Bumper Easter season expected
Because of the many outdoor activities offered on the South Coast visitors benefit from reduced Covid-19 risk at these open-air venues and sites.
The good news for the South Coast, is that beaches will remain open under alert Level 1 Covid-19 lockdown over the Easter weekend.
Despite the pressing water problems, the South Coast with its Blue Flag Beaches, world-renowned dive sites, hinterland tours and outdoor adventures – remains one of the country’s leading destinations.
Many holiday accommodation places have prepared themselves for any possible water cuts by fitting off-the-grid water tanks and pumps.
“We are anticipating – and preparing for – a bumper Easter season after a year of lockdown and restricted movement,” commented Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) CEO, Phelisa Mangcu.
“Many of our tourism establishments are already full, with families looking to make lasting memories in a safe, nature-based environment like the South Coast. And we have such a wealth of options; beaches, nature reserves, farms, conservation centres, rivers, mountains and caves, all providing the backdrop to exciting adventures and unique experiences.”
Because of the many outdoor activities offered on the South Coast visitors benefit from reduced Covid-19 risk at these open-air venues and sites.
In addition to this, USCT has been communicating up-to-date Covid-19 information with all tourism establishments via the website’s dedicated Covid-19 portal, as well as the many social media platforms.
In consultation with leading health-and-safety professionals, USCT assures visitors that all tourism venues are briefed on the latest procedures, particularly relating to ventilation.
The Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom boasts a number of unique, outdoor activities that are both family- and budget-friendly. Here’s a taste of what to expect:
* Golden beaches – five of which have achieved the international rating for Blue Flag Beaches – ideal for swimming, snorkelling, surfing and relaxing.
* All the beaches, including the gem of the coast, Margate beach is open for swimming.
* The South Coast is home to the most tidal pools in KZN which provide sheltered beach swimming regardless of the surf conditions.
* It has two Marine Protected Areas at Aliwal Shoal and Protea banks, both of which are world-renowned scuba diving, shark cage diving and freediving sites.
* Also known as ‘The Golf Coast’, there are 11 golf courses alongside oceans and coastal forests, there is a green for every golfer. These are found at Umkomaas, Scottburgh, Selborne Park, Umdoni, Port Shepstone, Harding, Margate, Southbroom, San Lameer, Port Edward and the Wild Coast Sun.
* There are extreme adventures to be had, such as Wild 5 Adventures which includes the Wild Gorge Swing – the highest swing of its kind in the world – ziplining, white-water rafting and paintball.
* The numerous nature reserves and farmlands are great for trail hiking, running, 4×4 adventures and day visits. One of which is the popular KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails.
* There are cultural sites to explore such as the KwaXolo Caves Adventures which is a scenic hike to caves holding ancient San artwork, or the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre which is a facility showcasing the local history, cultural and creative activities of this region.
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