10 Reasons Why the KZN South Coast is Being Considered a Top Film Destination

South Africa is fast becoming a sought-after film destination, offering production crews incredible scenery, a great climate, and affordability. While the Western Cape has been the first choice for many in the industry, KwaZulu-Natal’s many assets are positioning it as an attractive destination – with the KZN South Coast a prime location.

According to The Good News, foreign film production investments in South Africa are expected to exceed R5 billion by October 2025.

“This incredible investment boost is really indicative of the country’s potential to become a global hub for film production, and the KZN South Coast offers investors a number of reasons to consider setting up in this region,” commented Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “By attracting the film industry here, we’re fulfilling our mandate of securing investment while showcasing the region’s incredible tourism assets to the world.”

SCTIE has shared 10 reasons why the film producers, both foreign and domestic, are choosing to create television shows, documentaries, and feature films on the KZN South Coast.

1.       The Sardine Run

For decades, the annual Sardine Run (aptly nicknamed ‘The Greatest Shoal on Earth’) has attracted documentary makers from across the globe. This underwater spectacle, which sees predators chasing shoals of silver sardines migrating close along the KZN South Coast’s shores, presents filmmakers with unique shots of marine life. With the ongoing activity in the winter months, there is still massive potential for nature documentaries in the region.

2.       Great Aquatic Locations

The KZN South Coast is home to 3 Marine Protected Areas, 2 of which – Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks – are world-renowned dive sites, presenting some of the best marine viewing on the planet. For underwater shots, the region can’t be beaten – but there are so many other aquatic locations for epic film-making. From its Blue Flag beaches (boasting the highest number in KZN), tidal pools, rivers, lakes, dams, and estuaries all the way to its many epic waterfalls, this is the perfect backdrop.

3.       Diverse Landscape

Beyond the water’s edge, the KZN South Coast offers incredible landscapes for a range of film settings. It’s as diverse as the people found here, with settings ranging from 11 idyllic golf courses and ocean views to nature and game reserves, parks, cliffs, gorges, valleys, and even the world’s smallest desert! There are also a variety of agricultural settings, from banana plantations and sugar cane to macadamia, coffee, and vegetable farms. Filmmakers don’t have to travel far to get a variety of backdrops for their shots.

4.       Wildlife Experiences

The Sardine Run is just one aspect of local wildlife set to star on film. The KZN South Coast is home to a variety of unique South African wildlife experiences that make for great on-screen viewing. Migrating humpback whales and frolicking dolphins, are common sightings, with Aliwal Shoal one of only two known shortfin devil ray cleaning station areas in the world. On land, the local game reserves are home to African wildlife including zebra, giraffe and buck; while nature reserves are smaller wildlife such as civet, genet and Vervet monkeys. Not to mention the region’s incredible birdlife – with many species endemic to the area – attracting twitchers from all over.

5.       Cultural and Heritage Sites

Filmmakers looking to incorporate historical or cultural elements into their production are spoilt for choice on the KZN South Coast. At KwaXolo Caves, centuries-old San paintings adorn the walls, while traditional sites such as Isivivane seNkosi uShaka, the KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails, and Ntelezi Msane Heritage Site showcase African heritage while Gamalakhe Township provides an authentic township backdrop. Archaeological sites such as the world’s smallest desert, Red Desert, as well as the Mzamba fossils and Petrified Forest date back centuries, while age-old lighthouses and shipwrecks make for great backdrops.

6.       Top Accommodation

From top-end resorts and hotels to bed and breakfasts, self-catering units, and award-winning seaside campsites, there is no end of accommodation to be found on the KZN South Coast. No matter the budget, there is ample space to host film crews on site, with hospitality providers going the extra mile to ensure comfort, convenience, and support.

7.       Proven Film Destination

Alongside the many documentaries featuring the world-famous Sardine Run, the KZN South Coast has provided settings for many epic films and television shows. Discovery, National Geographic, and Nat Geo Wild are some of the global companies that have visited the region, with episodes of Netflix show, The Kissing Booth and SABC’s The Longest Date some of the television shows filmed here. The annual Ugu International Film Festival (UGUIFF) organised by Zindela Pictures Group, also attracts local and international stakeholders from the film industry, and is developing this sector to attract investors to the region.

8.       Subtropical Climate

Filmmakers know the cost of delayed production owing to inclement weather. Fortunately, the KZN South Coast boasts a year-round subtropical climate, with more sunny days than not, allowing for uninterrupted days of filming to keep the feature within budget. The winter season, in particular, is temperate with lower rainfall than in summer.

9.       Ease of Business

SCTIE has partnered with Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal (TIKZN) to establish the Ugu One Stop Shop (OSS) which removes the barriers to investment in the region, paving the way for the film industry to thrive. The OSS provides investors with assistance in terms of funding, permits, and other necessary processes, working in partnership with the government and key entities to ensure smooth operations. It also acts as a bridge between outside investors and local industries to unlock potential and drive investment – with affordability a major determining factor.

10.   Accessibility

The KZN South Coast is incredibly well-positioned with access along the national highway, the N2. From Scottburgh, it is only a 30-minute drive to Durban, 45 45-minute drive from King Shaka International Airport, and has the upgraded Margate Airport for easy access. The recent revamp of the road network, starting with the N2 Wild Coast Road (N2WCR) project that connects KZN with the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga. Upon completion, travel time is expected to be drastically reduced by 1.5 to three hours because of the shorter route and flatter alignment.

Now’s the Time: Visit, Invest, Thrive in KZN South Coast!

Sardine fever is here so don’t miss out on seeing The Greatest Shoal on Earth! Find out more by visiting the KZN South Coast website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.

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