Beach adventures on your doorstep Miles and miles of sun-drenched beaches, vibrant holiday towns, world class golf courses and exciting adventure sports await you on the Zulu Kingdom's popular South Coast. Traditionally one of South Africa's most popular domestic holiday destinations, new upmarket developments coupled with a dazzling array of exciting attractions has turned the South Coast into a holiday into a holiday destination of choice for international visitors as well. It's not surprising that the prime attraction of the South Coast are its beaches. This entire stretch of coast, which extends from the uMkomaass River mouth in the north to Port Edward in the south, is studded with sweeping bays, covers and rocky outcrops. The sea temperature hovers around the 20 degree mark all year round, and the hot summer and mild winters make it a perfect beach holiday destination. There are no less than four Blue Flag beaches on this coast: Margate, Ramsgate, Hibberdene and Marina beach. Blue Flag is a prestigious international certification granted to beaches that meet the highest standards of safety and cleanliness while providing first class facilities and environmental conservation. All the main beaches are protected by shark nets, with lifeguards, attendance. A number of operators offer boat trips to view the schools of bottlenose dolphins and pods of whale which frequent the waters off-shore. The fishing is excellent either off the beaches or from the deep sea ski boats which launch from a number of bases along the coast. Adventure Zone The coast has two world class scuba diving destinations in Aliwal Shoal (off Umkomaas) and the Protea Banks (off Shelly Beach) which provide an opportunity to sea a huge variety of sea creatures. There are also a number of interesting shipwrecks to explore. Oribi Gorge, some 15 kilometers inland from Port Shepstone, is an extreme adventure hotspot featuring abseiling, the world's highest gorge swing and white water rafting in the rainy season. The greatest shoal on earth Every year in June massive shoals of sardines move up the coast, occasionally beaching in their thousands to the delight of the local people who scoop them up by the bucketful. The shoals are followed by thousands of game fish and Cape Gannets who come to feast on nature's bounty. This unique occurrence provides visitors with a wondrous spectacle. Nature The South Coast cater for nature lovers with a number of nature reserves and conservancies teeming with small antelope and a wonderful variety of birds. For something different,two marine reserves at Mpenjanti and Trafagar incorporate pristine marine habits and unusual rock formations and plants. There are many trails and hikes providing visitors with a chance to get closer to nature, and some operators offer horse rides through coastal bush or along the beach. Arts and Crafts A thriving arts and crafts industry has sprung up on the South Coast featuring an array of hand-made items, many of which show strong traditional Zulu influence. And while you are trawling for treasures be sure to sample some of the fine cuisine that is served in restaurants and café's dotted along the coast.