Pennington, a serene seaside town on KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast, offers more than just beautiful beaches and stunning Indian Ocean views. Nestled amidst rolling hills, this quaint destination is beloved by holidaymakers, especially during December.
Picture: Facebook / @Pennington Beach
The town boasts a rich history dating back to the late 1800s when the Pennington family pioneered farming in the area. Later, Sir Frank Reynolds, a prominent sugar magnate, transformed part of the land into Umdoni Park, named after native water myrtle trees. This park gained fame for hosting South African prime ministers in a seaside mansion, originally intended for a visit by British King George VI in 1952.
Despite its small size, Pennington is well-connected, easily accessible from Durban and its airport via the N2 motorway. The town features a charming railway offering scenic views between its center and the beach, complemented by a selection of local eateries like Pennington Ski Boat Club Restaurant (074 757 5756), The Beach Café at Impithi, Bites@C (066 371 5631), The Dog House Café and Basset Breweries (074 609 3835), and The Range Café at South Coast Driving Range, ensuring a delightful culinary experience for visitors.
Picture: Facebook / @Adele Horn – Pennington, South Coast!!
What to do in Pennington:
Botha House: Built in the 1920s for Prime Minister General Louis Botha by Sir Frank Reynolds, this house showcases stunning Cape Dutch architecture.
Umdoni Park: Named after the local indigenous tree, this conservation area offers scenic trails, bird watching, and an 18-hole golf course.
Nkomba Sanctuary: A registered conservation site with diverse ecosystems, perfect for exploring trails and enjoying picnic areas.
Beaches: Enjoy the beautiful sandy shores and tidal pools at Umdoni Point, Main Beach, and Nkomba Beach.
Golf Courses: Tee off at Selborne and Umdoni Park (18-hole courses), or the Penn Valley (9-hole course).
Where to stay:
Characters Garden Park
Characters Garden Park offers a unique holiday experience, combining indigenous coastal forest with pristine sandy beaches. Enjoy amenities such as a swimming pool, pet-friendly accommodations, braai facilities, a children’s play area, laundry services, security fencing, 220v electricity, and limited Wi-Fi to ensure a comfortable stay for both caravaners and campers.
From R1390 Per unit, pn
*Rates may vary according to season/number of people
073 297 5876, charactersgardenpark.co.za
Botha House
Picture: Facebook / @Botha House, Pennington, KZN South Coast
This historic residence can comfortably accommodate up to 22 guests in 9 en-suite bedrooms, either double or twin, as well as a self-catering cottage, all with king-sized beds. Seven suites and the cottage have breathtaking panoramic ocean views, while the remaining two smaller suites overlook a charming courtyard garden, ensuring a memorable stay at Botha House. In your home away from home, you’ll find a perfect balance of authenticity, style, and serene splendour.
From R770 pn
*Rates may vary according to season/number of people
083 632 1114, bothahouse.co.za
Ocean View
This charming four-bedroom, three-bathroom self-catering family home located just a minute’s walk from the beach. The house has a fully equipped kitchen, a spacious open-plan living area with a lounge, dining room and bar that opens onto a large outdoor patio with a panoramic view of the ocean.
The area offers a variety of activities, including fishing, skiing, crayfishing, musseling, and diving, and is conveniently located near Pennington Village Shopping Centre and the main beach boardwalk. Scottburgh’s comprehensive shopping mall is also a short drive away. Golfers can enjoy nearby courses like Selbourne and Umdoni, while nature lovers can go on scenic forest walks and cycle trails at Umdoni Park and Rocky Bay.
From R1200 Sunday to Thursday pn and R1800 Friday and Saturday pn (Out of season) R2500 pn (Peak season)
*Rates may vary according to season/number of people
083 321 8349, oceanview-holiday.co.za
Pennington is more than just a historical site; it is a thriving community surrounded by lush landscapes and the breathtaking Indian Ocean, making it a must-see destination for those exploring KwaZulu-Natal’s south coast.
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Pictures: Characters Garden Park
