With the holiday season approaching, scores of people will be making their way to the coast this festive season.
But with the hustle and bustle of daily life, many will be looking to enjoy a more relaxed vacation.
“People are stepping away from the fast-paced lifestyle and enjoying more meaningful experiences that better connect with nature and local communities,” CEO of the South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE), Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, said in a statement.
“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.
He added that this is especially relevant in the digital age, as the festive season is an ideal time to disconnect from the online world.
“The digital age is putting undue pressure on people so when it comes to holidays, they want to disconnect from the digital and connect with nature.”
“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.”
Sibiya believes that KwaZulu-Natal, which is home to Blue Flag beaches, coastal forests, nature reserves and outdoor retreats, is the ideal place to embrace the slow travel trend.
“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.”
Here are Sibiya’s suggestions on how to embrace the slow travel trend in KZN these holidays:
Water-based experiences
The SCTIE CEO believes that there's nothing quite as soul-replenishing as water, particularly the ocean, which 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,” he said.
“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 water-based slow travel experiences on the KZN South Coast:
- Swimming, surfing and snorkelling.
- Sunset boat cruises.
- Stand-up paddling, kayaking or canoeing.
- Fishing.
- 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 in a number of ways, Sibiya said.
“From craft market shopping at S’Khumba Crafts in Ramsgate, to connecting with heritage while embarking on a nature-based excursion along the way.
Here are some cultural experiences to enjoy on the KZN South Coast:
- The Umzumbe River Trail.
- The KwaNzimakwe Experience.
- The Nyandezulu Experience.
- The Weza Hiking Trail.
- The KwaXolo Caves Adventures.
- Mission Tourism Route.
- The Gamalakhe Township Experience.
Sibiya added that 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.
They include:
- The Ntelezi Msani Heritage Centre.
- The Port Shepstone Cultural Maritime Museum.
- The Margate Art Museum.
- The Riverbend Art & Wine Gallery.
- The Nightingale Shipwreck in Trafalgar.
- The São Joao Shipwreck in Port Edward.
Nature reserve experiences
Sibiya explained that forest bathing is one of the best nature reserve experiences.
“It involves immersing oneself in a forest, taking in the sights, sound, and smells for complete rejuvenation.”
He added it is a great slow travel trend on the KZN South Coast that infuses this Japanese tradition.
“These include Mpenjati Nature Reserve, Skyline Nature Reserve, TC Robertson Nature Reserve and the Red Desert Nature Reserve, which is 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.”
He added that 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,” Sibiya said.
He added that the first-ever South African wellness travel route, which is The Wellness Way, was launched by “Odyssey” Magazine and “The Southern Explorer”, supported by SCTIE.
It features yoga retreats, spa treatments, yoga sessions, amongst others.
“The Wellness Way includes around 80 therapists and practitioners dedicated to therapies of natural health and holistic healing from Amanzimtoti to the Wild Coast,” Sibiya said.
Some examples include:
- The Highcroft Eco Sanctuary and Retreat in Umzumbe.
- The Bo-Yoga at Ramsgate Whale Deck.
- The Sunshine Yoga Studio in Oribi Gorge
- The Nakai Beach Homestay in Trafalgar.
- Nia classes at the Heart Space in Clansthal.
- So Below yoga classes in Clansthal.
Sustainable experiences
Sibiya explained that community upliftment and environmentally sustainable practices form an important part of the slow travel trend, with many of these can be found along the KZN South Coast.
“SCTIE’s local supporting local campaign, Buy Local supports this sustainability trend,” he said.
There are also many other sustainable businesses operating in the area, among them:
- The Green Net in Umtentweni.
- The 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.