With winter becoming a distant memory, it’s time to start planning those springtime adventures in South Africa’s incredible natural havens. And, when it comes to adventure, there’s no place better than the KZN South Coast which is home to unlimited opportunities all the way from the sea to the hinterland.

“There is a resurgence of travel and tourism this year with many people really looking to enjoy a completely different experience in nature,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment and Enterprise (SCTIE). “We’re fortunate that, along the KZN South Coast, there is a variety of natural resources that lend themselves to outdoor adventure. We’ve also worked closely with our tourism operators who’ve designed unique experiences that keep the entire family engaged.”

1.      Ocean adventures

Starting with the warm Indian Ocean, there are unlimited water-based adventures to be found along this 120km coastal stretch. The Marine Protected Areas of Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks also happen to be two of the world’s top-rated dive sites, with scuba divers, freedivers and snorkellers swimming among sharks, rays, dolphins and more. Tour operators are on hand to provide ocean safaris that include whale watching, diving and deep-sea fishing for the avid anglers. And with six Blue Flag Beaches, extensive tidal and rock pools, as well as some of the best surf spots in the country – there’s something for every ocean lover!   

2.      Extreme adventures

Oribi Gorge – one of two iconic gorges found here – is the perfect setting for some extreme outdoor adventure. The award-winning Wild 5 Adventures offer a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities that cater to the entire families ‘interests and desires. Start with the Wild Gorge Swing - the highest swing of its kind – which drops 55 storeys! There’s also the 80-metre cable suspension bridge which takes adventurers 130 metres off the ground, and a zipline across Oribi Gorge. Paintball, quad biking and white-water rafting are also on the agenda.

3.      Safari adventure

Nothing says African adventure quite like some time spent with wildlife, and Lake Eland Game Reserve in Oribi Gorge is just the spot. Visitors can enjoy a self-drive game drive or even bike ride through the African savannah, taking in the incredible views while spotting resident buck, zebra, birds and more. There are also wonderful fishing spots and picnic sites around the reserve, as well as a restaurant for the hungry and weary traveller.

4.      Racing adventure

If high-octane excitement is called for, then Port Shepstone’s Dezzi Raceway is on the agenda. This happens to be the only Motorsport South Africa (MSA)-approved racing track in the province, and plays host to some fantastic, spectator-friendly motorsports events throughout the year. Sit on the side of two purpose-built drift circuits for some fast-paced entertainment.

5.      Cave exploration

Fuse history, heritage and exciting escapades at KwaXolo Caves Adventures. This is a memorable excursion into the hinterland where visitors are securely harnessed and hike via a cable-and-rung system to the caves which are adorned with centuries-old San paintings. The tour has been recently upgraded with an extended via ferrata system, high wire bridge, 1km long zipline and walkway bridge.

6.      Agricultural adventure

The subtropical climate and fertile soil make the KZN South Coast a farming haven – and now tourists have the opportunity to explore these beautiful farmlands with the Agri-CULTURE Tours. A fantastic stop on this agricultural excursion is Mac Banana Estate & Adventures in Munster where there’s really something for everyone – shopping, eateries and more than 20 adventure activities to try out, including adventure golf, pony rides, paintball and a banana farm tour.

7.      Multi-trail adventure

The Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom is home to The Great Drives Out – a series of journeys into the rural heartland with the opportunity to learn more about the tradition and culture that makes this place so special. KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails forms part of this experience, giving tourists the opportunity to visit an authentic Zulu village while also hiking, biking or 4x4 adventuring along these incredible trails.

8.      Water park adventure

The warmer weather means it’s time to cool things off at The Wild Waves Water Park in Port Edward. This is the ultimate family adventure offering an assortment of aquatic rides, slides, tubes, pedal boats, plunge pools and the Lazy River suited to all ages.

9.      Horse riding adventure

Why not take in the coastal sights and sounds from horseback? Selsdon Park Estate in Trafalgar offers horseback excursions along the beaches and into the farmlands and coastal forests, with guides able to assist everyone from beginners through to equestrian professionals.

10.   Flying, biking and gliding adventures

But if horseback doesn’t appeal, then true adventurers can take in the KZN South Coast from the skies! World of Wings in Umkomaas offers microlight flips in 15-minute, 30-minute or one-hour time slots, with incredible views of Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh and the lower South Coast. Uvongo Airtrack Aviation, the Margate-based aviation service provider, also offers scenic helicopter and aeroplane flights for a great aerial view of the coastline. Mountain biking enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice when it comes to trail rides along the KZN South Coast, and there’s also the option of Segway Gliding Tours from Port Edward for those who want to enjoy the sights…without too much hard work!

11.   Golfing adventures

Visitors who prefer their adventures on the greens will enjoy any of the 11 courses found along ‘The Golf Coast’. Many of these beautiful courses have beautiful ocean views with the manicured courses winding through indigenous coastal forests. From the seaside inland to the farmlands of Harding, there is a green for every golfer on the KZN South Coast.

To find out more about the KZN South Coast’s unlimited adventures, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores; visit the ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook or YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn; www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more!

To access previous SCTIE press releases, visit: https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/