KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast boasts some of the most beautiful pristine landscapes and unique ecosystems on the continent. From its world-famous Blue Flag beaches and riverboat excursions to adrenaline-inducing adventure thrills, we’ve compiled a list of top 10 outdoor adventures to try out this Easter Holiday.
The KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is home to three marine protected areas and two world-class dive sites. Experience marine life with sightings from a boat or by going snorkeling. Providing everything from instruction to equipment hire, Aliwal Dive Centre or African Dive Adventures are great options for ocean safari operators.
Perhaps you’d enjoy an even more tranquil boating experience. An Umzimkulu River Cruise could be just your sort of adventure. From birds and turtles to otters and buck, there are many opportunities for beautiful wildlife sightings. Kick back, relax and enjoy the scenery as an experienced skipper guides you along the beautiful river bank from Port Shepstone.
Port Edward is the southernmost tip of KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast. The Pont Water Sports is the ultimate holiday resort with something for everyone. Guests have many options for adventures on the Umtamvuna River, including skiing and tubing, leisurely barge rides, or sunset river cruises. If you’re thinking of spending a couple of days here, the surrounding area also offers many activities like hiking or golfing.
It’s not every day that you get to experience KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast and its marine life from above. For those interested in an aerial outdoor adventure, companies like World of Wings Flight School and Airtrack Aviation provide various options. Choose between a helicopter, light aircraft or a microlight and enjoy a unique, elevated experience.
Whether appreciated from a viewing deck above, or via a pristine walking trail below, Oribi Gorge offers a myriad of magical experiences. However, it also gathers adrenaline junkies from all over to experience the rush of the highest gorge swing in the world, or Africa’s longest (and fastest) zipline. Additionally, the 84m-high suspension bridge offers breathtaking views of the nature reserve, while experienced thrill-seekers can abseil down a 110m cliff face. Wild 5 Adventures has it all.
In addition to playing home to over 300 species of birds, the Oribi Gorge also has its own kettle of vultures. For visitors with an interest in birds of prey, the Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide is an absolute must-visit. Experience a two-hour guided vulture viewing tour of a wild committee of over 200 Cape Vultures in their natural habitat.
Lake Eland Game Reserve covers an astonishing 2500 hectares of land, featuring a diverse ecosystem consisting of bushveld, grassland, coastal forest and wetland. Ultimately, this is the perfect place to go on a KZN safari and see a variety of wildlife. We highly recommend considering an overnight stay, which will allow you to experience the African bush as it comes alive under the stars.
KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast is one of Africa’s prime surfing destinations. In fact, there are epic spots literally across the entire coastal stretch. St Micheals On Sea is widely considered the best surfing beach. Other incredible surf options include Lucien in Margate, as well as Scottburgh, Port Edward and Southbroom. And, if you’re only just starting out, there are plenty of surfing schools in the area.
Hikers of all levels are spoilt for choice on the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Popular routes include Mission Tourism Route, the short, but beautiful 8km Weza Hiking Trail, the significantly longer 71km Umzumbe River Trail, and the newly launched KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience and Beach-to-Beach hike. As mentioned above, Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve also offers numerous breathtaking hikes.
KwaZulu-Natal’s South Coast also boasts an incredible number of nature reserves and conservancies, each an opportunity to experience a different kind of natural beauty. Two particularly beautiful reserves not mentioned above are Mpenjati Nature Reserve (close to Trafalgar) and TC Robertson Nature Reserve in Scottburgh.
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