Port Shepstone is a small seaside town found on the mouth of the Mzimkhulu River in KwaZulu-Natal. The town spells holiday with a capital ‘H’. Boasting Blue Flag beaches, balmy Indian Ocean bays rich in marine life, near-perfect weather and a bustling little waterfront, it would be a pretty tough call to not stop over for at least a couple of days.
Port Shepstone lies along KwaZulu-Natal's Hibiscus Coast, which stretches along the N2 from Scottburgh to Port Edward. Visitors on holidays can enjoy the sights of many hibiscus flowers, especially in the warmer months as they drive along. Port Shepstone is a typical South Coast destination, with anything from scuba diving and surfing to adventurous explorations of the Oribi Gorge.
The charming museum provides an interesting glimpse into the history of the town. Port Shepstone was founded in 1867 when marble was discovered near the Mzimkhulu River mouth, and the village named after Sir Theophilus Shepstone soon prospered. The river port fell into disuse after the railway reached the town, but the earlier arrival of 246 Norwegians settlers in 1882 created an active Norwegian community who to this day remains a strong influence in town.