While the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom is renowned for its Blue Flag beaches and world-class dive sites, the enchanting hinterland is home to incredible natural beauty and adventure. South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) continues to extend these rural tourism offerings with the launch of the KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience on 1 March 2024.
“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,” commented Deborah Ludick, Acting CEO of SCTIE. “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.”
What to Expect on the KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience
Situated between Port Shepstone and Paddock en route to Oribi Gorge is the beautiful KwaNdwalane, which falls under iNkosi SN Ndwalane. This region is rich in natural beauty, including mountains, cliffs, rivers, forests, and the 80-metre waterfall. The KwaNdwalane Adventure Experience is split into 2 routes; the established Nyandezulu Experience, and the new Madakane Route – both of which wind to the waterfall where visitors can take a refreshing dip.
1. Nyandezulu Experience
Nyandezulu is a rural village located 9km inland of Shelly Beach. This is a guided tour that 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, reputed to harbour a seven-headed water monster.
2. Madakane Route
This new route starts at Phola Park, 1.5km from Murchison Provincial Hospital some 14km from Port Shepstone. Along this 5km route, visitors enjoy a hike through the indigenous forest home to hundreds of protea flowers. 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. Incredible birds and wildlife can be sighted including bushbuck, water mongoose, warthog, and porcupine. The route local eateries such as Carrot House, Halalisa Restaurant, and shisanyama – traditional Zulu braai’d meat.
