Where to book affordable last-minute beach stays near Durban

The most affordable December rentals are usually the ones booked first. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to pay more.

However, if you’re planning a last-minute escape this December, you can still book accommodation for a family of four near Durban.

These are the areas where that’s possible.

Affordable Escape in December Near Durban

You can get 5 nights for a family of four starting at R600 a night (or R150 per person) in December.

But since most of Durban’s beach accommodation has been booked for December, these are your next choices.

Amanzimtoti

Currently, Amanzimtoti is the closest city to Durban with available accommodation.

Amanzimtoti is a 25-minute drive south from Durban and gets quite busy in summer.

Currently, there are at least a dozen self-catering stays starting at R5 300 for 5 nights.

The average price is roughly R6 500 for a last-minute 5-night stay in Amanzimtoti. Ratings on these self-catering units start at 5.9.

Kingsburgh

Kingsburgh, which includes Warner Beach, is a 25-minute drive from Durban.

The town is slightly more expensive than Amanzimtoti, a 5-minute drive away.

For a 5-night stay, the average booking price is R7 700.

However, the stays have higher ratings. In neighbouring Amanzimtoti, some stays have extremely low ratings. But in Kingsburgh, the average rating is 7.9.

Scottsburgh

This is the perfect place to stay if you enjoy the beach and it is very family-friendly.

Scottsburgh is a 45-minute drive from Durban. It also has access to a Blue Flag beach.

You can visit tidal pools, swim and canoe in the lagoon, play putt-putt golf and ride a super tube.

The affordable accommodation in Scottsburgh is booking quickly; only a handful remain. But these self-catering units typically include ocean views.

The average booking price is R6 500, and the average rating is 8.7.

Port Shepstone

Roughly a 1-hour 20-minute drive from Durban without traffic, you’ll find Port Shepstone.

There’s plenty to do in Port Shepstone.

Kayak the Mzimkulu River or play golf at the Port Shepstone Golf Club.

Go hiking or explore the Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve.

Accommodation starts at R4 250 for a self-catering unit.

Hibberdene

Hibberdene is a smaller town over an hour from Durban.

The town is more laid-back, perfect for families who don’t want a full itinerary in December.

Instead, families can access some of the best beaches on the South Coast and activities in neighbouring Scottsburgh and Margate.

Accommodation in Hibberdene starts at R6 500 for a 5-night stay, but affordable stays are going quickly.

To save even more, stay in the surrounding small villages like Mtwalume, where units start at R4 500 for 5 nights.

Margate

Margate, which is about a 90-minute drive from Durban, currently has the most available accommodation.

Holidaymakers can book stays in Margate, Uvongo Beach, Shelly Beach, and Ramsgate.

Of the remaining holiday stays, a 5-night stay for a family of 4 starts at R5 150 in Margate.

In the less-crowded Uvongo Beach or Shelly Beach, prices start at R5 460.