PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Attention
15 September 2025

This September, as South Africa celebrates Tourism Month and Heritage Month, there’s no better place to experience the country’s diversity than the KZN South Coast. From world-class beaches and thrilling outdoor activities to rich cultural heritage and authentic rural encounters, the KZN South Coast invites visitors to uncover more and unlock adventure in every form.

“The KZN South Coast is a premier holiday and cultural destination, and this Tourism Month we invite travellers to uncover adventure while also celebrating our shared heritage,” said Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “With incredible natural assets, cultural attractions, and adventure activities, the region has something for everyone to discover.”

1. Discover Blue Flag Beaches and Marine Wonders

The KZN South Coast is renowned for its pristine coastline, boasting the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province. Visitors can enjoy the golden sands of Marina, Ramsgate, Umzumbe, Trafalgar, Hibberdene, and Southport – with five more beaches currently holding Blue Flag Pilot status. The region also has the highest number of tidal pools for protected ocean swimming and three Marine Protected Areas, including Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, which are ranked among the best dive sites in the world.

2. Celebrate Heritage Month with Cultural Journeys

This Tourism and Heritage Month, visitors can take a step back in time and connect with the people and history of the KZN South Coast. The Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre in Mthwalume shares the stories of the Zulu nation, while immersive community excursions such as the KwaNzimakwe Experience, Nyandezulu Cultural Experience, and the township tour, Gamalakhe Township Experience, provide authentic insights into local traditions.

The Mission Tourism Route is another highlight, taking visitors to historic Roman Catholic Mission Stations including Maria Trost Mission in St Faiths, Maris Stella Mission at Oshabeni, and Assisi Mission – all established by Trappist monks in the 1800s. Those interested in the region’s artistic and social history can also visit the Port Shepstone Museum, Margate Art Museum, and Munster Motor Museum.

3. Adrenaline-Fuelled Adventures

For thrill-seekers, the KZN South Coast is an outdoor playground. At Oribi Gorge, Wild 5 Adventures offers heart-racing experiences from the Wild Swing – one of the highest gorge swings in the world – to abseiling, paintball, quad biking, and the suspension bridge. Nearby, Lake Eland Game Reserve combines game drives and wildlife encounters with adventure activities including ziplining, hiking, and mountain biking.

Along the coastline, ocean lovers can get up close with apex predators while Shark Cage Diving, or head out on a deep-sea fishing charter. Surfers can also enjoy some of the best point breaks and beach breaks in the country.

4. Scenic Hiking and Biking Trails

Nature enthusiasts will find endless opportunities to explore the KZN South Coast on foot or by bike. The Umzumbe River Trail connects the hinterland with the coastline through rural villages and homestays, while the KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails provide diverse options for trail running, hiking, and mountain biking. In Harding, the Weza Hiking Trail is a guided cultural tour that winds through indigenous forest and ends at the stunning Mkhoba Waterfall.

Closer to Port Edward, Clearwater Trails offer mountain bikers and hikers a network of scenic routes through farmland and coastal forests, suitable for families and seasoned adventurers alike. Those wanting to stick close to the shoreline can try the Beach-to-Beach Adventure Hike, which takes visitors from Port Edward to St Michael’s beaches.

5. The Golf Coast

The KZN South Coast – also known as The Golf Coast – is home to 11 quality courses that cater to both beginners and professionals. From Scottburgh Golf Club on the northern end to the world-renowned Wild Coast Sun Country Club in the south, each course combines challenging layouts with spectacular natural views.

Find Out More!

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 #uncovermore #uncoveradventure

/ENDS

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(Images: Supplied by SCTIE)

Marina Beach Tidal Pool.

Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre in Mthwalume.

Nyandezulu Cultural Experience.

The Mission Tourism Route.

The KwaNzimakwe Experience.

The Gamalakhe Township Experience.

Oribi Gorge Wild 5 Adventures Wild Swing.

The Weza Hiking Trail in Harding.

Lake Eland Game Reserve ziplining.

Wild Coast Sun Country Club.

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