23 summer bucket list outings on the South Coast

It’s time to start the new year with some adventure, and when it comes to truly unique experiences, the KZN South Coast has endless opportunities. From relaxing at the seaside to extreme ziplining, there’s a great variety of bucket list adventures to be ticked off in the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom.

CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Phelisa Mangcu said: “There’s a definite feeling of excitement this year with many visitors looking to experience something a bit daring, or simply a bit different. We also tend to see quite a lot of bleisure travel now as well, but whether you’re coming for business, leisure or both, the KZN South Coast is the perfect place to start. There’s something here for everyone, and to better guide visitors, we’ve put together a list of 23 bucket list outings for 2023”

– 58 golden beaches
From Scottburgh to Port Edward there are 58 great beaches to be discovered, open and ready to welcome visitors. The KZN South Coast is also home to the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, underscoring the commitment to safety and cleanliness, as well as some of the country’s best surfing spots.

– Ocean adventures
The maritime activities extend beyond the beaches with two world-renowned diving sites found at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks. These are two of three Marine Protected Areas found here, with Trafalgar adding to the great freediving and snorkelling sites. Charter boats are also available for whale watching, deep-sea fishing, and diving.

– The Wild Coast Sun Resort
With its unspoilt beaches, golf course, casino and water park, Wild Coast Sun in Port Edward remains a family favourite in the Sun International stable. The resort has undergone multi-million-rand upgrades, including the addition of the country’s first indoor Skypark which consists of 21 rope obstacles on a skytrail, and a built-in zipline skyrail.

– The Wild 5 Extreme Adventures
This award-winning adventure offering in Oribi Gorge includes a range of adrenaline-pumping activities such as the Wild Gorge Swing – the highest swing of its kind – which drops 55 storeys; and the 80-metre cable suspension bridge which takes adventurers 130 metres off the ground.

– Lake Eland Game Reserve
Enjoy some African adventure in this Oribi Gorge-based reserve where visitors can enjoy a self-drive game drive or bike ride through the African savannah. Thrill-seekers must try the Lake Eland zip lines – the longest zip line tour in Africa that includes 14 lines starting from the top of Oribi Gorge.

– Great picnic and braai spots
Whether visiting Lake Eland Game Reserve, one of the area’s 10 nature reserves, or the shores, there are fantastic picnic and braai spots to be found throughout. Hike among the local wildlife and take in magnificent views while enjoying some local cuisine.

– Ultimate hiking trails
Hiking and trail biking are popular activities enjoyed along the KZN South Coast and there are many well-established trails to accommodate this. This includes the Umzumbe River Trail and Weza Hiking Trail – both launched in 2022 – as well as ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest Resort, and Clearwater Trails. As part of the Great Drives Out, visitors can experience the hinterland through the KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails by hiking, biking, or 4×4.

– Go-karting
Speed freaks can head to Margate to try out the Xtreme Karting where drivers get to race it out on the tracks, or even test their skills on the paintball field.

– Dezzi Raceway
Head to Port Shepstone to discover the only Motorsport South Africa-approved racing track in KZN – Dezzi Raceway. This includes two purpose-built drift circuits for some fast-paced entertainment, with motorsports events organised throughout the year.

– Cascading waterfalls
Definitely go chasing waterfalls on the KZN South Coast, found in some of the most scenic reserves. There’s Lehr’s Waterfall in the densely-forested Oribi Gorge; the nearby Samango Waterfall named after the charismatic monkey; and the 23m Uvongo Waterfall which plummets into one of the deepest lagoons in the country. Take a guided hike as part of the culturally authentic Nyandezulu Experience to Ntantana Mountain overlooking the 90m Nyandezulu Waterfall; or embark on the 8km Weza Hiking Trail from the iKhwezi rural area, finishing at a real hidden gem, the Mkhoba Waterfall.

– Great restaurants
From quick and easy takeaways to award-winning fine dining, the KZN South Coast knows how to do food right! This coastal location is renowned for its great seafood which can be enjoyed from the many top-quality restaurants overlooking the Indian Ocean.

– Retail therapy
Visitors looking to indulge in some retail therapy will find what they need on the KZN South Coast which boasts a number of great shopping centres. Hibiscus Mall in Margate, and Southcoast Mall and Shelly Centre at Shelly Beach offer a quality shopping experience, with a number of local traders selling handcrafted goods.

– Fun on the farm
This subtropical location is a farming haven, and visitors can enjoy exploring the agricultural offerings through the Agri-CULTURE Tours, as well as more than 20 adventure activities at Mac Banana Estate & Adventures in Munster. Learn more about local reptiles, amphibians, and arachnids at Crocworld Conservation Centre in Scottburgh, or Riverbend Crocodile Farm in Southbroom, with beautiful winged creatures found at the Ramsgate-based Butterfly Farm.

– A view from the skies
Take in an aerial view of the KZN South Coast with a flip in a microlight, helicopter, or light aircraft. World of Wings in Umkomaas offers microlight flips for views of Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh and the lower South Coast; while the Margate-based Uvongo Airtrack Aviation offers scenic helicopter and aeroplane flights for a great aerial view of the coastline.
– Shipwrecks
History buffs can’t miss out on the opportunity to learn more about the KZN South Coast’s treacherous maritime past through its many shipwrecks. These include the 1933 Nightingale Shipwreck in Trafalgar, a steam vessel that ran aground on the rocks of Glenmore Beach owing to the heavy fog; as well as the 1552 São Joao Shipwreck in Port Edward when a vessel from Portugal to India ran aground.

– Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide
Near Oribi Gorge Nature Reserve just outside of Port Shepstone is this incredible vulture viewing hide where families can enjoy the once-in-a-lifetime experience of observing Cape vultures in their natural habitat.

– Beachside horse rides
Selsdon Park Estate in Trafalgar gives visitors the chance to view the coast via horseback excursions which take riders along beaches and into the farmlands and coastal forests. Guides are on hand to assist everyone from beginners to equestrian professionals.

– Coffee farms
Beaver Creek Coffee Estate & Mpenjati Coffee. The world’s southernmost coffee plantation near Port Edward has a great Crop to Cup walkabout tour; the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate Café which serves breakfasts, snacks, cakes and baked goods; as well as biking along some of the best trails.

– The world’s smallest desert
Just 10km west of Port Edward, within the Red Desert Nature Reserve, visitors will stumble upon the world’s smallest desert. The Red Desert is 200m in diameter and 11ha in entirety – well worth a bucket list visit and more.

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