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
Contact: Maxwell Mhlongo on 039 682 7944 | 083 522 8122 | maxwell@sctie.co.za
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.
2. Mission Tourism Route
Location: St Faiths Road, Umzumbe
Contact: Mandy Massey on 082 967 1620 |mandy@missiontourism.co.za
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.
3. Umzumbe River Trail
Location: Umzumbe
Contact: Patrick Shinga on 039 682 7944 | patrick@sctie.co.za
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.
4. Gamalakhe Township Experience
Location: Main Road, Gamalakhe Township
Contact: Mbongeni Mthembu on 073 092 9818 | mbongenimthembu900501@gmail.com
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.
5. KwaXolo Caves Adventures
Location: KwaXolo, Dumezulu
Contact: Shaun Makhanya on 074 887 3742 | makhanyashaun@gmail.com
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.
6. Oribi Gorge Adventure
Location: Oribi Gorge
Contact: Mandla Khawula on 082 708 7030 | thembelatours@yahoo.com
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.
7. Weza Hiking Trail
Location: Harding
Contact: Gcino Ntozakhe on 078 396 2426 | gcinonkozakhe@gmail.com
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.
“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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Author: Agnes Matladi from Olivia Jones Communications on behalf of SCTIE.
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