By creating an account, I agree to the
Terms of service and Privacy policy
Choose your country and language:
Africa
Americas
Asia Pacific
Europe
TThe subtropical paradise of the Hibiscus Coast offers a myriad of delights. Enjoy pristine beaches with sheltered coves and rock pools, world-class golf courses and nature reserves as well as adrenaline-fuelled adventures. Time your trip to see one of the wonders of nature, the Sardine Run.
While this stretch of Indian Ocean presents the year-round delights of frolicking dolphins and majestic, cruising whales, it peaks each June or July with “The Greatest Shoal on Earth” when sharks, dolphins, seals and even birds herd and feed from a millions-strong sardine shoal.
Did You Know?
TThe Zulu Kingdom's annual winter Sardine Run is a wonder of the world and takes place from May to July when billions of sardines (the Southern African pilchard sagax) spawn in the cool waters of the Agulhas Bank and move northward along the East Coast of South Africa, creating a feeding frenzy along the coastline.
OOne of the country’s most sought-after adventure tourism destinations, the Hibiscus Coast is in the most southern part of KwaZulu-Natal’s famous South Coast, south of Durban. It includes Hibberdene, Port Shepstone, Shelly Beach, Margate, Southbroom and Port Edward, which form the core of this South Coast “beach holiday Mecca” of KwaZulu-Natal.
The Hibiscus Coast boasts six Blue Flag beaches at Margate, Marina/San Lameer, Ramsgate, Trafalgar, Umzumbe and Lucien. Blue Flag beaches are those that have achieved excellence in water quality and environmental education while adhering to international safety standards.
Hibiscus Coast
TThe Hibiscus Coast is also fondly referred to as South Africa's “golf coast” as there are seven golf courses in the vicinity, including two of the country's top courses—all offering varying levels of difficulty and majestic vistas over the Indian Ocean.
Twitchers will be in their element with the abundant birdlife in the area; get your fix on the Southern KwaZulu-Natal Birding Route or visit the Oribi Gorge and Umtamvuna Nature Reserve. These reserves are also home to a number of mammal species, including buck, and they offer a variety of walks and hiking trails.
The scenic and spectacular Oribi Gorge is a local inland adventure destination that boasts the world's biggest bungee swing, the world's highest natural commercial abseil, and a range of wonderful hikes.
Who to contact
How to get there
Best time to visit
Around the area
Tours to do
Length of stay
What to eat
What's happening
Best buys
Related articles
Useful links
Explore
Copyright © 2025 South African Tourism
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy|Social Media Terms and Conditions|Competition Terms and Conditions
|Terms and conditions|Disclaimer|Privacy policy|Social Media Terms and Conditions|Competition Terms and Conditions