The arrival of the world-famous Sardine Run, the annual whale migration, and the many other epic outdoor activities along the KZN South Coast have already attracted a number of visitors looking for fun and relaxation this winter holiday season. And while the KZN South Coast welcomes all #WozaForWinter visitors who are bringing much-needed support to the local tourism industry, Ugu South Coast Tourism (USCT) encourages everyone to practice Covid-19 safety measures amidst the unwelcome third wave.
“When it comes to winter holiday destinations, the KZN South Coast is undoubtedly one of the best, with our temperate, sub-tropical climate, sunny skies and abundance of natural activities,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of USCT. “We’ve had reports that a number of our local establishments are already full and people are flocking to see the incredible Sardine Run which is putting on a particularly impressive spectacle this year. While this is all very encouraging news, we do urge our visitors to adhere to the mandatory Covid-19 safety measures – even outdoors – which includes mask wearing, social distancing and sanitising. Although we’re on holiday, Covid-19 is not and we really need to be mindful of this, especially with the rising infection numbers countrywide.”
KZN South Coast #WozaForWinter safecation activities
This beautiful section of KwaZulu-Natal consists of golden beaches, nature and game reserves, waterfalls, gorges and cliffs that provide the ideal backdrop for outdoor adventures. And with research indicating that outdoor venues are safest in terms of minimising transmission, there are lots of safecation activities to try out along the KZN South Coast.
· Check out the Sardine Run AKA the #GreatestShoalOnEarth. This is one of the planet’s greatest biomass migrations where the silver shoal of sardines is followed by a variety of ocean predators including sharks, whales, dolphins, big game fish, overhead gannets and other sea birds. Watch from the shoreline or charter a boat – whether just viewing or casting a line!
· The Sardine Run is accompanied by the annual whale migration as the humpback and southern right whales head northwards towards Mozambique. These magnificent creatures can be spotted breaching from the seaside or from the many whale decks at Umtentweni Conservancy Whale Deck, Ramsgate Whale Deck, Impithi Beach Kiosk, and Umdoni Golf Club Whale Deck.
· Relax along the golden sands of any of the 58 golden beaches – five of which have Blue Flag Beach status – all suited to bathing, surfing and snorkeling. The KZN South Coast is also home to the highest number of tidal pools for protected bathing conditions.
· Get deep at one of two Marine Protected Areas – Aliwal Shoal just 5km offshore of Umkomaas River, and Protea Banks which is 8km off Shelly Beach – both of them world-revered dive sites. Diving here, visitors will be surrounded by diverse shark species, including duskies, Zambezis, tiger sharks, hammerheads and, occasionally, a great white.
· Take it to the max with some extreme adventures in the great outdoors, including the adrenaline-pumping wild gorge swing, suspension bridge walking, white water rafting, 4×4 adventures or take a walk on the wild side in the nature or game reserves.
· Experience tradition and culture in the hinterland with the KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails, exciting trails that course through the idyllic Mpenjati River Valley. There’s also the KwaXolo Caves Adventures, a 300-metre cableway hike alongside the cliffs through to the caves which are home to centuries-old San paintings. And, just outside of Port Edward is the Red Desert – the world’s smallest desert!
· Also known as ‘The Golf Coast’, the region is home to 11 scenic golf courses all boasting incredible coastal settings, from 18-hole championship courses to relaxed semi-links courses, there’s a green for every golfer.
USCT has encouraged all tourism establishments to adhere to the strict Covid-19 health and safety protocols. USCT has also 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.
Follow the KZN South Coast Sardine Run action on the ‘South Coast Tourism’ Facebook page, or @infosouthcoast on Twitter. For more information about what to see and do on the KZN South Coast, download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores, or visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za
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