DESTINATION: SOUTH COAST

Selborne Golf Estate Exterior. Photo credit: Etrienne Koenig.

KZN South Coast — the ‘bleisure’ tourism destination of choice

With world-class venues, outdoor adventures and incredible natural resources, the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast is the ultimate destination for the trending ‘bleisure’ — for business and leisure tourism. With businesses looking to reconnect through teambuilding, conferences and retreats, this subtropical paradise is the destination of choice.

With our year-round sunny climate, quality facilities and unique experiences, the KZN South Coast has established itself as a prime bleisure and business events location,” said Phelisa Mangcu, chief executive officer of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT). “One of the key drawcards of ‘The Golf Coast’, as we’re known, are the 11 quality golf courses found here. To further entrench our status, USCT hosted a Golf Coast Virtual Fam Trip, partnering with tourism bodies SATSA, SAT and TKZN to host tour operators in the region.

Hiking at KwaNzimakwe. Photo credit: Collette Baillie Photography.

“To facilitate the planning of business-focused events, USCT has also compiled the Meeting Planner Guide. This comprehensive guide is a one-stop directory for all business conferences, meetings, teambuilding and accommodation requirements. It includes a detailed list of our existing business events’ venues, teambuilding activities on offer, and all relevant contact information in one simple guide. But beyond this, there are so many reasons we’d like to share as to why businesses should consider the ‘Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom’ for their next event.”

There are also numerous charter boats that take visitors out for a close-up ocean experience viewing dolphins and migrating whales. The winter months are a great time to book on the KZN South Coast as the annual Sardine Run makes its appearance, attracting hungry game fish, sharks, whales and overhead birds to ‘The Greatest Shoal on Earth’.

Selborne Golf Estate, Hotel & Spa

Located in the beautiful seaside town of Pennington, Selborne is considered one of the country’s premium residential golf estates. Visitors looking to conclude business deals on the greens will enjoy this high-quality course which was designed by the legendary Denis Barker and has hosted several Pro-Ams and the South African Women’s Open. Beyond the well-manicured greens and indigenous forests of the golf course, Selborne boasts conferencing facilities, a restaurant, world-class spa, accommodation and Barker’s Bar.

Ubumbano Homestead

For a truly unique KZN South Coast experience, visitors can head to this Amandawe-based agricultural cooperative which forms part of the Agri-CULTURE Tours. This smallholding was established by the Zama family in 2017 and has fast become a major supplier of local produce. Visitors are able to enjoy a tour of the farm, learning about the growing techniques and harvesting while sampling fresh produce. There’s also a visit to the Ubumbano Farm Stall which stocks freshly made macadamia nut and rocket pesto, macadamia nut biscuits and brittle, baked mielie loaf and steamed mielie bread. Finally, there’s a stop at The Curio Shop featuring locally manufactured arts, crafts and other memorabilia.

Ocean Adventures

There really is so much to ‘sea’ and do on the KZN South Coast! The two Marine Protected Areas – Protea Banks off Shelly Beach and Aliwal Shoal off Umkomaas – boast an abundance of marine life, making them two of the world’s top sites for scuba divers, free divers and snorkelers.

For the avid anglers, there’s ample opportunity for spearfishing, deepsea fishing or rock-and-surf fishing.

Homestead Eats’ stall at Ubumbalo Homestead. Photo credit: Justin Klusener Photography.

Homestead Eats’ stall at Ubumbalo Homestead. Photo credit: Justin Klusener Photography. Anew Resort Ingeli Forest

It’s not all about the ocean on the KZN South Coast! The farming town of Harding, set below the majestic Ingeli Mountain range near Kokstad and surrounded by indigenous forests makes for the perfect business retreat. For overnight stays, ANEW Resort Ingeli Forest offers 44 spacious country rooms with great views and amenities. Visitors who would like a teambuilding experience are able to try the local adventures such as mountain biking or hiking through the indigenous forest; quad biking; archery and axe throwing; as well as wining and dining. The resort also has conference venues.

Nyandezulu waterfall.

Photo credit: Justin Klusener Photography.

Riding at Rocky Bay Trails.

Copyright Daryl Visser.

Hiking and Mountain Biking Trails

If your delegate prefers something a bit more active, then the KZN South Coast’s many hiking and biking trails in natural reserves and farmlands should hit the spot! There is mountain biking, trail running, hiking and 4x4 excursion trails found throughout Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom. The region also forms part of national sports’ contests such as the Joberg2c and KAP Sani2c.

Breathtaking views at Clearwater Trails.

San Lameer Resort and Golf Estate

For another world-class golf course and luxury accommodation, visitors can try San Lameer Hotel. The beautiful but testing 18-hole championship course is located within South Africa’s first golf estate, established in 1973. San Lameer has played host to the South Africa Women’s Open and Masters over the years, as well as the South African Men’s interprovincial. The intimate hotel has 40 rooms and suites for quality accommodation, with a secure beach and exquisite coastal reserve. For non-golfers, there are a myriad of facilities and activities on the estate, including the award-winning Lagoon Spa. San Lameer is also ideal for your next conference or corporate gathering, with various conference options.

Adrenalin-enducing activities at KwaXolo Caves.

Photo credit: Justin Klusener Photography.

KwaXolo Caves

When it comes to finding a unique outdoor adventure, there’s nothing better than the KwaXolo Caves Adventures. This culturally enriching experience takes visitors into previously inaccessible caves which are adorned with San artwork dating back some 100,000 years! Guides take visitors to the caves using a secure rope-and-rung system affixed to the rock face, with views of the waterfall and gorge along the way. There is also a wonderful picnic site once the spelunking is done. This rural tourism development initiative also supports local communities through job creation and skills’ development while promoting the use of indigenous knowledge.

KwaNzimakwe

Enjoy an epic KwaZulu-Natal South Coast experience while supporting another rural tourism development initiative in the beautiful local village of KwaNzimakwe. Try a village tour starting at WowZulu

Welcome Centre where visitors are welcomed by local hosts before starting the guided hike. During the day, there’s an opportunity to view locally made crafts; engage with a local sangoma; visit the organic garden and cattle Kraal; view the Shembe Church and community theatre; and stop by a local tavern. This location is also the site of the KwaNzimakwe MultiTrails which are a great opportunity for outdoor teambuilding in the form of hiking and biking.

Beaver Creek Coffee Estate.

Photo credit: Justin Klusener Photography.

Coffee Farms

Then there’s the invigorating farmland experience, visiting Beaver Creek Coffee Estate and Mpenjati Coffee, both forming part of the Agri-CULTURE Tours. Beaver Creek is the southernmost coffee estate in the world, boasting three generations of coffee growers. Visitors can enjoy the Crop to Cup walkabout; grab a bite at the Beaver Creek Coffee Estate Café; or go biking on some of the best mountain biking trails.

Mpenjati Coffee was established by Leigh and Des Wichmann at their Jericho Farm in Munster with the processing performed at their Larkfield Farm. The couple has begun brewing some of the region’s best coffee blends with visitors welcome to experience the process from plant to cup. Visitors are able to enjoy a tour of the farm to view the pulping, drying, hulling, separating, grading and roasting of the coffee; before heading to the café to sample the produce.

Mpenjati coffee

Experience the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom by horse from Selsdon Park Estate in Trafalgar. They cater to everyone from beginners to equestrian experts looking to explore the Lower South Coast on horseback. There are great trails cutting across farmlands, coastal forests and sandy beaches.

Nyandezulu

For another truly authentic rural experience on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, visitors are able to head to the village of Nyandezulu, with beautiful ocean views. There are guesthouses for those who would like an overnight stay, and local tour guides leading hikes to Ntantana Mountain, overlooking the 90m Nyandezulu Waterfall. Visitors can engage with the local sangoma, try some home-brewed beverages at the local shebeen, view handmade arts and crafts, and even visit a Shembe Church atop the holy uMdlungwana Mountain.

Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre.

Photo credit: Justin Klusener Photography.

Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre

Discover the region’s rich history and local customs at this vibrant heritage centre. Through demonstrations, arts, song and dance, visitors get insight into the origin of the Zulu kingdom; discover the arts of stick fighting and crafting; learn about the ancient tradition of isivivane; and also experience incredible local theatre.