The Umdoni Coast region of KwaZulu-Natal stretches from Scottburgh about 60km south of Durban to Mtwalume at the southern boundary with the Hibiscus Coast. Together these two regions are often referred to simply as the South Coast. Umdoni is well known for its endless beaches and numerous resort towns the biggest and most popular of which is Scottburgh.

Umdoni is world-renowned for some of the best dive sites in South Africa

Apart from the magnificent beaches Umdoni has a great variety of activities to offer. Some of the best dive sites in the country can be found here the most famous of which are around the Aliwal Shoal (near the resort towns of Kelso, Pennington and Park Rynie) with its two shipwrecks, underwater caves and fossilized rock formations. Landers Reef, near Scottburgh is rated one of the top 5 dive sites in the country. The warm Agulhas Current brings a plethora of tropical and sub-tropical fish to this coastline.

For nature lovers and birdwatchers there are numerous nature reserves within Umdoni. The Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve is about 12km inland from the town of Umzinto which is accessed from Park Rynie on the coast. Here you will find great bird watching, mountain bike and hiking trails and a fully equipped camp. Hlathikulu Trail is set in Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve, a 4.2km circular route with over 300 bird species and 56 animal species. The TC Robertson Nature Reserve, just outside Scottburgh will please the most demanding birders and hikers can enjoy the 12kms of trails. Another Nature Reserve definitely worth a visit is Empisini near Umkomaas and Clansthal.

The Umdoni coast is also very well known for its excellent fishing spots at Park Rynie and Kelso, Bazley Beach and Ifafa Beach, at Clansthall and Mtwalume as well as Scottburgh. You will catch Stumpnose, Blacktail, Rock cod, Flatfish in summer and Shad (elf), Kob, Garrick (leervis), Blacktail, Karanteen (strepie) in winter and spring. The Sardine Run along the KwaZulu-Natal Coast is a world renowned annual event attracting fishermen and sightseers from around the globe. Deep sea fishing charters can be found in Scottburgh.

If golf is your passion you won’t do better than on the Umdoni Coast. Two of the top hundred golf courses in South Africa can be found here – Umdoni Park Golf Course and the Selborne Golf Course both near Pennington. There is also an excellent golf course in Scottburgh.