While some people enjoy relaxing by the seaside or splashing in the waves on holiday, others prefer to keep their feet on terra firma, exploring nature reserves, farmlands, or golfing greens. Of course, there are also those who like the best of both worlds, and they’ll find exactly what they’re looking for on the KZN South Coast!
“The region boasts the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, 3 Marine Protected Areas, 2 world-class dive sites, and some of the best surf spots in the country, making it the ideal seaside holiday destination,” explained Deborah Ludick Acting CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “Yet the KZN South Coast’s hinterland is an abundance of hidden gems suited to the intrepid adventurers who prefer to stay on land. This is the place where ocean sunrises and hinterland adventures await!”
KZN South Coast’s Land and Sea Adventures
1. Diving
Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks aren’t only Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), they’re also considered among the world’s top dive sites, home to an extraordinary variety of sharks, rays, and more. Visitors can go snorkelling, scuba diving, or even diving with sharks.
2. Fishing
Whether chartering a boat for deep sea fishing through companies or standing on the shoreline, the KZN South Coast has some of the best fishing spots around such as Uvongo and Margate fishing piers, Sand Spit, Splash Rock, and Orange Rocks. With winter approaching, the world-famous Sardine Run will be coming to town, bringing great fishing opportunities in its wake.
3. Surfing
Seasoned surfers consider the KZN South Coast a ‘surfing mecca’, and there’s an inclusive culture of teaching others the joy of surfing as well through surf schools like Umzumbe Surf Camp.
4. Water Sports
The water-based fun doesn’t end there, with kayaking, stand-up paddling, water skiing, wakeboarding, and more to be enjoyed on the KZN South Coast’s rivers at The Pont and Wild Coast Sun Resort. For something a bit more sedate, the Umzimkulu River Cruises are a great way to experience the water while taking in the sights and sounds of nature.
5. Horse Riding
Explore the KZN South Coast beaches like never before with horse rides on the beachfront! Selsdon Park Estate hosts outrides for everyone from beginners to experienced riders with African savannah riding adventures at Lake Eland Game Reserve.
6. Hiking
There are several hiking and biking trails such as Clearwater Trails and ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest, and the many nature reserves found on the KZN South Coast. 4×4 adventures can be enjoyed on trails in Lake Eland Game Reserve as well as the KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails. Other hinterland excursions include the Nyandezulu Experience, the KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience, the Weza Hiking Trail, the Umzumbe River Trail, and the Beach-to Beach Adventure Hike. The KwaXolo Caves is a must-try adventure into these iconic caves adorned in historic San artwork.
7. Agri-Culture
The KZN South Coast has the fantastic Agri-Tourism Route stopping in at the beautiful farmlands found here. Tours such as these are a great way to authentically experience the region’s hinterland while learning about culture. The new Mission Tourism Route combines heritage and hiking as visitors discover the history of Roman Catholic Mission Stations across this beautiful landscape.
8. Extreme Adventures
There’s something for every thrill-seeker on the KZN South Coast! Wild 5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge has the Wild Gorge Swing, the highest swing of its kind in the world, abseiling down the 110-metre cliff face alongside the waterfall, the Wild Slide a ziplining adventure 165 metres above the treetops, or the 84m-high suspension bridge for great views. There’s also Dezzi Raceway, the only Motorsport South Africa-approved racing track in KZN for high-octane action!
9. Take Flight
If neither land nor sea ticks the box, then take to the skies with Airtrack Aviation or World of Wings Flight School. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the beautiful KZN South Coast with experienced pilots through a quick helicopter or microlight ride.
10. Golf
‘The Golf Coast’, as it’s known, has a wide variety of 9- and 18-hole courses, ranging from links to championship courses. Arguably one of the most renowned courses in the region is Wild Coast Sun Country Club which is consistently rated as a top 10 course in South Africa and forms part of the South African PGA circuit with a par 70 card rating. This is one of many fantastic courses from the coastline inland to the farming village of Harding.
Uncover adventure on the KZN South Coast where ocean sunrises and hinterland adventures await! Find out more by visiting the KZN South Coast website; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
