In the mood for adventure? The KZN Lower South Coast has 10 unmissable opportunities
South Africans have welcomed the President’s latest announcement that, with the infection numbers in decline, the national lockdown level has dropped from Level 3 to Level 1, allowing for more freedom of movement to places like the #KZNSouthCoast. To give visitors a taste of the many family-friendly eco-tourism options available, Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) has launched the innovative #InTheSpotlight feature with this month’s focus turning to the KZN Lower South Coast, extending from Hibberdene to Port Edward and inland to Harding.
“While we look forward to the many opportunities afforded us with the easing of lockdown restrictions, the KZN South Coast tourism establishments are always briefed on the latest Covid-19 health protocols because visitor safety is priority,” explained CEO of USCT, Phelisa Mangcu. “We’re fortunate that, with our warmer weather and many nature-based activities, there are many open-air activities to enjoy that are fun, safe and completely unique!”
Here’s a look at what’s on offer at the Lower South Coast!
1. Farm adventures
The warm climate and fertile land make #KZNSouthCoast a prime farming destination, with many of the Lower South Coast farms inviting visitors for fun excursions and tastings! Families can enjoy a really memorable day out while learning a bit about the local agricultural offerings.
· Beaver Creek Coffee Estate (Port Edward) has an on-site café and incredible mountain biking tracks: Contact 039 311 2315/47 or info@beavercreek.co.za or www.beavercreek.co.za.
· Riverbend Crocodile Farm (Southbroom) includes animal farm, gifts and crafts: Contact 083 265 9583 or 039 316 6204 or info@crocodilecrazy.co.za or h.kelly@venturenet.co.za or www.crocodilecrazy.co.za.
· MacBanana Estate & Adventures (Munster and Glenmore) includes a farm stall, banana tours, quad bikes, zipline, paintball, mini golf, obstacle challenge, archery, rope adventure park and restaurants: Contact 039 319 1033 or gloria.duggan@gmail.com or www.macbanana.mobi.
· B's Guesthouse (Harding) has an animal farm and on-site fishing: Contact 076 650 4587 or bgh@vodamail.co.za.
· Mount Nebo Arena (Harding) is located on a farm and hosts all manner of events from social functions to business conferences: Contact 076 269 2760 or sithabilenzama@gmail.com.
· Pure Venom Snake & Reptile farm (Izotsha) is the biggest reptile farm in Africa: Contact info@purevenom.com.
· BBS Farm (Southport) provides tours of the macadamia nut and tomato plantation grown by local community: Contact 079 568 1815 or bbsfarms33@gmail.com
· Nyamazane Game Ranch (Izingolweni) Game Farm and Accommodation: Contact 072 506 7694 or jjventer@gmail.com or www.nyamazanegameranch.co.za.
2. Whale watching
The #KZNSouthCoast has many locations to view the annual migration of the incredible humpback and southern right whales between May and September. Whale watchers on the Lower South Coast can also enjoy the delightful antics of resident common and bottlenose dolphins, as well as the annual Sardine Run during the winter months.
· Ramsgate Whale Deck: Contact 039 682 7944.
· Umtentweni Whale Deck
3. Horse riding
For those looking to experience the Lower South Coast on horseback, there are some incredible local trails that cut across farmlands, coastal forests and sandy beaches. Enjoy a guided tour while getting to grips with the region, suited to everyone from beginners to equestrian professionals!
· Selsdon Park Estate (Trafalgar): Contact 083 301 2941 or 082 451 9827 or selsdonpark@telkomsa.net or www.selsdonpark.co.za or www.marinabeach.co.za.
4. Fishing
The thriving coastline of the Lower South Coast is renowned for its active fishing spots, from the warm Indian Ocean through to piers, dams and rivers. There are also many fishing charters that take anglers out to sea where they can catch various game species, including yellowfin tuna, amberjack, king mackerel (couta), dorado, skipjack, sailfish, marlin, wahoo, sardasarda, bonito, yellowtail and green jobfish.
· Margate Fishing Pier: Contact 039 682 7944.
· Uvongo Fishing Pier: Contact 039 682 7944.
5. Museum and crafts
The Lower KZN South Coast’s cultural history and traditions can be found in a number of museums dotted throughout the region, and viewed through the range of local arts and crafts created here.
· Munster Motor Museum is a classic car museum with a motoring history dating back to 1923: Contact 039 319 2364 or rod@classiccarsmotorcycles.co.za or www.classiccarsmotorcycles.co.za.
· Margate Art Museum: Contact 039 312 8392.
· Pistols Saloon and Wild West Museum which has lots of activities for the kids and has regular music shows: Contact pweber@venturenet.co.za or sheriff@pistolssaloon.co.za.
· S'Khumba Crafts: Contact 039 3168 393 or info@skhumbacrafts.co.za.
· Ndovie’s Creations focusing on traditional outfits: Contact 078 070 3250 or ndoviescreations@gmail.com
· Inqubele Holdings focusing on beaded crafts: Contact 079 3011 870 or julietvuyelwa.phillip@gmail.com
6. Shipwrecks and maritime history
The Lower South Coast and its treacherous coastline boasts a wealth of maritime history dating back to the 1500s. Learn more about adventures on the high seas and the fates of intrepid travellers to this beautiful region.
· Port Shepstone Maritime Museum
· Sao Joao Portuguese Monument (Port Edward) erected in commemoration of those who died during the 1552 Sao Joao shipwreck, off the coast of Port Edward.
7. Great dining
The Lower South Coast is home to a number of enticing eateries, from seaside cafes through to fine-dining establishments which give visitors a real taste of the local specialties.
· The Waffle House (Ramsgate) is an iconic eatery which has been serving wholesome Belgian waffles since 1991: Contact 039 314 9424 or pauline@wafflehouse.co.za or manager@wafflehouse.co.za or www.wafflehouse.co.za.
· Leopard Rock Coffee Shop & Lookout Chalets (Oribi Gorge): Contact leopardrockc@mweb.co.za or www.leopardrockc.co.za.
8. Birding watching
With its many nature reserves and dramatic landscape, the Lower South Coast is one of the country’s best hiking and birding destinations. There are a number of natural birding habitats, including coastal and wetland environments, forests, woodland and grassland, all home to unique birdlife.
· Mpenjati Nature Reserve (Trafalgar) includes birding, hiking, picnic spots and braai facilities. Contact 039 313 0531 or ChristianNjabulo.Mavundla@kznwildlife.com or mavundlac@kznwildlife.com or www.kznwildlife.com.
· Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide: Contact 072 893 3794 or andy_ruffle@yahoo.co.uk.
· River Valley Nature Reserve (Margate) includes camping, birding, hiking and fishing with picnic spots available: Contact info@rivervalleynaturereserve.co.za or rivervalfarm@gmail.com or www.rivervalleynaturereserve.co.za.
9. Hiking, biking and 4x4 adventures
For those who enjoy combining fitness, fun and adventure, the Lower South Coast has all the best spots! Take the opportunity to experience the diverse landscape and natural wildlife along one of the many exciting hiking, mountain biking and 4x4 trails, all of which are carefully managed.
· KwaNzimakwe Experience includes a cultural excursion with multiple hiking, mountain biking and 4x4 trails. Contact 063 072 1873 or victor.jaca@yahoo.com.
· Clearwater Trails (Port Edward): Contact 083 549 6710 or info@clearwatertrails.co.za or www.clearwatertrails.co.za.
· Burry Stander Bike Park (Umtentweni): Contact 079 493 7499 or chmcoral@mweb.co.za.
· Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve: Contact Mthokozisi.Ndlovu@kznwildlife.com or bookings@kznwildlife.com or www.kznwildlife.com.
· Lehr's Waterfall (Oribi Gorge).
· Samango Waterfall (Oribi Gorge).
· Uvongo Waterfall: Contact 039 682 7944.
· Nyandezulu Waterfall: Contact 039 682 7944.
· ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest (Harding): Contact 039 553 0600 or charmaine@anewhotels.co.za.
10. Outdoor and extreme adventures
The beautiful Lower South Coast is home to some of the most incredible natural sites which are rich with both cultural history and indigenous flora and fauna – both on land and in the sea! Local establishments have organised interesting and exciting ways to experience this natural beauty.
· Port Edward Red Desert which, at only 11 hectares, is the world’s smallest desert and an internationally-protected heritage site with several archaeological artefacts.: Contact 039 695 0460 or 083 631 9331 or reddesertnr@telkomsa.net.
· KwaXolo Caves Adventures allow visitors to access these ancient caves, home to ancient San rock paintings: Contact 063 844 2032 or makhanyashaun@gmail.com.
· Lake Eland Game Reserve (Oribi Gorge) offers moderate-to-extreme adventures in the form of ziplines, an 80m suspension bridge, scooter tours, 4x4 track, paintball, horse riding, fishing, mountain biking, hiking and game viewing: Contact reservations@lakeeland.co.za or www.lakeeland.co.za.
· Oribi Gorge Wild 5 Extreme Adventures includes the Wild Swing, abseiling, a suspension bridge, white water rafting and paintball: Contact info@wild5adventures.co.za or www.wild5adventures.co.za.
· Protea Banks (Shelly Beach) is a Marine-Protected Area and world-class dive site: Contact 039 682 7944.
