PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
02 August 2021

 

6 reasons to #GoSouth for a wellness adventure that may assist in easing pandemic stress

There’s no doubt that the experiences of the past few months have been incredibly stressful for South African citizens, which is detrimental to both physical and emotional health. It’s time to take a rejuvenating break on the KZN South Coast, where ‘Vitamin Sea’ and nature’s healing powers could provide the ultimate remedy for stress.

 

Countless studies have shown the benefits of the natural world with immersion in nature not just ‘nice to have’ but actually vital for overall health. Research from an interdisciplinary team of America’s Cornell University, which was published in January 2020 Frontiers in Psychology, finds that just 10 minutes in a natural setting makes people feel happier and decreases stress levels physically and mentally. The research forms part of a larger study into ‘nature therapy’ whereby immersion in nature is used to tackle levels of stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health issues.

 

“The KZN South Coast is natural haven, boasting some of the country’s most iconic waterfalls, beaches, dive sites, coastal forests and nature reserves,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT). “One of our biggest drawcards for the local tourism industry is activities that allow visitors to immerse themselves in this natural wonder. From the simple act of soaking in the winter rays on our beautiful beaches, through to more extreme adventures that test endurance and boost the adrenaline, this is the ultimate place to seek some ‘nature therapy’.”

 

1.       #GoSouth for the ultimate camping experience

For visitors looking for a way to reconnect with nature and the family, camping by the seaside is the perfect solution. The KZN South Coast boasts many family-friendly campsites, either ocean adjacent or with easy beach access. This is an affordable option for those looking to unwind with the family in a natural setting. For a full list of contact details on #KZNSouthCoast campsites, visit https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Visitor-Info-Portal-on-Website-Caravan-Camping.pdf

 

2.       #GoSouth for the best fishing spots

The KZN South Coast is renowned for its fishing spots that are suited to every level of angler. From the early morning rock-and-surf fraternity through to the deep-sea fishermen looking for big game fish, there’s always a great spot to cast a line. And if the Sardine Run is on the bucket list, then winter is the perfect time to head to the KZN South Coast as the silver shoal heads close to shore.

 

3.       #GoSouth for trail adventures

When it comes to stress relief, exercise is a must – and exercise in nature, even more so! Exercise is known to reduce levels of the body’s stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, while stimulating the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers and mood elevators. With numerous nature reserves consisting of lush coastal forests, Lake Eland Game Reserve and a variety of welcoming farmlands, the KZN South Coast is home to some incredible nature trails suited to hiking, trail running and mountain biking. In fact, the region is fast becoming a key biking destination with the annual sani2c and joberg2c mountain biking competitions passing through and finishing in Scottburgh.

 

4.       #GoSouth for a seaside holiday

There’s a reason they call it ‘Vitamin Sea’. When it comes to nature therapy, the ocean is a great space to reconnect while attempting to release stress. The sound of the crashing waves, smell of the ocean and feel of the water are all believed to contribute towards lowering stress levels, lowering anxiety, assisting in pain management and improving sleep. The KZN South Coast, which consists of 58 golden beaches – five of which boast Blue Flag status – is the perfect seaside holiday retreat. Families can enjoy swimming in one of the many protected tidal pools, snorkel in the shallows, explore rock pools or catch a wave in one of the country’s surfing meccas.

 

5.       #GoSouth for the best golfing spots

With 11 immaculate golf courses surrounded by coastal forests and boasting sea views, visitors can immerse themselves in nature while improving their handicaps on the KZN South Coast. Known as ‘The Golf Coast’, there is a green for every golfer, from the semi-links courses to the 18-hole championship courses, there’s always space to relax on the greens.

 

6.       #GoSouth for a unique outdoor adventure

Adventure travel in the great outdoors is a great way to reduce that pent up stress, and #AdventureAwaits on the KZN South Coast! Culture meets adventure in the hinterland at the KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails – great for birding, biking and 4×4 excursions – or the KwaXolo Caves, a 300m cableway hike along cliffs to these caves adorned with San paintings. Extreme, nature-based adventures include the Wild Gorge Swing – the highest swing of its kind in the world – ziplining, white-water rafting and paintball. The KZN South Coast is also home to two world-famous dive sites at Protea Banks and Aliwal Shoal where divers can enjoy close encounters with the ocean’s most beautiful inhabitants.

 

#GoSouth to unwind, de-stress and revitalise body, soul and mind in nature’s finest. USCT has encouraged all tourism establishments to adhere to the strict Covid-19 health and safety protocols. USCT has also been communicating up-to-date Covid-19 information with all tourism establishments via the website’s dedicated Covid-19 portal, as well as the many social media platforms.

 

For more information about what to see and do on the KZN South Coast, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores, or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. Alternatively, visit the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page, or follow @infosouthcoast on Twitter.

 

/ENDS

(Images: Supplied by Ugu South Coast Tourism)

All images are complimentary for media use, provided the correct photographer credit
is included and the images are published in conjunction with the content supplied.

 

Link to download high resolution images: https://we.tl/t-AnHIbVQF0J

Seaside Holiday

KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails

Margate Pier

About Ugu South Coast Tourism
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is the official destination management organisation of the Ugu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The Ugu District comprises four local municipalities that include Umdoni, Umzumbe, Umuziwabantu and Ray Nkonyeni. USCT’s mandate is to grow tourism within the KZN South Coast. This involves implementing marketing and development initiatives that are aimed at showcasing the diverse offerings and experiences of the South Coast as tourist destination. A board of directors oversees USCT, headed by CEO, Phelisa Mangcu.

About KZN South Coast
Known as the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’, the KZN South Coast stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. Here, the spirit of adventure can be discovered among the many cultural experiences, as well as the 35 nature trails and 58 beaches, ideal for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach horse rides, shark cage diving and free diving. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses on the KZN South Coast ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for more rugged excursions. Promoting sustainability, the KZN South Coast has a growing agri-tourism sector that offers world-class produce and hosts tours and excursions. The region boasts a number of permanently managed Blue Flag beaches, and is home to some of the world’s top diving sites, Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. The originality continues with the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth and a marvel to witness. The region’s many nature reserves are inhabited by indigenous bird and wildlife, and it holds the title for ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which also plays host to a number of high-profile events including the The Bike Fest, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

Issued on behalf of: 
Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media@oliviajones.co.za