With the madness of 2020 drawing to a close, we approach the festive season with high hopes and excitement for a time to relax and spend with family and friends. The KZN South Coast remains one of the county’s top festive season destinations.

Planning your holiday has been made easy and hassle-free, the “Explore KZN South Coast” app helps you to sort through the countless things to do and stuff to see, to pick the perfect holiday for you and your loved ones.

To help even more, here are the top 10 things you can do along the KZN South Coast:

10: Lehr’s Waterfall

While being a coastal favourite, the KZN South Coast is also home to intricate river systems. Within the beautiful forests of Oribi Gorge, the powerful Mzimkuluwana River winds and tumbles over a cliff, resulting in the gorgeous Lehr’s Waterfall. It is home to the world’s highest bungee swing (165m) and one of Africa’s highest commercial abseils (110m)!

9: KwaXolo Caves Adventure

These caves were once home to the San communities that lived in these open rock shelters some 100 000 years ago. They left behind beautiful rock paintings that depict the San way of life, culture, and history. Once inaccessible, these caves have become one of the KZN South Coasts top attractions.  Getting to the caves can spark your sense of adventure, as you’re kitted up in safety gear, hooked to cables and ascend up to the caves along their climbing route. This spot also boasts some incredible views.

8: St Michael’s on Sea

This small and intimate beach near Margate offers white sands and blue seas, with swimming, surfing, and boating as local favourites. Situated on the mouth of a river, this beach also offers a great place to fish! With a grassy knoll as well, it’s the perfect place to spend an afternoon with the family and a picnic!

7: Lake Eland Game Reserve

With over 2500 hectares to explore, Lake Eland Game Reserve is a popular attraction for holiday makers and locals alike. Boasting diverse ecosystems, including bushland, grassland, coastal forests and wetlands, there is plenty of flora and fauna to see! Whether visiting for the day or staying a while, this reserve has something for everyone! From horse riding to mountain biking trails, suspension bridges and zipline tours, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!

6: Banana Farm Tours

For those seeking a “non-beach” experience, take a tour of KZN’s largest and most sophisticated banana pack shed! Tours take place on Thursdays at 11:00 am. The tour explains the local histories and social dynamics of the area. It’s a fun-filled family experience! Bookings are essential, and group tours can be arranged on other days!

5; Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and Café

On visiting this coffee estate, you can sample the local brews as well as purchase their range of fine local coffees! There are daily “crop to cup” tours that highlight the unique flavours and aromas of the world’s coffees, as well as the processes of getting from the fields, into your mugs! Tours start at 12:00pm and booking is essential in the holiday periods.

4: Ramsgate Conservancy Whale Deck

This beautiful spot is the perfect place to try your luck at spotting whales and dolphins that frequently frolic along the coastline. The deck is also a popular spot for “moondecker” evenings! If you’re in the area, you can catch a bite at the iconic Waffle House before or after! The choice is yours!

3: San Lameer Golf Estate

San Lameer was the very first golfing estate developed in South Africa. Apart from being a championship 18-hole golf course, the 200 hectares are also a conservancy, promoting sustainable and ecological safe havens for many of the area’s wildlife. With over 195 species of birds, indigenous buck and countless local and tropical flora, it’s a slice of natural paradise. The estate boasts a 5-star hotel and Spa, as well as self-catering villas.

2: Clearwater Trails

This hand-built mountain biking, trail running, and walking trail is popular with folks looking for a way to get outside and keep active. The network winds through private farmlands, next to the Umtamvuna Nature Reserve. The trails boast beautiful gorge and ocean views! You must arrange entry to the trails, and all the contact information can be found on the app!

 1: The Red Desert

This unusual claim to fame is the world’s smallest desert! Lying 10km west of Port Edward, this desert measures at only 200m in diameter. It’s a miniature version of the Arizona Desert! Archaeological artifacts going back millions of years are still being uncovered, and it’s no surprise that the area is an internationally protected heritage site. There are many tales and myths surrounding the presence of this desert anomaly among the lush tropical vegetation. Some say it’s the site of an alien landing! This unique spot provides a break from the normal beach holiday and can help people to learn more about the land and its history.

Your dream holiday is at your fingertips! Download the “Explore KZN South Coast” app from your device’s App Store and begin exploring the rich cultural and coastal heritage and activities of the KZN South Coast!