The KZN South Coast is home to the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, but this is just one of the many attractions that set the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom apart. Visitors looking for an immersive tourist experience can try one of the many rural attractions on offer, where cultural tradition and outdoor adventure combine.
“We want our visitors to truly embrace summer on the KZN South Coast, and there are so many ways to do this from the coast to the hinterland,” commented the CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya. “We are continuing to develop and support our rural tourism sites and activities to increase accessibility for tourists who are looking for authentic local experiences. This also supports our upcoming rural tourism operators and increases the geographical footprint of our tourism economy. This is why now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast!”
1. Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre (Mthwalume)
This notable arts and heritage facility is a great place to learn about the long history and traditions of the Zulu nation. Here, visitors can experience this unique history through artwork, dance, seminars and musical performances. Zulu stick fighting, crafting with reeds and beads, and the spiritual stone-throwing ritual – isivivane – are some of the activities to try, with great insights into the health, history, and tradition of this great nation.
2. KwaXolo Caves Adventures (near Southbroom)
This adventure heritage tour takes visitors into a series of caves adorned with San artwork dating back centuries. Visitors are safely harnessed before the hike which uses a via Ferrata system with a guided tour of the caves, and impressive views of the gorge and waterfall.
3. KwaNzimakwe Multi Trails (near Port Edward)
Visitors to the KwaNzimakwe Multi Trails can take advantage of the 4×4 trails, mountain biking trails, or hiking trails to Xhuluweshe Mountain. The trails have a diversity of landscapes, from coastal forest to rivers. The cultural experience includes a guided tour from the Welcome Centre with visits to local homes and a sangoma in this beautiful countryside setting where traditional meals are sampled.
4. Gamalakhe Township Experience
This is an immersive township adventure that gives visitors a behind-the-scenes at authentic ‘Kasified’ experience. Located less than 10km from Margate and Shelly Beach, Gamalakhe has a rich history which is told by Mama Smangele Memela, a resident who was forcibly removed from her home in Port Shepstone in 1968 and moved to Tin Town, where she still resides. The tour includes visits to taverns, car spinning shows, outdoor cinema, quad biking, paintball, and authentic cuisine. Nature lovers will enjoy the guided hike from Gamalakhe across the Vungu River and along the Mjika River where sightings of local birdlife and scenery are captivating.
5. Weza Hiking Trail (near Harding)
Those wanting a day hike in the hinterland should try the 8km Weza Hiking Trail. This starts in the iKhwezi rural area, approximately 10km from the farming town of Harding. A trained local guide takes visitors from the junction of the Mawane and Weza rivers across two amaKhosi areas, finishing at a real hidden gem, the Mkhoba Waterfall. A shorter hike to the Waterfall is also possible. For those who want to extend their stay, there is comfortable accommodation at Ntozakhe homestay. Guests learn more about the mixture of Zulu and Xhosa cultures while enjoying traditional meals and braais either at the homestay or a picnic spot overlooking the Weza River.
6. Mission Tourism Route
Those with an interest in religious history must try the Mission Tourism Route which touches on the history of Roman Catholic Mission Stations within the region and the interesting story of the Trappist monks dating back to the 1880s. The route includes a stop at Capuchin Adoration Convent in Pumula; Maris Stella Mission at Oshabeni; Assisi Mission at Oshabeni; and Maria Trost Mission in St Faiths. The missions’ long history of serving the local communities still exists today, with a school and orphanage benefitting from the work done by these selfless individuals.
7. NPS Adventures (KwaQwabe)
This is a great space for adrenaline-fuelled fun in the beautiful KZN South Coast. Visitors to the region, which falls under Majesty Chief Gumede, can participate in quad biking, paintball, splendid hiking, camping in the great outdoors, and eating authentic Zulu meals.
8. Umzumbe River Trail
Those who want an extended trail can try the 71km Umzumbe River Trails, a guided hiking or biking trail through the hinterland. This nature-based adventure includes authentic Zulu experiences in homestays along the way. The hike starts at the Phungashe Dam and ends at the Indian Ocean.
9. Nyandezulu Experience
This scenic guided tour takes hikers on a 30-minute hike to the beautiful 80m-high waterfall, with the opportunity to hike up the Ntantana Mountain with a 360-degree view from the top of rolling hills and ocean. There’s a hike to the top of Mdlungwana Holy Mountain and learn more about the legend of the seven-headed snake that resides in the waters under the mountain, causing storms and floods when disturbed.
10. Ubumbano Farmstead (Amandawe)
Ubumbano Farmstead started as a family-owned co-operative in 2017, growing into a mixed farming venture growing choice-grade produce. Visitors enjoy a guided farm tour of this beautiful land sampling the home-grown macadamia nuts, bananas, spinach, sweet potatoes, mielies and green beans. There’s also a Curio Shop and Farm Stall selling freshly-made produce before enjoying a picnic in the shaded area.
Find out more about these and other tourist sites and activities by visiting the KZN South Coast website and downloading the ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here. Check out the latest Southern Explorer Route Guide for the KZN South Coast here.
