With its golden coastline, nature reserves and endless family-friendly activities, the #ParadiseoftheZuluKingdom has long been a leading tourism destination. But another major reason for visitors to #GoSouthKZN is the world-class cuisine found at its many fantastic eateries – from delicious desserts through to fine dining options.
“For many South African citizens, the past few weeks have been some of the most harrowing, with the third wave of Covid-19 infections and civil unrest,” explained Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) CEO, Phelisa Mangcu. “However, the vaccination campaign is once again gaining momentum, and the president’s call for the restoration of calm and stability has been heeded, with industries operational again and visitors returning.”
Fortunately, under the adjusted Alert Level 4 regulations restaurants and other in-house dining facilities can welcome up to 50 people with social distancing of one-and-a-half metres, or 50 percent of the venue’s capacity.
Following these protocols, USCT is encouraging the support of its local eateries, many of which are award-winning establishments.
“The KZN South Coast is renowned for its beautiful sites and unique activities, but many visitors are delighted to discover that the region offers top-quality food boasting a wealth of incredible flavours,” continued Mangcu. “The multi-cultural heritage of the KZN South Coast has resulted in a delightful fusion of tastes and flavours. Added to this is the fact that chefs can incorporate world-class agricultural produce as well as a variety of seafood options, all of which are found right here on the KZN South Coast.”
Some of KZN South Coast’s award-winning restaurants
1. The Cellar at Honeywood in Sea Park (www.honeywoodsa.co.za/the-cellar-restaurant )
This is an acclaimed KZN South Coast restaurant which promises fine dining at its best. Guests are invited to enjoy an ‘array of flavours by chef Dylan Smith’, and there is a great selection of South African wines to pair with the meal. The Cellar also hosts supper club, as well as wine & dine evenings.
2. Senzi’s on Faya in Margate (www.senzisonfaya.co.za)
The husband-and-wife team of Michael and Senzi Frey have created a one-of-a-kind shisanyama experience. This quintessentially South African establishment lets diners choose from the à la carte menu or the flagship shisanyama where the meat is selection and cooked to perfection by the braai master. All meat is of the highest standard, supplied by Michael Frey’s Fresh Meat.
3. The Packshed Restaurant in Margate (www.thepackshed.co.za)
For a fusion food experience, this award-winning KZN South Coast restaurant is a must-try. The menu reflects the owners experience of world travel, drawing on flavours from Spanish dinner parties, late-night brasseries in France and Italy and simple, good cooking at afternoon eateries in southern Africa and Asia. Food is prepared using locally-sourced ingredients and sustainable methods.
4. The Waffle House in Ramsgate (www.wafflehouse.co.za )
The team at this iconic restaurant have been serving wholesome, freshly-made Belgian waffles since 1991. They take great care in the food preparation, relying on whole foods and quality ingredients – organically grown wherever possible, avoiding additives, preservatives and colourants.
5. The Gorge Private Game Lodge & Spa in Port Shepstone (www.thegorge.co.za)
The flagship restaurant, Catharina’s on 15, incorporates a field-to-fork philosophy which uses home-grown produce, alongside essential oil crops such as rosemary, rose geranium, sweet marjoram, peppermint, lemongrass and tea tree for a sensory dining experience. The High Tea, which pairs Pure Leaf tea infusions and a delicate spread of carefully designed high tea treats, is a fantastic feature item.
For a comprehensive list of delectable #KZNSouthCoast eateries, visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/explore/restaurants/
Other activities to try on the #KZNSouthCoast
#GoSouthKZN for a number of unique, family- and budget-friendly adventures. There are five Blue Flag beaches and two world-renowned dive sites to explore along #KZNSouthCoast. Also known as the ‘Golf Coast’, visitors can enjoy a round at one of 11 golf courses alongside oceans and coastal forests. There are also numerous nature reserves and farmlands are great for trail hiking, running, 4×4 adventures and day visits. For a cultural experience, there’s the KwaXolo Caves Adventures which is a scenic hike to caves holding ancient San artwork, or the Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre which is a facility showcasing the local history, cultural and creative activities of this region. Otherwise, visitors can get extreme with wild gorge swinging, ziplining, white water rafting and paintball.
Covid-19 safety protocols
Because of the many outdoor activities offered on the #KZNSouthCoast, visitors benefit from reduced Covid-19 risk at these open-air venues and sites. In addition to this, USCT has been communicating up-to-date Covid-19 information with all tourism establishments via the website’s dedicated Covid-19 portal, as well as the many social media platforms.
USCT has made dining along the #KZNSouthCoast simple with the launch of the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores. Once downloaded, visitors can easily plan their stay, from booking accommodation and finding local eateries to discovering specials and planning day trips. Visitors can also visit the website www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za, or follow the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter.
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