Lockdown holiday fun: Avoid the crowds in these South Coast towns

The South Coast starts about 30km south of Durban and runs from Scottburgh for 170km all along the coastline to Port Edward, incorporating 58 beaches and also stretching inland to Harding.

It is a favourite holiday destination for South Africans and international visitors alike who enjoy the area’s warm waters, perpetually sunny weather and lush hinterland.

But, with beaches off limits at least until January 15, here are some family-oriented activities to try for under R200 and which don’t involve getting your feet wet.

Crop to Cup coffee tour at Beaver Creek

You’re never too young to learn about the marvels of coffee. At Beaver Creek you’ll learn about everything from growing and harvesting to roasting and brewing coffee, and the processes involved in making coffee.

After the informative tour, enjoy their brewed coffee and flavours from different parts of the world in their bistro. The farm, which is based just outside Margate, also offers mountainbike routes, including a 400m route for children.

Cost: R60 per person for an hour-long tour.
Bookings can be made online here.

Visit a butterfly farm in Ramsgate

Found between two towns, Port Shepstone and Port Edward, is the beach village of Ramsgate. This butterfly farm does not import their pupape, instead they breed most of their own butterflies.

The outing is both fun and educational, and children can go on an informative tour at the breeding centre on the farm. They will see butterflies in their natural habitat, and there is a craft shop, river walk and quaint tea garden too.

Cost: R30 children and R75 adults

Oribi Gorge Day Visit

The stunning canyon, 35km from Port Shepstone, allows day visitors to partake in numerous on-site activities. For the more adventurous explorer, walk across the 80m suspension bridge where you can appreciate the Oribi Gorge in all its splendour.

Or, take a self-game drive on the Lake Eland Game Reserve, where even a normal car can make use of the 4×4 track at R150 entry per car. There’s also mountainbiking, fishing and paintball for day visitors to enjoy.

Cost: R65 for adults; R40 for children under eight years; children under two enter for free

Discover 100,000-year-old caves at KwaXolo Caves Adventures

This visit is a cultural tour and outdoor activity in one. The caves are located at South Coast gem Margate and were once the home to San communities — evident by the rock paintings on the cave walls.

Visitors are strapped up in safety gear and led by tour guides who take them along the precarious mountain, but the stunning views are well worth the climb. A waterfall and gorge are just some of the natural wonders that can be spotted along the hike, followed by a tour of the caves to view the ancient rock paintings.

The tour is suitable for children aged 8 years and older.

Cost: R150 per person for the 90-minute tour