Port Edward
Description
Port Edward is a small resort town on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Nestled between the warm Indian Ocean and the rolling hills of KwaZulu-Natal, Port Edward offers an abundance of warm sand, nature reserves, and hiking trails that make it an exceptional holiday destination.
The coastline between Port Edward and Port Shepstone is known as the Hibiscus Coast because of the subtropical gardens that exist here. Named after the Prince of Wales, who later became King Edward VII, Port Edward is a popular holiday destination with a stellar reputation.
Port Edward has everything you need for a relaxing holiday with numerous restaurants, arts and crafts shops, a post office, chemist, 3 banks with ATMs, and accommodation to suit all needs and budgets.
Silver Beach is a fantastic spot for swimming, sun bathing, boating, snorkelling, and scuba diving to see the San Joao Shipwreck hidden just 300m offshore. The rock, surf, river, and lagoon all offer great challenges for fishing which is one of the most popular pastimes in Port Edward. There is a ski boat launch facility at the main beach, and the beachfront hosts the longest super tube in South Africa.
One of the biggest draw cards to Port Edward is the Sardine Run; an incredible natural phenomenon where millions of sardines head north from the Eastern Cape during June/July and cause a feeding frenzy of dolphin, shark, and bird that can be seen from the water, land, and air.
The lush forests of Port Edward are great for hiking, home to wildlife and over 200 species of birds. Explore Umtamvuna Nature Reserve (9km) or Mpenjati Nature Reserve (12km), with its abundance of wetlands, dune forests, grassland, and lagoon.
Wild Coast Sun Resort is known for its casino and water park. Kids will love Wild Waves Water Park which has a number of super tubes, river rides, speed slides, swimming pools, an Aquaplay area, and a Wimpy.
Tragedy Hill is a great sightseeing spot overlooking Silver Beach. It was named after Zulu warriors massacred the family of pioneer Henry Flynn due to confusion over stolen cattle. The devastated Zulu King ordered the man who started the rumour to be executed by one of the surviving settlers who was given 5 heads of cattle as a reward.
Golf at the 9-hole Port Edward Country Club, or the 18-hole Wild Coast Sun Country Club (7km), Sanlameer Golf Estate (18km), Southbroom Golf Club (20km), Margate Country Club (31km), and Port Shepstone Country Club (47km).
Other attractions include Beavercreek Coffee Farm, Riverbend Crocodile Farm with over 200 Nile crocodiles, and Far Horizon Animal Farm with a jungle gym, swimming pool, braai area, and farm animals like potbellied pigs, chickens, ducks, rabbits, and geese. The Red Desert, a national heritage site, is the smallest desert in the world at just 200m in width, and is well worth hiking and mountain biking through the extra-terrestrial terrain.
With glorious beaches and plenty of family-friendly activities, Port Edward is a holiday spot that’s hard to beat.
