[2] Originally a farm owned by a Mr. John Mackenzie, Craigieburn was site of the first sugar cane plantation south of Isipingo.

As a result of the limited resources and infrastructure in Craigieburn, residents mostly depend on the neighbouring town of Umkomaas or slightly further to Scottburgh for water and sanitation, health, police, and other services Craigieburn lies just west and 10 km inland from the coastal town of Umkomaas (now renamed to eMkhomazi) on the gentle rolling hills of the South Coast and just south of the uMkhomazi River.

Neighbouring communities include Magabeni to the north, Umkomaas to the east, Amahlongwa to the south and the adjoining suburb of Roseneath to the north-west.

Naidooville is located separately from the main town of Craigieburn and is situated adjacent the N2.

Craigieburn, along with Roseneath, Clansthal, Magabeni and Ilfracombe form part of the functional area of Umkomaas.