Kelso is a small coastal village situated along the R102 Regional Route on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal Province in South Africa, approximately 69 km south-west of Durban in eThekwini, 54 km north-east of Port Shepstone, and just 11 km south of Scottburgh.
Kelso is part of the Scottburgh Greater area in the uMdoni Local Municipality, which is part of the Ugu District Municipality.
History
The village was named by Henry Cooke, one of the original mid-19th century Byrne settlers, after the town of Kelso on the Tweed River in Scotland.
Before modern transportation, Kelso served as an important link in the transportation of sugar. Vessels launched on the Umzinto River could take their cargo out to the larger ships anchored at sea, off the river mouth.
The Umzinto River, which borders its southern side, was the site of a mini gold rush during the 1860s.
Recreation
Kelso is known for its excellent golden beaches and waves that provide great conditions for kitesurfing and surfing. Several competitions take place here annually, including hosting part of the South Coast Surf Carnival.
Fishing at sea is also a popular activity.
Transport
Kelso is served by the railway from Port Shepstone to Durban and had a branch to Umzinto (officially renamed eMuziwezinto), connecting to the Umzinto – Donnybrook narrow gauge railway until its closure in 1987.
The major roads used to access Kelso are the R102 Regional Route and the N2 National Route.
