Exploring the South Coast coffee route

The best climate in the country, all-year swimming, friendly locals, whales and dolphins – these are just a few reasons to visit the KZN South Coast this year, and now coffee lovers can add a caffeine crawl to the list too…

With coffee tours on offer at Mpenjati Coffee Farm and Beaver Creek Estate, or a leisurely cappuccino overlooking the lagoon or beach, these are my favourite places to enjoy really good coffee – with a view!

Mpenjati Coffee Farm, Munster

 

Mpenjati Coffee Farm is the largest coffee farm in South Africa, spanning over 55 hectares of prime farmland bordering the Mpenjati River on the Lower South Coast. Producing outstanding premium single-origin coffee, Mpenjati sells its unique blends to individuals and coffee shops across South Africa.

 

 

Home to a roastery, coffee shop and farm stall, they also conduct coffee process tours where you can pick a bean (in season) and taste it raw and fresh off the tree, crush it between your fingers and take in the scent of warm KZN soil.

• P310 Old Main Road, Munster, 4278
• Opening Hours: Every day 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
• https://www.mpenjaticoffee.co.za/

 

Book a tour or a Pro Barista course at Beaver Creek.

 

The Beaver Creek crew describes this coffee estate as “Disneyland for coffee people”, and a daily crop-to-cup tour, followed by a meal and freshly roasted coffee is a South Coast experience not to be missed.

Visitors can sample coffee and purchase the range of freshly roasted Beaver Creek coffee and other coffees of the world, while the daily crop-to-cup tour outlines the distinctive flavours of the world’s coffee regions and the processes involved in creating the perfect cup.

You can also book a customised Pro Barista course – tailored for home or work!

 

The Estate Café serves delicious meals and a range of freshly roasted coffee and is open daily from 8 am to 4 pm. Tours start at noon, and booking is essential in the holiday season.

• Beaver Creek Estate, Izingolweni Road, Port Edward, 4295
• https://www.beavercreek.co.za/

 

C-Bali, St Michaels on Sea

 

With a great view of one of the most famous surfing beaches on the South Coast, C-Bali is legendary among locals and visitors both for its location and menu. This is also the venue for the Saturday Park Run, so the breakfast vibe is buzzing when the finishers meet for a well-deserved mega cappuccino post-event.

• 1 Bay Rd. St Michael’s on Sea, Shelly Beach, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, 4265
• https://cbali.co.za/

 

The Waffle House, Ramsgate

 

Get here early to enjoy barista-brewed coffee – with arguably the most famous Belgian waffles in SA  –  as the crowds are prepared to queue for a Waffle House experience.

Coffee lovers can enjoy a smooth Espresso made with Tribeca Gotham Organic 100% Arabica Beans or Beaver Creek’s House Blend Filter Coffee. Freshly ground decaffeinated beans are available for all coffees.

Established in 1957, this historic South Coast landmark is nestled in the tranquil sub-tropical edge of the Ramsgate Lagoon. Finish your visit with a leisurely walk across the quaint wooden bridge to the beautiful Ramsgate Beach for a swim or a laze on the sand.

• Lot 839, Marine Drive, Ramsgate
• https://wafflehouse.co.za

Whether you want to taste your coffee fresh from the farm where it was produced or enjoy a cup of barista brew with a view, these are our top recommendations for coffee lovers visiting the South Coast – with exceptional quality and service always guaranteed!

Sasha is a freelance journalist and has a passion for writing, reading, good food and wine. She’s obsessed with the IDEA of healthy eating (as well as chocolate – dark of course) and is always experimenting with alternative health therapies and trying to get the family to eat less sugar. Her best reward at the end of a busy week: a good book or time to sit on the beach and stare at the sea: whichever option is available.