The Hibiscus Coast is made up of a number of towns, each with their own character and attractions, that now fall under the umbrella of the Hibiscus Coast Municipality. A very short description of each follows.

Hibberdene

Hibberdene is the northern most of the towns that make up the Hibiscus Coast. 20 kilometres north of Port Shepstone, Hibberdene has wide beaches, a huge tidal swimming pool, great fishing and a shopping centre.

Umzumbe

About 5 kilometres south of Hibberdene, Umzumbe lies between the Umzumbe and Ingambili Rivers and is ideal for quiet holidays.

Mellville

Banana Beach, named for the profusion of strelitzia to be found here, is a family favorite with its tidal pool, safe beaches, lagoon and surfing.

Sunwich Port, Anerley, Southport and Sea Park

These four villages are situated what was once the farm Bendigo which spread over 6 kilometres of coast. The main 'industries' in the area are beach going and fishing.

Umtentweni

Just north of Port Shepstone, Umtentweni lies between the Umtentweni and Umzimkulu Rivers. The town is spread out along a 4 kilometre long stretch of beach, a feature of which is the children's playground and tearoom in a natural parkland of shady trees.

Port Shepstone

Originally named Shepstone after the Natal statesman, Sir Theopolis Shepstone, Port Shepstone was originally settled in 1867. The name was changed to Port Shepstone after the establishment of a fiscal port in 1893. Although financially supported by the Natal government the harbour was never a success because of the perpetual silting up of the river mouth and once the railway reached Port Shepstone in 1901 it fell into disuse.

Port Shepstone is now the main commercial and industrial centre of the Hibiscus Coast and is the centre of a large sugar cane and sub-tropical fruit farming community.

Shelly Beach

Originally named because of the large variety of sea shells found on the beach here, Shelly beach has one of the busiest ski boat bases on the coast and there is always plenty of action with both fishing and diving boats launching through the surf next to the tidal pool. It is also home to the National Sea Rescue Institute base. Shelly Centre, with its supermarkets, cinemas, boutiques, banks and restaurants is the largest shopping centre on the Hibiscus Coast and is also found here.


St Michael's on Sea

St Michael's has everything a holiday maker could want. The main swimming beach is at the mouth of the Umhlangeni River and is popular with both swimmers and surfers alike. Grassy areas and a wide beach provide something for everyone while for the more energetic, the 9 hole St Michael's golf course is just across the road.

Uvongo

Uvongo's most striking feature is the 23 metre high waterfall formed where the Vungu River spills into a coastal lagoon. Safe bathing, tidal and children's paddling pool, pedal boats for hire and gorgeous views from the beach side restaurant, Uvongo has something for everyone. For those who are tired of the beach there are numerous sporting facilities in the area and the Uvongo Bird Park is always worth a visit.

Manaba Beach

Manaba Beach is situated at the original northern boundary of Margate. Shad Bay, where the fishing is excellent is one of the major attractions in this area.

Margate

Margate is the largest and most popular holiday resort on the Hibiscus Coast. The magnificent bathing beach, fishing piers and plenty entertainment during the holiday seasons have all contributed to this. There are also shops and supermarkets, cinemas and lots of restaurants to choose from.

Margate Country Club, where visiting golfers are made welcome, is three kilometres inland. Daily flights to Johannesburg International Airport leave from Margate Airport, where you can also take a microlight flip along the coast.

Margate has accommodation of all types for the holiday maker with a number of hotels, self-catering apartments and houses and Bed & Breakfast establishments.

Ramsgate

Although now blurring into the beach metropolis of Margate, Ramsgate retains a quaint, almost lazy charm. Antique shops and art galleries are as much a part of local commerce as are suntan lotion and fishing tackle. Ramsgate's main beach of sheltered sands and tree shaded barbeque sites is beside the lagoon with its paddle boats. South of this is Ski Boat Bay where keen fishermen launch their boats. Ramsgate also has some of the best known restaurants on the Hibiscus Coast.

Southbroom

Situated between two lagoons and built around a magnificent golf course, Southbroom retains a secluded village atmosphere. There are bathing beaches at the mouths of the two rivers while the shore between them is a string of small, rocky bays set against the unspoilt dunes.

Marina Beach

Marina Beach is a small holiday and residential village with one of the best beaches on the Hibiscus Coast. About 150 metres wide and 5 kilometres long, it provides an ideal setting for a peaceful holiday.

San Lameer

San Lameer is a private estate offering hotel or private villa accommodation a set within a securely enclosed nature reserve. Extensive recreation facilities include a superb 18 hole golf course.

Trafalgar

Another of the many small villages along the Hibicus Coast, Trafalgar offers a safe bathing beach, angling, surfing and scenic walks. The Trafalgar Marine Reserve protects a fossilised forest in the intertidal zone. This can be seen at low tide just south of the Trafalgar pool, looking somewhat like a low outcrop of rock.

Palm Beach

Named after the feathery ilala palms found on the dunes here, Palm Beach is a tranquil beach settlement. Cottages are dotted along the narrow roads and there is a tidal pool at the main beach.

Munster

This modest cottagey village has a swimming beach, caravan parks, lots of shady trees and popular fishing spots.

Glenmore Beach

Glenmore has a sheltered lagoon and bathing beach. Pulpit Rock to the south is the best known fishing spot.

Leisure Crest and Leisure Bay

Largely unspolit, with thick coastal bush growing right to the sands, this area has secluded safe bathing beaches.

Port Edward

The most southerly of the towns on the Hibiscus Coast, Port Edward was named after the Prince of Wales (later to abdicate from the British throne as Edward VIII) during the 1920s. Just a few minutes from the Wild Coast Casino, Port Edward has a good swimming beach, excellent fishing and a 9 hole golf course.