Situated at the mouth of the Mzimkhulu River, the largest river on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, is the lively town of Port Shepstone. It is located roughly 120 km south of Durban, wedged between Hibberdene and Margate. Established in 1867 subsequent to the finding of marble close to the river’s mouth, the town was given its name in honour of Sir Theophilus Shepstone, a prominent member of the Natal government in the 1880s. The Port Shepstone Museum explores the town’s rich history through exhibits with a maritime theme. Another noteworthy location is the Port Shepstone Lighthouse, an amazing 1906 cast iron building that still stands at the mouth of the river and is used by ships to guide them with its 27,000 candela light. Check out our list of Places to visit in Port Shepstone.
1. Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
Picture: Facebook / @Natalia Greyvenstein – Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve
On the KZN South Coast, the well-known Oribi Gorge is a major adventure destination and is only a short drive from Port Shepstone. Renowned for its magnificent views, Oribi Gorge can be accessed from several points of view, including the famously protruding Leopard Rock. There are rocks on these cliffs that are 100 million years old. Many walking trails in the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve allow visitors to discover hidden treasures like the charming Samango Falls.
With over 300 bird species, birdwatchers will be delighted by the reserve, which is home to a rare colony of Cape vultures that can be seen during guided tours from a dedicated vulture hide and restaurant. Extreme sports like paintball, abseiling, white water rafting, suspension bridges, the longest and fastest zipline in Africa, and the highest gorge swing in the world are available at Oribi Gorge for those seeking adrenaline.
Trails in Oribi Gorge
- Mziki Trail: This 9 km (five hours round trip) trail begins at the main gorge picnic site and winds through grasslands and up the cliffs, providing breathtaking views over the gorge. The rest camp is another place to start the trail.
- Nkonka Trail: The Nkonka Trail starts at the main picnic area and spans 5 km, taking 2.5 hours to complete round trip. It winds through the river’s forested slopes before finishing at the base of the slopes that face north and west.
For more information:
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 072-420-8508
- Address: Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve, Oribi Gorge, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Also read: 10 Seaside getaways for your next holiday
2. Wild 5 Adventures
Picture: Facebook / @Wild 5 Adventures Oribi Gorge
Oribi Gorge’s Wild 5 Adventures is an absolute must-visit for thrill-seekers. Start with their renowned Wild Swing, this destination promises heart-pounding thrills and unforgettable experiences. It offers an unmatched plunge off Lehr’s Falls, plunging 55 stories into the gorge below, making it the highest gorge swing in the world. Amidst breathtaking scenery, experience the thrill of plunging into the depths and feeling the wind whip past you.
Extreme Adventures at Wild 5
Wild Swing: Situated at Lehr’s Waterfall in Oribi Gorge, this swing offers the world’s highest drop of its kind, making it the ultimate thrill.
Wild Quad Adventures: Take a quad bike adventure to experience the pristine beauty of nature. Experienced guides guarantee an unforgettable experience, regardless of your preference for a more relaxed ride or one that is safe but thrilling. 365 days a year, weather permitting.
Wild Abseil: Make a 110-meter fall next to Lehr’s Waterfall. One of the world’s highest commercial abseils, this one lets you take your time and enjoy the amazing views.
Wild Slide: For individuals who would rather not jump, the zip-line is an ideal option. Seated safely in a full-body harness, soar 165 metres above the treetops while taking in the serene seclusion of the gorge.
Wild Bridge: Explore an 84-meter suspension bridge suspended 100 metres above the bottom of the gorge. Never-before-seen views of Lehr’s Waterfall and Baboon’s Castle are available from this special vantage point.
Lock Lane: On Lock Lane, engrave your name on a padlock and throw the key into the gorge to symbolise your unbreakable relationship. Invest in a lock to make a lasting memento of your trip, or bring your own.
3. Kayak Trips Port Shepstone
Picture: Facebook / @Kayak Trips – Port Shepstone
A kayaking excursion down the Umzimkhulu River is a must-do activity for anyone visiting the KZN South Coast. This adventure, which is based at Spillers Wharf, is ideal for groups or lone people who want to explore at their own pace because it provides both solo and guided options.
Kayak Rentals and Guided Trips: Select from stand-up paddle boards, double kayaks, or single kayaks. You can rent equipment for a self-guided tour or join one if you’re paddling alone or with friends. For safety, life jackets are available.
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding: Give stand-up paddle boarding a try for a memorable experience. Sessions cost R120 per person and are offered on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 5 p.m. This exercise not only works your entire body but also allows you to take in the Umzimkhulu River’s breathtaking scenery.
Don’t pass up this exciting chance to get in touch with nature and take in the tranquil Umzimkhulu River waters. This adventure promises to be an unforgettable and exhilarating experience, regardless of your level of paddling experience.
4. Lake Eland Zip Line Tours
Picture: Facebook / @Lake Eland Game Reserve
The Lake Eland Game Reserve offers thrilling zip line tours for those looking for an adrenaline-fueled adventure. Tucked away in the reserve, this 4.5 km guided zipline tour ensures an amazing experience, all the way back to the starting point.
Zipline and X-Treme Tours
Guided Zipline Tour: This 4.5 km tour provides a thrilling aerial journey over the picturesque landscapes of Lake Eland Game Reserve. Ideal for adrenaline junkies, it includes a series of exciting slides, culminating in a return trip to the zipline office.
X-Treme Zipline Tour: Not for the faint-hearted or children, this extreme adventure begins with a 1 km vertical drop, where participants can reach speeds of up to 160 km/h. Two additional slides follow, ensuring a non-stop adrenaline rush.
Rates:
- Standard Zipline Tour: R490 + day visitor’s fee
- X-Treme Zipline Tour: R350 + day visitor’s fee
Additional Activities
Lake Eland Game Reserve caters to a wide range of interests with activities for the whole family:
- Scooter Tours
- Suspension Bridge and Viewing Sites
- Self-Drive and Guided Game Drives
- 4×4 Track
- Mountain Biking, Fishing, and Hiking
- Paintball
- Horse Riding
- Spa
Reserve Gate Times: 7am – 5pm, Monday to Sunday
Day Visitor Entrance Fee: R80 per adult, R50 per child
Restaurant Hours: 7:30am – 4:00pm
Zipline & Scooter Hours: 8:45am – 3pm (last tour)
Directions
From Port Shepstone, it takes 35 minutes to drive inland to Lake Eland Game Reserve. Take the N2 south towards Port Shepstone from Durban (about 123 km). Take the Oribi Plaza off-ramp and head towards Kokstad/Harding by turning right over the bridge onto the N2 inland. Once you reach 11 km, turn right onto the D219 after seeing the signs for “Oribi Flats East,” “Southern Explorer T3,” and “Lake Eland.” Follow this road for 26 km, passing by important locations like Igwala Quarry and the NPC Cement Factory. The last 4 km are on a gravel road that leads to the entrance of the Lake Eland Game Reserve. Along the route, pay attention to the “Eland” signs.
For a mix of adventure and scenic beauty, Lake Eland Zip Line Tours is a top destination on the KZN South Coast.
5. Dino Park SA
Picture: Facebook / @Dino Park SA
Explore a prehistoric adventure in KwaZulu-Natal’s Mini Jurassic Jungle at Dino Park SA. Offering a variety of life-sized dinosaurs set amid lush, tropical surroundings, this family-friendly park is a dinosaur enthusiast’s dream come true.
Attractions and Activities
Dinosaur Exhibit: Wander through the jungle pathways and encounter 25 life-sized dinosaur models, offering an educational and thrilling experience for children and adults alike.
Interactive Missions: Engage in family missions that will have everyone exploring and learning together.
Mini Dino Show: Catch the exciting Dino Show on Saturdays and Sundays, weather permitting, for a fun and educational performance that delights young audiences.
Fossil Sand Pit: Budding paleontologists can dig for dinosaur fossils in the sand pit, uncovering hidden treasures.
Jungle Gym: Let the kids burn off some energy with free play on the jungle gym, perfect for climbing and exploring.
Dino Gallery: Explore fascinating exhibits that delve into the world of dinosaurs, offering educational insights and engaging displays.
Photo Opportunities: With endless photo zones, interesting plants, and insects, there are plenty of moments to capture. Bring bug spray and use Google Lens to identify flora and fauna.
Kids Ranger and Palaeontologist Kits: Enhance the adventure with optional activity kits available for purchase at the Dino-Store, perfect for young explorers.
Dino Maze: Challenge your navigation skills in the exciting Dino Maze, an optional extra for those seeking more fun.
Photo Zones for Kids: Children under 12 can enjoy special photo zones where they can touch and sit on dinosaur models.
Dino Games: Additional fun with optional dinosaur-themed games.
Visit Details
Dino Park SA is a great place for a family outing because it provides a variety of entertaining and instructive activities. Every visit to the park is made unforgettable by the friendly Dino Rangers and its interactive nature.
For families visiting Port Shepstone, Dino Park SA is a must-visit, whether the family is searching for fossils, using the jungle gym, or just taking in the sight of enormous dinosaurs.
6. Port Shepstone Lighthouse
Picture: Facebook / @Lauren Erasmus – Port Shepstone Lighthouse
The Port Shepstone Lighthouse is a prominent landmark on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, standing tall at the mouth of the Umzimkulu River. Since it was put into service on March 10, 1905, this 8-meter-tall round cast iron tower has been guiding sailors.
The lighthouse, which has an electric light on a rotating system, is painted in a recognisable checkered pattern of white and black. You can see this light up to 26 nautical miles away, with an intensity of 1,130,000 candela. From a focal plane 24 metres above high water, it flashes once every 6 seconds.
7. Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide
Picture: Facebook / @Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide
Get up close and personal with over 200 Cape Vultures during an amazing two-hour tour at Oribi. Admire these magnificent birds as they soar, glide by at eye level, and perform breathtaking aerial formations from cliff viewpoints. A 48-hour reservation is required in advance for this environmentally sensitive site, which is situated within the Important Bird Area of the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve. It offers a rare and personal wildlife encounter.
8. Dezzi Raceway
Picture: Facebook / @Dezzi Raceway
The 2.4 km racing circuit at Dezzi Raceway is intended for exciting regional and national motorsport competitions, such as drifting. The Gutziet family, who love motorsports and spend their leisure time racing cars and motorcycles, created this track, which is situated at Dezzi Equipment in Port Shepstone, KZN.
Dezzi Raceway holds car, motorcycle and drifting competitions all year long. The location is also open for business gatherings, car demonstrations, and exciting team-building exercises. Race day tickets are available almost every weekend for those who want to feel the thrill, or the track can be reserved for private events.
9. The Block Port Shepstone
Location: Port Shepstone, South Coast, KZN
Distance from Durban: Approximately 120 km
GPS Coordinates: S30°44’43.1″ E30°02’75.2″
Description: Located at Port Shepstone’s river mouth, The Block is a well-liked fishing location. There are rocky outcrops on the right and a large, open bay on the left that offer a variety of fishing spots. From the parking lot, the location is only a quick 100-meter stroll away.
Access and Directions:
Take the N2 South from Durban and get off at Port Shepstone. Proceed northward by making a left turn onto the R102, also known as the Old Road. Turn right towards the beach not too far after you cross the final set of traffic lights. Proceed to the parking area by means of the gravel road after crossing a small bridge above the railway line.
Safety and Notes:
- Ideal for fishing, especially during the Sardine Run.
- Night fishing can be very productive, but it’s advisable to go in groups for safety.
- Expect crowds during peak season.
- The spot is known for large Kob and is frequented by Garrick during the Sardine Run.
Reviews:
A favored location for fishing enthusiasts, offering a pleasant beach environment and excellent fishing opportunities.
10. Port Shepstone Beach
With its vast expanse that appears to envelop the entire length of the nearby road, Port Shepstone Beach is a genuinely magnificent sight. Ample space is available for beachgoers to unwind and enjoy on this expansive stretch of sand.
Tidal Pool:
The tidal pool at Port Shepstone Beach is impressively large, perfectly complementing the expansive beach area. During my visit, I noticed a lifeguard paddling around the pool, highlighting its impressive size. The pool is divided into three sections: a large main pool and two smaller pools at either end that can accommodate both adults and children. While some sections are shallow, making them ideal for young children, others are deeper, perfect for those who enjoy swimming laps.
Access and Views:
A walkway that descends from a road elevated above the beach provides access to the sand, where steps lead to the bottom. There are just steps at another entrance. Visitors can enjoy the breathtaking views as they descend from this elevation, which offers breathtaking views even before they reach the beach.
Port Shepstone Beach provides a lovely and roomy environment for everyone, whether your goal is to swim, sunbathe or just take a leisurely stroll.
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