The coastline between the Wild Coast and Durban is known simply as the South Coast.
It’s a collection of laid-back seaside towns, golden beaches, lagoons, river mouths, rocky coves and inlets, sub-tropical forests and vegetation that’s prone to abundance.
And all this is washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. In fact some of our best places to stay on the South Coast lie within a stone’s throw of the beach.
Appealingly, a few of the best places to stay South Coast retain that undemanding, retro family-holiday-home vibe that makes for low-pressure holidays filled with sand between your toes, burgers on the braai and late morning sleep-ins…
But not all is cane furniture, nautical theme duvet covers, and face brick maisonettes. We’ve guest houses, self-catering cottages and a series of beach holiday homes with a charm you’ll find difficult to refuse.
The best places to stay on the South Coast …
Arabella No 8, Margate
We love this light and airy self-catering apartment with its stackable doors, three bedrooms and two bathrooms. It’s a perfect sea view getaway (100 metres to the beach).
Honeywood Forest Lodge, Sea Park
There’s something very appealing about this guest lodge just outside Port Shepstone. Perhaps it is the seclusion, the forest garden, its proximity to the beach, or the relaxed chalet décor.
Herma’s Guest House, Amanzimtoti
Next on our list of best places to stay on the South Coast, you’ll fall for this shuttered white villa with its navy blue front door and elegant yet understated décor. Its fully fitted kitchen and spacious open plan living makes self-catering a pleasure.
Estuary Country Hotel, Port Edward
Right on the river estuary on the edge of the Wild Coast this country hotel in Port Edward does elegance with style, including its own restaurant and spa.
Amanzi Beach House, Umzumbe
Your own self-catered beachfront house with five bedrooms, 180 degree ocean views, a splash pool and deck, fully kitted kitchen and nothing between you and the sand dunes.
Oribi Gorge Guest Farm
Story of an African Farm meets the Mzimkulwana River, and the lush wildness of this part of the coast, on this gorgeous guest farm with its three guest houses, within reach of three beaches.
Umzumbe Surf House
Fun, sun, beach holidays, parties, five bedrooms, an open plan common area lounge, dining and kitchen, and on-your-doorstep sea views – what more can you ask from a surf n’ stay accommodation.
Pumula Surf Camp
It may be a backpacker venue but Pumula is small, exclusive and family run. Stay here if you’re interested in learning surfing, yoga or stand up boarding.
Marina Glen 19, Marina Beach
A charming two bedroom complex cottage within walking distance of the beach and lagoon for a typical South Coast stay.
Hib-Escape Hide Away, Hibberdene
This spacious log home not only has sea views, is pet friendly, and ideal for family holidays but it’s also on a large, wooded private property with little to disturb you.
At 4 Umzumbe
A three bedroom, six guest, holiday apartment facing the sea with an open plan living kitchen area and folding doors onto a patio. Perfect.
Kingfisher Lakeside Retreat, Trafalgar
Head to this 15 acre lakeside retreat, the beach only five minutes’ away, and stay in one of two fully equipped tents, or a cottage.
Umtamvuna River Lodge, Port Edward
It’s the setting of this lodge that appeals and ensures its position on our list of best places to stay on the South Coast – in a nature reserve on the banks of the Umtamvuna River, a tropical garden and the sound of water and birds your companions.
Coral Tree Colony B&B, Southbroom
Six en suite double rooms each with their own entrance and private veranda with views of the golf fairway, this B&B gives you elegance, romance and a hint of colonial.
26 La Mer, Illovo
This holiday seaside apartment emphasises ‘inside out’ living with its wonderful patio and sea views over an unspoiled four kilometre stretch of the coast.
Selborne Golf Estate, Hotel & Spa, Pennington
Spoil yourself and stay in one of the beautiful garden rooms, manor rooms at the top of a sweeping staircase, or the presidential suite with its nostalgic indulgence in dark wood furniture, in the Manor House.
