Welcome to a true historic gem on the Hibiscus (South) Coast of Natal. Southbroom is only 25km from the town of Port Shepstone and 145km southwest of Durban and is a quaint seaside village with a truly South African atmosphere. It is one of the few coastal villages that has not given in to the temptation of high rise hotels and apartments all along its beahfront.
Today it’s a popular holiday venue for Durbanites and "Vaalies" (holidaymakers from upcountry - particularly Johannesburg!) alike. There is an almost immediate sense of calm when you enter the town and this is the style in which the locals are accustomed to living: giving visitors a unique experience of living life “worry-free”.
There are three beautiful beaches – Main, Grannies and Umkobi Beach. Unfortunately dogs are not allowed on the beaches but there is a wonderful long flat area from the rocks on the north side of Umkobi where they can run free. The Imbezane lagoon is perfect for children and canoeists because no powered boats are allowed.
There is also great birding on the tranquil waters. Grannies Beach has a ramp for wheelchair access as well as excellent ablution facilities. Umkobi is a wilder experience where water mongoose are active in the reeds. A huge flock of Barn Swallows also roosts in the reed beds of the lagoon in the Summer and, just before sunset, they provide a spectacular aerial display – not to be missed, even by non-bird watchers.
The superbly named “Granny’s Pool” is a local legend. It sits amongst the rocks and is perfectly placed for the sea to keep it clean all year round. At high tide, it feels as though you are in deep sea but you have the security of the surrounding rocks. Looking towards the sea, the cove on the right is a treasure chest of shells, especially the cowrie, while the calm sea to the left makes scuba diving and snorkelling a special experience.
For the thrillseeker there is surfing, surfing and surfing. The annual sardine run attracts a multitude of spectators, and scuba diving during this time is a wonderful option, with loads of amazing marine life to wow you!
The Bushbuck Trail was created by local ratepayers and the magnificent indigenous flora and prolific birdlife are like a magnet to nature lovers. Look out for the resident crowned eagle and the large flock of crowned hornbill, as well as blue duiker and bushbuck.
Southbroom is quickly becoming one of the best places to view whales as there are many elevated vantage points on Main Beach, The Outlook, Granny’s Pool and the verandah at the golf club. And if you happen to be out on the golf course, sightings from the 4th and 5th tee boxes are amazing. The KZN whale season starts on 1 July and lasts until November.
For those who prefer the more sedate pace of life, the tennis and bowls club should meet your daily needs.
An English missionary from Bath, Alfred Eyles, established a mission on the hill near the Imbezane River. Shortly after marrying in 1887, he applied to the government for a grant to extend the mission's land. He gradually purchased more and more land, until eventually, his ownership extended between the Imbezane and the Umkobi Rivers. Thus the village of Southbroom was born.
