Are you looking forward to your next holiday adventure yet? Treat yourself and your loved ones to the sights, sounds, and experiences of Port Edward. This gem of a resort town in Kwa-Zulu Natal sits at the northern end of the Wild Coast and the southern end of the Hibiscus Coast. It is a highly recommended holiday destination thanks to a desirable combination of a favourable climate, warm seas breaking onto beautiful beaches and the many things to see and do in the area.
List of things to do in Port Edward
Experience Mpenjati Nature Reserve
If you head north from Port Edward, it’s a short 15-minute drive to this 66 hectare reserve situated along the banks of the Mpenjati river.
It is a popular day-visitor venue for hiking, fishing, swimming, and birding. There is an entrance fee payable to help with the upkeep of the reserve. If you are looking for a venue to relax at a braai but keep the kids occupied at the playground, then you are in for a treat. There is a good braai area and the ablution facilities are well kept.
The reserve offers two undemanding yet very enjoyable hiking trails with viewing platforms. The Yengele Trail, which is 1.8km in length, takes you through one of the largest dune forests in Kwa-Zulu Natal. You will see many birds, and if you are vigilant, you could even spot some antelope or fish eagles. The 1.2km Ipithi Trail allows for some great views with a chance to spot blue or grey duikers and bushbuck.
Enjoy the wide open spaces of Palm Beach and the picturesque grasslands and wetlands, but please don’t take anything away from the reserve or disturb any plants or animals.
Visit the Munster Motor Museum
Whether you are a mildly curious type or a dedicated petrolhead, a visit to the Munster Motor Museum is certainly something to put on your to-do list. Situated just off Monty Sawyer Drive this small museum is packed with some motoring treasures.
Take your time to look through the glass display cases. You will find a great collection of model cars, including a large collection of Ferrari models. There is an interesting collection of older car magazines and service manuals to have a look through.
Not only are there lovely old cars and motorcycles to look at, but you are also given the opportunity to look through the display of engines. From diesel and steam to 2-stroke and 4-stroke gasoline examples.
Amongst the collection, you will come across a steamship crankshaft of all things. In January of 1993, the fishing vessel Nightingale was shipwrecked on Glenmore Beach to the north of Port Edward. It was donated to the museum by Monty Sawyer, who had the salvage rights to the ship. If you are curious, take a walk on Glenmore beach and you can inspect what remains of the boiler and engine.
Discover The Red Desert
When heading south from Port Edward to visit the Umtamvuna Reserve, take the time to pop in and experience the Red Desert. Recognized by the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s smallest desert, this roughly circular area with a diameter of only 200 meters is within the Red Desert Nature Reserve, which in itself is only 180 hectares.
Surrounded by Wild Coast vegetation, this Pleistocene age, dark red sand area was thought to have come about by the overgrazing of cattle that the Zulus had captured and was then further helped by wind erosion. There have been archaeological finds dating back many millions of years proving that dinosaurs once roamed there.
For a time, it was even added to navigation manuals as a landmark for ships to use while heading along the coast. Visitors are encouraged to either walk or cycle through this reserve and to enjoy the views and bird life. To enter this internationally protected heritage site, you will need to have purchased a ticket online, children under 12 are free.
Have fun at Wild Waves Water Park
If you love having fun in the water, then just south of the Mtamvuna river is one of the Wild Coast’s most sought-after attractions. Thrill-seekers will love some of the world’s best excitement in water rides. From the Superbowl to the Boomerango, with steep body slides in between, there is a great assortment of thrills to choose from.
This professionally operated, world-standard designed water park is a must-see on your list for summer. If you are there for the day, and you should be, you will not go hungry as there is a Spur restaurant and the Surf Shack Bar. For the young ones, there is a designated children’s area to keep them entertained. There are change rooms and bathrooms, including lockers for hire, so you can enjoy peace of mind with your valuables stashed away safely. After all the excitement, unwind by floating along the lazy river.
Spend a day at the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve
Only a few minutes drive south of Port Edward, you will find this gem of a 3200 hectare reserve. Here you will find an area that is rich in a diversity of habitats. In spring, you can enjoy the eye-catching surroundings while admiring the nearly 400 species of trees and plants, some of which are only found on the Wild Coast. Several trees along the trails have signs showing what their names are.
It is known as a day-trail reserve as there is no overnight accommodation. However, there are excellent b&b and self-catering places to be found near the reserve and in Port Edward. If you are not in the mood for a hike but want to spend some time outdoors, take a picnic basket and relax in the picnic area above the office.
If you enjoy birdwatching, then you will be kept busy by the fantastic diversity of over 200 species of avian life that can be found amongst the lush green backdrop that this area provides. It is also home to a variety of animals. There are several buck species, from the blue and grey duiker to reedbuck and bushbuck. The cheeky Sykes monkeys can be plentiful, and if you are lucky, you will spot a baboon or two.
You have several trails to choose from that can be walked or hiked in anything from half an hour to several hours. Check at the office to see which would suit you, and remember to bring drinking water.
Enjoy a chilled day at Silver Beach
There are times when you need to experience a proper sand and surf day, and Silver Beach ticks all the boxes. This beautiful, soft-sand beach is a very popular venue for doing classic beach activities such as sun tanning, swimming, and fishing.
If you are a ski-boat owner and want to experience the great fishing conditions of the Wild Coast, then speak to the folks at the Marling Ski-boat Club. They have their clubhouse and launch site at the south end of the beach. If you prefer to fish from the shore, then you can try your luck on the river or in the lagoon.
Scuba divers can head just offshore to see what they can find at the wreck of the São João. This vessel was dashed against the coast in a terrible storm in 1552 while returning to Portugal after having traded with India for spices, wood, and cloth.
Apart from surf, sun and sand, you will find the longest super tube in South Africa alongside a splash pool that will help to keep the children entertained. Just up from the beach, there are shops where you can purchase ice cream, cool drinks, and snacks to help make it a full-day experience.
Take a tour of Beaver Creek Coffee Farm
For all the Java lovers out there, it is a must-visit when in Port Edward. Take their “Crop to Cup” walking tour. You will be shown the processes that help the coffee bean on its journey, from how it is grown and harvested to the art of roasting and how to make the perfect brew. At the end of the tour, you can enjoy a bottomless coffee tasting of the various blends and single-origin coffees that are grown on the farm. The tour starts at midday and you will need to book in advance as it can be well attended.
The Estate Cafe provides delicious meals, choose from their range of freshly brewed coffees. Make a point of purchasing a bag of your favourite coffee to take back home with you.
Off-road cycling is catered for on the farm. You have the choice between the 8.5km Stoney Creek Route, which takes you through Beaver Creek and some of the neighbouring farms. This single trail allows you to get some exercise while breathing in the fresh air. Another option is the 2.5km Espresso Route for an easier ride through the coffee fields. The youngsters can enjoy the 400m Chocochino Route at the coffee shop.
Mac Banana Estate
If you and the family are looking to take a break from the beach, then you are in for a treat at Mac Banana Estate. There are adventure activities for the whole family, several restaurants, and a gift shop for the souvenir hunters.
For the adventurous, there are several ways to be entertained. The Mac Chimp & Zee is a continuous zipline that is available as three separate courses. The Conquer is a children’s jungle gym and an adult obstacle course.
If you are 16 years of age or older, try the Mac Quads for a thirty-minute tour of the estate. For the marksman in the family, there is the Mac Archer & Airgun Range. Here you can hire a bow and arrow for something traditional or try your accuracy skills with a battery M4 or pellet gun.
The Mac Paint Ball area can test even the most battle-hardened. They rent out the full kit, so get your paintball gun, a pair of overalls, goggles, and 50 balls and go blasting.
The less active can choose from some of the other enjoyable activities. In the Mac Farmyard, you can buy a packet of animal feed, take an animal farm tour, or let the youngsters enjoy a pony ride.
If dad forgot his clubs at home, he can still have a bit of fun on the Mac Venture Golf 18-hole adventure course, or the whole family can have a laugh on the 9-hole mini putt-putt course.
Want to be amongst some pretty insects? Take the Macbutterfly tour and enjoy these delicate creatures. It is best you go on a hot, sunny day to really enjoy the experience.
Party at The Riverside
Just off the R61 on the banks of the Umtamvuna river, you will find The Riverside, which is owned and run by the Wild Coast Sun. The beach bar is very popular, and the restaurant serves up some delicious meals. If you would prefer to do it your way, there are braai facilities available as well.
There are a number of water activities that you can choose from. If exploring is your thing, hire a kayak for the day and enjoy a paddle up the river for a picnic on Leopards Beach. Is a bit of adrenalin your thing? Try wakeskating, skiing or wakeboarding. If your kids are a little on the younger side, you can treat them to a ride on a peddle boat.
Set the evening off to a good start. Book a seat on the Dreamweaver for a romantic sunset cruise up the river and soak up the views at a leisurely pace.
Comment (0)