The small town of Port Edward is one of South Africa’s true coastal gems. Nestled on the border of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape along the sub-tropical Hibiscus Coast. It’s balmy climate and relaxed island-style vibe make this the ultimate holiday destination.

There’s everything you could possibly need at the Wild Coast Sun Resort – from fun family activities to specialised kids entertainment, as well as a casino, restaurants and bars – if you’re looking to take the family out for the day, here’s a list of our recommendations.

1. Get Some Sun-Time At Silver Beach

Best known for hosting the annual New Year’s Eve party, this family-friendly swimming beach offers supertube rides and an estuary nearby. Safe and secure, with lifeguards present on weekends and during holidays.

Main departure point for small fishing charters and other water sports. Witness the phenomenal sardine run between late May and mid-July.

2. Explore The Red Desert And Its Surrounding Conservation Area

Port Edward’s unusual claim to fame is the Red Desert, which stands in stark contrast to the surrounding tropical vegetation. At only 200m wide, this national heritage site is acknowledged in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest desert in the world.

While extra-terrestrial landings, excessive overgrazing and other intriguing tales are attributed to its origins, archeological artifacts unearthed at the Red Desert prove that some 250 million years ago, dinosaurs called Port Edward home. There are also some incredibly rare endemic plants to explore in the surrounding grasslands, forests and wetlands.

3. Visit The Crags View Wild Care Centre

Situated on Crag’s View Farm, Crag’s View Wild Care Centre is the only official wildlife rehabilitation centre serving the lower South Coast region. Visit the Centre with the kids for a heartwarming educational experience.

The Centre is home to birds and animals that have sustained injuries and stress due to human influence, it aims to simulate their natural environments. ‘Patients’ at the centre include antelope, small mammals and indigenous birds.

4. Have Fun At Far Horizon Animal Farm

For more furry fun, a visit to the Far Horizon Animal Farm will delight the kids. Here, children can play on jungle gyms and interact with the resident farmyard rabbits, potbelly pigs, guinea pigs, chickens, geese, and ducks, while mom and dad relax at the coffee shop.

5. For The Love Of Coffee

No holiday in Port Edward is complete without a visit to the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate. Enjoy a 30 – 45 minute walk around the farm on a Crop to Cup tour, which outlines the distinctive flavours of the world’s coffee regions and the processes involved in creating the perfect cup.

Get your caffeine fix afterwards at The Estate Cafe, where you can sample all the coffee varieties available.

6. Visit The North Sand Bluff Lighthouse

For the best views of the coast (and arguably one the best breakfasts in town outside of the Wild Coast Sun), visit the North Sand Bluff Lighthouse. Established in 1968 and rebuilt in 1999, this Port Edward lighthouse is a vital part of the South African lighthouse network. The Ships Galley Coffee Shop dishes up light meals, cakes, and refreshments and is well known for serving Proudly African coffees.

7. Take A Walk On The Wild Side

A hike through the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve will reveal a botanical paradise that consists of riverine forests and steep rocky cliffs. KwaZulu-Natal’s southernmost nature reserve, which borders the Umtamvuna River, is also home to both the Cape vulture and fish eagle.

There are numerous walks highlighting the reserve’s fantastic scenery. These trails vary in length from 1 to 3 hours, to an all-day hike. Keep your eyes peeled for bushbuck, serval cats, baboons, samango monkeys, blue and grey duiker and common reedbuck.

8. Go On An Adventure

Amadiba Adventures is South Africa’s first tourism initiative that is entirely owned and run by an indigenous community. Meander along the scenic Hibiscus Coast on a horse-riding trail and journey into the wilderness, landscape, culture and history of the beautiful Transkei Wild Coast with the Amadiba community.

Whether you are a beginner or skilled rider, the horse trails are guided at a pace that encourages low impact.

9. Make A Splash At The Wild Waves Water Park

The expansive new Wild Waves Water Park at the Wild Coast Sun has imported several of the world’s best rides from Canada, to ensure an exciting watery activity to suit everyone in the family.

Make a splash on the Boomeranga, an exhilarating tube ride unlike any other, or get your thrills on the Aqua Loop, a body-slide adventure in a capsule. Catch your breath on the Lazy River or join the kids for fun in the safe children’s interactive AquaPlay area.

10. Tee Off At The Wild Coast Sun Golf Course

Boasting wide fairways and huge greens, the Wild Coast Sun Golf Course attracts golfers of all skill levels. This 6km long course offers six par-3 holes, and while it’s seemingly simple, the prevailing winds add an entirely unexpected challenge.

Overlooking hills and rivers, and set against the backdrop of the vast Indian Ocean, this par-70 course is ranked among the best in South Africa.