South African beaches can be quite an arduous experience during the summer peak season. But the KwaZulu-Natal coastline is an off-season haven according to those in the know.

Here are some great-escape gems to try…

Durban, nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Drakensberg Mountains, is hot, humid and subtropical with favourable temperatures in winter - making it an attractive all-year holiday destination and a top contender when it comes to the country's blue flag beaches.

The Golden Mile and Umhlanga Rocks's Main beach can leave you battling for elbow space but the area's best kept secret is Bronze beach. Lined with dune vegetation, it's not easily accessible but the slog is worth it.

The Bluff is Durban’s pearl and rightly so. The character of its lush protected habitation and endless beaches make it the perfect place to spend a day in the sun far from the madding crowds.

Another favourite is Brighton Beach. Its South Coast position has also made it one of the world’s top ten surfing destinations. Just 15 minutes from Durban, it hosts international surfing landmark Cave Rock. In winter surfers enjoy 3 to 4m swells. But its reef break means paddling tidal pools for those who just want to bob around. Double up your beach time at the closely situated braai areas.

The south coast beaches aren’t quite as isolated, but small towns such as St Michaels, Hibberdene and Umkomaas are less inhabited, particularly in the mild winters.

An alternative to popular Margate is the quiet beach of Ramsgate. It has picnic facilities in a park-like setting and is perfect for getting away from the bustling beach towns such as Southbroom and Ballito which have recently exploded with holiday properties.

St Lucia, a protected nature reserve and one of South Africa’s seven World Heritage sites, has beautiful long beaches and lukewarm water. Secret spots in the area include Mtunzini, Zinkwazi and Blythedale.

If you're prepared to travel a bit further then the ecotourism paradise of Kosi Bay can be found near the Mozambique border. It is a pristine estuary surrounded by lush marsh forest, mangrove, ferns and orchids. Take a hike between tanning sessions and you could spot a hippo, crocodile or loggerhead turtle.

It might not be a Mediterranean escape, but heading off to the KwaZulu-Natal coast during winter certainly has its advantages.

Interested? Try one of our Durban packages and check it out for yourself.