Time to take it easy with these ‘slow travel’ activities on the KZN South Coast

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 well-being.

On the KwaZulu-Natal 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 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 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 heritage trails.

Connect with heritage while embarking on a nature-based excursion along the:

There are also many immersive cultural centres located throughout the KZN South Coast which tell the rich history of its people, explorers and natural wonders, among them:

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 (now Farm.Trail.Life), 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:

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.

There are also many other sustainable businesses operating in the area, among them:

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