PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
13 November 2024

The KZN South Coast is ready to welcome holidaymakers for the festive season

Boasting the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, a subtropical climate, and some of the best nature-based adventures for families, the KZN South Coast is a top holiday destination. Visitors are encouraged to embrace summer this festive season by heading to the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom.

“It’s no surprise that the KZN South Coast is one of the top spots for holidaymakers over the festive season, with our Blue Flag beaches undoubtedly a major drawcard,” commented CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya. “This is an international standard that assures visitors of safe swimming water, with practices that encourage sustainability and safety. The hard work being done through private sector initiatives like Keep Scottburgh Beautiful and Tidy Towns shows that this region is committed to providing a vibrant, clean, safe and welcoming atmosphere.”

However, Dr Sibiya said the Blue Flag beaches are just one aspect of this diverse tourist destination: “What many visitors have come to discover is that there is so much more to the KZN South Coast than just our beaches – this is the ultimate family destination for those looking to connect with nature while staying within budget.”

What can you do on the KZN South Coast?

Visitors can truly embrace summer on the KZN South Coast, whether they’re looking for some well-deserved rest, searching for somewhere to keep active on holiday, interested in incredibly unique experiences, or want some adrenaline-fuelled adventures. Here’s why now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast…

– Take a deep dive: Besides the 58 golden beaches which are renowned for swimming, surfing, and snorkelling, the KZN South Coast has 3 Marine Protected Areas (nature reserves of the sea), 2 of which are world-renowned dive sites; Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks for scuba diving, free diving, and shark cage diving.

– Cast a line: Charter a boat for a day of incredible fishing out on the Indian Ocean, or find one of the many seaside or riverside fishing spots for the best seasonal catch.

– Head to the trails: There are numerous nature reserves found throughout the KZN South Coast which visitors can explore hiking, biking, or trail running. There are great picnic spots within these coastal forests alongside rivers and waterfalls, with some of the best birdwatching found here.

– Enjoy a heritage tour: Those looking to immerse themselves in the rich culture and tradition of the KZN South Coast, while exploring the natural scenery are spoilt for choice with many hinterland adventures! There’s the Weza Hiking Trail, Umzumbe River Trail, Mission Tourism Tour, KwaXolo Caves Adventures, Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre, and Nyandezulu Experience among many others.

– Visit a museum: The interesting history of the region – and incredible local talent – can be found on display at the Port Shepstone Maritime Museum, Margate Art Museum, Pistols Saloon Museum in Ramsgate or the Munster Motor Museum.

– Try a kasified experience: For something truly unique, visitors can try authentic shisanyama, chat to long-time residents, and discover the many intricacies of township life with the incredible Gamalakhe Township Experience. This includes a guided hike out into the hinterland.

– Go for an epic adventure: Those looking to get their heart pumping and try something completely different this festive season can head to Oribi Gorge which is home to the Wild Gorge Swing – the highest swing of its kind in the world – abseiling, ziplining, and the suspension bridge. There’s also the newly launched Jikaleza Outdoor Adventures, an aerial ziplining excursion for ages 7 to 100 based at Crocworld Conservation Centre.

– Watch high-octane action: The ‘petrolheads’ visiting the KZN South Coast will enjoy a stop at Dezzi Raceway where the best motorbike, car, and drifting action takes place.

– Meet some animals: Connect with the many animals on the KZN South Coast! There are many animal parks such as Riverbend Crocodile Farm, Pure Venom Reptile Park, Crocworld Conservation Centre, and Butterfly Valley Butterfly Farm. For an African safari head to Lake Eland Game Reserve.

– Keep it unique: Some things can only be found on the KZN South Coast such as The Red Desert (the world’s smallest desert), The Nightingale Shipwreck near Trafalgar Beach, Botha House in Pennington, The Petrified Forest (with ancient fossils) near the Wild Coast Sun, and Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide, among many others.

– Get ready to tee off: The KZN South Coast is nicknamed ‘The Golf Coast’ for good reason! Here, visitors will find an incredible 11 quality golf courses – many of which boast epic sea views – ranging in style and challenge.

– Get back on the farm: Coffee farms, macadamia farms, and banana plantations are just some of the agricultural practices found in this fertile region. Visitors can now enjoy a behind-the-scenes farm experience through the Agri Tours which include great outdoor activities and farm-fresh food.

– Celebrate health and wellness: Those who prefer a more holistic experience that supports mental, physical, and spiritual health can try The Wellness Way tour.

– Hit the shops: There are many shopping malls found along the KZN South Coast for those who want some retail therapy, as well as great Christmas markets with locals selling handcrafted goods and homemade produce. Support the Buy Local campaign!

– Dine out: This coastal setting means many restaurants are selling fresh seafood with Indian Ocean views! But there is something for everyone from Indian, Italian, and Asian cuisine to more local fare.

– Partake in summer events: The annual Summer Beach Programme will be in full swing at beaches across the KZN South Coast with family-fun activities. There are also great festive season markets and family-fun activities shared on the www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za Events calendar.

Now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast!

There is a wide variety of accommodation options available for visitors, suited to every budget! From campsites on the seaside and cosy bnbs to 5-star resorts – just make sure to book early for this popular holiday spot.

There is a partial road closure on the N2 southbound at Ezimbokodweni River Bridge near Twini Hill. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes which can be found on SCTIE’s @infosouthcoast social media pages listed below.

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 downloading the ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app. Click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here. Check out the latest Southern Explorer Route Guide for the KZN South Coast here.

 

/ENDS

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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)

Diving.

Ziplining.

Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre.

Golfing.

Gamalakhe Township Experience.

Dezzi Raceway.

Riverbend Crocodile Farm.

Wild Gorge Swing.

The Red Desert (the world’s smallest desert).

Beaver Creek Coffee Estate.

Mountain Biking at Clearwater Trails.

South Coast Mall.

Dining out at Mariners Restaurant.

Macadamia Farms.

 

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.

 

Issued on behalf of:

South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE)

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

 

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