Explore KwaZulu-Natal: Safe beaches and family-friendly attractions this festive season

While the call of the warm Indian Ocean remains a key drawing card for holidaymakers this festive season, KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is offering a broader, more confident welcome than it has in years.

From the revitalised beaches of the eThekwini municipality to the sprawling natural beauty of the Drakensberg and Zululand, the province is poised to deliver a diverse and memorable holiday experience.

For years, the status of Durban's bathing beaches has dominated headlines, casting a shadow over the city's tourism prospects following the challenges posed by high E. coli levels post-2022 floods.

But this year, the narrative has shifted dramatically. The eThekwini municipality is signalling a major turnaround, rooted in diligent infrastructure repair and renewed commitment to coastal management.

Mayor Cyril Xaba recently unveiled the City's Festive Season Management Plan, delivering the crucial news that water quality tests have confirmed all 23 of Durban’s bathing beaches are now safe for swimming.

“This is not just a report; it is a declaration of confidence in our city,” mayor Xaba stated.

He noted that strong improvements have been achieved through the diligent repair and upgrade of the sewer infrastructure.

“We are now welcoming visitors back to our coastline with the assurance of safety, and we are even eyeing the prestigious Blue Flag status to cement this progress,” he said.

This renewed commitment has already proven its swiftness. Following a temporary closure of Bronze Beach and Umhlanga Main Beach this week due to a pump station failure—an issue swiftly contained—resampling confirmed the water quality was within acceptable specifications, and the beaches were promptly re-opened.

Municipal spokesperson Gugu Sisilana underscored the significance of the response.

“This swift action reaffirms that the contamination was promptly contained, thereby minimising the impact on the receiving environment,” Sisilana noted. “The speed of our response shows our operational readiness and our commitment to maintaining the highest environmental and safety standards for our visitors.”

With the beaches ready, eThekwini is anticipating a major influx, expecting to welcome 1.3 million visitors this summer.

This optimism is strongly shared by industry experts. Brett Tungay, of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (Fedhasa), predicts peak numbers for the coastal corridor including Durban, Umhlanga and Ballito.

“Our forecast is tentatively based on Durban because the municipality has sorted out a lot of the issues there, and I think Durban especially is going to be the winner for this season,” Tungay commented. 

He added that the confidence in the municipal turnaround is translating directly into booking trends, suggesting a resurgence of Durban’s traditional draw.

But Tungay and local tourism bodies are quick to encourage visitors to look beyond the sand and surf.

Durban boasts a vibrant atmosphere that extends deep into its urban heart. 

A key draw remains uShaka Marine World, a massive attraction offering everything from the thrill of the Wet 'n Wild slides to unique and memorable encounters at Sea Animal Encounters Island—including Shark Cage Diving and meeting a dolphin.

Beyond the major attractions, Tungay highlights a crucial point: “When speaking to the guys down there it's clear that not everybody goes to the beach. Most of the resorts have swimming pools with entertainment among other things, and there are great shopping malls.”

According to Umhlanga Tourism chairperson Naomi Crous, the region offers a variety of attractions. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy numerous hikes and parks, while adventurers are catered for at Holla Trails and Sugar Rush Park in the Ballito area.

Additionally, Crous said visitors can experience cultural city tours and excursions to the Inanda area, and PheZulu provides opportunities for animal viewing, cultural experiences, and walks.

“We also have the Sharks Board with their daily shows and boat rides. Gateway offers a lot of entertainment for old and young. Don’t forget Mind Games and many more,” she said.

Durban’s subtropical climate ensures that visitors can enjoy activities throughout the year, irrespective of whether they decide to dip their toes in the ocean.

The entertainment calendar is packed, ensuring the city buzzes with activity well into the new year.

This year’s festive season features major events such as the Durban Jazz Festival, Fact Durban Rocks New Year’s Celebration, the Ladysmith Black Mambazo Christmas Special, and the “Anywhere In Your City” programme.

The municipality will also host a series of precinct activations, including the City Street Carnival, Christmas lighting displays, and the ever-popular New Year’s Eve fireworks at the beachfront.

Adding a touch of seasonal magic is the ninth edition of the Durban Botanic Gardens Trail of Lights, running until January 3. 

Billed as South Africa's largest festive wonderland, the event features new light displays, radiant trees, themed festive scenes, food gardens, and live entertainment—a perfect evening excursion for the entire family.

Crucially, the promise of a great holiday extends well beyond the eThekwini border. The entire KZN region, as Tungay notes, has an “extremely broad” product offering.

For those looking to escape the city buzz, the options are vast. “The Drakensberg for hiking and gaming, the tranquil midlands, and trips up to Zululand—KZN has it all,” Tungay emphasised.

Further north, the Ilembe district municipality is also geared up and gaining recognition. 

Mayor Thobani Shandu confirmed that all seven beaches stretching from Ballito to Dokodweni under Mandeni local municipality have received Blue Flag status, a testament to high standards of water quality, safety, and environmental management.

“Besides the non-congested beaches, which offer a more serene coastal experience, we encourage visitors to explore our rich heritage,” said mayor Shandu.

In addition, Shandu said there are incredible cultural landmarks, including Shaka’s grave and other sites that offer a profound connection to the history of this region.

In parallel with the tourism push, safety and service delivery are top priorities. Mayor Xaba assured all visitors of enhanced law-enforcement visibility, with over 2,000 officers deployed for day and night-time patrols on freeways, the beachfront, shopping centres, and crime hotspots.

The newly established Coastal and Tourism Policing Unit will patrol 100 kilometres of coastline, underscoring the commitment to a safe environment. To bolster capacity, the city has also hired 650 seasonal staff, including lifeguards, beach guides, and security guards.

karen.singh@inl.co.za