When it comes to tourism, South Coast has it all

If you are from the South Coast, and you have watched ‘The Longest Date’, you would most certainly recognise some of the landmarks and activities done on the show.

What if you could also do all the activities and challenges featured in the show in your leisure time by actually buying the entire activity package?

Well thanks to Ugu South Coast Tourism, you now can.

Having done every single one of the activities over the weekend, it’s safe to say the South Coast has the activities of a whole country in one.

An intimate morning cruise on one of the South Coast’s main attractions, the Mzimkhulu River was how it all began.

Light-hearted conversations accompanied with a lovely view of the riverside vegetation, and a backdrop of the Mzimkhululu bridge provided the perfect start to a full day.

One should be on the lookout for an over 400-year-old fig tree along the scenic river bank, one of the South Coast’s oldest living relics.

After the river cruise, we were off to Mac Banana, south of the R61 to Port Edward, where the Mac Banana Adventure Zip line obstacle course awaited.

With 10 zip lines and 24 obstacles in between, only the adventurous dared to take part in a course that offered a bird’s eye view of the entire banana and animal farm.

After a lovely lunch at Mac Banana café, Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in Port Edward was the last stop of the day, where we enjoyed a variety of locally grown coffee before taking on one of the mountain bike trails on offer, to end off an eventful day.

After a beautiful night’s rest at the three-star Umthunzi hotel in Umtentweni, we all woke up to a lovely breakfast buffet before making our way to Umzumbe main beach for surf lessons with Justin Maisch of Pumula Surf Camp.

While others were reluctant, I wasted no time getting into the water to give it a try.

After a few flop attempts and having my throat punched in by the surfboard, which left me coughing and regurgitating at the same time, it was on the final one where it all came together, finally managing to ride smoothly to the sea shore.

Day two was just as eventful as the first.

Second on the menu was the world renowned Lake Eland Game Reserve in Oribi Gorge where 4.5km of zip lines awaited.

A scenic view of the entire gorge was laid at our disposal, with some zip lines along the course going over 120km.

Many were lucky to enjoy the 10 year birthday weekend discount for only R300 as opposed to the normal R460.

After an adrenaline surge of note, the rush was calmed by a scenic view of the 80m gorge suspension bridge, followed by a lovely lunch at the Lake Eland restaurant.

To say I was caught off-guard in our final activity at Wild 5 Adventures is an understatement.

Who on earth decides to build the world’s deepest gorge swing for fun – 165m deep?

The heart-stopping swing will evoke a sense of raw fear in the hearts of any first-timer.

However, those who conquer the jump (like myself) earn themselves a certificate of achievement for their bravery.

I do plan on trying to conquer the other four activities on offer – wild water rafting, abseil, slide and suspension bridge.

Needless to say, another night at Umthunzi Hotel was enough to ease what I felt was mild adrenaline trauma.

The final day of what can only be described as a dream trip for the explorer, began bright and early.

We went to Aliwal Dive Centre in Umkomaas to face one of my fears – open water swimming with sharks.

We embarked on a 5km sail past the back line and shark nets, to the open waters – and it didn’t take long for the sharks to make an appearance.

Accompanied by a newly-wed Russian couple, we slipped into the water and watched the sharks feed and swim so close that one brushed my chest with a dorsal fin as it swam past.

It’s safe to say, all stereotypes I had of sharks (except great whites) are dead.

There wasn’t a better way to end the trip, than a visit to the KwaXolo Caves in Gcilima where 100 000 year old San rock art paintings awaited.

A short hike down a cliff took us to what can only be described as spiritual sanctuary, commemorating the original inhabitants of South Africa.

It all came to an end with a braai, before departing to conclude a once-in-a lifetime experience.

The South Coast remains rich in culture and beauty, with most of the places being a fair distance from each other, it also grants one the experience to drive and see beautiful attractions like the Mpenjati river, and the many macadamia nuts and tea tree farms.

It’s safe to say, the KZN South Coast is where you want to be.

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