Explore all Port Shepstone has to offer
Welcome to Port Shepstone: A Gateway to the KZN South Coast
Port Shepstone is a gateway town on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, offering a mix of coastal beauty, history, and everyday charm. It’s a key service hub and a perfect base for exploring the surrounding beaches and inland adventures.
It may not be a traditional tourist hotspot, but don’t be fooled. There’s plenty to see and do. With its friendly vibe and great location, Port Shepstone is full of local charm.
How to Get to Port Shepstone
Getting to Port Shepstone is easy. ** PLEASE SEE IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR TRAVELLERS BELOW **
It’s just 120 km south of Durban.
Take the N2 highway (Toll fees apply) or the scenic R102 coastal road.
The drive offers stunning sea views along the way.
You can also reach it via Margate Airport, which is just a 20-minute drive away.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR TRAVELLERS TO PORT SHEPSTONE
BRIDGE CLOSURE: uMzimkhulu River Bridge
KZN’s South Coast’s uMzimkhulu River Bridge is closed for ongoing repairs and rehabilitation. These are long overdue repairs for the bridge built in 1958.
What does it mean for travellers to the KZN South Coast?
For those who are heading down to Port Shepstone and further south on the R102, you can only travel as far as the Umtentweni traffic lights. You will then need to take one of these detours:- P464 Batstones Drift low level bridge: Expect delays
- N2 Toll Road to Port Shepstone: Costs involved and some delays at the toll booths
A Bit of History
Port Shepstone was established in 1867 after marble and limestone were discovered in the area. The town quickly developed into a busy trading hub with the construction of a harbour at the mouth of the Umzimkhulu River. Although the harbour is no longer used, the town remains an important service and business centre for the KZN South Coast. Settlers from Norway played a key role in building the early infrastructure.
In 1906, the Port Shepstone Lighthouse was built to guide ships safely to shore. The lighthouse is a definite photo opportunity!
Things to See and Do when in or around Port Shepstone
1. The uMzimkhulu River
The Umzimkhulu River is one of KwaZulu-Natal’s largest rivers, winding its way from the Drakensberg mountains to the Indian Ocean at Port Shepstone. Enjoy a quiet walk or try some fishing near the banks. Local boat trips offer a fresh view of the area. When the river is in flood, it is quite a sight!
2. Beaches Nearby
Port Shepstone’s main beach has lifeguards and a tidal pool – great for families.
But if you’re looking for more, several stunning beaches are just a short drive away.
3. Golf and Outdoor Fun
The Port Shepstone Country Club is popular with locals and visitors. It offers a beautiful 18-hole Golf Course surrounded by coastal forest and river views. It is a favourite for golfers, nature lovers, and anyone looking to relax with a meal or drink in a scenic setting.
The Port Shepstone Country Club now offers Padel Tennis with two competition-standard padel courts available. Contact the Country Club directly to make a booking.
The club also hosts regular events, making it a lively community spot.
4. Shopping and Essentials
The town has everything you need—from hardware and grocery stores to hospitals, medical clinics, and banks.
It’s the go-to place to stock up before heading to nearby beach cottages or nature reserves.
Port Shepstone is fondly known as ‘Sheppie’ by the locals. If you are looking for a good evening’s entertainment, pop down to the Port Shepstone Country Club on a Friday evening. Enjoy the Live entertainment, great food, and a fun ’19th Hole Joker Jackpot.’ That’s where the locals will be!
Don’t forget to head out to Oribi Gorge for some adrenaline adventures.
Why Visit Port Shepstone?
Port Shepstone might not have the flash of bigger holiday towns, but that’s part of its charm.
It’s real.
It’s useful.
It’s a great place to start your KZN South Coast adventure.
Whether you’re passing through, doing a supply run, or staying nearby, it’s worth taking a look around.
We’ve marked some maps below with some of the important landmarks like hospitals, police station, shopping, and great places to eat.
Port Shepstone Map featuring hospitals, police station and court.
On this map the Hospitals (public and private) and the Police station as well as the Court are indicated.
Shopping
On the map below the best places to do grocery shopping are indicated with blue shopping cart icons.
List of the biggest stores with their GPS coordinates:
Oribi Plaza (Pick n Pay):
24 Aiken st, Port Shepstone
Port Shepstone Mall ( Spar):
33 Aiken st, Port Shepstone
Shoprite:
Cnr Wooley and Robinson st, Port Shepstone
Harbour View Super Spar:
Cnr Daly and Sinclair Road, Reynolds St, Port Shepstone
Spillers Warf:
Sugar Mill Rd, Port Shepstone
Note that the Spillers Warf is next to the mighty uMzimkhulu river and offers an excellent restaurant with views over the river as well as several shops to buy gifts and curios from.
Port Shepstone Restaurants
There are several sit-down restaurants in town as well as in neighboring Umtentweni:
29 Elizabeth Drive, Beach Front, Port Shepstone
Fish on the River:
Sugar Mill Rd, Port Shepstone
Jaxx Restaurant:
Old St Faiths Rd, Umtentweni
Schooners Seafood Restaurant:
Spar Centre, Abingdon Rd, Umtentweni
Fast-food restaurants are spread throughout the town and at the Oribi Plaza if you want food on the go. Also note that the Spar next to the Oribi Plaza has a restaurant and an excellent sushi bar.
Port Shepstone Attractions and Landmarks
Go swimming at the Port Shepstone beach, visit the landmark lighthouse, do a bit of fishing, play a round of golf at the country club or enjoy the views from the whale deck and see if you can spot whales or dolphins frolicking in the water.- You are here: Port Shepstone Map >
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