| Kelso | |
| Pushpin Map: | South Africa KwaZulu-Natal#South Africa |
| Coordinates: | -30.3603°N 30.7119°W |
| Subdivision Type: | Country |
| Subdivision Name: | South Africa |
| Subdivision Type1: | Province |
| Subdivision Name1: | KwaZulu-Natal |
| Subdivision Type2: | District |
| Subdivision Name2: | Ugu |
| Subdivision Type3: | Municipality |
| Subdivision Name3: | Umdoni |
| Subdivision Type4: | Main Place |
| Established Title: | Established |
| Leader Title: | Councillor |
| Area Footnotes: | [1] |
| Area Total Km2: | 1.20 |
| Population Total: | 425 |
| Population As Of: | 2011 |
| Population Density Km2: | auto |
| Demographics Type1: | Racial makeup (2011) |
| Demographics1 Title1: | Black African |
| Demographics1 Info1: | 73.3% |
| Demographics1 Title2: | Coloured |
| Demographics1 Info2: | 0.5% |
| Demographics1 Title3: | Indian/Asian |
| Demographics1 Info3: | 11.1% |
| Demographics1 Title4: | White |
| Demographics1 Info4: | 14.9% |
| Demographics1 Title5: | Other |
| Demographics1 Info5: | 0.2% |
| Demographics Type2: | First languages (2011) |
| Demographics2 Title1: | Zulu |
| Demographics2 Info1: | 61.6% |
| Demographics2 Title2: | English |
| Demographics2 Info2: | 24.4% |
| Demographics2 Title3: | Xhosa |
| Demographics2 Info3: | 5.1% |
| Demographics2 Title4: | Afrikaans |
| Demographics2 Info4: | 4.4% |
| Demographics2 Title5: | Other |
| Demographics2 Info5: | 4.4% |
| Timezone1: | SAST |
| Utc Offset1: | +2 |
| Postal Code Type: | Postal code (street) |
| Postal2 Code Type: | PO box |
| Postal2 Code: | 4183 |
| Area Code Type: | Area code |
Kelso is located in the uMdoni Coast region of South Africa facing the Indian Ocean. Kelso is located 65 kilometers south of Durban, the largest city in KwaZulu-Natal.[2]
Henry Cooke, one of the original mid-nineteenth century Byrne settlers, named the South African coastal village after the town of Kelso on the Tweed River in Scotland. Before modern transportation, the village of 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.[3]
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.[4]
Fishing at sea is also a popular activity.
Kelso is served by the railway from Port Shepstone to Durban and had a branch to Umzinto, connecting to the Umzinto - Donnybrook narrow gauge railway until its closure in 1987.
Major roads are the N2 and the R102.