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South Africa (Eastcoast)
The east coast is warm, tropical, and famous for its fantastic surfing waves. You can relax on golden beaches by the Indian Ocean or explore rolling green hills inland.
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Summary
Did you know?
Sardine Run – The annual coastal migration moves billions of silver sardines, drawing sharks, dolphins, and whales in a massive ocean feeding frenzy.
Overview
Months
April, August, December, February, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, September
Vacation type
Beach, Couple, Family, Mountains, Diving/Snorkeling, Surfing
Expenses
0-50€, <150€, <200€, <100€, Over 200€
Temperature
10-20°C, 20-25°C, 25-30°C
Rainfall
0-50mm, 50-100mm, 100-150mm
Safety
Dangerous
Continent
Africa
Currency
South African rand
Languages
Afrikaans, English, Ndebele
Currency Converter
When to visit
The best time to travel along South Africa’s east coast is during the dry winter and spring months from May to September. During this period, temperatures are pleasantly warm, humidity drops significantly, and ocean visibility is at its peak. This window also coincides with major wildlife spectacles like the annual Sardine Run and whale watching along the coast.
Summer (December to February) brings hot, humid days and warm Indian Ocean water that is ideal for swimming and surfing. However, the northern subtropical stretch around KwaZulu-Natal experiences frequent afternoon rainstorms, and coastal towns become heavily crowded with domestic holidaymakers during December and January.
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Plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Climate Data
Peak Season: May to September (Dry Winter) / December to January (Summer Holidays)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 7 to 9 hours.
Rain Frequency: 2 to 5 days per month (Winter) / 10 to 14 days per month (Summer).
Rainy Hours per Day: 0 to 1 hour (Winter) / 2 to 3 hours (Summer).
Intensity: Light, rare showers during winter; heavy, fast subtropical downpours during summer afternoons.
Duration: Winter days are consistently dry, bright, and clear. Summer storms break quickly and clear up in time for warm evenings.
Off-Peak Season: February to April (Late Summer) / October to November (Spring)
Average Sunny Hours per Day: 6 to 8 hours.
Rain Frequency: 8 to 12 days per month.
Rainy Hours per Day: 1 to 2 hours.
Intensity: Moderate coastal showers and occasional windy sea squalls.
Duration: Passing rain clouds with pleasant, mild temperatures between fronts.
Climate Chart
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Data Source: Global Historical Climatology Network
ClimateCharts.net
Weather, Crowds and Costs
Per one person
Tourist Season: May-September / December-January
Budget Vacation ($40-75/day)
Accommodation: $15-28/night (backpackers along the Wild Coast, surf hostels in Durban).
Food: $10-18/day (local street food like bunny chow, supermarket braai meat).
Activities: $8-15/day (beach days, self-guided coastal hiking, community trail fees).
Transportation: $10-20/day (shared fuel in a small rental car, local minibus taxis).
Other Costs: $5/day (bottled water, firewood).
Mid-Range Vacation ($120-240/day)
Accommodation: $60-120/night (coastal guest houses, boutique beach lodges in St Lucia or Chintsa).
Food: $25-50/day (fresh seafood restaurants, craft breweries, casual bistros).
Activities: $30-65/day (guided estuary boat cruises, national park self-drive fees, surf lessons).
Transportation: $30-55/day (compact SUV rental, ride-hailing apps in urban areas).
Other Costs: $10/day (national park vehicle passes, tipping car guards).
Luxury Vacation ($500-1,200+/day)
Accommodation: $300-800+/night (exclusive coastal eco-lodges, private game reserves near Gqeberha).
Food: $80-160/day (fine dining seafood tasting menus, premium South African estate wines).
Activities: $100-250+/day (private deep-sea fishing charters, private guided game drives in open 4WDs).
Transportation: $80-160/day (premium 4WD rentals, private chauffeur transfers).
Other Costs: $30+/day (spa treatments, private guide tips).
Off-Peak Season: February-April / October-November
Budget Vacation ($30-60/day)
Accommodation: $12-22/night (discounted hostel beds, off-season seaside cottages).
Food: $10-15/day (local bakeries, neighborhood takeaways).
Activities: $5-12/day (swimming at public beaches, botanical gardens).
Transportation: $10-18/day (discounted car rentals).
Other Costs: $4/day (sunscreen, snacks).
Mid-Range Vacation ($90-170/day)
Accommodation: $45-85/night (discounted beachside bed-and-breakfasts).
Food: $20-35/day (local seafood grills, family diners).
Activities: $20-45/day (estuary tours, museum entries).
Transportation: $25-40/day (rental car).
Other Costs: $8/day (coffee, parking fees).
Luxury Vacation ($350-800+/day)
Accommodation: $200-500+/night (luxury bush and beach lodges at shoulder-season rates).
Food: $60-120/day (lodge dining).
Activities: $60-150/day (private marine safaris, spa packages).
Transportation: $60-120/day (private transfers).
Other Costs: $20/day (artisanal crafts).
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You can find accomendations that fit your trip and budget on Booking.com, Vrbo and Hotels.com
Best Regions to visit
Cities
1. Durban
- The major coastal metropolis of KwaZulu-Natal, famous for its golden beachfront promenade (the Golden Mile), rich Indian cultural heritage, and warm ocean swells.
2. Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth)
- The windy coastal anchor of the Eastern Cape, known for calm swimming beaches along Algoa Bay and immediate access to malaria-free Big Five game reserves.
3. St Lucia
- A small coastal settlement located entirely inside a UNESCO wetland biosphere, where wild hippos famously roam the town streets at night.
4. Coffee Bay
- A tiny, rugged village on the Wild Coast surrounded by rolling green hills, traditional round thatched huts, and world-class surf breaks.
5. Pietermaritzburg
- The inland provincial capital of KwaZulu-Natal, known for preserved red-brick Victorian architecture and lush botanical gardens.
Durban
Did you know?
Submerged Shipwrecks – The wild coast hides rusted Victorian-era steamship wrecks half-buried in pounding surf and sandy shorelines.
Islands
There are no good islands to visit along this open ocean coastline.
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Find the perfect place to stay in any of these top cities and islands with Booking.com, Hotels.com and Vrbo – offering entire homes and apartments for a comfortable and private experience.
Durban
Things to see
Natural Attractions
1. iSimangaliso Wetland Park
- A massive UNESCO World Heritage area in the north featuring ancient coastal dunes, tidal estuaries, coral reefs, and dense populations of hippos and crocodiles.
2. Hole in the Wall
- An iconic offshore natural rock arch near Coffee Bay, carved out over millions of years by the violent waves of the Indian Ocean.
3. Addo Elephant National Park
- Located just inland from Gqeberha, this sanctuary protects over 600 wild African elephants alongside lions, black rhinos, and Cape buffalo.
4. Oribi Gorge
- A dramatic, 24-kilometer-long sandstone gorge south of Durban, offering high suspension footbridges, roaring waterfalls, and baboon troops.
Historical and Cultural Sites
1. Nelson Mandela Capture Site
- Located near Howick just inland from Pietermaritzburg, marking the exact spot where Mandela was arrested in 1962, featuring a striking sculpture made of steel columns.
2. Donkin Heritage Trail
- A self-guided historic trail in central Gqeberha featuring 19th-century settler architecture, a stone pyramid memorial, and an old lighthouse overlooking the bay.
3. Victoria Street Market
- A bustling indoor market in central Durban packed with stalls selling traditional African herbal remedies, incense, and mountains of bright Indian curry powders.
Unique Experiences
1. Diving Aliwal Shoal
- Scuba diving or snorkeling with large populations of ragged-tooth sharks, blacktip sharks, and manta rays along an offshore fossilized sand dune south of Durban.
2. Tracking the Sardine Run
- Following millions of sardines moving north along the coast between June and July, pursued by thousands of dolphins, diving gannets, and predatory sharks.
3. Hiking the Wild Coast
- Walking multi-day coastal trails across grassy headlands, crossing river mouths on foot, and staying in traditional Xhosa rural homesteads.
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The best way to explore major cities and must-see attractions is by booking guided tours.* They offer convenience, local insights, and often save time when visiting popular sights.
Unique Accomondations/Foodspots
Accommodations
The Oyster Box
Location: Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal, East Coast South Africa
A legendary, historic colonial-style luxury hotel perched on a coastal dune overlooking the warm Indian Ocean and its iconic red-and-white lighthouse, renowned for timeless elegance and high-tea traditions.
Restaurants / Bars
The Grill Room
Location: The Oyster Box, Umhlanga Rocks, KwaZulu-Natal, East Coast South Africa
A storied fine-dining institution celebrated for its exceptional classic grill cuts, fresh Indian Ocean seafood, and sophisticated old-world charm spanning nearly a century of coastal hospitality.
Tours to do
1. The Wild Coast Coastal Route
- A rugged overland drive departing Durban, heading south past the cliffs of Port St Johns, staying in remote surf bays like Coffee Bay, and ending in East London or Gqeberha.
Best Time: May to September.
Average Cost: $500 – $900 per person
2. The Northern Reef and Wetlands Route
- Starting in Durban, heading north to take river safaris in St Lucia, diving the coral reefs of Sodwana Bay, and tracking rhinos in Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park.
Best Time: June to October.
Average Cost: $600 – $1,100 per person
How to get around
1. Car Rental
- Highly recommended for this entire stretch. The N2 highway links the major coastal cities, but reaching remote Wild Coast beaches requires a high-clearance vehicle for gravel roads.
2. Domestic Aviation
- Frequent daily flights connect Durban’s King Shaka Airport (DUR) and Gqeberha’s Chief Dawid Stuurman Airport (PLZ) with Johannesburg and Cape Town.
3. Intercity Coaches
- Reliable bus operators like Intercape and Greyhound link Durban, East London, and Gqeberha along the N2 highway.
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You can find great car rental deals for your vacation on Expedia *
Did you know?
St. Lucia Hippos – Wild hippopotamuses frequently wander out of estuarine lake channels to graze on suburban lawns in coastal towns at night.
What to eat
1. Durban Bunny Chow
- A hollowed-out loaf of white bread filled to the brim with intensely spiced, slow-cooked mutton, beef, or bean curry, traditionally eaten entirely with your hands.
2. Durban Curry
- A distinct regional curry developed by Indian indentured laborers in the 19th century, known for its deep red color, heavy use of curry leaves, hot chili powder, and soft potatoes (gravy soakers).
3. Roosterkoek
- A traditional bread roll baked directly on a wire grid over glowing braai coals, split open hot, and eaten with thick butter, cheddar cheese, or grilled boerewors.
4. Fresh Wild Coast Oysters
- Locally harvested rock oysters collected by coastal foragers, served fresh and raw on the half-shell with lemon juice, black pepper, and Tabasco.
Bunny Chow
Flights
Flight prices are approximate and vary by departure city, airline, and booking time. Check airlines or travel platforms for the latest details.
* Please note: All prices are rough estimates for orientation purposes only and may vary by region.
Main Airport: King Shaka International Airport (DUR) in Durban & Chief Dawid Stuurman International Airport (PLZ) in Gqeberha
Flight Prices and Seasons (Flying into DUR):
From Europe:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $750 to $1,300 (Typically requires a quick connection in Johannesburg, or direct seasonal charters).
- Cheapest Months: February, May, and November.
- Peak Prices: July, August, and late December.
From North America:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,100 to $1,800 (Connect via Johannesburg, Atlanta, or European hubs).
- Cheapest Months: March and October.
- Peak Prices: June, July, and December.
From Asia:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $800 to $1,400 (Connect via Middle Eastern transit hubs like Dubai or Doha directly into Durban).
- Cheapest Months: May and September.
- Peak Prices: Lunar New Year and August.
From Australia (Domestic/Oceania):
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $1,200 to $1,900 (Fly into Johannesburg via Sydney or Perth, then transfer via a 1-hour domestic shuttle).
- Cheapest Months: May and November.
- Peak Prices: December and January.
From Africa:
- Average Round-Trip Cost: $350 to $750 (Connect through Johannesburg, or take direct regional flights from Harare or Lusaka).
- Cheapest Months: February and October.
- Peak Prices: July and December.
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You can find the best flight deals with Skyscanner or plan the whole vacation, including flights, transportation, hotels and tours with Expedia *
Airport Location
Visa
1. Visa Requirement
- Citizens of the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business.
2. Visa-Free Entry
- Travelers from many countries can enter visa-free for short stays, typically up to 90 days.
3. Visa Application
- Citizens from countries that require a visa must apply for a South African visa at a South African embassy or consulate before traveling.
4. Types of Visa
- Common visa types include a Visitor Visa: Valid for tourism or business for stays of up to 90 days.
5. Processing Time
- Visa processing generally takes 10 to 15 business days, so it's advisable to apply well in advance.
6. Duration of Stay
- Visa-free visitors can stay for up to 90 days; visa holders should refer to their specific visa for duration.
7. Health Requirements
- A yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from an endemic area.
Important things to know
1. Payments
- The local currency is the South African Rand (ZAR). Credit cards are widely accepted.
2. Tap Water
- Tap water is generally safe to drink in urban areas.
3. Electricity
- The voltage is 230V, and plug types C and M are used.
4. Tipping in Restaurants
- Tipping is customary, usually around 10-15%.
5. SIM Cards
- Local SIM cards are available from providers like Vodacom and MTN.
6. Driving Side
- In South Africa, people drive on the left side of the road.
Souveniers
1. African Beaded Jewelry
- South Africa’s intricate beaded jewelry, often made in traditional patterns and bright colors, reflects the country’s rich culture and makes for a stunning souvenir.
2. Wine
- South Africa is one of the world’s top wine producers, particularly known for its Pinotage. A bottle of South African wine is a lovely gift for wine enthusiasts.
3. Hand-carved Wooden Animals
- South African crafts often include beautiful wooden carvings of animals, especially elephants, lions, and rhinos, showcasing the region's wildlife.
Beaded Jewelry
Location
Reviews
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