Welcome To
Kidd's Beach
About Our Town
Nestled on the east coast, just off the R72 – and a mere 23km from East London’s King Phalo Airport- lies the picturesque peaceful and progressive village of Kidds Beach. The Mkhanzi River – which takes its name from the Xhosa word “Umkhanzi” meaning “bulrush”- forms a tentative boundary on the village’s eastern side.
This unique community – despite its burgeoning population and sprawling new developments – has somehow retained the special village atmosphere which has always characterised it and made it the perfect destination for secure, stress-free family holidays.
Many of the incumbent residents, and long-term holiday visitors, made their initial acquaintance with Kidd’s Beach, decades ago on a one-off excursion, before succumbing to its magic.
Two of our most venerable residents can recall holiday visits in the 1940’s, by wagon from nearby King Williams Town – complete with crate of egg-producing poultry and long-suffering milk cow in tow (to provide the non-negotiable cornerstones of any traditional breakfast).
The village is now self-contained and it is seldom necessary to venture beyond the immediate surrounds for any but the most extreme needs.
Activities & Sights
The area offers long, tranquil beach walks in an incredibly scenic, safe and unspoiled environment. Anglers will find plenty of scope for rock, surf and river fishing, with no shortage of sage (albeit helpful, friendly and jocular) advice from the local afficionados.
View the Kidd’s Beach events calendar to see general and holiday activities happening in the area.
Surfers are well catered for at the local Kidd’s Beach, Leonard’s Bay and Igoda breaks with the possible bonus of amicable incursions by pods of Bottlenose or Common Dolphins, intent on sharing the waves.
Swimming on the main beach (and tidal pool) is safe and well regulated, with lifesavers in attendance during busy seasons. The Mkhanzi River lagoon lends itself to safe canoeing, kayaking and juvenile water activities.
Wildlife
Rich in natural beauty, Kidd’s Beach, and the surrounding area, boasts a rich diversity of flora and fauna. The local bird life is spectacular.
A visually impressive seasonal phenomenon, in the twilight of late-summer evenings, is the congregation of masses of Swallows, darkening the skies above the river, before – as if at some pre-arranged signal – descending en-masse into the reed beds below.
Bushbuck; Grey Duiker; diminutive Blue Duiker are often sighted in the more secluded areas, while the early (and observant) riser might well be rewarded with sightings of Cape Clawless Otter along the river and some of the rocky bays.
Humpback whales – sometimes accompanied by their portly progeny – are routinely sighted, often breaching, tail slapping or simply cruising through the waters beyond the surf line. Southern Right Whales are also seasonal visitors to these waters.
Community
The local populace are friendly; helpful; have a strong sense of community and have adopted a very responsible approach to environmental issues. Each holiday season sees the implementation of a comprehensive Holiday Programme, which is community driven and crammed with activities which target all tastes and age groups.
Part of the magic of Kidd’s Beach, is that one arrives as a visitor and leaves as a local.