As travel trends shift towards authentic tourism, visitors are looking for an immersive experience that connects with local culture rather than focusing on traditional tourist hotspots. South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) meets this need with an incredible drive-out tour exploring the natural world and heritage of the KZN South Coast.
“The Great Drive Out brings visitors across tourist trails trampled by visitors and gives us a glimpse into the pristine beauty and welcoming spirit of our area’s hinterland,” explains Dr. Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE. “This initiative is designed to encourage the quest for a responsible, authentic heritage in a scenic environment and promote meaningful connections between diverse communities.
“These are incredibly scenic routes, craft shops and traditional restaurants that traverse incredible local landscapes such as hills, forests and rivers. Include more experiences on the tour, and visitors can see everything the KZN South Coast has to offer.”
1. Marangeni experience
Location: Emalangeni and Pennington
Contact: Maxwell Mhlongo on 039 682 7944 | 083 522 8122 | maxwell@sctie.co.za
Explore iconic golf courses such as the historic Bota House, Umdhoni Park Nature Reserve, Ngkomba Nature Reserve, and Umdhoni Country Club and Selborn Country Club. Enjoy authentic cuisine at Buzy Corner Shisanyama and relax in the pristine Pennington Beach.
2. Mission Tourism Route
Location: St. Face Road, Umzumbe
Contact: Mandy Massey on 082 967 1620 | mandy@missiontourism.co.za
Visit the Roman Catholic Mission Stations in the area and historical and religious landmarks that touch on the interesting stories of Trappist monks. Head to Capuchin Adoration Convent, Maris Stela Mission, Assisi Mission and Maria Trost Mission to provide a calm and spiritual experience in the heart of the KZN South Coast.
3. Umzu River Trail
Location: umzumbe
Contact: Patrick Shinga on 039 682 7944 | patrick@sctie.co.za
This is an epic 6-day, 71km hiking adventure that starts at Hungash Dam and ends at Seapark Beach. Experience breathtaking views, river crossings, and cultural homestays with six Zulu clans, providing authentic insight into their traditions and ways of life.
4. Experience of the town of Gamalaf
Location: Main Road, Gamarafu Township
Contact: Mbongeni Mthembu on 073 092 9818 | mbongenimthembu900501@gmail.com
Take insight from locals and dive deep into the town’s history, including visiting Tintown. Enjoy the authentic “Kasified Experience” featuring Shisanyama’s delights at local taverns, quad bikes, paintballs, car spinning shows and Sbucie’s Kitchen.
5. KwaxoloCaves Adventures
Location: Kwaxolo, Dumezulu
Contact: Shaun Makhanya on 074 887 3742 | makhanyashaun@gmail.com
Discover 100,000-year-old Sunrock paintings at Kwaxolo Caves via the Via Ferrata system. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views, suspension bridges and quiet picnic spots near Cascade Waterfalls. With the construction of the zipline and restaurant, more development is underway at this iconic site.
6. OribiGorge Adventure
Location: Oribi Gorge
Contact: Mandla Khawula on 082 708 7030 | himbelatours@yahoo.com
Explore dramatic cliffs, lush forests and stunning views of the Olivi Valley. Experience adrenaline pump activities such as Africa’s tallest valley swing, zip rings, white water rafting, and horse riding. You can witness a colony of Cape Vultures up close and enjoy breathtaking views from the leopard rock.
7. Weza Hiking Trail
Location: Harding
Contact: Gcino Ntozakhe on 078 396 2426 | gcinonkozakhe@gmail.com
Trained local guides take visitors on a trail 8 km from the intersection of the Mawan and Weather rivers of the two Amahoshi Rivers before finishing at Mkhoba Waterfalls. A shorter hike to the waterfall is also possible. There is fantastic bird watching along this route, and you have the option to stay at Ntozakhe Homestay, offering visitors a genuine Zulu experience.
“These amazing drive-out experiences are led by a passionate and experienced tour guide who are ready to take you on a lifelong adventure!” continues Dr. Shibya. “This is not only a rich experience for visitors, but it also contributes greatly to rural tourism and supports sustainable tourism initiatives on the South KZN coast. We also want to remind visitors that the annual sardines passing by the West Coast coast in winter.”
Now is the time: visit, invest, thrive on the KZN South Coast!
Visit the KZN South Coast website at www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. Following on to sightseeing on the South Coast on Facebook. A YouTube South Coast Tourism and Investment Company. @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; South Coast tourism and investment company on LinkedIn. Click here to check out our previous SCTIE press releases. Find out why the KZN South Coast is a top tourist destination here.
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