People are stepping away from the fast-paced lifestyle and enjoying more meaningful experiences that better connect with nature and local communities. In the travel world, this is being realised through the ‘slow travel’ trend which encourages more mindful tourism centred on sustainability, culture, and personal wellbeing. On the KZN South Coast, home to Blue Flag beaches, coastal forests, nature reserves, and outdoor retreats, the slow travel trend is truly taking hold.
CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, says that the modern, digital age is putting undue pressure on people, so when it comes to holidays, they want to disconnect from the digital and connect with the natural: “It’s not about group tours, sightseeing, and box-ticking on holiday, but rather looking for authentic, nature-based experiences that enrich body and mind. On the KZN South Coast, we specialise in mindful tourism, from our incredible natural assets and hinterland tours to cultural experiences that fuse nature with heritage. We’re encouraging visitors to embrace slow travel this summer on the KZN South Coast!”
Water-based experiences
There’s nothing quite as soul-replenishing as water and ocean water has been shown to have healing benefits. The KZN South Coast has 58 golden beaches including the highest number of Blue Flag beaches in the province. There are also two world-class dive sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks, 21 tidal pools, rivers, lagoons, and waterfalls to explore. Here are some of the water-based slow travel experiences on the KZN South Coast:
- Swimming, surfing, and snorkelling
- Sunset boat cruises
- Stand-up paddling, kayaking, or canoeing
- Fishing at one of the many top spots
- Scuba diving, freediving, or shark cage diving
- Walking on the beach, including the Beach-to-Beach Adventure Hike
Cultural experiences
Connecting with local culture is an important aspect of the slow travel trend, and the rich heritage of the KZN South Coast can be explored a number of ways. From craft market shopping at S’Khumba Crafts in Ramsgate, to connecting with heritage while embarking on a nature-based excursion along the:
- Umzumbe River Trail
- KwaNzimakwe Experience
- Nyandezulu Experience
- Weza Hiking Trail
- KwaXolo Caves Adventures
- Mission Tourism Route
- Gamalakhe Township Experience
There are also many immersive cultural centres located throughout the KZN South Coast that tell the rich history of its people, explorers, and natural wonders, among them:
- Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre
- Port Shepstone Cultural Maritime Museum
- Margate Art Museum
- Riverbend Art & Wine Gallery
- Nightingale Shipwreck in Trafalgar
- São Joao Shipwreck in Port Edward
Nature reserve experiences
Forest bathing involves immersing oneself in a forest, taking in the sights, sounds, and smells for complete rejuvenation. A great slow travel trend on the KZN South Coast that infuses this Japanese tradition is a visit to one of the region’s many nature reserves. These include Mpenjati Nature Reserve, Skyline Nature Reserve, TC Robertson Nature Reserve, and Red Desert Nature Reserve – the world’s smallest desert!
Visitors can slow down while taking in sightings of local wildlife at Lake Eland Game Reserve, and the incredibly unique Oribi Vulture Viewing Hide in Oribi Gorge. Hiking, biking, and birdwatching are encouraged throughout the KZN South Coast with many nature trails found here, including Clearwater Mountain Biking trails, Rocky Bay Resort trails, Lake Eland Game Reserve trails, and Anew Hotel Ingeli Forest & Spa in Harding.
Relaxation experiences
The slow travel trend encourages wellness and well-being, with the KZN South Coast home to some incredible therapy practices and spas suited to whole-body health. The first-ever South African wellness travel route – The Wellness Way – was launched by Odyssey Magazine and The Southern Explorer, supported by SCTIE, featuring yoga retreats, spa treatments, yoga sessions, and more. The Wellness Way includes around 80 therapists and practitioners dedicated to therapies of natural health and holistic healing from Amanzimtoti to the Wild Coast. Some examples include:
- Highcroft Eco Sanctuary and Retreat in Umzumbe
- Bo-Yoga at Ramsgate Whale Deck
- The Sunshine Yoga Studio in Oribi Gorge
- Nakai Beach Homestay in Trafalgar
- Nia classes at the Heart Space in Clansthal
- So Below yoga classes in Clansthal
- Hair International in Ramsgate
Sustainable experiences
Community upliftment and environmentally sustainable practices form an important part of the slow travel trend, and many of these can be found along the KZN South Coast. SCTIE’s local supporting local campaign, Buy Local supports this sustainability trend. To purchase goods sold or secure services from Buy Local businesses visit the online directory on the SCTIE website. There are also many other sustainable businesses operating in the area, among them:
- The Green Net in Umtentweni
- Nemvelo Farm in Izotsha
- Thrive Urban Farm in Uvongo
- Good Life Café in Shelly Beach
- The Earth Shed in Southbroom
- The Farm Stall in Port Edward
- The Packshed restaurant near Margate
- Beaver Creek Coffee Estate in Port Edward
To find out more about these and other slow travel experiences, visit the KZN South Coast website; follow 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 download the ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app. Click here to check out previous SCTIE press releases. Watch why KZN South Coast is a top tourism destination here. Check out the latest Southern Explorer Route Guide for the KZN South Coast here.
Follow the hashtags #visitkznsouthcoast #sctie #kznsouthcoastfamily #embracesummer #nowsthetime #sctie
Now’s the time to visit the KZN South Coast!
The incredible KZN South Coast continues to lead as a destination of choice because of its diverse and unmatched tourism offerings. Head inland for hiking, biking, and 4×4 adventures in the great outdoors with the many nature reserves ideal sites for picnics and birdwatching.
Up the speed with some motorsports action at Dezzi Raceway, or indulge in the many cultural and heritage experiences found here. Discover the region’s farming gems with an agri-rural outing that includes sampling fresh produce and adventure activities. And, for the business sector, there is no better place than the KZN South Coast which is considered a top MICE (Meetings | Incentives | Conventions | Events) destination.
