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When you hear the word ‘desert’, you undoubtedly envision endless dunes, scorching heat, and camels traipsing along in search of an oasis.
But tucked away on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is a desert that breaks all the rules and proudly holds the title of 'The World’s Smallest Desert'.
This is the Red Desert, found in the coastal haven of Port Edward.
Measuring roughly 200 metres in diameter and covering only 11 hectares, the Red Desert is often described as a miniature version of the Arizona Desert.
This is rolling hills and shallow valleys of exposed red sand, standing in stark contrast to the lush, subtropical greenery that surrounds it.
Even more impressively, on a clear day, you can glimpse the ocean from this desert viewpoint, which is not something most deserts can brag about.
History and myths
Over the years, the Red Desert has inspired its fair share of myths and legends, including whispers of alien landings.
Scientists, however, believe the desert was formed through a combination of environmental factors and human activity in the 1800s, when overgrazing by large cattle herds led to severe erosion and desertification.
Today, it offers a rare opportunity to study desert ecology in a coastal setting.
History lovers will be equally intrigued.
The Red Desert is home to archaeological artefacts dating back millions of years scattered across the sand. These include stone tools from the rare Sangoan culture, making this area one of only a handful of such sites in South Africa.
For more information about this unique tourist site, click here.
Adventures in Port Edward (and surrounds)
The Red Desert is a bucket-list adventure, but there’s so much more you can do while exploring Port Edward and the incredible KZN South Coast:
- Hiking, biking, and birdwatching in Umtamvuna Nature Reserve
- Coffee tasting and family fun at Beaver Creek Coffee Estate
- Water park fun, casinos, and restaurants at Wild Coast Sun Resort
- Surfing, swimming, and more at top beaches
- Epic golfing at Wild Coast Golf Course and 10 other KZN South Coast courses
For more about sites and events on the KZN South Coast, click here.
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