An ambitious project spearheaded by local economic development agency Enterprise Ilembe (EI) aims to boost local tourism.
Once launched the King Shaka Tourism Route will bring the spirit of the great Zulu monarch to life by bringing together the existing tourist routes on the Dolphin Coast.
The route, which will fall under the Ilembe district brand, will incorporate three sub-routes which follow existing products and tourist activity.
Several existing destinations are named in the route’s business plan, beginning with the North Coast Meander – the southern gateway entrance ending at Tinley Manor, running along the P467. The Footsteps of Shaka sub route will build on the existing King Shaka Heritage Route and its heritage sites, some of which are in Stanger.
“This sub route will begin in KwaDukuza, and branch west along the R74, incorporating the King Shaka Visitors’ Centre. It will also branch north onto the R102 from KwaDukuza, along the R102 with the proposed King Shaka Statue in Mandeni as well as the Ultimatum Tree as key point in the north, ending at the P415 in Mandeni in the north.”
Ballito will be showcased on the Warrior’s Way sub route, which will branch off along Holla Trails and end in Ndwedwe.
“This route is aimed at the adventure lover and includes surfing, micro-lighting, and other adventure activities. It will include the waterfall in Ndwedwe municipality’s Nsuze area, as well as sites where mineral deposits have been discovered and provide opportunity for tourism development.”
Further up north in Mandeni and Maphumulo will be the Birder’s Paradise sub-route, beginning in Groutville and branching off at Gledhow, Zinkwazi, the Tugela Mouth, and the Amatikhulu Game Reserve, to view bird life.
“The route also stretches west to include the Tugela Loop in Maphumulo.”
EI marketing and communications manager Cheryl Peters said the project is still in its development stages.
“We hope to engage with local stakeholders and get it off the ground soon. It will be an invaluable tourism boost for Ilembe.”
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