As many families love venturing to the coast in December, the South Coast tourism team is highlighting why their stretch of coastline is the one to see this year.
South Coast, South Africa (07 December 2023) – Boasting the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in KZN, as well as being the chosen site for the launch of this year’s KZN Summer Campaign, the KZN South Coast is on track to welcome an influx of holidaymakers looking to beat the summer heat this festive season.
“We saw a surge in tourism numbers in the final week of 2022, and with our beaches open and ready for holidaymakers once again, we’re anticipating big tourist numbers throughout the summer season,” says Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE).
“Visitors are often drawn to our fantastic beaches and world-class dive sites, but quickly discover there is so much more to the KZN South Coast. From hiking excursions and extreme adventures in the hinterland to township tours and cultural experiences throughout the region, the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom has something for everyone.”
Mangcu said, while they encourage visitors to take advantage of the many beautiful beaches, it’s vital that all safety precautions are adhered to at all times. Safety measures include:
- Only entering the water at beaches where lifeguards are on duty and during the hours when they are present.
- Swim in between the flagged beacons at all times.
- Never leave children unattended anywhere on the beach. Parents or guardians need to be particularly attentive at the water’s edge.
- The pink NSRI buoys are present at some of the beaches where lifeguards aren’t on duty, but these are only for emergencies in progress. These must not be removed at any other time.
- Blue Flag beaches are the best key indicator of all-around beach safety.
What can visitors expect when visiting the KZN South Coast?
- 58 golden beaches including 5 Blue Flag Beaches and 7 with Pilot Blue Flag status, as well as the highest number of tidal pools in the province.
- Top spots for surfing, kitesurfing, paddling, fishing, boating, and more.
- 3 Marine Protected Areas (MPAS) at Trafalgar, Aliwal Shoal, and Protea Banks with the latter 2 also world-class dive sites ideal for scuba diving, free diving, shark cage diving, or snorkelling.
- Nature reserves with great hiking and biking trails, picnic spots, birdwatching, waterfalls and lagoons to explore.
- Adventures in the hinterland include the Weza Hiking Trail, the Umzumbe River Trail, and the Agri-Tourism Tour.
- Cultural adventures such as the Mission Tourism Tour, the Nyandezulu Experience, Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre, and the Gamalakhe Township Experience.
- 11 quality golf courses found along ‘The Golf Coast’.
- Extreme adventures such as the Wild Gorge Swing, abseiling, the Wild Slide ziplining adventure 165, and the suspension bridge.
- Holistic experiences on The Wellness Way to attend to physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.
Unmissable KZN South Coast Events
The KZN South Coast also plays host to a number of fantastic events geared towards holidaymakers during the festive season. This year, visitors to Uvongo, St Michael’s, Ramsgate, Margate, Scottburgh, Hibberdene, and Marina beaches will enjoy the free Let’s GO Summer Beach Festival running from 14 December to 14 January with non-stop fun and games.
There are also Christmas markets, gin festivals, performances and more to enjoy. These can be found by downloading the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app, or visiting the website and checking out the Events Calendar.
Visitors can stay in any of the great accommodation offerings, from resorts and hotels to guesthouses and award-winning beachside campsites and caravan parks. There are also top-notch restaurants, cafés, pubs, takeaway establishments and more for the hungry traveller.
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