Trail running is one of the fastest-growing sports \u2013 for good reason! According to British magazine, Runner\u2019s World, trail running has a number of associated benefits for body and mind, including decreasing anxiety and working more muscles \u2013 at less risk \u2013 than traditional road running. With the KZN South Coast\u2019s incredible coastal forests and farmlands, the region has a number of exhilarating trail runs suited to all levels.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn increasing number of visitors are looking to enjoy a relaxing, nature-based holiday without compromising their fitness levels,\u201d explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT). \u201cThe KZN South Coast is the ultimate holiday destination for such health-minded tourists with our well-maintained trail runs proving increasingly popular. These provide a great opportunity to reconnect with nature and explore another part of the beautiful Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom.\u201d<\/p>\n
Top KZN South Coast trail runs<\/strong><\/p>\n Opened in 2014, these spectacular running trails range in length and wind around the Ellingham Estate Farm, with wonderful sea views and lush forest settings. Runners can choose between a 4km, 6km, 8km and 10km trail run. All the running trails are marked in green while the mountain biking trails are marked orange. Finish off with a bite to eat at the on-site restaurant with a jungle gym, kids\u2019 corner and swimming pool at the main lodge.<\/p>\n Contact: 039\u00a0976 0336 or lodge@rockybay.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This beautiful nature reserve has a number of forest walks and running trails suited to all skill sets with more than 200 bird species to look out for on the routes. All trails are clearly colour-coded and range from half-hour Jeff\u2019s Wild Trail through to the tough but worthwhile 90-minute Gorge Trail with waterfall views. For younger families there\u2019s the fun Interactive Trail with more than 300 informative signs on flora and fauna all the way to the Otter view site and forest pond.<\/p>\n Contact: 039\u00a0975 1615 or rynardt@umdonipark.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Take a run on the wild side through this captivating game reserve consisting of bushveld, grassland, coastal forest and wetlands ecosystems home to a variety of bird- and wildlife. Traverse the reserve on the walking or running trails and enjoy a meal at the restaurant and tea garden adjacent to the children\u2019s playground. There are also beautiful picnic sites, an 80m suspension bridge, and the incredible Zip Line Tour.<\/p>\n Contact: 039\u00a0687 0395 or reservations@lakeeland.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Situated at the foot of the Ingeli Mountain range is this beautiful forest that consists of a myriad of wonderful trail running tracks ranging from 1.8km to 30km. One of the trails leads to a dam which is the ideal setting for a picnic with family and friends.<\/p>\n Contact: 039\u00a0553 0600 or charmaine@anewhotels.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Set against rocky outcrops and rolling hills is this fantastic trail running spot. There are a number of intricate trails suited to running or walking as well as the more challenging Alpine Hike through thick bush and streams. The area is dog-friendly so fur friends can also get out and explore the region.<\/p>\n Contact: info@sweetdale.com<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n The world\u2019s southernmost coffee estate is also home to some of the KZN South Coast\u2019s best running trails. There\u2019s the shorter 2.5km Espresso Route which takes visitors through the coffee fields through to the 8.5km Stoney Creek Route which traverses neighbouring farms. At the enticing Estate Caf\u00e9, runners can tuck into a great meal and enjoy home-grown coffee to complete the experience.<\/p>\n Contact: 039\u00a0311 2315\/47 or info@beavercreek.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n This scenic location gives visitors the chance to traverse a cross-section of both agricultural land and coastal forests teeming with incredible fauna and flora. Trail runners pass through macadamia nut orchards, banana plantations, patches of forest, open grasslands, dams and stream crossings with panoramic views of the Umtamvuna River Gorge and the Indian Ocean. The owners believe in sustainable trail-building techniques and these multi-purpose trails are suited to trail runners, nature walkers and mountain bikers seeking exercise or recreation. The trail route starts and ends at Beaver Creek Coffee Estate & Caf\u00e9 with easy-to-follow white stone markers with blue or green arrows to guide trail runners.<\/p>\n Contact<\/strong>: info@clearwatertrails.co.za<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n\n
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