Paradise Begins

Illovo Beach – Sezela

Known as the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, the start of the exquisite KZN South Coast is found just 40 minutes south of Durban along the N2. Uncover adventure starting at Umkomaas while exploring the many unique sites along the way that make this a thrillingly diverse destination.

Just 5km off this coast you’ll discover one of two dive sites found here, both considered some of the top dive sites in the world. Aliwal Shoal – which is also one of three Marine Protected Areas on the KZN South Coast – is a thriving ecosystem where long-term conservation of its inhabitants is a priority.
This is a must for freedivers, scuba divers, and shark cage divers with the average dive site 12.5 metres deep. Here, you’ll discover ragged-tooth sharks, hammerhead sharks, Zambezi sharks, copper sharks, and bronze whalers. Aliwal Shoal has also been uncovered as home to a number of the highly endangered shortfin devil rays.

This world-class dive site is named after the three-masted Aliwal ship that narrowly missed hitting the shoal in 1849. While this ship was lucky, others didn’t fare so well. Advanced divers can explore the shipwrecks of some less fortunate sailors: the SS Nebo and the MV Produce.

Tourism establishments have everything you need to make this the ultimate holiday experience. Whether you’re an advanced diver or looking to complete your first certified dive course, this is where the adventure begins! But if exploring the ocean by boat is more your cup of tea, then you can charter one and spend a few hours dolphin watching, enjoying an ocean safari, or deep-sea fishing.

Stop in at one of the many laidback seaside towns found along this stretch of the KZN South Coast, with Scottburgh a popular holiday destination. The expansive Scottburgh Beach is ideal for soaking in the sunshine, with numerous tidal pools along this stretch making this an ideal spot for protected swimming.

Head inland to Ubumbano Farm, a family-owned co-operative that forms part of the AgriTours experience. Make a booking to enjoy a guided farm tour while sampling macadamia nuts, bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, mealies, and green beans. Head to the Farm Stall to purchase freshly made macadamia nut and rocket pesto, macadamia nut biscuits and brittle, and steamed mealie bread before enjoying a shaded picnic.

You can also choose from a series of birdwatching hikes, trail runs, and mountain biking routes in the region’s three stunning nature reserves.

And this is just the start of paradise…