KwaNdwalane is now host to two new tourist adventures aimed at empowering community members and boosting employment in remote areas.
KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa (07 March 2024) — Rural communities often get left behind as society grows and changes because they are so remote or isolated. The South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE) team hopes to boost tourism in these areas, creating jobs and opportunities for the community to generate income.
KwaNdwalane is one of those communities where this investment is being made. SCTIE have established two tourist experiences in the area, creating jobs for guides and opportunities for more work for surrounding restaurants, guest houses and community initiatives.
“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.”
The experiences were launched on the 1st of March 2024.
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 guided tour includes an overnight stay in a guesthouse in the village, a hike to Ntantana Mountain, which overlooks the Nyandezulu Waterfall on the Izotsha River, 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 includes local eateries such as Carrot House, Halalisa Restaurant, and shisanyama – traditional Zulu braaied meat.
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