The Port Shepstone lighthouse is located about 500m south of the Umzimkulu River mouth on the Natal South Coast, and was developed out of a signal station, which was used when Port Shepstone was still an operational harbour. 1906 saw the signal station being replaced with the current cast iron lighthouse. The
iron lighthouse was cast in Britain and shipped to Natal in the 1890's. The structure was transported from Scottburgh, further up the Natal coast, where it previously stood warning ships of the southern end of the Aliwal Shoal.
The eight meter circular lighthouse is painted in black and white cheques, and has become a familiar landmark to people visiting Port Shepstone over the years. The beam shines across a distance of twenty six miles out to sea, and 1 130 000
CD light power. The coastline extending southwards between Port Shepstone and
Cape Hermes at Port St Johns is particularly dangerous, and is well known for
its shipwrecks.
The most well known of these wrecks are perhaps the Sao Joao and the Grosvenor.
The Sao Joao was the first cargo ship to be wrecked along South Africa's
coastline, carrying pepper, Chinese porcelain, cowry shells, cornelian beads and
other merchandise. The ship, with around 600 people on board, ran aground off
what is now known as Port Edward, near the Kuboboyi River. One hundred died
attempting to get ashore, the rest made a temporary camp, near 'Tragedy Hill'
(since named for a massacre in 1831 of the local Nguni clan by a Zulu war band).
The Grosvenor sank beneath the waves off the Pondoland shore with her hoard
which legend insists included jewels, gold and silver bars and some say the
fabulous Peacock Throne of the Moguls, believed to be worth well over 6 Million
Pounds.
Razor sharp rocks, strong currents, pounding surf and inaccessibility to this
wreck has put paid to recovering any treasures that might lie beneath the murky
waters.
Just 90 minutes from King Shaka International Peace Cottage is a secure, spacious, self-catering holiday home that sleeps 8 people in 4 comfortable bedrooms. The house has a 180 degree uninterrupted view of the Indian Ocean as well as a swimming pool
Welcome to our cottage. We know you will love your stay. You only have to walk out the front gate and you are on the most beautiful beach. You can chill on the beach or relax on the veranda surrounded by a tranquil garden.
23 Ambleside is more than a holiday accommodation that offers a self-catering unit or bed and optional breakfast lodging. It offers a range of health retreat options, and is situated in Umtentweni, Port Shepstone.
Ambleside offers guests tranquility outside of the tourist areas but close to all amenities. Set in safe and secure surroundings with ample parking the accommodation consists of two apartments and a three story house each of which have their own entrance.
Umthunzi Hotel & Conference is an award winning, uniquely, affordable luxury venue that welcomes Leisure guests, Business delegates, Events and Wedding parties and Restaurant diners.
Riverbend Chalets is situated approximately 2kms from the beach in Port Shepstone and 120 kms from Durban. Perfect for family holidays and quiet getaways and you can bring your dog/s too.
Lombok Lodge is a purpose built guest house, designed with the discerning business travekke or tourist in mind - providing luxury, comfort, and spacious accommodation in a stylish Indonesian setting.
Beach Front House is a comfortably furnished self-catering house for up to 8 people in Sea Park, Port Shepstone. The property boasts direct access to the beach via an electric gate and a short footpath through the natural greenery growing along the beach.
Oslo On C is a five bedroom family cottage on the beach front with amazing sea views and with very relaxed, beach atmosphere. The cottage sleeps 11 people comfortably.
Galene beach house is situated right on the beach and has a 180 degree, uninterrupted view of the ocean. The house has 6 bedrooms (12 persons maximum), four bathrooms, two lounges.