Coast KZN

State of the Coast: KZN
State of the Coast: KZN

State of the Coast: KwaZulu-Natal Chapter 1: Introduction & Background Chapter 2: Overarching Drivers Chapter 3: Climate Variability
Chapter 4: Coastal Environment Chapter 5: Estuarine Environment Chapter 6: Marine Environment Chapter 7: Human Environment Chapter 8: Economic Environment
Chapter 9: Governance Environment Chapter 10: Conclusions
The Profile of the KZN Coast
The Profile of the KZN Coast

Ugu Lwethu- Our Coast Defining the Coastal Zone The Physical and Coastal Environment Coastal and Marine Ecosystems
Coastal and Marine Species Migrations The Human Dimension Socio-Economic Uses of the Coast Commercial Resource Uses
Pressures and Threats Management of the Coastal and Marine Environments Understanding our Coast
Coastal access
Coastal access

Access RoutesBoat Launch SitesThe Human DimensionCoastal Access: Stats & Facts
Estuaries
Estuaries

What is an Estuary? Know your Estuaries Estuary Health and Conservation KZN Estuary Observer Programme
Historical Time Series Estuary Mouth Status Sand Mining
Recreation
Recreation

Fish TaggingAccess RoutesBlue Flag Beaches
Coastal risk and vulnerability
Coastal risk and vulnerability

Coastal Risk LinesExtreme EventsCoastal ErosionKZN Coastal Vulnerability IndexPollution
Coastal issues
Coastal issues

PollutionSand MiningCoastal ErosionNurdlesUPL Chemical Spill
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24 May 2021

Unlocking lighthouse tourism

Vicky Wentzel (South Coast Herald) Picture: Justin Klusener. Port Shepstone lighthouse.

As a part of our ongoing efforts to revitalise the tourism industry on the KZN South Coast, we have had to take stock of all of our tourism assets.

Over the years we have lost products such as the Banana Express, The Uvongo Bird Park and such like. One wonders why the three lighthouses which all represent a part of our coastal history have basically been locked up and forgotten.

North Sands Bluff lighthouse, sited at Port Edward, marks the southern most limit of KwaZulu-Natal waters and offers a magnificent coastal view.

We are in the process of opening up conversations with the departments that manage these beautiful assets, to create jobs by opening up the lighthouses and allowing tour guides to offer tours. Gardens and surrounding infrastructure would need to be given some attention and Southern Explorer will be assisting in this regard.

Port Shepstone lighthouse, at night,

Globally lighthouses are now becoming potential tourist attractions, they provide panoramic views of scenic locations mostly on the coastline. In addition many lighthouses, by themselves, attract visitors due to their status as historic structures or as landmarks. Visiting a lighthouse is one of the best ways to learn about their rich history and how you can get involved and support the preservation of these historic sites.

During your visit, you will also have some amazing fun as breathtaking views of sparkling seascapes abound from these lofty vantage points

The South Coast posses three interesting lighthouses that were built in the mid 20th century. These beacons of light were vital to the safe trafficking of ships navigating the coast and posses many stories of great historical value.

Stunning view of the ocean and Mzimkhulu River bridge at Port Shepstone.

Green Point Lighthouse sited between Umkomaas and Scottburgh warns shipping off the Aliwal Shoal, a world famous dive site.

Port Shepstone Lighthouse on the southern shore of the large Umzimkulu River was manufactured in England and shipped to South Africa in the 1890s to act as a signal station for the old Port Shepstone harbour.

 

 

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