R8m facelift for KwaXolo Caves
Ten luxury chalets, an amphitheatre, and a 100-seater hall are also on the cards.
South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) recently announced an R8m expansion to KwaXolo Caves Adventures.
The CEO of SCTIE, Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, said KwaXolo Caves Adventures was mandated to develop into a must-visit global destination.
He added phase one of the R8m expansion project was completed in January.
He said it included a reception building with a meeting hall, staff ablutions, gravel access roads and parking, paved pathways, water tanks, a soak-away sewage system, and a pedestrian bridge over a wetland.
He added that phase two was underway, which involves the construction of a multi-purpose building that will incorporate a restaurant, coffee shop, visitor ablutions, and storage areas.
“Additional amenities under development include a guardroom, communal braai area, picnic sites, a children’s play area, and water and sewer systems. Despite ongoing construction, the site remains open to visitors, demonstrating the area’s resilience and ongoing appeal. Phase two also involves the construction of a 1.06km zipline – connecting two edges of the valley – and a high-wire bridge,” he said.
Sibiya said the activities, funded with R4m from IDWALA Holdings, will adhere to stringent adventure tourism standards, positioning KwaXolo as a pioneering adventure tourism destination within a rural setting.
He said phase three was reviewed and approved by the KwaXolo Trust. This ambitious phase envisions the development of 10 luxury chalets, an amphitheatre, and a 100-seater hall – all positioning this as a key MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) destination.
Sibiya said phase three represents a significant opportunity for investors seeking to participate in a sustainable tourism venture with a strong social impact.
He explained that investment options included equity participation, the construction of the accommodation and venue offerings, horse riding, bungee jumping, tent rentals, security services, team building and school adventures.
“The KwaXolo Caves Adventures expansion not only enriches the South Coast’s tourism portfolio but also exemplifies a forward-thinking, community-centred model of rural development. By investing in KwaXolo, stakeholders have the opportunity to be part of a landmark project that promotes heritage preservation, socio-economic upliftment, and sustainable tourism,” he said.
The project spearheaded by the KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs and Tourism KZN has created employment for 14 locals.
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