Stretching from the holiday mecca of Amanzimtoti all the way down to Port Edward, there are endless reasons to visit the South Coast but here are five S’s that should get you off the couch and packing your rental car: sand, surf, scuba, sardines and swing.

If you’re looking for idyllic beaches the South Coast has plenty, including six with Blue Flag status. Safe, clean and environmentally sound, these beaches are perfect for long lazy walks and languid dips into the ocean. So, grab your sunnies, sunblock and a costume and get your toes in the sand.

With warm water and quality surf, it’s no wonder that KwaZulu-Natal has internationally acclaimed surfing spots. Some of the best waves in the world can be found at St Mikes, The Spot and Green Point, but you can drive the length of the coast and find dozens of perfect waves and secluded beaches.

The most popular dive destination is just off Umkomaas - an hour’s drive from King Shaka International Airport. Considered one of the top 10 dive sites in the world, the Aliwal Shoal attracts local and international divers to view the spectacular marine life. Advanced divers can head further south to Protea Banks - one of the world’s top shark dives.

Known as “The Greatest Shoal on Earth”, the Sardine Run is a unique marine phenomenon not to be missed. Every winter, millions of sardines migrate north, and following closely in a feeding frenzy are dolphins, sharks, other large fish and birds. Not to mention the hordes of people on the beach waiting to scoop up sardines in any number of impromptu nets.

And finally, no trip would be complete without swinging your clubs on the exquisite fairways and spectacular greens of the Golf Coast, where there are five courses rated in Golf Digest’s Top 100 SA courses.

It’s no coincidence that iZulu means “heaven” because this slice of the KwaZulu-Natal coastline is just that. Heavenly. With balmy weather, a warm ocean, wide golden beaches and rolling green hills, it’s no wonder this is a popular year-round holiday destination.