Top 5 hidden gems in KZN that feel like paradise

Think you need to hop on an international flight to find paradise? Think again. KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast packs tropical punch without the passport.

From palm-lined beaches to hidden coves and warm Indian Ocean currents, parts of this region look like they’ve been ripped straight from a Seychelles postcard.

Here’s where to find KZN’s own slice of island-style bliss…

1. Umzumbe: Secluded and serene

This small village is a hidden gem that even locals like to keep to themselves. The beach is Blue Flag certified, meaning it’s clean, safe, and swimmable. What makes Umzumbe stand out is how untouched it feels, no crowds, no concrete, just swaying palms, rock pools, and soft sand. Seychelles vibes? Definitely.

2. Port Edward: Turquoise waters, golden sands

Nestled near the Wild Coast border, KZN’s Port Edward has a laid-back, barefoot-luxury feel. The beaches are wide, the surf is clean, and the water glows a glassy blue, especially at Silver Beach. With subtropical vegetation hugging the coastline and the Mkambati Nature Reserve just beyond, this is where you go when you want to feel off-the-grid but still have access to a decent espresso.

3. Margate to Ramsgate: Classic South Coast coastline with flair

This stretch is where the South Coast shows off. Margate brings the buzz with beachfront cafes and boardwalks, while Ramsgate dials it down with its lagoon, art galleries, and chill pace. The water here is warm year-round, the palm trees are real (not imported), and the sunsets can hold their own against any Indian Ocean island.

4. Umtentweni, KZN: Green meets blue

Umtentweni sits just north of Port Shepstone and blends lush greenery with the glitter of the sea. Think forested dunes rolling down to the shoreline, monkeys in the trees, and golden hour lighting that could make any Instagram filter redundant. Quiet, scenic, and ridiculously photogenic.

5. Oribi Gorge: Not a beach, but still a showstopper

If your idea of paradise includes more cliffs and canopies than waves and coconuts, the South Coast’s Oribi Gorge delivers. Just inland from the coast, this dramatic canyon carves through the countryside like something out of a nature doc. There are waterfalls, zip lines, suspension bridges, and views that remind you that paradise isn’t only found at the beach.