Port Shepstone is situated on the South Coast of the KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa approximately 120 km from Durban. It is the largest town along this coastline and was founded in1867 at the time that marble was discovered in the area and named after Sir Theophilus Shepstone, a Natal statesman of Victorian days.
As the Marble deposits were found on both banks of the nearby Mzimkulu River close to the actual river mouth, it was decided to build a harbor there and in 1888 the first ships made use of it. A large party of Norwegian immigrants then settled in the Port Shepstone area and a large part of the areas development was due to these original immigrants. When the railway to Durban opened in 1901 the harbor was no longer used and eventually became impossible to use due to the silting up of the river mouth.
Today Port Shepstone has become a popular seaside resort and tourist destination with its many attractions and activities. Beautiful sandy beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean are rich in marine life and are ideal for scuba diving as well as for snorkeling, fishing and swimming. There are 18 km of coastline with good surfing, ski boating and jet skiing. There are also 2 excellent golf courses in the area.
Visitors can find out greater details about the history of the town at the Port Shepstone Museum or visit the distinctive 27 000 Candela Lighthouse still standing at the Umzimkulu River mouth.
The Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve is within easy reach of Port Shepstone, only about 20 km inland and well worth a visit. The Gorge is regarded as being one of the outstandingly beautiful scenic areas in KwaZulu-Natal and a photographer’s paradise.
Accommodation in Port Shepstone and surrounding areas is varied and plentiful to suit all tastes and pockets.
