diving and swimming.
Beaches
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South Coast (2.1 km from Southport) Banana Beach is situated on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It is safe for swimming with lifeguards on duty during holiday season and on weekends, as well as being shark-net protected. You can also fish from the beach or the rocks and go snorkelling in the rock pools which are filled with exquisite sea life. The humpback whale is a seasonal visitor from June to November on this part of the coastline, and dolphins can be spotted throughout the year, especially from May to August.
Beaches
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Wild Coast (4.9 km from Southport) Pumula Beach is situated approximately 100 km from Durban. It is surrounded by lush coastal vegetation and full of small rocky outcrops providing a wealth of shallow rock pools in which you can find unique seashells, crabs and small interesting fish. The beach is supervised by lifeguards at certain times of the day and is ideal for swimming, diving, and fishing. The soft, white sand stretches for miles on end making it a great place for long beach walks.
Beaches
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Umzumbe (7.3 km from Southport) Situated on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Umzumbe Beach is still relatively undiscovered. It’s a fantastic beach for families, with lifeguards on duty throughout the year, safe sea swimming conditions and a tidal pool.
During peak holiday season, environmental education activities are given for kids and holidaymakers. Access from the parking area to the beach is via a steep walkway. Ablutions and facilities have recently been enhanced.
Golf Courses
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Port Shepstone (7.6 km from Southport) Just an hour drive away from Durban, golfers can enjoy a great game at Port Shepstone Country Club.
The course is a full 18-hole, featuring some stunning nature and wildlife views, including indigenous coastal forest. Facilities include a pro shop, as well as other sport facilities including cricket and lawn bowls.
Beaches
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Umtentweni (8 km from Southport) Tweni Beach is a lovely popular main beach located in the Umtentweni Area at the mouth of the Mtentweni River.
Ideally located just 2 km from Port Shepstone, this beach is ideal for walks. Restaurants, shops and other facilities are well within easy walking distance.
Beaches
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South Coast (11.2 km from Southport) Oslo Beach is situated on the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal. This is a quaint and tranquil beach with a large variety of unique shells spread across the pristine white sand. The beach is ideal for surfing, whale and dolphin watching, and deep sea fishing.
Fun Parks
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Hibberdene (14.2 km from Southport) Enjoy a nice day out with the whole family at Jolly Rogers. This small funs park is located on the main beach and offers super tubes, mini golf and a restaurant and bar, all with incredible sea views. There is a jungle gym for the kids to play while the grown-ups have a relaxing meal.
Beaches
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South Coast (14.3 km from Southport) Hibberdene Beach is a Blue Flag beach situated on the Hibiscus Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. It has become a popular destination with local and foreign tourists. The warm Indian Ocean water makes it perfect for swimming, surfing, scuba diving and snorkelling.
Beaches
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Shelly Beach (KZN) (16.5 km from Southport) The subtropical waters of Shelly Beach offer a tempting playground to divers and holidaymakers alike. The beach is protected by shark nets and is patrolled by lifeguards during school holidays.
There is a popular scuba diving reef just over 1500m out to sea. Much further out is Protea Banks, a world-renowned scuba diving destination for sharks and big game fish.
Shelly Beach is also renowned for rock and surf fishing and a large ski boat base. Other watersports include canoeing and boating in the estuaries.
Shopping Malls
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Shelly Beach (KZN) (17.8 km from Southport) Shelly Centre is easily the South Coast’s most popular seaside shopping destination. The light and airy complex houses a variety of shops and six cinemas, all under one roof.Situated on Marine Drive and just off the N2, getting there is easy. Three entrances into the parking areas provide effortless access for shoppers. Secure parking and the friendly environment make for a relaxed shopping experience.You will find Woolworths, Pick n Pay, Edgars, Foschini, Truworths, The Hub, @ Home and CNA as well as numerous specialist retail stores and specialist services.
Galleries and Museums
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Uvongo (17.8 km from Southport) The Shell Museum is an interesting fun outing for the whole family. Situated right across the road from the main shopping centre, The Shell Museum boasts the largest selection of shells in South Africa.
Animal Parks
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Shelly Beach (KZN) (17.9 km from Southport) If you’re on holiday with kids along the Hibiscus Coast drive them straight to Pure Venom Reptile Park.
Here they can eyeball some of the most fearsome and venomous snakes on the planet; count all 70 teeth of a crocodile and stroke the scales of an iguana. If you’re brave enough you can even have your mug shot taken while holding a python, mamba, cobra or viper!
The park is situated on an old estate in Izotsha near Shelly Beach. The beautiful grounds are graced by enormous wild olive trees that date back to the 1800s.
Publicized as the biggest reptile farm in Africa, it is home to an awesome collection of indigenous and exotic reptiles. This includes nine species of rattlesnake, the largest variation of this species outside the USA, and five species of crocodile. The highly threatened giant sungazer lizard breeds here and you might even witness the mating and courtship rituals of gaboon vipers, boomslang and mambas.
Kids big and small will be thrilled as they get up close and personal with numerous snakes, iguanas and crocodiles. Pure Venom Reptile Park also presents an interesting educational experience. Here you will find out funky facts about snakes including the fact that egg-eating snakes have teeth in their necks and mole snakes have up to ninety five babies!
Guided tours and snake demonstrations are on offer daily. Don’t miss witnessing the fascinating spectacle of crocodiles and alligators being fed on Sundays.
+27 (0) 39 685 0704
Open daily 09:00 – 17:00.
Farms
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Uvongo (19.9 km from Southport) This beautiful farm is perfect for family outings. Set on the banks of the Izotsha River, visitoors can enjoy fishing, a picnic or a traditional braai while taking in the beautiful surrounds. The kids will love the tractor rides, the pony rides, and feeding the farm animals and birds.The farm is open daily from 9:30 am until 4:00 pm. These times are applicable in high season and it is recommended to enquire about relevant times during the rest of the year.
Animal Parks
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Uvongo (19.9 km from Southport) The Uvongo Bird Park is definitely a must-visit. Walk-through aviaries create a one-on-one nature and educational experience. A beautiful tea garden for refreshments is complemented by a kiddies play area.