South Africa’s favourite winter defrost destination
Ramsgate Ramble
Image Sasha Wyatt-Minter
The KZN coastline boasts the mildest winter temperatures in SA, making this part of the world the ideal time to enjoy a getaway that includes long walks on pristine beaches, whale and dolphin watching, and sunny skies.
There are a number of reasons why the south coast of KZN is the perfect defrost destination: winter reveals a quieter, more contemplative side of the coastline — cooler temperatures, crisp air, and long golden hours of sunlight, a welcome escape from chilly nights and icy mornings in Gauteng and the Free State.
Mid-year is often drier and less windy than other wetter coastal regions in South Africa. There’s also mostly zero humidity and less sunscreen required… all perfect conditions for long walks on the region’s many beautiful beaches.
From Southport to Trafalgar, this stretch offers more than just sea and sand: it’s a mosaic of tidal pools, cliff paths, cozy cafés, and vast sweeping beaches that seem to go on forever.
These are some of my favourite beaches for brisk morning walks or sunset strolls – with oceanside cafes to enjoy great coffee or a glass of wine with a view!
Southport: Gateway to calm
Southport beach
Image Sasha Wyatt-Minter
Begin your winter coastal ramble in Southport, a sleepy village with a gently sloping beach that opens into rock pools and smooth sands. In the winter months, the beaches are pleasantly uncrowded.
The Captain’s Anchor, a rustic beachside pub and restaurant, is the perfect stop for a hearty breakfast or a warming coffee before you hit the shoreline. (Their milkshakes are legendary too.)
Tidal Pools: nature’s aquariums
Heading south, the shoreline transforms with natural tidal pools, perfect for peaceful reflection or spotting tiny marine creatures. At low tide, these pools are nature’s aquariums. Winter skies reflect in the still water, creating a mirror-like scene that’s perfect for photography.
St Mikes: Winter surf paradise
View of St Mikes beach
Image Sasha Wyatt-Minter
Even in winter, surfers brave the cool Indian Ocean swells of St Michaels-on-Sea, a vibrant beach known for its family-friendly atmosphere, Overlooking the main beach is C-Bali restaurant offering stunning views of the beach, great gourmet burgers and an extensive sushi menu.
If you’re in the area on a Saturday, join the Park Run, a weekly 5km event that hugs the coastline between St Michaels and Uvongo. It’s a casual way to get moving with locals, with some of the best panoramic views of the coast.
Uvongo – where the waterfall cascades into the lagoon
Uvongo Falls
Image: Facebook Justin Klusener
Continuing on, Uvongo Beach is a highlight not just for its shoreline but also for the waterfall that cascades into the lagoon. This is a uniquely tranquil spot, where you can sit and enjoy the mix of freshwater and ocean spray. Grab lunch at the Pavilion Restaurant, perched just above the beach, offering a commanding view of the merging waters and winter skies.
Ramsgate and the famous Ramble
Ramsgate Ramble
Image Sasha Wyatt-Minter
Just a short drive or energetic walk further south brings you to Ramsgate, one of the gems of the Lower South Coast. The Ramsgate Ramble, a scenic walking trail carved into the cliffside, winds its way along the coast through coastal forest, over sandy stretches, and past iconic viewpoints. The Blue Lagoon is a favourite pause point, with its cocktail deck offering some of the best sea views and the lights over the lagoon when the sun goes down.
Waffle House
Image Facebook
Fuel up at The Waffle House, an institution in Ramsgate. Their outdoor seating, sheltered by trees, is a cozy winter treat. Think warm waffles with caramel syrup and a hot cappuccino while watching the lazy river drift toward the sea.
Ski Boat Club and Southbroom serenity
View from Hibiscus Ski Boat Club
Image Sasha Wyatt-Minter
From Ramsgate’s main swimming beach, it’s a 10 minute walk to the Ski Boat Club -another excellent place to watch the sunrise or chat with local fishermen returning from early-morning launches. Their calamari and chips are a famous lunchtime treat and you can’t eat closer to the sea!
Just a couple of kilometres past Ramsgate, Southbroom is one of the coast’s more pristine areas — quiet, clean, and edged with indigenous coastal forest.
Image Pixabay
Riptide, overlooks the lagoon and main beach, and in winter this café is all about light blankets, sea views, and soul food. Southbroom also offers SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) hire, an ideal way to explore the lagoon or the gentle surf in calmer weather.
Trafalgar and the sweeping sands
Finally, your winter walk brings you to Trafalgar, where the beach stretches for seven kilometres of uninterrupted sand at low tide, depending on your route. It’s one of the few places on the coast where you can truly feel alone with the ocean. The beach is flanked by coastal bush and gentle dunes, making it feel wild and untouched.
Trafalgar is also part of a Marine Protected Area, meaning the biodiversity here — from sea snails to dolphins — is rich and often visible. Bring binoculars and you have a good chance of spotting migrating whales offshore.
There’s something deeply restorative about beach walks in winter
The absence of crowds and the way the golden hour lingers over the sea all lends the KZN Lower South Coast a serene magic. Each stop from Southport to Trafalgar offers its own flavour, whether it’s a steaming mug of coffee at Captain’s Anchor, a cheerful wave from fellow runners in St Michaels, or the timeless rhythm of waves along Ramsgate’s Ramble.
So pack your walking shoes, a windbreaker, and maybe a camera. Whether you’re covering the full stretch or simply dipping in for a few kilometres, a winter beach walk on the Lower South Coast is a soulful experience — one step at a time.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sasha Wyatt-Minter
