Outdoor experiences to help you unwind
As the holiday season winds down and people get ready to tackle the new year, consider indulging in one of these outdoor activities before returning to the hustle and bustle.
PARTY season has ended, and it’s time to relax your mind, body and soul before heading back to the office and morning school runs again.
There are some spectacular outdoor adventures and leisure activities on Durban’s doorstep with multiple Green Corridors (NPC) tourism sites available for you and your family to enjoy.
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Best of all, these experiences are just a short distance away from the heart of the City.
The breathtaking eNanda Adventure Park on the expansive Inanda Dam features water’s edge picnic spots, a thrilling pump bike track and guided biking, birding, hiking and canoeing excursions. The centre also has safe, shady camping areas on the shores of the dam.
The magical Valley of 1000 Hills offers a culturally warm and welcoming experience at Isithumba Adventures with walking, hiking and biking trails, as well as authentic cultural tours. And, for a delightful laughter-filled day out, the Mqeku Picnic Site becomes a choice, featuring a natural waterslide along the pristine tributary into the Umgeni. With braai facilities and ample shade, it becomes the perfect spot for families to unwind and revel in nature.
Alternatively, the 7km and 14km trails in Amaphephetheni by Amatata Adventures offer more rigorous hikes with heart-stopping views of the Inanda Dam and the Valley of 1000 Hills. For the more adventurous, you can also hike from Matata Adventures to the Mqeku picnic spot for an experience and views you will not forget in a hurry.
Lower Molweni, on the outskirts of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, awaits nature enthusiasts with a network of community-developed nature trails that are supported by Kloof Conservancy. In the same reserve in Upper Molweni, the challenging Nogxaza Falls Hike, which begins at Overrock Rasta Camp, the series of cliff-face walkways and custom-made viewpoints allows individuals to experience awe-inspiring views of rural KZN. Overrock is fast becoming one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Green Corridors network.
Just south of Durban, in the welcoming community of uMgababa, Mnini Dam boasts two fantastic sites: Thula’s Adventures and the Mnini Dam Tourist Resort. Ideal for picnics, canoeing, fishing, birding, hiking and biking trails, these sites promise a warm and memorable experience.
Close to the Blue Lagoon on Durban’s scenic beachfront, the GreenHub offers an array of eco-tourism activities. Individuals can immerse themselves in birding, hiking and canoeing and, on selective days, discover the enchanting Ezemvelo Beachwood Mangroves with its truly unique ecosystem.
Most Green Corridors sites can be accessed as self-drives, although the guided tours are recommended to enhance the experience. Additionally, guests can also be accommodated overnight in the very comfortable ‘pop-up camp’ with or without catering.
To explore the many options in more depth, visit this link: https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/our-work/tourism
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