PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

27 March 2026

Discover Spiritual Heritage This Easter on the KZN South Coast

With its golden beaches, lush hinterland, outdoor adventures, and rich cultural experiences, the KZN South Coast remains a top destination for a memorable Easter getaway. Beyond the coastline, visitors can explore a deeper, more reflective side of the region through its unique heritage offerings including the inspiring Mission Tourism Route.

Developed by South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), the Mission Tourism Route offers a meaningful journey through some of the area’s most historic and spiritual sites, making it an ideal Easter experience for families, faith-based travellers and cultural explorers.

This route traces the legacy of Roman Catholic mission stations established in the late 1800s, rooted in the work of Austrian monk Franz Pfanner and the Trappist order. These missions played a significant role in providing education, skills development and community support a legacy that continues to this day.

Visitors can experience a guided journey starting from Port Shepstone, with stops at the Capuchin Adoration Convent in Pumula, the beautifully adorned Maris Stella Mission, the tranquil Assisi Mission and the stone-built Maria Trost Mission in St Faiths. Each site offers a glimpse into the region’s rich spiritual and cultural history, along with the ongoing work of the resident communities.

The experience concludes with a visit to the historic Spillers Wharf along the Umzimkhulu River, followed by a relaxing lunch at one of the delectable restaurants, the perfect way to round off a day of reflection and discovery.

“As we approach the Easter period, the Mission Tourism Route provides visitors with an opportunity to connect with the spiritual heritage of the KZN South Coast while exploring our beautiful hinterland,” said Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE. “It also plays an important role in supporting rural tourism and uplifting local communities.”

This Easter, visitors are encouraged to look beyond the beach and discover the stories, history and heart of the KZN South Coast.

Unlock More on the KZN South Coast!

The KZN South Coast is a premier beach destination offering a diverse array of tourism experiences. With the most Blue Flag beaches and tidal pools in the province, it’s perfect for seaside relaxation, while world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks provide thrilling marine adventures alongside deep-sea fishing. The region is a golfer’s paradise, featuring 11 top-quality courses and welcoming clubhouses.

Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast with hiking, mountain biking, 4×4 trails, and extreme sports like ziplining and gorge swinging in the scenic hinterland. Nature lovers can explore vast reserves and the Wellness Way Route, while cultural and heritage attractions include township tours, the Mission Tourism Route, and many hiking excursions.

Agri-tourism flourishes with farm visits and rural outings, and motorsport enthusiasts can head to Dezzi Raceway for high-octane action. The area also supports business tourism and event hosting with great MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events) facilities in a breathtaking coastal setting.

 

Get in Touch!

Unlock adventure on the KZN South Coast! Unlock more by downloading the Explore KZN South Coast app, visiting the KZN South Coast website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za; 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 the KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.

Follow the hashtags #KZNSouthCoast #MeetOnTheSouthCoast #ValentinesGetaway #RomanticCoast

/ENDS

Please note the image credit is included beneath the corresponding image. 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.

High Resolution Images: https://we.tl/t-JynoVEQvMeqbpiw4

 

Capuchin Adoration Convent.

Father Mvelase of Assisi Mission with the sisters.

Maria Trost Mission.

Pupils from Maris Stella Primary School welcoming visitors.

Assisi Mission

Sister Carmen of Capuchin Adoration Convent with Zama Nkomo from SCTIE.

Sthandiwe Langa at Maris Stella in one of the old nun’s bedroom.

Sister Carmen of Capuchin Adoration Convent.

 

Sthandiwe Langa learning about the history of Assisi Mission.

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 several 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 birds and wildlife, and it holds the title of ‘smallest desert on earth’, The Red Desert in Port Edward. The KZN South Coast is a fast-emerging MICE destination which has played host to several high-profile events including The Bike Fest, The Conservation Symposium, The Ocean Festival, Uvukile Gospel Festival, Ugu Jazz, Ugu International Film Festival, and the South Coast Fever MTB & Trail Run Series.

For more information please contact:
Vanessa Gounden
Email: vanessa@sctie.co.za