It’s time for a well-deserved family vacation at the end of a very difficult year, and as part of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT)’s Thokozela Ihlobo! Celebrate Summer campaign, they have made a plan for tourists to enjoy a hassle-free holiday in the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom, simply by using the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app.

“We know that holiday-seekers want to enjoy some relaxation and fun, in a safe and convenient manner,” said CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT), Phelisa Mangcu. “This is why we’ve ensured our ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app has all the updated tourism information, making it a one-stop holiday planning destination. All our tourism establishments within the KZN South Coast are ready to welcome visitors with the relevant Covid-19 safety protocols in place.”

KZN South Coast – a holiday for every taste
No matter what the holiday preference or budget, the KZN South Coast is able to cater to all tastes, with visitors able to find exactly what they need directly on the ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app.

• Outdoor fun: From the Blue Flag Beaches, rivers and dams, through to the countless nature and game reserves across coastal forests, wetlands, grasslands, gorges and cliffs, there is so much to be explored within the KZN South Coast. Hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails abound, with kayaking, surfing, SUP, surfing, and more – there’s lots of outdoor fun to be had!

• Child-friendly activities: In addition to the natural wonders and safe swimming tidal pools, children have endless entertainment within the KZN South Coast. There are many conservation centres for animal encounters, boat rides for dolphin and whale watching, butterfly farms, as well as many children’s play areas.

• Rest and relaxation: The many yoga and wellness retreats within the natural splendour are a great way to rejuvenate the soul. Otherwise visitors can soak up the sun on golden sandy beaches, sip cocktails while overlooking the ocean, or unwind in a coastal forest resort.

• Extreme activities: Those wanting to get the heart pumping have found the right place. For motor enthusiasts, the Dezzi Raceway is the only MSA-approved racing track in KZN, while shark diving and freediving are favourite pastimes here. Wild 5 Adventures has the world’s highest gorge swing, ziplining, abseiling, white water rafting and the suspension bridge to try out.

• Golf retreat: ‘The Golf Coast’ has 11 immaculate, oceanside golf courses, ranging in difficulty for everyone from the novice to avid golfer. From the 18-hole championship course at San Lameer, to the captivating scenery of the Scottburgh Country Club semi-links course, there is a green for every golfer.

• Culture and heritage: The area is rich in local culture and heritage. The world’s smallest desert – Red Desert – is an archaeological site, with 90-million-year-old fossil beds found beneath the waters at Trafalgar Beach. KwaXolo Caves Adventures give visitors a chance to discover ancient San paintings, while local heritage can be experienced at KwaNzimakwe Multi-trails and Ntelezi Msani Heritage Site. Port Edward also has the Sao Joao Portuguese Monument, erected in commemoration of those who died during the 1552 Sao Joao shipwreck, just off the coast.

• Retail therapy: For the more sophisticated leisure-seeker, the KZN South Coast has many luxury resorts and hotels with a wide variety of retail offerings, from the high-quality local crafts, such as Polka.dot.coco, through to bigger retail operations at the many shopping centres and malls.

App categories to check out

Whatever the holiday package desired, visitors are able to navigate the ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app to find everything for holiday planning and booking. The categories include:

• See and Do – Find all the top activities and sites, from fishing charters and shark cage diving to picnic lookout points set in picturesque wilderness.

• Eat – The KZN South Coast’s culinary experts offer a range of delectable options, from freshly-caught seafood and specialty pastas to staple, on-the-go burgers.

• Sleep – Quality service and stunning venues can be found in these accommodation listings offering everything from backpackers through to top hotels and resorts.

• Shop – Whether it’s simple grocery shopping or high-end retail therapy, this list has it all.

• Must see attractions – There are many KZN South Coast ‘bucket list’ attractions to be explored.

• Visitor and business services – Need a car wash? Or a taxi? This category has all the additional services to make the holiday go according to plan.

Simply download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app on the Google play store or Apple store for the ultimate December adventure guide! To find out more, you can also follow the KZN South Coast on social media – ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook and YouTube, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter and Instagram.

High resolution images are available upon request.
(Images: Supplied by USCT)

Maxwell Mhlongo – Tourism Development Manager using the USCT App while visiting KwaXolo Caves on the KZN South Coast.

The KZN South Coast is home to numerous outdoor adventures including horse riding at Lake Eland.

The KZN South Coast is known as the “Golf Coast” due to the numerous golf courses boasting breathtaking views, world class facilities and courses to suit all handicaps.
Pictured: Selborne Golf Course.

The KZN South Coast is known as the “Golf Coast” due to the numerous golf courses boasting breathtaking views, world class facilities and courses to suit all handicaps.
Pictured: San Lameer.

Dezzi Raceway is the only Motosports South Africa approved racetrack in KZN and is situated near Port Shepstone on the KZN South Coast.

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
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