Edition October 2025

Two kilometres from the Wild Coast Sun near Port Edward in the Eastern Cape, on the beach, are the Mzamba fossils and Petrified Forest, in the northerly reaches of the Wild Coast.  

When you think petrified forest, you may expect to see a forest in the traditional sense. This forest does not stand tall next to you but rather underneath; as you walk, you will see 80-million-year-old fossilised trees and deposits on the rocks.

Breathtakingly beautiful, the four-star rated Wild Coast Sun is the perfect year-round family holiday destination, with activities for all ages and energy levels.

Flanked by a Blue Flag beach, Indian ocean, lagoon and 750 hectares of lush indigenous bush, the property boasts an R80-million water park, games area, a top ranked 18-hole golf course, casino and a range of restaurants.

The surrounding area also abounds in adventure. Choose from deep-sea fishing, rock, surf, fly or spear fishing, scuba diving, hiking trails and horse riding on the beach. Walk along sandy beaches where the only footprints are your own, or hunt for relics from old shipwrecks along the coast.  

At the Mtamvuna River, the Riverside Aqua Sports and Beach Bar offers a fantastic selection of water sports and river activities such as kayaking, speed boats, paddle boats, tube rides, water skiing and a lazy boat cruise.

Take a guided walk on the stretch of the beach between the Wild Coast Sun and the Mzamba river, and see the Petrified Forest, representing the fossilisation remains of an ancient marine environment deposited during the Cretaceous period some 85 million years ago.  

Picture perfect

Glide along the beautiful botanic forest or take a tour of the famous golf course on a Segway, which will show you the most Instagrammable backdrops in the area. There are few better ways to explore the Wild Coast Sun's serene surroundings than on a quad bike. Four wheels equals freedom, so enjoy the multi-terrain of the wilderness.

For thrilling adult entertainment, the casino has a wide range of slot machines and popular tables games such as roulette, blackjack and other classics. Both smoking and non-smoking facilities are available. High rollers at Wild Coast Sun Resort can now enjoy placing their bets in the recently-renovated Salon Privé – Sun International’s only casino with an ocean view.  

The championship 18-hole Wild Coast Sun Golf Course is famed for its magnificently curated fairways and greens that cross rugged terrain of hills, ravines, rivers, dams, waterfalls and the lagoon until the final hole, with unforgettable views of the Indian Ocean.

Land-based sports are mostly located at the Sports Centre which houses lawn bowls and tennis. Guests can maintain their regular fitness regime, should they wish, at the hotel’s gym situated on the 4th floor.  

Entertainment for the whole family

The AquaPlay area’s slides will keep youngsters safely entertained for hours, while the entire family will enjoy activities such as Segway, quad biking and cycling.  Indoor entertainment for children is provided by the Magic Company and Cosmic Bowling in the Aloha Village, with the recent inclusion of the first indoor Skypark in South Africa.  

Challenge the family to problem-solving skills with Breakout, the ultimate game escaping a room.  Squawkers crèche offers supervised fun for children over weekends and school holidays.  

The entire family will enjoy the adrenalin rush of Wild Waves Water Park, which boasts some of the world’s best water rides. Choose from a gentle Lazy River tube experience, to fast paced, heart-pounding body slides, tube rides and flume experiences.

Grab a bite to eat at one of the fast food stores or restaurants, or indulge in a meal with an Indian Ocean backdrop at the resort’s various sit-down restaurants and bars such as Chico’s and Calypso Bar.

Enjoy African relaxation at its best at the Mangwanani Spa, as you rejuvenate with a face or body treatment. The ultimate escape for tired bodies and minds, the spa also offers a children’s treatment menu.  

The resort’s guests can have a holiday or conference trim at Legends Barbershop, rated by the African Hair Awards Council as the leading barbershop in South Africa.

Located just five kilometres from Port Edward, the resort straddles the border between KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces. It is a two-hour drive from Durban’s King Shaka International Airport. v

*Information used to write this article was supplied by the Wild Coast Sun.