Port Shepstone
Afrikaans name: Port Shepstone
Port Shepstone
Photo © Steven Herbert
KwaZulu-Natal
Port Shepstone is a seaside town about 120 km south of Durban. It is situated on the south bank of the Mzimkulu River.
The town was founded in 1867 and named after Sir Theophilus Shepstone who was a member of the Natal government. Soon after Port Shepstone was established a small harbour was built but this fell into disuse after the railway line, linking Port Shepstone with Durban, was opened in 1901.
Port Shepstone weather
PORT SHEPSTONE WEATHEROne of the obvious sights in Port Shepstone is the lighthouse at the mouth of the Mzimkulu River.
The main attraction for tourists is the many beaches in the area. Swimming, fishing, surfing and snorkelling are all popular activities in and around Port Shepstone. The town has many restaurants and different types of accommodation available.
There are a number of game reserves within an easy drive from Port Shepstone. Travelling inland on can visit the spectacular Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and the nearby Lake Eland Game Reserve. Skyline Nature Reserve is situated near Margete. Further south is the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve.
Port Shepstones beach
Photo © Steven Herbert
References and further reading
Southern Africa from the Highway - Author: AA RSA - Published: 1991 - Page: 211The Pictorial Motoring Atlas of South Africa - Author: Maxwell Leigh - Published: 1987 - Page: 113
Readers Digest Illustrated Guide to Southern Africa - 4th edition - Author: - Published: 1986 - Page: 331
On Route - A region by region guide to South Africa - Author: B.P.J. Erasmus - Published: 1995 - Page: 121
Country Life - Issue 209 - Author: - Published: 2013 - Page: 55
Book of the Road - 4th edition - Author: MapStudio - Published: 2019 - Page: 139
Conollys Guide to Southern Africa - 2nd edition - Author: Denis Conolly - Published: 1982 - Page: 191
