Travellers are ditching the typical tourist traps in favour of genuine connections with the places they visit. People want to actually experience local culture, not just snap photos at crowded landmarks. The KZN South Coast has tapped into this perfectly with their Great Drive Out Tours. Run by South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), these adventures you off the beaten path to discover the region’s stunning natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
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These 7 routes cross incredible local landscape – hills, forests and rivers – as well as craft shops, and traditional restaurants:
1. Malangeni Experience
Explore the historic Botha House, Umdoni Park Nature Reserve, Nkomba Nature Reserve, and iconic golf courses like Umdoni Country Club and Selborne Country Club. Savour authentic cuisine at Buzy Corner Shisanyama and unwind on the pristine Pennington Beach.
- Location: Emalangeni and Pennington
- Contact: Maxwell Mhlongo on 039 682 7944 | 083 522 8122 | [email protected]
2. Mission Tourism Route
Visit historical and religious landmarks that touch on the Roman Catholic Mission Stations within the region and the interesting story of the Trappist monks. Head to the Capuchin Adoration Convent, Maris Stela Mission, Assisi Mission, and Maria Trost Mission, offering a spiritual experience in the heart of the KZN’s South Coast.
- Location: St Faiths Road, Umzumbe
- Contact: Mandy Massey on 082 967 1620 |[email protected]
3. Umzumbe River Trail
This is an epic 6-day, 71km hiking adventure starting at Phungashe Dam and ending at Sea Park Beach. It’s a beautiful drive and then hike which leads to gorgeous views, river crossings, and cultural homestays with six Zulu clans, providing an authentic insight into their traditions and way of life.
- Location: Umzumbe
- Contact: Patrick Shinga on 039 682 7944 | [email protected]
4. Gamalakhe Township Experience
Take a deep dive into the township’s history, including a visit to Tin Town with insights from locals. Enjoy an authentic ‘Kasified Experience’, visiting local taverns, quad biking, paintball, car spinning shows, and shisanyama delights at Sbucie’s Kitchen.
- Location: Main Road, Gamalakhe Township
- Contact: Mbongeni Mthembu on 073 092 9818 | [email protected]
5. KwaXolo Caves Adventures
Discover 100 000-year-old San rock paintings at the KwaXolo Caves via a via Ferrata system. Enjoy fantastic mountain views, a suspension bridge, and peaceful picnic spots near a cascading waterfall. More developments at this iconic site are underway, with the construction of a zipline and restaurant.
- Location: KwaXolo, Dumezulu
- Contact: Shaun Makhanya on 074 887 3742 | [email protected]
6. Oribi Gorge Adventure
Explore the dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and stunning vistas of Oribi Gorge. Go for adrenaline pumping activities such as Africa’s highest gorge swing, ziplining, white-water rafting, and horse riding. See the Cape Vulture colony up close and take in breathtaking views from Leopard Rock.
- Location: Oribi Gorge
- Contact: Mandla Khawula on 082 708 7030 | [email protected]
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7. Weza Hiking Trail
A trained local guide takes visitors on the 8km trail from the junction of the Mawane and Weza rivers across two amaKhosi areas before finishing at the Mkhoba Waterfall. A shorter hike to the waterfall is also possible. There is great birding along this route, with the option of overnight stay at Ntozakhe homestay, providing visitors with an authentic Zulu experience.
Location: Harding
Contact: Gcino Ntozakhe on 078 396 2426 | [email protected]
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