Top 20 self-catering accommodation options to try on the KZN South Coast

It’s unsurprising that the KZN South Coast remains a prime holiday destination, with its subtropical climate, the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, plus endless outdoor adventure activities. And what better way to enjoy the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom than by staying in one of the many diverse self-catering accommodations which will appeal to the tastes and budgets of travellers locally and from across the globe?

“This time of year is ideal for visiting the KZN South Coast, with sunny skies and a more temperate climate sets the scene for outdoor adventures,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “We’re also getting ready to welcome the #greatestshoalonearth – the annual Sardine Run – which puts on a spectacular ocean display from land, sea, and skies. The KZN South Coast is an affordable, family-friendly destination, with something for everyone, and with our incredible range of self-catering accommodation options, visitors are going to want to extend their stay to make the most out of the adventures on offer.”

To make holiday planning that much easier for visitors, SCTIE has listed its top 20 self-catering accommodation options to consider on the KZN South Coast.

1. Ironwood Lodge

Location: PenningtonWebsite: www.ironwoodlodge.co.za

About: The relaxed atmosphere at Ironwood Lodge Bed & Breakfast is created through sincere hospitality and spacious well-equipped accommodation, assisted by stunning sea views over a beautiful garden with the Indian Ocean stretching out beyond the coastal dune forests.

2. Happy Wanderers Holiday Resort

Location: KelsoWebsite: www.happywanderers.co.za

About: Situated on 500m of unspoiled private beach in Kelso, just 65kms South of Durban. Opt for a self-catering apartment, private log cabin, or camping and caravan site, all metres away from the private beach. With a stunning restaurant and bar, facilities for the whole family, and a functions venue for all occasions, Happy Wanderers is the perfect location for a memorable holiday.

3. Sugar Beach Resort

Location: ElysiumWebsite: www.sugarbeachresort.co.za

About: Sugar Beach Resort is a beautiful and tranquil Resort nestled between the lush greens KZN has to offer and bordered by the Indian Ocean and N2 Highway.

4. At 4 Umzumbe

Location: Banana BeachWebsite: www.at4umzumbe.co.za

About: This self-catering accommodation has it all… pristine beaches, incredible views, luxury living, nature on its doorstep, comfort for the body and rest for the soul.

5. Banana Beach Holiday Resort

Location: Banana BeachWebsite: www.bananabeach.co.za

About: Banana Beach Holiday Resort provides a variety of affordable accommodation options and is the ideal family holiday venue to enjoy those lazy sunny days or explore all the scenic beauty that the KZN South Coast has to offer.

6. UNTU Palms

Location: AnerleyWebsite: www.untupalms.co.za

About: UNTU Palms is a beautiful seaside holiday resort with direct beach access where picture-perfect family holidays are made.

7. Dieu Donnee River Lodge

Location: SouthportWebsite: www.dieudonnee.co.za

About: Dieu Donnee River Lodge is situated on the sunny KZN South Coast, 800m from the Indian Ocean just outside Port Shepstone, welcoming guests 365 days of the year since 1998. Dieu Donnee is nestled in a tropical garden with a large swimming pool.

8. Honeywood Forest Lodge

Location: Sea ParkWebsite: www.honeywoodsa.co.za

About: Honeywood Forest Lodge offers self-catering accommodation and its acclaimed on-site restaurant, The Cellar, and beautiful Forest Spa are must visits!

9. Lake Eland Game Reserve

Location: Oribi GorgeWebsite: www.lakeeland.co.za

About: Covering an impressive 2 500 hectares with diverse ecosystems of bushveld, grassland, coastal forest, wetland, and wild game, this natural landscape offers a place of peace and tranquillity.

10. Leopard Rock Coffee Shop & Lookout Chalets

Location: Oribi GorgeWebsite: www.leopardrockc.co.za

About: This owner-run establishment is situated 26km from Port Shepstone in the magnificent, world-renowned Oribi Gorge valley in KZN. The set-up is very earthy and rustic with a warm relaxed ambience.

11. Mount Nebo Arena

Location: HardingWebsite: www.mountneboarena.com

About: Mount Nebo Arena is an entertainment arena for everyone, situated on Mount Nebo Farm with a forest and sugar cane plantation. Khuze River runs through the farm, rich with history and storytelling, with a small waterfall on the farm.

12. Dumela Holiday Resort

Location: MargateWebsite: www.dumelamargate.co.za

About: Enjoy full sea views of the majestic Indian Ocean from the lounge or bedroom at any time. Dumela Holiday Resort is the perfect family accommodation for a stay on the beautiful KZN South Coast.

13. Kridzil Holiday Flats

Location: MargateWebsite: www.kridzil.co.za

About: Plan a getaway to the ever-popular seaside town of Margate on the KZN South Coast and enjoy a family-perfect stay at Kridzil – an excellent destination for families looking for some fun in the sun. The resort is just 200m from the town's main beach; within walking distance of the popular nightspots and restaurants; and just a short drive from the main shopping centres in Shelly Beach.

14. Margate Sands

Location: MargateWebsite: www.margatesandsresort.co.za

About: Margate Sands Beach Resort is a quality, affordable, self-catering accommodation situated on Margate's popular main beach, just 134 km from Durban. This is a luxury home-away-from-home for those seeking a fun-filled getaway along the warm KZN South Coast.

15. Sumelda Cabanas

Location: MargateWebsite: www.sumelda.kzn.co.za

About: Sumelda Cabanas are luxurious holiday apartments right on Margate's beautiful beachfront. Each cabana is fully equipped with a television and deep freeze facilities.

16. San Lameer Villas

Location: San LameerWebsite: www.sanlameer.co.za

About: San Lameer Estate is South Africa’s tropical paradise featuring stunning KZN South Coast accommodation as well as an 18-hole Championship golf course. It has something to offer the whole family as well as having direct access to two magnificent Blue Flag beaches making it the perfect family resort.

17. T O Strand Holiday Resort

Location: Leisure BayWebsite: www.tostrand.co.za

About: The resort is situated in the picturesque town of Leisure Bay, just 26km south of Margate and 10km north of the Wild Coast Sun. T O Strand borders the beach, making it an ideal breakaway holiday destination for guests.

18. Tuscany By the Sea

Location: Port EdwardWebsite: www.tuscanybythesea.co.za

About: Located in Port Edward, just 1.8 km from Rennies Beach, Tuscany By The Sea provides beachfront accommodation with an outdoor swimming pool, a shared lounge, a garden and free WiFi. This holiday home offers free private parking and a shared kitchen.

19. BillsBest

Location: RamsgateWebsite: www.billsbest.co.za

About: This is comfortable accommodation found in the best position along Ramsgate on the KZN South Coast. Ramsgate main beach is a favourite destination for families on holiday, lifeguarded and with its own tidal pool, offering protected swimming for the whole family.

20. La Côte d’Azur

Location: MargateWebsite: www.firstgroup-sa.co.za/la-cote-d-azur

About: La Côte d’Azur offers various self-catering accommodation options, making it an affordable holiday destination. Found at the northern end of the mile-long Margate beach, this beautiful holiday destination has magnificent views across the gardens and over the beach with access to local attractions, shops, restaurants and beaches.

To find out about booking at these self-catering venues, or to find out more about the KZN South Coast’s many offerings, simply download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores, visit the South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn; and the SCTIE website (www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za) to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more!

And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Follow the hashtags #greatestshoalonearth #sardinerun #sardinerun2023 #kznsouthcoast #extendyourstay #seakznsouthcoast