In the mood for adventure? The KZN Lower South Coast has 10 unmissable opportunities!

“Another fun roundup of things to do down on the KZN lower south coast, by OJ and her team at OJ Communications.” – Xona

In the mood for adventure? The KZN Lower South Coast has 10 unmissable opportunities!

South Africans have welcomed the President’s latest announcement that, with the infection numbers in decline, the national lockdown level has dropped from Level 3 to Level 1, allowing for more freedom of movement to places like the #KZNSouthCoast. To give visitors a taste of the many family-friendly eco-tourism options available, Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) has launched the innovative #InTheSpotlight feature with this month’s focus turning to the KZN Lower South Coast, extending from Hibberdene to Port Edward and inland to Harding.

“While we look forward to the many opportunities afforded us with the easing of lockdown restrictions, the KZN South Coast tourism establishments are always briefed on the latest Covid-19 health protocols because visitor safety is priority,” explained CEO of USCT, Phelisa Mangcu. “We’re fortunate that, with our warmer weather and many nature-based activities, there are many open-air activities to enjoy that are fun, safe and completely unique!”

Here’s a look at what’s on offer at the Lower South Coast!

1. Farm adventures

The warm climate and fertile land make #KZNSouthCoast a prime farming destination, with many of the Lower South Coast farms inviting visitors for fun excursions and tastings! Families can enjoy a really memorable day out while learning a bit about the local agricultural offerings.

· Beaver Creek Coffee Estate (Port Edward) has an on-site café and incredible mountain biking tracks: Contact 039 311 2315/47 or info or www.beavercreek.co.za.

· Riverbend Crocodile Farm (Southbroom) includes animal farm, gifts and crafts: Contact 083 265 9583 or 039 316 6204 or info or h.kelly or www.crocodilecrazy.co.za.

· MacBanana Estate & Adventures (Munster and Glenmore) includes a farm stall, banana tours, quad bikes, zipline, paintball, mini golf, obstacle challenge, archery, rope adventure park and restaurants: Contact 039 319 1033 or gloria.duggan or www.macbanana.mobi.

· B’s Guesthouse (Harding) has an animal farm and on-site fishing: Contact 076 650 4587 or bgh.

· Mount Nebo Arena (Harding) is located on a farm and hosts all manner of events from social functions to business conferences: Contact 076 269 2760 or sithabilenzama.

· Pure Venom Snake & Reptile farm (Izotsha) is the biggest reptile farm in Africa: Contact info.

· BBS Farm (Southport) provides tours of the macadamia nut and tomato plantation grown by local community: Contact 079 568 1815 or bbsfarms33

· Nyamazane Game Ranch (Izingolweni) Game Farm and Accommodation: Contact 072 506 7694 or jjventer or www.nyamazanegameranch.co.za.

2. Whale watching

The #KZNSouthCoast has many locations to view the annual migration of the incredible humpback and southern right whales between May and September. Whale watchers on the Lower South Coast can also enjoy the delightful antics of resident common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as the annual Sardine Run during the winter months.

· Ramsgate Whale Deck: Contact 039 682 7944.

· Umtentweni Whale Deck

3. Horse riding

For those looking to experience the Lower South Coast on horseback, there are some incredible local trails that cut across farmlands, coastal forests and sandy beaches. Enjoy a guided tour while getting to grips with the region, suited to everyone from beginners to equestrian professionals!

· Selsdon Park Estate (Trafalgar): Contact 083 301 2941 or 082 451 9827 or selsdonpark or www.selsdonpark.co.za or www.marinabeach.co.za.

4. Fishing

The thriving coastline of the Lower South Coast is renowned for its active fishing spots, from the warm Indian Ocean through to piers, dams and rivers. There are also many fishing charters that take anglers out to sea where they can catch various game species, including yellowfin tuna, amberjack, king mackerel (couta), dorado, skipjack, sailfish, marlin, wahoo, sardasarda, bonito, yellowtail and green jobfish.

· Margate Fishing Pier: Contact 039 682 7944.

· Uvongo Fishing Pier: Contact 039 682 7944.

5. Museum and crafts

The Lower KZN South Coast’s cultural history and traditions can be found in a number of museums dotted throughout the region, and viewed through the range of local arts and crafts created here.

· Munster Motor Museum is a classic car museum with a motoring history dating back to 1923: Contact 039 319 2364 or rod or www.classiccarsmotorcycles.co.za.

· Margate Art Museum: Contact 039 312 8392.

· Pistols Saloon and Wild West Museum which has lots of activities for the kids and has regular music shows: Contact pweber or sheriff.

· S’Khumba Crafts: Contact 039 3168 393 or info.

· Ndovie’s Creations focusing on traditional outfits: Contact 078 070 3250 or ndoviescreations

· Inqubele Holdings focusing on beaded crafts: Contact 079 3011 870 or julietvuyelwa.phillip

6. Shipwrecks and maritime history

The Lower South Coast and its treacherous coastline boasts a wealth of maritime history dating back to the 1500s. Learn more about adventures on the high seas and the fates of intrepid travellers to this beautiful region.

· Port Shepstone Maritime Museum

· Sao Joao Portuguese Monument (Port Edward) erected in commemoration of those who died during the 1552 Sao Joao shipwreck, off the coast of Port Edward.

7. Great dining

The Lower South Coast is home to a number of enticing eateries, from seaside cafes through to fine-dining establishments which give visitors a real taste of the local specialties.

· The Waffle House (Ramsgate) is an iconic eatery which has been serving wholesome Belgian waffles since 1991: Contact 039 314 9424 or pauline or manager or www.wafflehouse.co.za.

· Leopard Rock Coffee Shop & Lookout Chalets (Oribi Gorge): Contact leopardrockc or www.leopardrockc.co.za.

8. Birding watching

With its many nature reserves and dramatic landscape, the Lower South Coast is one of the country’s best hiking and birding destinations. There are a number of natural birding habitats, including coastal and wetland environments, forests, woodland and grassland, all home to unique birdlife.

· Mpenjati Nature Reserve (Trafalgar) includes birding, hiking, picnic spots and braai facilities. Contact 039 313 0531 or ChristianNjabulo.Mavundla or mavundlac or www.kznwildlife.com.

· Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide: Contact 072 893 3794 or andy_ruffle.

· River Valley Nature Reserve (Margate) includes camping, birding, hiking and fishing with picnic spots available: Contact info or rivervalfarm or www.rivervalleynaturereserve.co.za.

9. Hiking, biking and 4×4 adventures

For those who enjoy combining fitness, fun and adventure, the Lower South Coast has all the best spots! Take the opportunity to experience the diverse landscape and natural wildlife along one of the many exciting hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails, all of which are carefully managed.

· KwaNzimakwe Experience includes a cultural excursion with multiple hiking, mountain biking and 4×4 trails. Contact 063 072 1873 or victor.jaca.

· Clearwater Trails (Port Edward): Contact 083 549 6710 or info or www.clearwatertrails.co.za.

· Burry Stander Bike Park (Umtentweni): Contact 079 493 7499 or chmcoral.

· Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve: Contact Mthokozisi.Ndlovu or bookings or www.kznwildlife.com.

· Lehr’s Waterfall (Oribi Gorge).

· Samango Waterfall (Oribi Gorge).

· Uvongo Waterfall: Contact 039 682 7944.

· Nyandezulu Waterfall: Contact 039 682 7944.

· ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest (Harding): Contact 039 553 0600 or charmaine.

10. Outdoor and extreme adventures

The beautiful Lower South Coast is home to some of the most incredible natural sites which are rich with both cultural history and indigenous flora and fauna – both on land and in the sea! Local establishments have organised interesting and exciting ways to experience this natural beauty.

· Port Edward Red Desert which, at only 11 hectares, is the world’s smallest desert and an internationally-protected heritage site with several archaeological artefacts.: Contact 039 695 0460 or 083 631 9331 or reddesertnr.

· KwaXolo Caves Adventures allow visitors to access these ancient caves, home to ancient San rock paintings: Contact 063 844 2032 or makhanyashaun.

· Lake Eland Game Reserve (Oribi Gorge) offers moderate-to-extreme adventures in the form of ziplines, an 80m suspension bridge, scooter tours, 4×4 track, paintball, horse riding, fishing, mountain biking, hiking and game viewing: Contact reservations or www.lakeeland.co.za.

· Oribi Gorge Wild 5 Extreme Adventures includes the Wild Swing, abseiling, a suspension bridge, white water rafting and paintball: Contact info or www.wild5adventures.co.za.

· Protea Banks (Shelly Beach) is a Marine-Protected Area and world-class dive site: Contact 039 682 7944.

For more information about USCT, as well as events and activities on the #KZNSouthCoast, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. USCT is also on social media – follow the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter.

BBS Farm.

Ramsgate Whale Deck.

Selsdon Park Estate Horse Riding.

Margate Pier.

Munster Motor Museum.

Sao Jao Shipwreck Monument.

Leopard Rock.

Oribi Gorge Vulture Hide.

Burry Stander Bike Park.

KwaXolo Caves Adventures.

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.

Disseminated by:
Olivia Jones Communications

For more information please contact:
Olivia Jones Communications
Cell: 083 653 1720
Email: media