Port Shepstone, South Coast of KZN

Port Shepstone is one of the largest Towns of the KwaZulu Natal South Coast in South Africa. Port Shepstone is a popular tourist destination and offers a diversity of attractions and activities. Port Shepstone boasts unspoiled sandy beaches with warm waters rich in marine life. These waters are ideal for fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. The 18 km of Coastline and stretches of rolling surf are ideal for surfing, ski-boating and jet-skiing. Also, take the fantastic opportunity to go on a boat trip and watch whales and swim with dolphins. The uMzimkhulu river means 'Home of all rivers'. It is the largest of the South Coast Rivers and meets the sea at Port Shepstone. Enjoy leisure boat trips on these glistening waters and admire the rich wildlife and bird life along the banks. If you would prefer a little activity, there’s river rafting, boating, canoeing, windsurfing and water skiing to excite you for hours on end. The uMzimkhulu River cuts inland and joins the Mzinkulwana River to form the 24 km long Oribi Gorge. This gorge boasts spectacular rocky outcrops such as the Overhanging Rock and the shimmering 170m Lehr's Falls. Here, if you are brave enough, you can enjoy the thrill of the world's highest commercial abseil at 110m. There are also hiking trails through beautiful scenery resonant with over 250 species of bird calls and the forest sounds of buck, baboons and monkeys. To discover more of this town’s fascinating history, visit the Port Shepstone Museum. This charming museum details the town's history with a series of exhibits carrying a maritime theme. The 27 000 candela Lighthouse still stands at the mouth of the Umzimkulu River. Murky waters conceal the sunken vessels of the Sao Joao and Grosvenor whose fatal hull punctures on sharp rocks dropped them to the ocean bed heavy with gold, jewels and silver. The town; named after Sir Theophilus Shepstone an honoured statesman of native affairs, once functioned as an operating harbour! The original light beacon of yesteryear that warned look-outs clutched to passing ships' masts of the approaching peril was an ordinary ships masthead lantern that swayed atop a laddered structure since 1895. The present cast iron Lighthouse was erected during 1906 and today you can still explore this unique Lighthouse. Murky waters conceal the sunken vessels of the Sao Joao and Grosvenor whose fatal hull punctures on sharp rocks dropped them to the ocean bed heavy with gold, jewels and silver. The Port Shepstone Lighthouse was retired of its duty in 1905 and replaced with an 8 meter high circular cast iron tower (now equipped with a radio beacon) erected at the Umzimkulu River mouth. Visible from 26 nautical miles this fully automated Port Shepstone Lighthouse runs off a mains supply with a back-up double diesel alternator set. A revolving electric light with a power of 1 130 000 CD flashes once every six seconds over the Pondoland waters that treasure hunters believe, keeps the Peacock Throne of the Moguls (estimated value in excess of £ 6 000 000) submerged.