Beach guide: Discovering ten untouched coastlines of KwaZulu-Natal

Durban is South Africa’s warm and friendly coastal city. With many flocking here all year round for the Indian Ocean waters, we have rounded up the 10 best secret beach spots in the region, for the days when you want to kick back and enjoy the shores with a dose of solitude.

Umzumbe beach

Location: KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast

To reach this Blue Flag beach, you need to make your way down a steep walkway. This is a perfect spot for swimming, either in the ocean itself or in the sandstone rock pool. It has an unspoilt sandy coastline, surrounded by the cloak of the dune forest for added privacy. It remains off the radar, though there are lifeguards on duty keeping a watchful eye on the families who visit this area for a day out by the ocean. 

Kosi Bay

Location: South of the Mozambique border

Just before you reach Mozambique, you’ll find Kosi Bay. This beach is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It is home to high sand dunes and during the festive period, loggerhead and leatherback turtles visit to lay their eggs in the sand. 

Mtunzini Beach 

Location: Umlalazi Nature Reserve 

Mtunzini Beach is known for it’s birdlife sandy shores that are perfectly suited to nature lovers who fancy a walk along the sand. There surrounding area has a forest and river, though the waters are untamed (i.e there are no shark nets). 

Zinkwazi Beach 

Location: North of Durban 

If you’d love to lay in a lagoon, this is the spot for you. Feel the warm Indian Ocean waters and lookout for dolphins in the distance and birdlife circling the skies. This is an ideal beach spot for fishing and boating.

Blythedale Beach 

Location: North of Ballito 

This beach is within the Blythedale Conservancy. It is unspoilt and protected by shark nets, making these waters ideal for swimming, surfing and marine life viewings – is it a whale? Is it a dolphin?

Mabibi

Location: iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Situated in the Coastal Forest section of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, this is where you want to go if you’d like to go snorkelling or fishing. If you want a full day’s experience, opt to stay at the Mabibi Camp site which is located right on the beach. For more exploring, head to the nearby Lake Sibaya, the largest freshwater lake in the country where you’ll see hippos and crocs.  

Umkomaas beach 

Location: Umkomazi River estuary 

Umkomaas beach affords visitors the opportunity to set their eyes on marine life. 

Amatikulu Estuary

Location: central KwaZulu-Natal coast

Amatikulu a secluded and rural area, home to many untouched beaches. Pay a visit to the Amatikulu Nature Reserve, where you’ll be able to see wildlife and the vast Indian Ocean at the same time.

Elysium Beach

Location: Umdoni Coast 

For a pristine white sandy beach experience, this is exactly where you need to be. Elysium is surrounded by a village, making it the perfect destination for a secluded getaway. Enjoy the warm waters and be sure to catch the sunset when you visit.

Cape Vidal

Location: Isimangaliso Wetlank Park in St. Lucia

This is a must-visit when exploring the northern part of KZN. It is home to fisherman and marine life enthusiasts of all kinds. Visit this golden beach, with a backdrop of a coastal forest, where you can swim and snorkel to your hearts content. 

Which of these beaches do you plan on visiting on your next trip to KZN?