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.
BRIDGE UNDER REPAIR: uMzimkhulu River Bridge
KZN’s South Coast’s uMzimkhulu River Bridge is undergoing repairs and rehabilitation. These are long overdue repairs for the bridge built in 1958. The work is progressing well.
What does it mean for travellers to the KZN South Coast?
The Bridge is open for traffic with one lane, no tar and a stop-and-go signal. This could add a little time to your travel.
For those who are heading down to Port Shepstone and further south on the R102 there are two alternative routes to the rest of the South Coast if you don’t want to travel over the bridge.
- P464 Batstones Drift low level bridge: Expect lots of traffic at peak times. Be aware – road is narrow and has lots of potholes.
- N2 Toll Road to Port Shepstone: Costs involved and some delays at the toll booths.
Please take the time to exit the Toll Road at Port Shepstone and explore the South Coast around Umtentweni and Port Shepstone. Our businesses would love to have you visit during this challenging time.
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 cast iron tower itself has a well-travelled history, it originally stood further up the coast at Scottburgh, marking the treacherous Aliwal Shoal, before being relocated to Port Shepstone in 1906. It was declared a national monument in 1995 and still stands today as one of the town’s most recognisable landmarks. 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 which is great for families. But, if you’re looking for more, several stunning beaches are just a short drive away like Umtentweni Beach, Southport Beach, Sunwich Port and if you head south then Shelly Beach and St Michaels are worth a look!
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.
5. Sardine Run
Between June and July, Port Shepstone can find itself in the middle of one of nature’s great spectacles, the KwaZulu-Natal Sardine Run. Massive shoals move along the coast, drawing gannets, dolphins, sharks, and whales close to shore, and nets are sometimes cast right off Port Shepstone beach. If you’re visiting in season, keep an eye on local news, our Facebook Page and Instagram Account, and the beach itself, it can turn into an impromptu spectator event.
Getting Around Port Shepstone
Most people get around Port Shepstone by car rather than on foot, walking between areas isn’t recommended for safety reasons, and even locals tend to drive between the shops, the beach, and the Country Club. If you’re parking on the street, you’ll likely be approached by a car guard, a common and generally expected part of parking in South African towns; a small tip for keeping an eye on your car is customary. Whether formal paid parking also applies depends on which contractor currently holds the town’s parking concession, this changes from time to time, so check the street signage where you park, or simply ask the car guard, who’ll always know whether payment is required that day.
It is also worth saving our Emergency Numbers page before you go, so you’ve got the right contacts on hand if you ever need them.
Where to Stay
Port Shepstone works well as a base if you’d rather stay close to the shops, the hospital, and the N2, or as a stopover before heading further down the coast. Search current availability on Lekkerslaap or Airbnb for everything from self-catering flats to guesthouses in and around town.
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: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Shepstone worth visiting?
Yes, though it's less about postcard scenery and more about being the KZN South Coast's real working hub. It's home to the historic 1906 lighthouse, the wide uMzimkhulu River, a beach with lifeguards and a tidal pool, and the shops, hospitals, and services that make it a useful stop before heading further down the coast.
How far is Port Shepstone from Durban?
It's about 120km south of Durban, roughly a 90 minute to 2 hour drive depending on traffic and which route you take. You can go via the N2 highway, which has toll fees, or the slower, scenic R102 coastal road.
Is Port Shepstone safe to visit?
Like most South African towns, ordinary precautions go a long way: get around by car rather than on foot, especially after dark, and expect to be approached by a car guard when parking on the street, which is normal and generally worth a small tip. See our Getting Around section above for more detail.
Is the uMzimkhulu River Bridge still under repair?
As of writing, yes. The bridge is open with one lane and a stop-and-go signal, which can add a little time to your trip. If you'd rather avoid it, the P464 Batstones Drift low-level bridge and the N2 Toll Road are both alternative routes further south.
When is the best time to visit Port Shepstone?
It depends what you're after. June and July bring the KwaZulu-Natal Sardine Run, when shoals sometimes pass right off Port Shepstone beach. Outside of that, the town works well as a year-round base or stopover thanks to its beach, golf course, and easy access to the rest of the South Coast.
Is there anywhere to stay in Port Shepstone?
Yes, Port Shepstone works well as a base if you'd rather stay close to the shops, the hospital, and the N2. Check current availability on Lekkerslaap or Airbnb for options ranging from self-catering flats to guesthouses.
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.
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