The KwaZulu Natal South Coast extended its rural tourism offerings with the launch of the KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience on March 1.
“We are thrilled to be launching the KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience as a way to increase the tourism footprint in the hinterland, while giving visitors a unique experience in the great outdoors,” said Deborah Ludick, Acting CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise.
“This tourism experience is set to attract outdoor enthusiasts, adventurers, and nature lovers who will enjoy a guided hiking tour that includes river crossings, a waterfall experience, and great birding.”
KwaNdwalane is between Port Shepstone and Paddock, en route to Oribi Gorge, which falls under iNkosi SN Ndwalane. The region’s landscapes include mountains, cliffs, rivers, forests, and an 80m waterfall.
The KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience is split into two routes – the established Nyandezulu Experience, and the new Madakane Route – both of which end at the waterfall where visitors can take a refreshing dip.
Nyandezulu Experience
Nyandezulu is a rural village 9km inland of Shelly Beach. The guided tour includes an overnight stay in a guesthouse in the village, with a hike to Ntantana Mountain which overlooks the Nyandezulu Waterfall on the Izotsha River.
Guests will enjoy a walk to a Shembe Church and the top of the holy uMdlungwana Mountain, which, some legends say, harbours a seven-headed water monster.
Madakane Route
This new route starts at Phola Park, 1.5km from Murchison Provincial Hospital 14km from Port Shepstone. Along the 5km route, visitors enjoy a hike through the indigenous forest, which is home to hundreds of proteas.
The walk also goes along the Izotsha River to the waterfall, with designated picnic and braai areas in full view of the waterfall and surrounding areas.
Birds and wildlife can be seen, including bushbuck, water mongoose, warthog, and porcupine. The route offers local eateries such as Carrot House, Halalisa Restaurant, and shisanyama (traditional Zulu barbecued meat).
