10 Of our favourite places to enjoy the sunset on the KZN South Coast

 

 

It’s the most beautiful time of the year on the KZN South Coast, as the approach of autumn promises some relief from the heat of summer, and balmy evenings mean that staying outdoors to watch the sun go down is the perfect way to end the day.

We’ve found the 10 best places to watch the sun set as you sip an ice-cold beer or a glass of wine…

1. The terrace at Umthunzi is top of the list.
2. Sunset cruise on the Umzimkulu River, Port Shepstone.
3. Jaxx, Tweni
4. Southport Beach picnic area.
5. The Whale Viewing Deck, Umtentweni
6. C-Bali, St Michaels on Sea.
7. The Cocktail Deck, Blue Lagoon Ramsgate.
8. Larry’s Family Restaurant, Uvongo.
9. Grassy area, Southbroom Main Beach.
10. Riptide Restaurant Southbroom..

1. The terrace at Umthunzi is top of the list

Whale watch from the terrace deck of this award-winning, luxurious yet uniquely affordable hotel, as you sip a sundowner. If you want to stay for supper, dinners are served at the hotel’s 30◦ South, by reservation. Umthunzi Hotel and Conference Centre is the ideal venue for weddings, conferences, family vacations, or a romantic getaway (there’s a spa on-site too).

2. Sunset cruise on the Umzimkulu River, Port Shepstone

If you want a unique sundowner experience, then why not book a romantic river cruise, and sip champagne as you watch the sun set over the water…

Umzimkulu Marina is the departure point and the hour-long barge cruise along the river is lots of fun if you book for a group of friends. The cost is R100 per person and the vessel can accommodate a maximum of 12 people. (Minimum charge is R500) Choose your time (tide-dependent) and bring your own refreshments: it’s not a cruise without the booze…

For bookings call 073 271 1694

3. Jaxx, Tweni

Jaxx is loved by locals and visitors for its casual dining style, great menu (the Jaxx pizz is legendary) and slick service. Their cocktail menu is extensive and their covered sea-facing patio is the perfect place to have one as the sun sets over the sea. Sometimes they have live music on weekends too. Booking is essential on Wednesdays (awesome ladies’ night specials) and during high season.

Jaxx: 039 695 1731

4. Southport Beach picnic area

Southport is a Blue Flag status family-friendly beach less than 5kms from Umtentweni. On a windless evening, the tidal pool is like a mirror and the sunsets are spectacular. The grassy picnic area is fitted with braais so you can make an event of it. And if you fancy fish and chips or a seafood platter, then the Captain’s Anchor pub and restaurant offers value for money – with a breaker sea view.

5. The Whale Viewing Deck, Umtentweni

There’s always something happening on the South Coast: if the whales have already passed by, then schools of dolphins or the annual sardine run will provide entertainment along the coastline. The whale deck offers spectacular Indian Ocean and Umzimkulu River mouth views. Follow signs from the Umtentweni traffic lights.

6. C-Bali, St Michaels on Sea

We’re always on the lookout for food with a view and C-Bali offers the best view in St Mikes. Overlooking the bay at the main swimming beach, you can watch the surfers catch the last waves of the day as you wait for the sun to set. Sushi and gourmet burgers are their specialities, and they pride themselves on their craft gin and beer selections.

1 Bay Rd, St Michaels on Sea

Tel. 072 546 1898

7. The Cocktail Deck, Blue Lagoon Ramsgate

It’s hard to beat this view – or their slushy cocktails. The vibe is always festive and beach wear and sarongs are the dress code in summer. Pizzas and snack baskets are available on the top deck and the restaurant below offers a more extensive menu. Worth a drive to Ramsgate just for the view!

Tel. 039 314 4149

8. Larry’s Family Restaurant, Uvongo

Across the road from Uvongo beach, this is the second Larry’s on the south coast (the first one opened in Margate).  The 180 degree ocean views and a children’s play area means that parents can relax over sundowners while children are occupied. Featuring a gorgeous bar area and outdoor seating, their ribs are considered the best on the coast!

Saints View Building, Stafford Rd, Uvongo

Tel: 039 315 0190

9. Grassy area, Southbroom Main Beach

 

On Friday nights, locals loll on the grass area in front of Southbroom’s main beach, to watch the sun set over the sea and lagoon. Of course, any evening with great weather is a good time to be at the beach, and Southbroom is no exception

10. Riptide Restaurant Southbroom

Another one on our ‘food with a view’ list, Riptide has a fabulous wine list and offers light meals and seafood – as long as you are prepared to eat early. (It’s not a late night venue but later dinner bookings can be made by arrangement.) Order a carafe of dry white and watch the sun go down over Southbroom – you can’t get closer to the beach.

Tel: 039 316 6151

Sasha is a freelance journalist and has a passion for writing, reading, good food and wine. She’s obsessed with the IDEA of healthy eating (as well as chocolate – dark of course) and is always experimenting with alternative health therapies and trying to get the family to eat less sugar. Her best reward at the end of a busy week: a good book or time to sit on the beach and stare at the sea: whichever option is available.