KZN South Coast’s best meeting spaces for #bleisure visitors

Just because it’s back to work, doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! With its many Blue Flag Beaches, quality golf courses, extensive nature trails, and world-class facilities, the KZN South Coast is the ideal bleisure destination for all work events.

“In-person meetings, conferences and teambuilding events are back in full force this year, but rather than stagnating creativity by hosting events at the office, we’re encouraging businesses to get out and visit the ultimate MICE destination – the KZN South Coast,” explained Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “With our incredible natural resources and quality facilities, we’re placing a strong focus on bleisure tourism this year where guests can work hard and play hard. To better facilitate MICE events, we’ve put together a list of some of the top conferencing facilities and team building activities.”

KZN Team Building Facilities and Activities

1. Lake Eland Game Reserve in Oribi Gorge

There are a lot of teambuilding activities to choose from when heading to this KZN South Coast game reserve. Staff will connect while looking for wildlife on a self-drive game drive, or crossing the thrilling 80m suspension bridge or incredible zipline tour. There are also great trails for biking, hiking, or even horseback riding, as well as 4×4 tracks, fishing and picnic sites. Finish off with a fun game of competitive paintball!

2. Wild 5 Adventures in Oribi Gorge

For those who prefer something adrenaline-inducing, then Wild 5 Adventures is the ultimate rush! There’s the world’s highest gorge swing plummeting some 55 storeys into the gorge, freefalling at a speed of 120km per hour in 2.5 seconds. There’s also the 110m abseil, suspension bridge, ziplining, quad biking and paintball. The company arranges specific teambuilding adventures, depending on individual requirements.

3. Hiking and Biking Trails

Combine nature-based sports activities with teambuilding adventure at one of the many hiking and biking trails found throughout the KZN South Coast’s nature reserves and farmlands. Among these are the newly launched Umzumbe River Trail, a 70km hike from Mhlabatshane Dam with authentic homestays and cultural experiences. Another is the 8km Weza Hiking Trail which starts in the iKhwezi rural area, approximately 10km from Harding, and includes a walk to the beautiful Mkhoba Waterfall. The KwaNzimakwe Multi-Trails are also another great opportunity for hiking, biking, and 4×4 adventure.

4. KwaNzimakwe Experience

Enjoy the KZN South Coast while supporting rural tourism development in the beautiful village of KwaNzimakwe. This cultural excursion includes a village tour with a guided hike. During the day, there’s an opportunity to view locally made crafts; engage with a local sangoma; visit the organic garden and cattle Kraal; view the Shembe Church and community theatre; and stop by a local tavern.

5. Surfing, Diving, and Ocean Safaris

From Scottburgh to Port Edward there are 58 great beaches, with the KZN South Coast home to the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province. There are great bleisure opportunities in the form of beachside teambuilding activities, or after-work seaside cocktails. The KZN South Coast also has two world-renowned diving sites at Aliwal Shoal and Protea Banks – two of the three Marine Protected Areas found here, with Trafalgar adding to the great freediving and snorkelling sites. Charter boats are available for whale watching, deep-sea fishing, and diving.

6. Ntelezi Msani Heritage Site

Combine teambuilding and cultural discovery at this vibrant heritage centre that shares the region’s rich history and local customs through song, dance, talks, and art. This is a unique chance to learn more about the Zulu kingdom; discover the arts of stick fighting and crafting; learn about the ancient tradition of isivivane; and experience incredible local theatre. Because there’s no way to move forward, without understanding the past.

Kayaking in Scottburgh

7. Kayaking in Scottburgh

There’s nothing quite as exciting as experiencing the KZN South Coast from the water. WILDED Paddleventures driven by Legend Kayaks offers guided nature paddles, paddling lessons and craft hire using the incredible variety of boats made by Legend Kayaks, including SUPs, single and double Kayaks, kids kayaks and the mighty Big Horn Canoe for the extra adventurous. Based at WILDED Adventure Hub on the KZN South Coast, the team takes visitors onto the ocean, up estuaries and down the rivers, as well as offering multi-day paddling expeditions.