This year’s travel plans will include a more restrictive set of criteria than previous years. Financial restrictions will see families prioritising affordable locations, while pandemic concerns will place nature-based, outdoor activities and COVID-19-compliant accommodation at the top of the list. The KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) South Coast ticks all these boxes as a ‘safecation’ destination.
‘It’s exciting to note the increase in domestic tourism, with many people already planning for the summer holidays this year,’ said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of USCT (Ugu South Coast Tourism). ‘We are continuously encouraging all our tourism establishments to adhere to the strict Tourism Business Council of South Africa-developed COVID-19 health and safety protocols, ensuring peace of mind for visitors. The region’s affordability, alongside the many family-friendly outdoor activities on offer, have seen the KZN South Coast emerge as an in-demand domestic holiday destination.’
KZN South Coast offers the following ‘safecation’ activities:
Water-based activities
With 58 golden beaches, including 5 with Blue Flag status, there is no end of aquatic activities to be enjoyed. Whether it’s simply sunbathing and swimming, or diving among great ocean creatures at the Marine Protected Areas (Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks), this is the ideal beachside holiday.
Nature reserves
The region’s many coastal forests and nature reserves (including Ingeli Forest or Clearwater Trails) are the perfect space to go hiking, birdwatching, or enjoy a picnic. There’s also the option of going off-road on a rustic 4×4 adventure at KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails, Lake Eland Game Reserve or Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve.
Try something different
Rich in cultural heritage, there are a number of completely unique sites to explore, including visiting the KwaXolo Caves, housing ancient San artwork. The world’s smallest desert, The Red Desert, can be found near Port Edward beneath which age-old artefacts have been found.
And for the thrill-seekers, there is the Wild 5 Adventures at Oribi Gorge (the world’s highest gorge swing), white water rafting, abseiling, suspension bridges, free diving and shark cage diving.
Sports activities
For those who enjoy an active holiday, there are 11 courses at ‘The Golf Coast’, as it’s known; alongside many other sporting options. These include surfing, SUP, canoeing, beach-based horseback-riding, mountain bike or trail running, and paintball!
To find out about these and many other KZN South Coast ‘safecation’ holiday options, simply download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za. You can also follow the KZN South Coast on social media – ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook and YouTube, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter and Instagram.
Images: Supplied
