The history of the KwaZulu-Natal coast is divided into three broad phases. In the distant past it provided a migratory route for african peoples displaced by war, conflict and natural disasters such as drought. On these coastal plains, well supplied with water and terrestrial and marine resources, a succession of tribes such as the Nguni and Thonga both settled and travelled its green expances hunting and fishing as they moved. 

Though both groups harvested the rich intertidal marine resources, the Thonga were unique in that they actually fished with line and traps in the sea, rivers and esturine lakes on the north coast. The fish kraals in the Kosi Bay system are a unique example of this.

Then outside influences began to impact this coast and its peoples. First Arab and Indian peoples explored and traded along the east african coast down as far as the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal leaving traces of their trading culture in the language and skills of the tribes they met there. In the last few centuries European explorers sailed the coast seeking tradable resources, supplies and safe anchorages for their ships. These anchorages grew into the cities and towns that form the centres for both industry and recreation on the modern day coast. Interspersed between towns and resorts are protected areas and marine reserves that conserve the biodiversity of the unique animals and ecosystems of this beautiful coastline.