KZN South Coast is ‘Rethinking Tourism’ in celebration of Tourism Month
This September, South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) will join the globe in celebrating this year’s Tourism Month theme, ‘Rethinking Tourism’ by celebrating the incredible sustainable tourism offerings on the KZN South Coast.
This year’s United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) theme is a way to celebrate the recovery of the sector following several significant challenges, culminating on World Tourism Day, 27 September.
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“This year’s theme of ‘Rethinking Tourism’ is a call to shift the focus to sustainable tourism that encourages the integration of rural tourism and green tourism products,”
explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of SCTIE.
“This has actually been a focus for the KZN South Coast for some time, with SCTIE’s vision of putting the people and the planet first. In line with Cabinet’s post-Covid-19 Tourism Sector Recovery Plan and our Ugu Growth and Development Strategy, we will continue to support and showcase the many rural tourism offerings found in the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom.”
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In calling for sustainable tourism, the UNWTO encourages the optimal use of environmental resources to conserve natural heritage and biodiversity; respect for socio-cultural authenticity of host communities; while ensuring long-term economic operations that fairly distribute socio-economic benefits to all stakeholders.
Along the KZN South Coast, there are several established tourism offerings in the hinterland that are empowering local communities, sharing the region’s traditional heritage and providing tourists with truly unique local experiences. This Tourism Month, SCTIE is encouraging people to try some of these sustainable tourism offerings as a way to support local heritage and tourism, while enjoying a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
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Unlimited hinterland adventures
In May this year, SCTIE launched the Umzumbe River Trail, a 70km Green Flag Trail extending from Mhlabatshane Dam through to the coast at Port Shepstone. Guests can hike, run, cycle or horse ride along the trail, with overnight stays in traditional Zulu homesteads along the banks of the Umzumbe and Mhlabatshane rivers.
The iconic Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre in Mtwalume was established in 2007 to pay tribute to the area’s liberation stalwarts while keeping the area’s traditional history alive. This is done through afro-theatre, music, dance, folklore and creative arts. Visitors will learn about the origins of the Zulu kingdom, and discover local traditions while finding out more about traditional healing practices.
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The KwaNzimakwe Experience is a chance to experience a rural KZN South Coast village located between Mpenjati Nature Reserve and Ezinqoleni. Visitors will enjoy a guided walk while learning about village life, including meeting a sangoma (traditional healer), a visit to a local shebeen (tavern) and a enjoy Xhuluweshe (community theatre). There are hikes through the coastal forest and up a mountain trail past the Shembe Church, with traditional meals along the way. The KwaNzimakwe Mult-Trails are ideal for hikers, birdwatchers, trail runners, trail bikers and 4x4 enthusiasts looking to get close to nature in this beautiful hinterland region.
Another authentic rural adventure is the Nyandezulu Experience just 9km inland of Shelly Beach. There is ample local accommodation for an immersive experience, with a guided drive or hike to the Ntantana Mountain which overlooks the 80m Nyandezulu Waterfall. There’s also the opportunity to meet with a sangoma, and try home-brewed beverages at the local shebeen before visiting the Shembe Church atop holy uMdlungwana Mountain.
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KZN South Coast’s rich biodiversity
The area’s incredible biodiversity also lends itself to responsible tourism offerings that prioritise conservation to ensure sustainability. Along the 120km coastal stretch from Scottburgh to Port Edward there are some 58 golden beaches – six of which have international Blue Flag status, highlighting the area’s commitment to conservation. In fact, this is the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province, with Marina Beach honoured for its 20-year status and Trafalgar Beach for 10 years.
The region is also home to two Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, established to keep marine ecosystems working harmoniously while protecting the ocean life under the National Environmental Management: Protected Areas Act. These are also considered two of the world’s best dive sites for scuba diving, free diving, shark cage diving or snorkelling.
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A variety of African wildlife is provided with a safe space across the diverse ecosystems found at local game reserves, including Lake Eland Game Reserve, Vernon Crookes Nature Reserve and Nyamazane Game Reserve. The region is also renowned for its incredible birding opportunities, with many protected species finding homes in the diverse landscape. The Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide has resident breeding colonies of the endangered Cape Vulture, while the many nature reserves are home to a variety of endemic species.
The captivating landscape, formed over centuries, has resulted in some of the world’s most unique habitats including The Red Desert, the world’s smallest desert; and the Mzamba Fossils and Petrified Forest – trees which were washed downriver and deposited in the area millions of years ago with marine fossil beds exposed along reefs near the Mzamba River.
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