KZN Coastline

The KZN Coastline

The KZN Coastline – Prince’s Grant to Wild Coast Sun

From the laid-back shores of Zinkwazi Beach in the north to the winding banks of the Umtamvuna River in the south, KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline unfolds as one of South Africa’s most rewarding golfing corridors. Within this stretch lies an extraordinary collection of some 21 golf courses, each distinct in character, yet united by scenery, accessibility, and undeniable value.

Few regions can claim such variety within a single coastal drive. Here, world-class golf estates sit comfortably alongside traditional country clubs steeped in local heritage.

What makes the KZN South Coast and North Coast so compelling, however, is not just the quality of the golf. It is the value. These courses consistently deliver exceptional experiences without the prohibitive price tags often associated with premier destinations. Visitors

enjoy top-tier conditioning, warm hospitality, and facilities that rival those of far more expensive international markets.

And of course, this is KwaZulu-Natal, one of South Africa’s most beloved tourist destinations. Beyond the 18th green lies an abundance of choice: luxury beachfront accommodation, boutique guesthouses, fine dining, vibrant cafés, nature reserves, fishing, surfing, and family-friendly attractions. It is a region where a golf trip easily becomes something more, a full coastal escape.

For the travelling golfer, the message is simple: this stretch of coastline is not just a collection of courses, but a ready-made golfing holiday. Whether you are planning a competitive tour with friends, a relaxed couples’ getaway, or a multi-round adventure across different layouts, the options are both plentiful and practical.

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Built on steep rolling terrain, through valleys and over hills, Prince’s Grant is a visual feast and an entertainingly varied challenge. Lots of unique looking holes, some in tropical surroundings among the coastal bush, others on higher ground being links-like in appearance.

The clubhouse and lodge is a magnificent double-storey building occupying a prime position with sea views, and bears a striking resemblance to that at Shinnecock Hills in the United States.

A wonderful year-round destination, golfers are lured here in winter by clear, windless days and warm temperatures.

(0) 32 482 0005 +27 (0) 76 194 0251 reception@pglodge.co.za

TIN CUP

PRINCE’S GRANT

Escape within the secure Prince’s Grant Estate on the KZN North Coast.

This beautifully designed home welcomes guests with natural light, comfortable interiors, and a relaxed layout that encourages easy holiday living. The open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge areas lead out onto a private pool deck, perfect for slow mornings, warm afternoons, and evening braais.

The home features three well-appointed bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, creating comfort and privacy for families or groups travelling together. Whether you’re enjoying the estate’s beaches, playing a round of golf, or simply settling in for a peaceful weekend, Tin Cup provides the ideal base for a refreshing and memorable stay.

Attractions

• Prince’s Grant Golf Course

• Private Prince’s Grant Beach

• Birding & Nature Trails

• Modern open-plan living and dining area

• Fully equipped kitchen

• Private outdoor area with pool

• Self-check-in

• Sleeps 6

• 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms

• Linen and towels provided

• Secure parking

Prince’s Grant guests benefit from secure estate living, scenic walking trails, abundant birdlife, a renowned golf course, and easy access to the beach. Tin Cup combines all of these elements with the thoughtful touches and high-standard hospitality that Stay in KZN is known for.

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We encourage you to use this feature as your starting point for planning your next golfing vacation along the KZN coast. Should you require assistance or have specific questions, SA Golf Trader stands ready to help you tailor the perfect itinerary.

Contact details

Prince’s Grant Golf Estate

Simbithi Country Club

Umhlali Country Club

Zimbali Country Club

Zimbali Lakes Resort

Mount Edgecombe Country Club

Beachwood Golf Club

Durban Country Club

Royal Durban Golf Club

Bluff National Park Golf Club Amanzimtoti Golf Club

Umkomaas Golf Club

Scottburgh Golf Club Selborne Golf Estate Umdoni Park Golf Club Port Shepstone Country Club Margate Country Club

Southbroom Golf Club

Port Edward Country Club

Coast Country Club

The fairways are waiting, and along this coastline, they come with sea breezes included.

Zimbali Lakes Resort

On South Africa’s rapidly evolving KwaZulu-Natal North Coast, few developments capture the imagination quite like Zimbali Lakes Resort. Anchored by an Ernie Els signature design golf course, which has quickly positioned itself as more than just another championship layout, it is emerging as the centrepiece of a broader luxury lifestyle precinct.

A Different Kind of Els Course

Those familiar with Ernie Els designed courses will recognise the hallmarks: bold shaping, dramatic visuals, and layouts that test even accomplished players from the back tees. Yet Zimbali Lakes distinguishes itself through balance. It is unquestionably a championship course, but one that rewards strategy more than just length.

premium, setting a high benchmark from the outset. The closing stretch in particular delivers both theatre and challenge, a spectator-friendly run of holes that lingers in the memory. Complementing the on-course experience is a modern clubhouse, set to open in April 2026, designed to transform a round of golf into a full-day lifestyle occasion.

Strategic, Striking, and Surprisingly Welcoming

Here, precision trumps power. The routing flows naturally through the estate, weaving between water features and subtle elevation shifts. Generous corridors offer visual width but demand thoughtful placement. It is golf that asks questions rather than simply penalising.

Several elements elevate the experience further. Conditioning standards have been consistently

The most consistent feedback from golfers has centred on four themes: strategic design, visual appeal, immaculate conditioning, and accessibility across handicap levels.

Players frequently remark on the quality of the greens and fairways, as well as the variety in hole design. At Zimbali Lakes, no two holes feel alike; each presents its own narrative and demands a considered approach. The finishing holes, in particular, have drawn praise for their drama and sense of occasion.

Perhaps most telling is the sentiment that the course has already exceeded expectations in its first full season. There is a widespread belief that, as the landscape matures and the estate evolves, the golf experience will only strengthen.

round on the Dolphin Coast Play where legends meet the fairway.

At The Capital Zimbali Resort, every round is framed by sweeping coastal forest and endless Indian Ocean views. Tee off on the private championship Zimbali Country Club, then retreat to luxury at one of South Africa’s most iconic coastal destinations

Our Stay & Play package is designed for golfers who want the perfect balance of championship golf and effortless relaxation. Tee Off. Stay in Style. Repeat.

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The North Coast’s Momentum

Zimbali Lakes does not exist in isolation. It is part of a broader surge along KwaZulu-Natal’s North Coast, driven by accessibility and lifestyle appeal. Proximity to King Shaka International Airport, just 15 minutes away, has been a decisive factor.

Add to that a subtropical climate with mild winters and warm summers, blue-flag swimming beaches, and a diverse range of outdoor pursuits from surfing to game fishing, and the appeal becomes clear. Quality private schooling and medical facilities have further strengthened the semigration trend, with significant numbers of families relocating to the region each month.

More Than a Golf Estate

What ultimately defines Zimbali Lakes Resort is integration. Golf sits at its heart, but it is only one component of a multi-layered lifestyle offering.

Residents enjoy beach access, dining at the Zimbali Lakes Clubhouse, home to the Big Easy Winebar & Grill, as well as the security and estate management expected of a premium development. Walking trails, water features, leisure facilities and contemporary architectural design

combine to create a multi-generational environment suited to families, retirees and investors alike.

There is also a palpable sense of forward momentum. As new amenities roll out in the coming years, the precinct feels not static but ascending, growing in both stature and value.

A Compelling Investment Case

From an investment perspective, the fundamentals are strong. The estate benefits from its prime North Coast location, rising demand for secure lifestyle living, and notable rental and holiday letting potential. Long-term capital appreciation in the region further enhances its appeal.

Residential options are diverse: freehold stands, luxury villas, apartments, townhouses, golf-side homes, ocean-facing properties and sectional title units. Buyers can opt to build bespoke architectural homes or select turnkey offerings within the estate.

In essence, Zimbali Lakes offers more than bricks and mortar. It presents a lifestyle proposition, secure, aspirational, with access to a world-class golf environment bearing the unmistakable signature of Ernie Els.

Inside the Changing Expectations of Modern Wedding Venues

Venues that allow guests to arrive early, stay longer and move easily between spaces are increasingly favoured, particularly in coastal regions like KZN where celebrations often extend across a weekend. Estates that combine natural surroundings with established hospitality infrastructure are well positioned to meet this shift, offering couples a balance of atmosphere and operational ease.

At Simbithi Country Club, weddings are supported by an integrated environment that extends beyond a single event space. A panoramic view of an award-winning golf course with indigenous green corridors and leisure facilities encourages guests to explore and connect, while the Club’s layout allows celebrations to unfold across multiple settings without feeling fragmented. Dining also plays a central role, with food offerings available from the Fig Tree Restaurant alongside tailored catering solutions, including access to private chef services for bespoke menus, a growing priority for couples seeking personalised, experience-driven celebrations.

As the wedding industry continues to evolve, venues that respond to these changing expectations, blending setting, infrastructure and experience, are redefining what makes a great wedding venue. Within KwaZulu-Natal’s expanding wedding landscape, venues like Simbithi Country Club offer insight into why destination-style venues are increasingly shaping how, and where, couples choose to celebrate.

Umkomaas golf course was first constructed, as a 9-hole layout, in 1913 but was expanded to 18 holes in 1926. In 1932 reknown course designer Robert "Bob" Grimsdell re-designed the course, capitalising on the natural contours of the land and taking advantage of the glorious sea views - in fact, most holes offer great views of the warm Indian ocean. The course layout has remained largely unchanged and as a result, one of Umkomaas' unique features are the raised greens, thanks to over 100 years of top-dressings and treatments.

Although not overly long, the course offers a great challenge for low handicappers, especially when the coastal winds blow. It is however forgiving for even an occasional golfer making it the perfect option for families and groups. Well placed bunkers and undulating fairways mean that those seeking to card a low round need to think their way around the course whilst those looking to simply have fun will enjoy themselves too.

Umkomaas is a great choice for those wanting to get the whole family out into the fresh air. We offer exceptional family membership packages and the opportunity to learn to play via our KidzGolf programme

Living up to our reputation as the Friendliest Club, Umkomaas offers a warm welcome to visitors both on and off the course. Competitions are held weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays and visitors are always welcome.

We look forward to welcoming you soon!

Email:

In the wake of World War I, as the world sought to rebuild and rediscover leisure, Durban found itself at a crossroads. Already a premier seaside destination, the city lacked a certain social and sporting anchor, a gap that was eventually filled by the birth of the Durban Country Club. What began as a practical necessity has evolved over the last century into a legendary institution that captures the spirit of the Indian Ocean coastline.

The club’s origin story is one of resilience. While the Durban Golf Club (now Royal Durban) held its own unique charm, famously nestled within the curves of a horse racing track, it was perpetually at the mercy of the elements. Frequent flooding created a demand for a second, more reliable course.

If walls could talk, the clubhouse at Durban Country Club would speak in the hushed tones of golfing royalty. The course has served

as the ultimate proving ground, hosting a record-breaking 18 South African Opens.

The fairways have been the backdrop for some of the sport’s most iconic “firsts” and “favourites”:

• 1956: A young Gary Player secured his first-ever South African Open victory here.

• 1998: Ernie Els solidified his legendary status with his third SA Open win on these grounds.

• 2010: The club was the natural choice to host the prestigious Centenary SA Open.

The history isn’t just limited to the Durban Country Club fairways, either. Royal Durban, famously hosted an eighteen-year-old Nick Faldo during the 1975 Commonwealth Tournament, proving that this small pocket of South Africa has always been a magnet for global talent.

Join us at the Best Golf Course on the South Coast, where our meticulously maintained fairways and lush greens are designed to test golfers of all skill levels. Soak in the stunning coastal views of the Umzimkhulu River and the Indian Ocean whilst also experiencing exceptional customer service and a friendly atmosphere.

Port Shepstone Country Club is celebrating a decade of the prestigious title of Readers’ Choice Best Golf Course on the South Coast and we are so grateful to the public and the local community for their loyalty and consistent support over the years.

Whilst our golf course is our main feature at the club, our offering also includes Padel, Pickleball, Bowls, Cricket, Squash, Events Hall for functions, Clubhouse Bar & Restaurant, Conference Room, Kiddies Play Area, KZN Slots and so much more!

We also offer Coastal Golf Membership to golfers around the country that reside 14km or more, away from the club. The 2026 fees are R1150 for males & R1240 for females and this membership is valid for 12 months and provides you with an official SAGA HNA Handicap affiliated to Port Shepstone Country Club.

Visit our website, www.pscc.co.za for more information or contact us on 039 695 0141.

We cannot wait to welcome you!

Silverstreams Lodge Oribi Gorge

Also, on the property – 4 bedroomed, Mkhulu House. 2 bedroomed, Woodpecker & Lourie Cottages. 2 bedroomed Nguni & Duiker Villas. 1 bedroomed, Thuli Cottage. We can accommodate up to 36 people in different villas.

Escape to Silverstreams Lodge, where luxury meets nature in the heart of Oribi Gorge. Elegantly designed to offer unmatched comfort, this exclusive retreat accommodates up to 10 guests across five beautifully appointed bedrooms. Two feature en-suite bathrooms for added privacy, while the remaining three share a well-equipped full bathroom.

Immerse yourself in a seamless blend of modern convenience and rustic charm with premium appliances, a dedicated ice machine, a flat-screen TV, and the complete DSTV bouquet for entertainment. Just outside, the landscape unfolds to invite leisurely days, with a spacious entertainment deck, a refreshing pool, and a built-in barbecue area—perfect for unforgettable gatherings against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Oribi Gorge.

• Fully equipped kitchen (fridge and freezer, stove/ oven, full range of cutlery/ crockery/ glassware)

• Private infinity pool, fire pit and surrounding seating area

• Scenic views

• Lounge with Smart TV, and full DSTV

• Stable, strong WIFI

• Ziplining, scooter rides, horse riding, and suspension bridge

• Oribi Gorge swing and abseiling

• Nearby restaurants and markets

• Airports: King Shaka International Airport +/- 2.5 hours away and Margate Airport +/- 35mins away

Golf courses, and shopping centers within 20 km

At Southbroom Golf Club the views are spectacular, the course is player-friendly and the community is like family Southbroom Golf Club offers a wonderful outside patio where you and your family can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, cocktails at sunset and views of the golf course and Indian ocean that go on for miles.

We also offer Full Membership, Social Membership and Associate Membership.

A Coastal Golf Journey Along KwaZulu-Natal’s ‘Golf Coast’

For golfers with a week to spare, few road trips rival the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. This stretch of shoreline south of Durban boasts an impressive collection of courses set among rolling hills, coastal forests and sweeping ocean views.

Less than an hour from King Shaka International Airport lies Amanzimtoti, home to Amanzimtoti Country Club. Situated within a conservancy, the course shares its fairways with abundant birdlife, including pelicans and cormorants, as well as vervet monkeys and small antelope, a reminder that golf on the South Coast is as much about nature as it is about the game.

Further south in Umkomaas, the historic

Umkomaas Golf Club offers a classic coastal layout and is the home club of South African professional Tim Clark. Nearby, Scottburgh Golf Club presents a sterner test when the notorious “beasterly easterly” wind sweeps in from the Indian Ocean.

Among the region’s standout destinations is Selborne Golf Estate, Hotel & Spa. Developed in 1979 after owner Denis Barker drew inspiration from American residential golf estates, Selborne has grown into one of South Africa’s premier golf properties, known for its beautifully framed holes and distinctive par-3s.

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Where productive meetings meet coastal calm.

The Estuary Hotel & Spa offers a setting that supports focused work during the day and comfortable downtime after, making it ideal for conferences that value both structure and ease. Our Conference Special has been extended! Now valid from March to July 2026.

Tel: 039 311 2675 or Email: reservations@estuaryhotel.co.za

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Near Port Shepstone, the scenic Port Shepstone Country Club sits alongside the Mzimkhulu River. The course is relatively flat but memorable for its dramatic fifth hole, played from a hillside down to a small green far below.

Palm trees and indigenous bush frame the fairways at Margate Country Club, a course designed to appeal to golfers of all abilities. Further along the coast, Southbroom Golf Club, opened in 1938, remains one of South Africa’s most beloved holiday resort courses, with spectacular ocean views and a relaxed seaside atmosphere.

Luxury and nature meet at San Lameer Estate, where an 18-hole course winds through a 169-hectare subtropical conservancy. With sea breezes drifting in from nearby Blue Flag beaches, it is one of the South Coast’s most enjoyable rounds.

At the southern edge of the province lies Port Edward Country Club, where cleverly designed alternate tees allow golfers to play a full 18-hole experience on a nine-hole layout.

The journey culminates just across the Mtamvuna River at the iconic Wild Coast Country Club. Originally in the former homeland of Transkei, the resort now sits within the Eastern Cape and combines championship golf with a lively entertainment and holiday complex.

Of course, there’s no single way to tackle the South Coast’s golfing riches. Many visitors begin at the Wild Coast Sun and work their way north, playing a course or two a day before returning to Durban. And for those still eager for more, the city itself, along with the rolling fairways of the northern Dolphin Coast, promises another chapter in one of South Africa’s most rewarding golf journeys.

Wild Coast Country Club

Set along the rugged coastline on the border of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, Wild Coast Country Club has long been known as one of South Africa’s most visually striking resort golf courses. Today, the course is experiencing renewed momentum as improved course conditions, stronger operations and a growing tournament calendar bring fresh energy back to the destination.

Unlike many courses that rely on a single signature hole, Wild Coast Sun offers multiple standout moments throughout the round. The par-70 layout winds through natural coastal valleys and rolling terrain, with several holes framed by dramatic scenery and sweeping ocean views. Among the most iconic is the famous 13th hole played over a waterfall, a hole that has become one of the most recognisable and photographed in South African golf.

In recent years, a renewed focus on course conditioning and operational standards has played a key role in elevating the overall golfing experience. The appointment of JC Coetzer as Golf Operations Manager, bringing experience from Sun City, introduced a stronger operational structure across both the golf course and club operations. The objective was simple: restore playing quality, strengthen service standards and ensure the facility operates at the level expected from a premier resort destination.

Since then, noticeable improvements have been

made in course presentation and playability. The greens have been restored to a high standard, with the course’s Paspalum and Cynodon turf performing well in the coastal climate and providing consistent playing surfaces throughout the year.

This renewed focus has also helped rebuild the club’s tournament calendar, bringing competitive golf back to Wild Coast Sun. Events such as the Nedbank Amateur tournament have returned to the schedule, while the course has once again welcomed Sunshine Tour events, reaffirming its ability to host high-level competition.

Alongside these prestigious tournaments, the club continues to grow a vibrant calendar of club events and open

competitions that attract golfers from across the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Popular events such as the Ocean Breeze Open and the Wild Coast Monthly Meat Day combine competitive golf with a relaxed social atmosphere that reflects the spirit of the resort.

Beyond the golf itself, Wild Coast Sun remains a true resort experience, where players can combine a memorable round with accommodation, restaurants, entertainment and coastal scenery. This combination of golf and resort lifestyle continues to make the course a popular stop for golfers travelling along the South Coast.

With improved playing conditions, a strengthened operations team and the return of major tournaments, Wild Coast Country Club is once again establishing itself as a vibrant and exciting golf destination on South Africa’s coastline.