South Africa’s Hibiscus Coast
South Africa’s coastline is almost 3,000 km long, offering a wonderful variety of experiences. In this series, SA Blog dips a toe in the country’s major destination coasts.
The Hibiscus Coast
Please send in your Hibiscus Coast tips!
- Where: A sub-region of the South Coast of KwaZulu Natal Province, stretching from Hibberdene in the north to Port Edward in the south.
- Attractions:The Hibiscus Coast (named after the hibiscus flower) is one of South Africa’s top leisure destinations, catering to beach-goers, golfers, surfers, scuba divers, deep sea fishing enthusiasts and so on. It also hosts one of the province’s most beautiful day-trip game reserves, Oribi Gorge.
- How to get there… By car: From Durban, it’s a straight shot south down the N2, reachable within half a day.
By Baz Bus: *Best Option* Just hop on! Travels the entire stretch of the Hibiscus Coast, with stops in Port Edward (see map link above), Margate, and Port Shepstone. See Baz Bus route map | Book Baz Bus ticket
By plane: Fly to Durban Airport, stay a night, then drive.
If you’re wild’n’crazy (& with at least one travelling companion): A. Proceed to the Durban minibus taxi terminus, in the city centre. B. Ask about long-distance taxis to Port Edward (see map link above). C. Start a journey toward Port Edward. D. After you’ve passed Hibberdene (see map link above), hop off wherever you take a fancy. Welcome to the Hibiscus Coast!
- Highlight: For independent travellers, undoubtedly the surfing. As a destination, the Hibiscus Coast is primarily positioned for locals, and so comes off as slightly bland for visitors seeking African adventure – unless surfing is the goal. KwaZulu Natal boasts some of the world’s best waves.Special note 1: In June or July each year (depending on sea temperature), the Hibiscus Coast plays host to a marine phenomenon known as the sardine run. An uncountable number of sardines make a dash from the Wild Coast up toward Durban, instigating a frenzy of fishing on the part of sharks, birds, whales, humans and other species. If you’re near the Hibiscus Coast at the right time, don’t miss it – especially if you’re a diver.
- Special note 2: The Hibiscus Coast has the most Blue Flag beaches of any marine stretch in South Africa. Its 2006 Blue Flag beaches are: HIbberdene, Lucien Beach, Marina/San Lameer, Ramsgate and Uvongo Beach.
- More information:
TheHibiscusCoast.co.za (accommodation directory)
Wavescape (SA surfing)
KZN Sharks Board (for surfing & shark reports)
AdventureDives.co.za (for sardine run fun)
HibiscusCoast.co.za (good list of golf courses)