South Coast Offers Great Drives Out
Experience an Authentic Cultural Adventure on the KZN South Coast with 7 Great Drives Out Tours
As travel trends shift towards authentic tourism, visitors are seeking immersive experiences that connect them with local culture rather than focusing on traditional tourist hotspots. South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) has met this need with the Great Drive Out Tours that explore the KZN South Coast’s natural world and heritage.
“Great Drives Out takes visitors beyond the well-trodden tourist paths, offering a glimpse into the untamed beauty and welcoming spirit of our region’s hinterland,” explains Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of SCTIE. “This initiative is designed to encourage responsible and authentic heritage explorations in scenic environments, fostering meaningful connections between diverse communities.
“These are incredibly scenic routes crossing incredible local landscape – hills, forests and rivers – as well as craft shops, and traditional restaurants. As we include even more experiences into the tours, our visitors get to see all the KZN South Coast has to offer.”
1. Malangeni Experience Location: Emalangeni and Pennington
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. Contact: Maxwell Mhlongo on 039 682 7944 | 083 522 8122 | maxwell@sctie.co.za
2. Mission Tourism Route Location: St Faiths Road, Umzumbe
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 serene and spiritual experience in the heart of the KZN South Coast. Contact: Mandy Massey on 082 967 1620 | mandy@missiontourism.co.za
3. Umzumbe River Trail Location : mzumbe
This is an epic 6-day, 71km hiking adventure starting at Phungashe Dam and ending at Sea Park Beach. Experience breathtaking views, river crossings, and cultural homestays with six Zulu clans, providing an authentic insight into their traditions and way of life. Contact: Patrick Shinga on 039 682 7944 | patrick@sctie.co.za
4. Gamalakhe Township Experience Location: Main Road, Gamalakhe Township.
Take a deep dive into the township’s history, including a visit to Tin Town with insights from locals. Enjoy an authentic ‘Kasified Experience’, featuring local taverns, quad biking, paintball, car spinning shows, and shisanyama delights at Sbucie’s Kitchen. Contact: Mbongeni Mthembu on 073 0929818 | mbongenimthembu900501@gmail.com
5. KwaXolo Caves Adventures Location: KwaXolo, Dumezulu
Discover 100 000-year-old San rock paintings at the KwaXolo Caves via a via Ferrata system. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views, a suspension bridge, and tranquil picnic spots near a cascading waterfall. More developments at this iconic site are underway, with the construction of a zipline and restaurant. Contact: Shaun Makhanya on 074 887 3742 | makhanyashaun@gmail.com
6. Oribi Gorge Adventure Location: Oribi Gorge
Explore the dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and stunning vistas of Oribi Gorge. Experience adrenaline-pumping activities such as Africa’s highest gorge swing, ziplining, white-water rafting, and horse riding. Witness the Cape Vulture colony up close and take in breathtaking views from Leopard Rock. Contact: Mandla Khawula on 082 708 7030 | thembelatours@yahoo.com
7. Weza Hiking Trail Location: Harding
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. Contact: Gcino Ntozakhe on 078 396 2426 | gcinonkozakhe@gmail.com
“These Great Drives Out experiences are led by enthusiastic and experienced tour guides who are ready to take you on an adventure of a lifetime!” continues Dr Sibiya. “This is not only an enriching experience for the visitor, but also contributes greatly towards rural tourism, supporting sustainable tourism initiatives on the KZN South Coast. We also want to remind visitors that Sardine Fever is here, with the annual Sardine Run passing by our shores in winter. Now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast!”
Now’s the Time: Visit, Invest, Thrive in KZN South Coast!
Find out more by visiting the KZN South Coast website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za; following South Coast Tourism on Facebook; South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise on YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; and South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise on LinkedIn. And click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here.
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Photo Credit: South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprises