PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
29 November 2024

Time to take it easy on the KZN South Coast with these ‘slow travel’ trend activities

People are stepping away from the fast-paced lifestyle and enjoying more meaningful experiences that better connect with nature and local communities. In the travel world, this is being realised through the ‘slow travel’ trend which encourages more mindful tourism centred on sustainability, culture, and personal wellbeing. On the KZN South Coast, home to Blue Flag beaches, coastal forests, nature reserves, and outdoor retreats, the slow travel trend is truly taking hold.

CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, says that the modern, digital age is putting undue pressure on people, so when it comes to holidays, they want to disconnect from the digital and connect with the natural: “It’s not about group tours, sightseeing, and box-ticking on holiday, but rather looking for authentic, nature-based experiences that enrich body and mind. On the KZN South Coast, we specialise in mindful tourism, from our incredible natural assets and hinterland tours to cultural experiences that fuse nature with heritage. We’re encouraging visitors to embrace slow travel this summer on the KZN South Coast!”

Water-based experiences

There’s nothing quite as soul-replenishing as water and ocean water has been shown to have healing benefits. The KZN South Coast has 58 golden beaches including the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province. There are also two world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, 21 tidal pools, rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls to explore. Here are some of the water-based slow travel experiences on the KZN South Coast:

Swimming, surfing, and snorkelling
Sunset boat cruises
Stand-up paddling, kayaking, or canoeing
Fishing at one of the many top spots
Scuba diving, freediving, or shark cage diving
Walking on the beach, including the Beach-to-Beach Adventure Hike

Cultural experiences

Connecting with local culture is an important aspect of the slow travel trend, and the rich heritage of the KZN South Coast can be explored a number of ways. From craft market shopping at S’Khumba Crafts in Ramsgate, to connecting with heritage while embarking on a nature-based excursion along the:

Umzumbe River Trail
KwaNzimakwe Experience
Nyandezulu Experience
Weza Hiking Trail
KwaXolo Caves Adventures
Mission Tourism Route
Gamalakhe Township Experience
There are also many immersive cultural centres located throughout the KZN South Coast that tell the rich history of its people, explorers, and natural wonders, among them:

Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre
Port Shepstone Cultural Maritime Museum
Margate Art Museum
Riverbend Art & Wine Gallery
Nightingale Shipwreck in Trafalgar
São Joao Shipwreck in Port Edward

Nature reserve experiences

Forest bathing involves immersing oneself in a forest, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells for complete rejuvenation. A great slow travel trend on the KZN South Coast that infuses this Japanese tradition is a visit to one of the region’s many nature reserves. These include Mpenjati Nature Reserve, Skyline Nature Reserve, TC Robertson Nature Reserve, and Red Desert Nature Reserve – the world’s smallest desert!

Visitors can slow down while taking in sightings of local wildlife at Lake Eland Game Reserve, and the incredibly unique Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide in Oribi Gorge. Hiking, biking, and birdwatching are encouraged throughout the KZN South Coast with many nature trails found here, including Clearwater Mountain Biking trails, Rocky Bay Resort trails, Lake Eland Game Reserve trails, and Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest & Spa in Harding.

Relaxation experiences

The slow travel trend encourages wellness and well-being, with the KZN South Coast home to some incredible therapy practices and spas suited to whole-body health. The first-ever South African wellness travel route – The Wellness Way – was launched by Odyssey Magazine and The Southern Explorer, supported by SCTIE, featuring yoga retreats, spa treatments, yoga sessions, and more. The Wellness Way includes around 80 therapists and practitioners dedicated to therapies of natural health and holistic healing from Amanzimtoti to the Wild Coast. Some examples include:

Highcroft Eco Sanctuary and Retreat in Umzumbe
Bo-Yoga at Ramsgate Whale Deck
The Sunshine Yoga Studio in Oribi Gorge
Nakai Beach Homestay in Trafalgar
Nia classes at the Heart Space in Clansthal
So Below yoga classes in Clansthal
Hair International in Ramsgate

Sustainable experiences

Community upliftment and environmentally sustainable practices form an important part of the slow travel trend, and many of these can be found along the KZN South Coast. SCTIE’s local supporting local campaign, Buy Local supports this sustainability trend. To purchase goods sold or secure services from Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. There are also many other sustainable businesses operating in the area, among them:

The Green Net in Umtentweni
Nemvelo Farm in Izotsha
Thrive Urban Farm in Uvongo
Good Life Café in Shelly Beach
The Earth Shed in Southbroom
The Farm Stall in Port Edward
The Packshed restaurant near Margate
Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in Port Edward

To find out more about these and other slow travel experiences, visit the KZN South Coast website; follow 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 download 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.

Follow the hashtags #visitkznsouthcoast #sctie #kznsouthcoastfamily #embracesummer #nowsthetime #sctie

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

The incredible KZN South Coast continues to lead as a destination of choice because of its diverse and unmatched tourism offerings. Head inland for hiking, biking, and 4×4 adventures in the great outdoors with the many nature reserves ideal sites for picnics and birdwatching.

Up the speed with some motorsports action at Dezzi Raceway, or indulge in the many cultural and heritage experiences found here. Discover the region’s farming gems with an agri-rural outing that includes sampling fresh produce and adventure activities. And, for the business sector, there is no better place than the KZN South Coast which is considered a top MICE (Meetings | Incentives | Conventions | Events) destination.

 

/ENDS

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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)

Umzumbe River Trail.

Surfing.

KwaNzimakwe Experience.

Weza Hiking Trail.

Oribi Gorge.

Ramsgate Beach.

KwaXolo Caves Adventures.

Nightingale Shipwreck in Trafalgar.

Red Desert Nature Reserve – the world’s smallest desert!
(Image credit: Airtrack Aviation)

Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide in Oribi Gorge.

Yoga.

Nemvelo Farm in Izotsha.

Art & Craft.

Good Life Café in Shelly Beach.

The Packshed restaurant near Margate.

Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in Port Edward.

 

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