South Africa is renowned for its scenic hiking trails that give visitors the chance to discover the natural beauty of a region while immersing themselves in the cultural wonders as well. Now, visitors to the KZN South Coast this summer will get even more opportunity to enjoy such nature-based adventures with the launch of the Weza Hiking Trail on Tuesday, 18 October 2022.

“The establishment of hiking trails satisfies our tourists’ desire to experience the natural beauty of the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, while also expanding the economic footprint of tourism into the hinterland,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “Following the successful launch of the Umzumbe River Trail in May this year, we’re excited to extend our trail options with the launch of the new Weza Hiking Trail just in time for the festive season! This guided trail will give visitors, during the holiday season and beyond, a first-hand experience of the rich cultural heritage of the KZN South Coast along the way.”

The 8km Weza Hiking Trail starts in the iKhwezi rural area, approximately 10km from the farming town of Harding. A trained local guide will take visitors from the junction of the Mawane and Weza rivers, the latter being a northern tributary of the mighty uMtamvuna River. Visitors will traverse two amaKhosi areas, KwaMachi and KwaJali in Umuziwabantu, finishing at a real hidden gem, the Mkhoba Waterfall.

Hikers will enjoy some unique bird watching and wildlife spotting while crossing through indigenous forests and over rivers to incredible viewpoints. Most of the area is covered with a green carpet of grass known as the Aristida junciformis, which in Zulu is known as Ingongoni. This scenic walk will be enhanced by stories shared by the local guide.

For those who would like to extend their stay, there is comfortable accommodation at Ntozakhe homestay. Guests will learn more about the mixture of two local cultures, Zulu and Xhosa, while enjoying traditional meals and braais either at the homestay or a picnic spot overlooking the Weza River.

Visitors can book the Weza Hiking Trail at www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za

Get #SummerReady by finding out more about the KZN South Coast’s great tourism offerings! Download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores; visit the ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook or YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn; www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more!

To access previous SCTIE press releases, visit: https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/

/ENDS

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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)

 

Vanessa Gounden (SCTIE Coordinator: Tourism Marketing), John Irven, Deseré Bouillon and Mbongeni Dlamini.

 

Thabi Msomi (SCTIE Visitor Services Officer).

 

About South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)
SCTIE was established as the official economic development arm of the KZN South Coast. It is a legal entity of the Ugu District Municipality with executive powers, serving Ugu District and its family of municipalities. The entity is committed to identifying and unlocking the full tourism and investment potential of the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’ which stretches 120 kilometres from Scottburgh to Port Edward and inland to Harding. The spirit of adventure can be discovered among the 35 nature trails, 58 beaches – 6 Blue Flag – three Marine Protected Areas at Aliwal Shoal, Protea Banks and Trafalgar, two iconic gorges – Oribi Gorge and Umtamvuna Gorge – and game reserves. These all set the scene for activities like river rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, paintball, surfing, SUP, canoeing, fishing, beach horse rides, microlight and helicopter rides, birding, game viewing, shark cage diving and free diving. Winter brings the annual Sardine Run, coined the #GreatestShoalonEarth, which is the largest biomass migration on earth. Nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses ranging in difficulty, with endless hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails for rugged excursions. Hinterland adventures include agritourism and Umzumbe River Trail, with cultural and historical sites such as The Red Desert, KwaXolo Caves, Mzamba Fossils and Petrified Forest, Nyandezulu and KwaNzimakwe experiences, and Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre. Petrolheads can head to Dezzi Raceway, the only Motorsport South Africa (MSA)-approved racing track in the province. The KZN South Coast is also a fast-emerging MICE destination which hosts several high-profile events including Ugu Jazz, Ugu Film Festival and KAP sani2c. For more information, visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za.

Issued on behalf of:
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
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