Port Shepstone lies along KwaZulu-Natal’s Hibiscus Coast, which stretches from Scottburgh to Port Edward. Visitors on South African holidays can enjoy the sight of many hibiscus flowers. Port Shepstone is situated at the mouth of the Mzimkhulu River (a Zulu name meaning ‘place of the great kraal’), it was the discovery of marble deposits on the bank of the river in 1867 that first attracted settlers to the area. The town was established four years later and named after Sir Theophilus Shepstone, Administrator of Native Affairs in the Natal government. The river mouth soon became a port for the export of marble, lime and sugar. The harbour was developed following the arrival of a party of 246 Norwegian immigrants in 1886, but the port fell into disuse after the railway line reached the town in 1901.
The largest town along the South Coast, Port Shepstone is a popular resort, offering safe bathing in a tidal pool and a lighthouse as a landmark. The coast and estuary offer good angling opportunities, while boating is possible on the river. The history of the town is depicted in the Port Shepstone Museum, which has a maritime focus. Guests on South African holidays can see one of the largest collections of seashells in the country at the Sea Shell Museum at Shelly Beach, a few kilometres south of Port Shepstone.
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