EXPLORE
11
reasons
to #Visit the beautiful #KZNSouthCoast beaches Following a stressful year, it’s important to prioritise mental, physical and spiritual wellbeing, and a trip to the ocean is the perfect remedy. The abundance of ‘Vitamin Sea’ in this coastal #Paradise gives tourists the chance to immerse themselves in the soul-replenishing Indian Ocean, enjoying the many natural health benefits such as lowering of anxiety, pain management and improving sleep. Even the simple act of sitting on
5 Blue Flag beaches
The Sou th Afric an coas immens tline is e and v aried, b section ut few s are qu ite as e the incr xciting edible # as K ZNSout from Um hCoast komaas , to Port Along t Edward his 120 . -kilome stretch tre coas is a wea t a l lth of in unique cred ocean li fe and m ibly activitie arine s just w aiting to explore d by we be lcome t ourists.
the shore and taking in the sights and sounds will reduce those months of pent-up stress.
“The KZN South Coast is an entrenched seaside holiday destination, and our strong drive towards conservation and eco-tourism has seen the local marine life thriving in our ocean waters,” says CEO of Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT), Phelisa Mangcu.
1
The iconic Blue Flag is one of the world's most recognised voluntary award for beaches. To qualify for such status, a series of strict environmental, educational, safety and accessibility criteria must be met and maintained. The #KZNSouthCoast has five such qualitystandard Blue Flag beaches at Marina Beach, Trafalgar Beach, Southport Beach, Umzumbe Beach and Hibberdene Beach, with top-quality facilities and safe bathing.
“Our many aquatic tourism establishments offer visitors the chance to enjoy the ocean life through a variety of interesting methods, from snorkelling and freediving through to whale watching and shark cage diving. There are so many reasons to #Visit #Paradise on our beaches on the #KZNSouthCoast.”
Marine Protected Areas
South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) have been established to keep marine ecosystems working harmoniously while protecting the ocean life under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. Within the #KZNSouthCoast’s waters there are two MPAs at Aliwal Shoal, just 4km off Umkomaas, and Protea Banks, just 7.5km off Shelly Beach. These two are home to a variety of big marine life such as sharks, whales, turtles, rays, king fish, yellow fin tuna and barracuda.
2
Aliwal Shoal is a world-class dive site and Marine Protected Area (MPA)
3
Trafalgar Beach, a Blue Flag Beach
62 | June 2021
Shore angling
For anglers who prefer to cast their line from the land, the #KZNSouthCoast has a wealth of fishing hotspots. These include many rock-and-surf fishing spots at the many beaches, as well as freshwater fishing locations along riverbanks and dams surrounded by coastal forests and farmlands. Fishing permits are required for all anglers and these can be issued at the post office.
www.rovesa.co.za
