7 extreme adventures to get

7 Extreme Adventures to get the Adrenaline Pumping on the KZN South Coast

THE KWAZULU-NATAL SOUTH COAST IS A RENOWNED LEISURE TOURISM

DESTINATION, AND WHILE SUNBATHING AND SEASIDE STROLLS MIGHT APPEAL

TO SOME, THE REGION IS ALSO HOME TO SOME OF THE MOST EXTREME OUTDOOR ADVENTURES FOR VISITING THRILL-SEEKERS. “The captivating landscape, resident wildlife Oribi Gorge, which forms part of the award-winning Shoal just 5km offshore of Umkomaas River, and and adventurous spirit of Wild 5 Adventures, is the Protea Banks which is 8km the KwaZulu-Natal South ultimate experience for off Shelly Beach. These Coast make it the ultimate those who enjoy some two Marine Protected Areas destination for tourists height. The Wild Gorge are home to incredible looking for something Swing is the world’s high- apex predators and mystic extreme,” explained Phelisa est swing of its kind, and it shipwrecks that make for a Mangcu, CEO of Ugu South provides thrill-seekers with memorable dive. Tourists Coast Tourism. “Whether the chance to jump of the can expect to encounter it’s speed, heights or close edge of Lehr’s Waterfall, diverse shark species inencounters with apex dropping an incredible 55 cluding duskies, Zambezis, predators, the area has the storeys while strapped in a tiger sharks, hammerheads world-class facilities and full-body harness. and occasionally a great services suited to any type 2. Shark diving white. Any time of the year, of extreme adventure.” The KZN South Coast is divers will encounter a 1. Extreme swinging home to two internationally- ‘pack’ of oceanic black

The Wild Gorge Swing in renowned dive sites – Aliwal tips (more than 100 resi-

dent sharks) while Protea Banks offers the unique shoaling hammerhead encounters at select times in the year (among many other creatures!)

3. Offroad biking and 4x4 adventures

The inviting sub-tropical climate makes the KZN South Coast a popular outdoor sporting destination with a variety of incredible 4x4, mountain biking and offroad biking routes. Ugu South Coast Tourism recently launched the KwaNzimakwe MultiTrails as part of the Great Drives Out routes. This offers tourists the chance to experience the stunning coastal landscape through 4x4 excursions and trail or mountain biking adventures.

4. Crossing the Lake Eland Suspension Bridge

The beautiful Lake Eland Game Reserve takes views to another level with its 80m suspension bridge some 130 metres off the ground. Bridge walkers are treated to some of the most breathtaking views from this cable-suspended bridge.

5. Ziplining

If that’s not enough excitement, Lake Eland Game Reserve also offers a guided zipline tour consisting of 14 slides that reach speeds of up to 160km an hour. The first slide is sure to get the heart racing with a 1km slide straight down.

6. Microlight adventures

For a thrilling ride from the skies, World of Wings offers microlight flips in 15-minute, 30-minute or one-hour time slots, promising incredible views of Aliwal Shoal, Scottburgh and even the lower South Coast. It’s a thrilling adventure ride with experienced pilot, Noel McDonogh, at the controls.

7. Thrilling surfing

With 58 golden beaches – including several Blue Flag Beaches – the KZN South Coast is a surfing mecca, with some of the biggest point breaks attract global surfers taking to the waves annually. Some of the top surfing spots include Amanzimoti, Scottburgh, Southbroom and St Michael’s-on-sea – the home base for SA Champs and SA Masters Champs.

Don’t miss out on any of the extreme KZN South Coast action! Download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores or visit www. visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. Alternatively, follow the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page, or @ infosouthcoast on Twitter using #travelsouthcoast #tourismsouthcoast #kznsouthcoast.

About Ugu South Coast Tourism

Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) is the official destination management organisation of the Ugu District Municipality in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), South Africa. The Ugu District comprises four local municipalities that include Umdoni, Umzumbe, Umuziwabantu and Ray Nkonyeni. USCT’s mandate is to grow tourism within the KZN South Coast.

This involves implementing marketing and development initiatives that are aimed at showcasing the diverse offerings and experiences of the South Coast as tourist destination. A board of directors oversees USCT, headed by CEO, Phelisa Mangcu. For more information visit www.tourismsouthcoast.co.za.