The holiday season is around the corner, and with the warmer weather enticing everyone outdoors, the KZN South Coast is: Destination…summer! There are endless outdoor adventures for the whole family to enjoy from the sea to the sky!

“Adventure tourism and nature-based experiences are top of the list for many visitors, and we’re so fortunate that the KZN South Coast has these in abundance!” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “We’ve compiled a list of suggested offerings, but these are just a few of the many outdoor adventures that can be found in the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom!”

1. Mac Banana Estate & Adventures

Location: Port Edward

Details: This is an all-in-one food and family experience! Mac Banana is a shopping and entertainment destination with four restaurants including the famous pancake house. There are also more than 20 adventurous activities such as the Zip Rope Adventure Park, paintball, 4x4 quad bike trails, an animal farm, butterfly dome, and banana tours.

2. KwaXolo Caves Adventures

Location: KwaXolo near Margate

Details: Heritage and adventure combine at the KwaXolo Caves Adventures. Hike along the mountainside into the caves which are covered in ancient San artwork. There is also ziplining, a suspension bridge, and a picnic site with views of the gorge to end the day.

3. Lake Eland Game Reserve

Location: Oribi Gorge

Details: This is a stunning 5000-acre reserve consisting of four distinct ecosystems – Bushveld, Grasslands, Wetlands, and Coastal Forest. Visitors can explore in their vehicles, go on a guided drive, hike, or cycle through the reserve. Look out for giraffes, wildebeest, zebra, and buck, with a variety of birds to discover. There’s also a coffee shop, curio shop, picnic and braai site, children’s playground, 80m suspension bridge, and camping sites.

4. The Pont Water Holiday & Water Sport Resort

Location: Port Edward

Details: The Pont is the ultimate summer destination with a range of water sports options to keep cool while having fun on the Umtamvuna River! At The Pont, visitors can book a speed boat ride which includes tubing – or for a more relaxing time, there’s an hour barge ride for up to eight people at a time, as well as sunset and river cruises…really any water-based activity! Visitors can bring a boat, rent a chalet, and enjoy a weekend of water sports while soaking up the Port Edward sun, or enjoy a delicious cocktail and meal from the on-site bar and restaurant.

5. Wild 5 Adventures

Location: Oribi Gorge

Details: Set amidst world-renowned view sites, Wild 5 Adventures offers a range of extreme (and milder) adventures for thrill-seekers. These include a 110m abseil into the gorge, the Wild Swing, an 85m suspension bridge, quad biking adventures, paintball, and guided trails.

6. Umzimkulu Boat Cruises

Location: Port Shepstone

Details: The majestic Umzimkulu River flows through Port Shepstone, and from Spiller’s Wharf, visitors can hire a range of aquatic-based sporting equipment, such as kayaks, to explore the river. There are also wonderful sunset cruises throughout the holiday season.

7. Selsdon Park Estate

Location: Trafalgar

Details: The KZN South Coast is home to the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, one of which is Trafalgar Beach. Experience this stunning beach by horseback at Selsdon Park Estate. These guided excursions take riders along the beach and into the farmlands and coastal forests, with guides able to assist everyone from beginners to equestrian professionals.

8. NPS Adventures

Location: Umzumbe near Port Shepstone

Details: In the deep rural outskirts of Umzumbe, NPS Adventures await. There is a campsite, hiking trails, authentic African cuisine, paintball, and quad biking tours… with loads more to come!

9. World of Wings Flight School

Location: Craigieburn

Details: Experience the KZN South Coast from the skies with a ride in a Bantam two-seater aircraft or a microlight. Tours go to Durban Harbour, Umkomaas, the Marine Protected Area Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh, and the Wild Coast with experienced pilot Noel McDonogh.

10. Shark Cage Diving KZN

Location: Scottburgh

Details: Experience these incredible apex predators up close (and safely!) with by going shark cage diving, snorkelling with sharks or simply viewing sharks from a boat at Aliwal Shoal. Look out for Blacktips, Dusky sharks, Spinners, Tigers and Zambezi sharks.

11. Airtrack Aviation

Location: Margate

Details: This is a family-owned and operated aviation service provider offering scenic helicopter and aeroplane flights and charter services from Margate Airport. This is another spectacular option for enjoying an aerial view of the KZN South Coast.

12. Dino Park SA

Location: Port Shepstone

Details: This is KwaZulu-Natal's only mini-Jurassic jungle and is ideal for families with small children and all dinosaur enthusiasts! Dino Park SA is a family-owned and run park set in a mini tropical jungle where little feet can run through pathways while viewing life-sized dinosaurs.

13. Umtamvuna River Lodge

Location: Port Edward

Details: For another epic water sports holiday, head to Umtamvuna River Lodge. Some of the country’s best wakeboarding and wakeskating instructors are on hand to teach novices. There is also a skate ramp for skateboarding youngsters and adults, as well as speedboat rides, stand up paddling, tube rides, and relaxing boat cruises.

14. Aqua Planet

Location: Shelly Beach

Details: Enjoy an unforgettable ocean safari with this fantastic charter dive operator! Aqua Planet takes you out to the Marine Protected Area, Protea Banks, where you can enjoy an epic shark dive or exploration dive. This highly experienced team with a 100% safety record also offers dive courses for those wanting to learn.

15. Umzumbe River Trails

Location: Umzumbe

Details: For a hiking and heritage adventure on the KZN South Coast, embark on this eco-adventure in the stunning hinterland. You can enjoy a guided hike through the lush coastal land, with overnight stays with local clans where you will enjoy an authentic cultural experience. There are 6 trails in total which you can hike, bike, or even horse ride!

The Golf Coast, which boasts 11 quality golf courses, is also a favourite destination for both leisure and MICE [meetings, incentives, conferences, and events] destination! The subtropical climate and diverse natural landscape also set the scene for the ultimate in agri-tourism and extreme adventure.

Uncover all the adventure on the KZN South Coast by downloading the ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app, visiting the website, checking out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more! Don’t miss out on the action by 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. Follow the hashtags #uncover #uncoverkznsouthcoast #uncoveradventure #kznsouthcoast