Take a walk on the wild side: 10 of the best hiking trails on the KZN South Coast

Why not step into spring and celebrate the warmer weather with a coastal getaway? In this part of KZN, the weather warms up in September, and if you’re not ready to take a dip in the ocean before summer, there is so much more to explore…

Arguably the warmest part of South Africa in springtime, the KZN South Coast is well known for its sandy beaches, safe swimming tidal pools, golf courses and legendary places to eat.

However, the natural beauty of the area is not limited to the coastline: the region offers a collection of nature walks and hiking trails to suit everyone – from those wanting a leisurely stroll on the beach or in the forest, to cliffs and gorges that challenge adrenaline-seeking serious hikers.

An extraordinary variety of landscapes 

One minute you can be strolling along the promenade in Margate or enjoying the waterfall at Uvongo; the next, you’re following a forest trail, looking down into a river gorge or standing on a sandstone cliff with nothing but green hills stretching towards the horizon.

This is what makes hiking on the KZN South Coast so rewarding. The region offers an extraordinary variety of landscapes — beaches, coastal forests, river valleys, grasslands, gorges and even what has been described as the world’s smallest desert at Umtamvuna Nature Reserve.

You don’t have to be an experienced mountain hiker either

There are easy coastal rambles, family-friendly nature walks and challenging day hikes for those looking for something more adventurous.

 

Here are 10 trails and nature walks worth exploring on your next holiday at the coast:

 

1. Uvongo River and forest trail — start with a waterfall

The Uvongo River provides one of the easiest ways to experience the South Coast’s subtropical scenery. The popular route follows the river inland from Uvongo Beach, passing the spectacular waterfall before continuing into riverine forest and the Uvongo River Nature Reserve.

The scenery changes surprisingly quickly. The ocean is replaced by lush vegetation, birdsong and the sound of running water. The waterfall itself is the obvious highlight, while the forest provides shade on warmer days.

Best for: Families, casual walkers, birdwatchers and visitors wanting a short nature experience.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

 

2. Uvongo to Manaba — The coastal sunrise classic

For something considerably less strenuous, follow the coast from Uvongo towards Manaba Beach.

This approximately two kilometre route is scenic rather than strenuous, and is popular with locals for walking and jogging.

It’s an ideal sunrise walk: ocean on one side, holiday homes and coastal vegetation on the other, with plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the view. Don’t expect a wilderness hike — this is a relaxed coastal ramble — but that is exactly its appeal.

Best for: Sunrise walkers, families, joggers and anyone short on time.

Difficulty: Easy.

 

3. Skyline Nature Reserve, Margate and Bushbuck Trail, Southbroom

Situated between Uvongo and Margate, Skyline Nature Reserve is proof that you don’t need to drive for hours to find nature. It is a particularly good choice when you want a quieter morning away from the beach without committing to a full-day hike.

The reserve contains an impressive variety of trees and supports wildlife including blue duiker, grey duiker and bushbuck, together with numerous bird species. Most of the walking trails take about an hour to complete.

Further south, Southbroom offers the Bushbuck Trail (entrance can be found at Eyles Park next to the tennis club). This trail is rich in birdlife, mammals and plants.

Best for: Birding, families and short nature walks.

Difficulty: Easy.

 

4. Ramsgate Marine Ramble — Walk beside the ocean

The South Coast is blessed with spectacular beaches, so naturally some of its best walks follow the shoreline.

The Ramsgate Marine Ramble is a six kilometre coastal walk that combines exercise with opportunities to spot birdlife and marine animals. Depending on the season, (usually between May and October), you might even be lucky enough to see dolphins or migrating whales.

It is a great reminder that hiking does not always have to mean mountains and backpacks. Sometimes all you need is a pair of comfortable shoes and an ocean view.

Best for: Coastal walkers, wildlife enthusiasts and moderate fitness levels.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

 

5. Oribi Gorge — Hoopoe Falls trail

If you want the South Coast’s greatest hiking adventure, head inland to Oribi Gorge.

Situated approximately 21 kilometres from Port Shepstone, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve protects a spectacular sandstone gorge carved by the Umzimkulwana River. The reserve is approximately 1 900 hectares in size and offers a selection of trails through forest, grassland and gorge country.

The seven kilometre Hoopoe Falls Trail is one of the standout routes. The combination of forest, river scenery and waterfall makes it a rewarding hike for anyone wanting something more substantial than a beach walk. Other routes include the Nkonka Trail, View Trail, Samango River Trail and Horseman’s Point.

Best for: Experienced walkers, waterfalls, photography and adventure.

Difficulty: Moderate to hard.

 

6. Oribi Gorge — View Trail and Horseman’s Point

Not every visit to Oribi Gorge needs to involve a long hike.

The reserve’s shorter routes and viewpoints provide opportunities to experience the extraordinary landscape without spending an entire day on the trail. The Horseman’s Point route is approximately 4,5 kilometres, while the View Trail is about nine kilometres.

Above the gorge, enormous sandstone formations create some of the region’s most dramatic scenery, with landmarks including The Needle, Baboon’s Castle, The Pulpit and Hanging Rock.

Best for: Scenic viewpoints and hikers wanting a choice of distances.

Difficulty: Moderate.

 

7. Beaver Creek — Hike. Rest. Coffee

For something completely different, make a day of a visit to Beaver Creek Coffee Estate near Port Edward.

The estate’s hiking routes pass through farmland and indigenous vegetation, with trails ranging from roughly 45 minutes to two hours and views towards the Umtamvuna River.

What makes Beaver Creek particularly appealing is the combination of hiking and coffee culture. You can walk through the countryside in the morning and then reward yourself with a freshly brewed cup of locally grown coffee.

It is an excellent option for couples, families and visitors looking for an outing that combines nature, food and scenery.

Best for: Leisure hikers, families and coffee lovers.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

 

8. Clearwater Trails — Into the Umtamvuna Valley

Clearwater Trails offers a more rural hiking experience. The trails move from farmland into indigenous vegetation and towards the Umtamvuna River Gorge.

This is the sort of place where the pleasure lies as much in the surroundings as in the kilometres covered: open countryside, vegetation, river scenery and the feeling of getting away from the developed coastline.

Best for: Nature lovers, photographers and hikers seeking tranquillity.

Difficulty: Moderate.

 

9. Umtamvuna Nature Reserve — heading into the wild South Coast

For serious nature lovers, Umtamvuna Nature Reserve South Gate deserves a place near the top of the list.

Just outside Port Edward, the reserve is known for its dramatic gorges, rich plant diversity and exceptional birdlife. It is home to species including Cape Vulture, Crowned Eagle, Knysna Turaco, Southern Ground Hornbill and African Finfoot.

The current trail information includes the short Kingfisher Trail, the two kilometre Loerie Trail, the four kilometre Ingungumbane Trail and longer routes such as the eight kilometre Fish Eagle, Impunzi and Nkonka trails.

For a real hiking challenge, the longer routes provide an opportunity to spend several hours exploring the reserve’s varied terrain.

And then there is the famous Red Desert — an extraordinary landscape that feels completely unexpected on South Africa’s lush subtropical coast.

Best for: Serious hikers, birders, botanists and adventurous families.

Difficulty: Easy to hard, depending on the route.

 

10. Mpenjati Nature Reserve — Where forest meets sea

Between Southbroom and Port Edward is Trafalgar’s Mpenjati Nature Reserve, another rewarding nature destination.

Here the landscape brings together coastal vegetation, an estuary and beach, creating an environment that is ideal for walking and wildlife watching. The wider South Coast tourism network also highlights guided low-tide beach walks in the area, where visitors can look for marine fossils.

Mpenjati is a particularly good choice if your idea of hiking includes plenty of pauses to look at the scenery, investigate the shoreline and watch wildlife.

Best for: Families, nature lovers and coastal explorers.

Difficulty: Easy to moderate.

 

 

The beauty of hiking along the KZN lower South Coast region is that you don’t have to choose between a beach and a hiking holiday. You can have both.

 

Spend a morning exploring the Uvongo River, take a leisurely coastal walk the following day and then dedicate a full day to the spectacular cliffs and forests of Oribi Gorge. If you’re heading towards Port Edward, add Beaver Creek and Umtamvuna to the itinerary and you suddenly have several days of exploration.

The variety is remarkable. Within roughly an hour’s drive, you can move from Indian Ocean beaches to subtropical forest, from farmland to deep river gorges and from sandstone cliffs to the unusual red sands of Umtamvuna.

Most important hiking tip

Check access arrangements and trail conditions before setting out. Some reserves and private estates operate according to specific opening times or require visitors to arrange access in advance.

For official reserve information, the current Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife website is the best place to check before visiting Umtamvuna or Oribi Gorge.

Finally, remember to leave nothing behind… except footprints.

 

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.