The glorious winter weather along the KZN South Coast attracts holidaymakers looking for a relaxed, #FamilyFriendly destination. And to ensure all visitors make the most of their #GoSouthKZN holiday, Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is sharing 10 exciting reasons to activities #ExtendYourStay in the #ParadiseoftheZuluKingdom.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor visitors who are new to the KZN South Coast, the feedback we most often receive is that they couldn\u2019t believe how much there is to do in the region,\u201d explained South Coast Tourism (USCT) CEO, Phelisa Mangcu. \u201cTo better prepare visitors and give them a reason to stay even longer, we\u2019ve compiled an extensive list of the many incredible sites and activities on the KZN South Coast.\u201d<\/p>\n
1. Seaside activities<\/p>\n
When visitors #GoSouthKZN, they can be assured of some unique coastal activities centred around the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. There are five Blue Flag Beaches – Marina Beach, Trafalgar Beach, Southport Beach, Umzumbe Beach and Hibberdene Beach \u2013 promising high-quality swimming conditions. The #KZNSouthCoast also boasts the highest number of tidal pools within the province with rock pools and golden sands for children to enjoy. The two Marine Protected Areas at Aliwal Shoal and Umkomaas are considered some of the world\u2019s best dive sites; while Umzumbe, Shelly Beach, St Michael\u2019s-on-Sea, Scottburgh, Southbroom, Margate, Port Edward and Lucien Beach are renowned for their great surf. Deep sea fishing and shore angling are other popular coastal pastimes, particularly during the annual #SardineRun in winter \u2013 a must-see migration that attracts all types of marine animals. The cooler months are also renowned for the annual whale migration, with Umtentweni Conservancy Whale Deck, Ramsgate Whale Deck, Impithi Beach Kiosk, and Umdoni Golf Club Whale Deck great sites for viewing.<\/p>\n
2. Horse and pony rides<\/p>\n
For those with equestrian skills or visitors looking to experience the #KZNSouthCoast by horseback, there are experienced guides ready to assist. From Selsdon Park Estate in Trafalgar, visitors can explore the Lower South Coast on horseback, there are some incredible local trails that cut across farmlands, coastal forests and sandy beaches. The Wild Coast Sun Hotel & Casino in Port Edward also offers exceptional horse-riding tours.<\/p>\n
3. Animal and reptile farms<\/p>\n
Animal lovers should #ExtendYourStay on the #KZNSouthCoast to visit the many animal conservancies as well as animal and reptile farms within the region. These include:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh
\n\u00b7 Pure Venom Snake & Reptile farm in Shelly Beach
\n\u00b7 Riverbend Crocodile Farm in Southbroom
\n\u00b7 Butterfly Valley Butterfly Farm in Ramsgate<\/p>\n
4. Agri-tourism adventures<\/p>\n
The warm climate and fertile land make #KZNSouthCoast a prime farming destination, with many farms offering #FamilyFriendly excursions and tastings! #GoSouthKZN to enjoy a really memorable day out while learning a bit about the local agricultural offerings. Some agri-tourism sites include:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 BBS Farm in Umtentweni
\n\u00b7 Banana Farm Tours in Southbroom
\n\u00b7 Mac Banana Estate & Adventures in Munster
\n\u00b7 Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in Port Edward<\/p>\n
5. Nature reserves and indigenous forests<\/p>\n
#GoSouthKZN to get immersed in nature! The region has some of the most incredible nature reserves and indigenous coastal forests that are renowned for their incredible hiking trails and picnic spots that include sightings of a variety of bird species as well as smaller game such as buck, mongoose and monkeys. Get into nature at:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 TC Robertson Nature Reserve at Scottburgh
\n\u00b7 Umdoni Park Trust Golf Club & Nature Reserve in Pennington
\n\u00b7 Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve in Umzinto
\n\u00b7 Bendigo Nature Reserve in Port Shepstone
\n\u00b7 Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve and Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide
\n\u00b7 Ingeli Forest in Harding
\n\u00b7 Skyline Nature Reserve in Uvongo
\n\u00b7 River Valley Nature Reserve in Margate
\n\u00b7 Mpenjati Nature Reserve in Trafalgar
\n\u00b7 Red Desert Nature Reserve in Port Edward
\n\u00b7 Umtamvuna Nature Reserve in Port Edward<\/p>\n
6. Adventure activities<\/p>\n
It\u2019s more than just rest and relaxation on the #KZNSouthCoast \u2013 there\u2019s something for those looking to get some adrenaline pumping as well. The adventure and extreme activities are suited to a range of ages and interests, all set in the beautiful natural landscape. #GoSouthKZN to enjoy:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Lake Eland Game Reserve in Oribi Gorge
\n\u00b7 Wild 5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge
\n\u00b7 KwaXolo Caves Adventures
\n\u00b7 Wild Waves Water Park in Port Edward<\/p>\n
7. Running, walking and biking trails
\nIn addition to the many trails that can be found in the #KZNSouthCoast nature reserves, the area has a number of exciting hiking, running and biking trails traversing the incredible landscape. Get the heart rate up and enjoy some family time in nature at:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Rocky Bay Resort
\n\u00b7 Umdoni Parkrun
\n\u00b7 Uvongo Parkrun
\n\u00b7 Burry Stander Bike Park in Umtentweni
\n\u00b7 Ramsgate Marine Ramble
\n\u00b7 Bushbuck Trail in Soutbroom
\n\u00b7 KwaNzimakwe Multi-trails Experience
\n\u00b7 Clearwater Trails in Port Edward
\n\u00b7 Mzamba Fossils and Petrified Forest Trail in Port Edward<\/p>\n
8. Historical maritime experiences
\nThe treacherous coastline was a tragic fate for many intrepid adventurers, and there are several shipwrecks that still tell the tale of these seafarers. These include:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 The Uni XII in Pennington
\n\u00b7 The Nevonia 1934 in Umzumbe
\n\u00b7 The Nightingale 1933 in Palm Beach
\n\u00b7 The Ivy 1876 in Glenmore
\n\u00b7 Sao Jao 1552 in Port Edward
\n\u00b7 Sao Bento 1542 in Port Edward
\n\u00b7 Port Shepstone Maritime Museum<\/p>\n
9. Cultural and traditional experiences
\nThe cultural history and traditions can also be experienced at a number of museums and heritage centres when you #GoSouthKZN. Among them:<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Margate Art Museum
\n\u00b7 Pistols Saloon Museum Museum in Ramsgate
\n\u00b7 Munster Motor Museum
\n\u00b7 Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre in Umzumbe
\n\u00b7 Nyandezulu Cultural Experience<\/p>\n
10. Waterfalls<\/p>\n
For an unforgettable family adventure, #GoSouthKZN for a hike to one of the region\u2019s incredible waterfalls. With scenic views and the sound of cascading water, there\u2019s no better place to feel invigorated!<\/p>\n
\u00b7 Hoopoe Falls in Oribi Gorge
\n\u00b7 Lehr’s Waterfall in Oribi Gorge
\n\u00b7 Samango Waterfall in Oribi Gorge
\n\u00b7 Uvongo Waterfall
\n\u00b7 Nyandezulu Waterfall<\/p>\n
Covid-19 safety protocols<\/p>\n
Because of the many outdoor activities offered on the #KZNSouthCoast, visitors benefit from reduced Covid-19 risk at these open-air venues and sites. In addition to this, USCT has been communicating up-to-date Covid-19 information with all tourism establishments via the website\u2019s dedicated Covid-19 portal, as well as the many social media platforms.<\/p>\n
#ExtendYourStay on #KZNSouthCoast by downloading the free \u2018Explore KZN South Coast\u2019 app from Google Play and Apple stores. Once downloaded, visitors can easily plan their stay, from booking accommodation and finding local eateries to discovering specials and planning day trips. Visitors can also visit the website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za, or follow the \u2018South Coast Tourism\u2019 Facebook page, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
The glorious winter weather along the KZN South Coast attracts holidaymakers looking for a relaxed, #FamilyFriendly destination. And to ensure all visitors make the most of their #GoSouthKZN holiday, Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is sharing 10 exciting reasons to activities #ExtendYourStay in the #ParadiseoftheZuluKingdom. \u201cFor visitors who are new to the KZN South Coast, […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8463,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2514],"tags":[2793,5315,5367,5665,5312,5313],"class_list":["post-8464","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-activities","tag-horse-riding","tag-kzn-south-coast","tag-olivia-jones-communications","tag-selsdon-park-estate","tag-ugu-south-coast-tourism","tag-usct"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8464","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8464"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8464\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8463"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8464"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8464"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/southafricatoday.net\/travel\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8464"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}