Port Shepstone

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General Information

A fondly recalled tale is the town's 'population explosion' in August 1882, when 246 Norwegians arrived aboard the Lapland. Anchoring at night off what appeared to be a 'dark and uninviting shore', these selected immigrants were soon cheered by the sight of lantern-waving locals. The irrepressible William Bazely ignited five charges of dynamite in celebration, and the ship replied with some rockets and an impromptu music concert. An enormous bonfire was soon blazing on the beach...swelling the crowd and fuelling high spirits on both sides of the surf line. With sunrise came an end to the Norwegians' jollification. A high sea prevented their ship from entering the river mouth and, in small groups; they were hauled ashore by hand on a warp- connected lighter. Now wet, sea-sick and thoroughly disenchanted, these bedraggled individuals were greeted by a sight for which they were even less prepared - a welcoming party of 500 Zulu warriors 'in full feathers and war-paint'. The Norwegians were reportedly more alarmed than amused.

Accommodation in Port Shepstone

Places to stay with Accommodation in Port Shepstone which includes hotels, self catering accommodation, guest houses, bed and breakfast, lodges etc.

Port Shepstone Activities

Port Shepstone is one of the largest towns of the KwaZulu Natal South Coast in South Africa and offers unspoiled sandy beaches with warm waters rich in marine life, and opportunities for, activities such as fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, swimming, river rafting, boating, canoeing, water skiing, hiking trails, with over 250 species of bird calls and the forest sounds of buck, baboons and monkeys. Port Shepstone also has the world’s highest commercial abseil at 110m.