Local Attractions
Southbroom
The village of Southbroom is buried in a tropical paradise and the perfect venue for a relaxed and stress free holiday.
The magnificent pristine beaches are lapped by the warm currents of the Indian Ocean. They boast a stillness and tranquillity unparalleled anywhere.
Protected by shark nets and due to its unique position Southbroom lends itself well to surfing and scuba diving.
The safe clear tidal pools make an ideal place for children to explore and of course Mum and Dad can join in too!
Fishing both onshore and offshore is well catered for. Bring your own tackle and take a leisurely walk along the coast from our local Umkobi beach to Marina Beach and take advantage of the excellent surf casting. Before leaving on your return journey home why not enjoy a refreshing beverage at “Riptide” restaurant situated right on the beach?
Southbroom also has a small Quick Spar and an Ok liquor store, Doctors Rooms and a Pharmacy, a Vet, On the Square coffee shop, Pizzeria, “Beaches” Interior treasures store, clothing stores and Salons, as well as a Laundry Service. Southbroom even has a comprehensive Library and its own petrol station. For the sporty types there is an incredible Golf course ranked as one of South Africa’s most fun courses to play and boasts as one of the most popular golf courses on the South Coast.
There is a Bowling Green, Tennis Courts, hiking trails and an extensive sandy beach with a ‘Granny’s Pool.’
For the Nature Lovers there is the Fredrika Preserve, The Bushbuck Trail, The Outlook and The Imbezane River Reserve. These are all stunning, natural features between the Mbizane and Kaba Rivers where guests can go hiking, or go birding to see the Barn Swallows or breeding birds of prey, even whale or dolphin watching; especially during the Sardine Run season.
This area is particularly special because the Community of Southbroom takes immense pride in local development and support. They continually assist in protecting and maintaining the high standard and lifestyle in which the Village is renowned for. The 3 breathtaking beaches: Main Beach, Granny Pools and Umkobi, are pristine and secure; perfect for that romantic stroll or sun-downer in the sand, and the village itself is a romantic little oasis; a great place to meet up with friends for a quick drink or a great meal!
Golf at Southbroom Golf Club
The perfect tropical golfing experience with breathtaking views and a challenging golf course. The Clubhouse offers wonderful meals with friendly and accommodating staff and a fully equipped golf shop with everything you can possibly need on your golfing adventure.
The Trattoria, Italian Restaurant, Outlook Road
For a change of location and mood why not stroll down to The Trattoria , Italian Restaurant on Outlook Road which is set in idyllic surroundings on the banks of the Umkobi lagoon. Often simply known as ‘The Trat’ to locals, it has a reputation for being one of the South Coast’s finest restaurants.
Birding
The conservancy in Southbroom has an immense variety of birdlife but here are some that particularly stand out:
Barn Swallows
An enormous flock of Barn Swallows have chosen to roost in the reed beds of Umkobi Lagoon at Southbroom, on the KwaZulu Natal South Coast, and in the summer months between October and April, visitors to the area can observe millions of swallows retiring for the evening, a short while before sunset. This natural phenomenon provides both regular and non regular bird watchers with a truly spectacular sight.
Harrier Hawk
These magnificent birds of prey are considered to be vulnerable in South Africa, and are currently breeding in the marshy areas of Southbroom. They are monogamous birds that feed mostly on rodents, small birds and frogs. They are grey in colour.
Trumpeter Hornbill
This hornbill is characterized by a large grey casque on the bill, smaller in females. The eyes are brown or red, with pink surrounding skin.
The Trumpeter Hornbill is a gregarious bird, usually living in groups of 2 to 5 individuals, although sometimes as many as 50. They can be seen and heard all over the Southbroom area, with a distinct “crying baby” call.
Crowned Eagle
A large, boldly-marked, crested eagle with a long tail and broad wings, resembling a massive goshawk. The under parts of the adult are blotched and barred black-and-white; there is also a variable rufous wash across the breast. The pale immature has creamy-tan underwings. These spectacular large birds are breeding successfully along the South coast and often photographed flying low over the beachfronts. They are also considered endangered and are a protected species.
Knysna Loerie
This is a large green bird with a short hooked bill and brilliant red wings. The Knysna Loerie is found only in the coastal forests of South Africa and its prime source of sustenance is fruit, insects and earthworms.
Purple Crested Loerie
This bird has a purple coloured crest above a green head, a red ring around their eyes, and a black bill. The neck and chest are green and brown. The rest of the body is purple, with red flight feathers. It is the National Bird of the Kingdom of Eswatini, and the crimson flight feathers of this and related turaco species are important in the ceremonial regalia of the Swazi royal family. These birds mainly eat fruit and are a beautiful addition along the Southbroom coastline.
Additional Wildlife
Southbroom has an array of small antelope like the Blue Duiker and Bushbuck. There have also been sightings of Bushpig and Porcupine, often with babies in tow. There are numerous snakes, frogs and lizards including Water Monitors and Chameleons. Mammals such as Otters, Mongoose and the naughty Vervet Monkeys are often found on your doorstep, so be prepared and hide your fruit!
Walking and Hiking
Frederika Preserve
The Frederika Nature Preserve came into being in 1977 when 30 beachfront residential sites where placed on the market. Leo Driessen, a concerned environmentalist, realised the value of the biodiversity of the area and the negative impact that development of the primary dune would have on Southbroom. He chose to purchase all of the properties on offer and donated them into the custody of SA Nature Conservation Centre (now Delta Environmental Centre).
He named the preserve for his wife, Frederika, who later increased its size by the donation of certain adjoining sites on the highest part of the dune.
In 1990, Delta’s then Chairman, and friend of Leo Driessen, Mr NC Bloom, registered the preserve with the Department of Environment Affairs as a South African Natural Heritage Site of National Importance.
Bushbuck Trails and Imbezane River Reserve
Magnificent indigenous flora exists in the area and the abundant bird life is sure to reward those who undertake the walk. The resident Crowned Eagle and large flock of Crowned Hornbill are particularly special to see and the views of the lagoon and coastline are incredible.
Local beaches: Umkobi, Southbroom Main Beach and Granny Pools
There is nothing that compares to a day spent on a clean, un-spoilt beach, especially one with showers and neat bathrooms. There are grass covered seating areas on the Main beach with braai facilities overlooking the vast expanse of the Indian Ocean.
There is a beautiful walking trail along The Outlook, all the way to Granny Pools Deck and Tidal pool where you can experience a less windy corner if need be.
Umkobi Beach has the long beachfront perfect for the romantic stroll and enticing alcove ideal for the shore fisherman.
Local Game Park: Umtamvuna Nature Reserve
The Umtamvuna Nature Reserve in Port Edward on the glorious South Coast is famous for its magnificent views of the deep Umtamvuna River Gorge.
The reserve has the best nature walks along the KwaZulu Natal coastline, with several marked trails to explore. A large colony of the endangered Cape Vulture can be observed on their nesting sites.
Riverbend Crocodile Farm
Over the last 20 years Howard Kelly, a member of the IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group, has presented the visitors to Riverbend Crocodile Farm with a fascinating presentation which covers topics ranging from crocodile ecology to the impact of crocodiles on human populations in Africa. Having worked with crocodiles for more than 30 years Howard has imparted some fascinating knowledge to thousands of visitors. Daily shows and demonstrations have been one of the main attractions in the Southcoast region.
The farm offers a wonderful restaurant, interesting Curio shop, and Incredible Art and Wine Gallery.
Oribi Gorge
Oribi Gorge is a canyon in southern KwaZulu-Natal. The gorge is approximately 400 metres (1,300 ft) deep, and almost 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) wide at it’s widest.
The Oribi Gorge area boasts cliffs, forests, unbelievable hiking trails and idyllic picnic sites. It is dramatic in its scale and spectacularly beautiful in its variety. A photographer’s paradise, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve encompasses forests, rivers, rapids and ravines.
Wild 5 adventures
If you are looking for a thrilling adventure to get that adrenaline rush then be sure to visit the Wild 5 extreme adventure company. Try out the Wild swing and free fall over the edge of Lehrs Falls, getting up to a speed of 120 kilometres per hour while soaring down into an arc 100 meters long.
If the swing sounds too scary you may prefer to abseil down the gorge or slide across it at a height of 160 metres above the valley floor below. If that doesn’t appeal, then you may enjoy Quad Biking and get to enjoy nature in its unspoiled beauty whilst having the best adventure that four wheels can offer.
With all these riveting activities to choose from, you will not be disappointed and are sure to have the time of your life.
Lake Eland
Covering an impressive 2500 Hectares with diverse ecosystems of Bushveld, Grassland, Coastal Forest and Wetland; Lake Eland Game Reserve is the perfect venue for Day visitors as it is only 63 km from Southbroom.
Activities to choose from include a self game drive, viewing the abundant wild life and flora to be seen from the comfort of your car. In addition guests can walk across our 80m suspension bridge, as well as our fabulous Zip Line Tour.
https://www.lakeeland.co.za/
Wild Waves Waterpark
Get your splash on at Wild Waves Water Park and explore an assortment of aquatic rides, slides, tubes and plunge pools at one of the most sought-after Eastern Cape Attractions.
This amazing adventurous outing is only 39km away from Southbroom; which makes it ideal as a day excursion.
Mac Banana
Mac Banana is the perfect place for a family outing, unique shopping experience, great food and awesome activities. Kids of all ages can have as much adventure as adults at MacBanana lifestyle and Adventure Park.
At Zip Rope Adventure Park adults and adventurers in the making can experience 3 zip line courses through the banana plantation including obstacles.
For the older kids and adults practise aiming with fun paintball activities (10 years plus) in an enclosed scenic area with a purpose-built war zone. Or try the new archery and air gun shooting activity. Children under 10 can participate in target shooting with the paint ball guns.
Every member of the family can enjoy MacBanana lifestyle and adventure Park. More kids’ activities to choose from include a giant trampoline, animal feeding at the animal farm, butterfly dome and banana tours, jungle adventure golf, jungle gym and pony rides.
Mpenjati Coffee Farm and Beaver Creek Coffee farm
For coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs, these two farms are in our opinion, some of the best that South Africa has to offer. Not only are the coffee products exceptional, but they come from some of the most kind and friendly families on the South Coast.
If you’re looking for fantastic service and great food, visit the restaurants on these farms and just have an all round awesome experience learning about coffee and the processes of roasting beans. Not to mention the perfect little gifts to take home!
Berry Crafty at Mattisson Square
Berry Crafty is a retail outlet – selling hand crafted furniture, decor, clothing, leather goods, foodie delights, bath time treats and much, much more. A delightful craft shop which supports local artists, bakers and crafters, the owner; Mariette not only cares about the surrounding community but also supports local charities with many of the goods she sells.