The holiday season is here, and there are a host of truly thrilling outdoor adventures and leisure activities on Durban’s doorstep with multiple Green Corridors (NPC) tourism sites available for holidaymakers to enjoy. Best of all, these experiences are just a short distance away from the heart of the City.
Escaping the hustle and bustle of the festive crowds becomes an enticing option for locals, and out-of-town tourists, allowing families to indulge in a range of fantastic activities, whether it’s a self-drive exploration or a guided adventure.
The breath-taking eNanda Adventure Park on the expansive Inanda Dam features water’s edge picnic spots, a thrilling pump bike track, and guided biking, birding, hiking, and canoeing excursions. The centre also has safe, shady camping areas on the shores of the dam.
The magical Valley of 1000 Hills offers a culturally warm and welcoming experience at Isithumba Adventures with walking, hiking, and biking trails, as well as authentic cultural tours. And, for a delightful laughter filled day out, the Mqeku Picnic Site becomes a choice, featuring a natural waterslide along the pristine tributary into the Umgeni. With braai facilities and ample shade, it becomes the perfect spot for families to unwind and revel in nature.
Alternatively, the 7 and 14km trails in Amaphephetheni by Amatata Adventures offer more rigorous hikes with heart-stopping views of the Inanda Dam and the Valley of 1000 Hills. For the more adventurous, one can also hike from Matata Adventures to Mqeku picnic spot for an experience and views you will not forget in a hurry!
Lower Molweni, on the outskirts of Krantzkloof Nature Reserve, awaits nature enthusiasts with a network of community-developed nature trails that are supported by Kloof Conservancy. In the same reserve in Upper Molweni, the challenging Nogxaza Falls Hike, that begins at Overrock Rasta Camp, the series of cliff face walk ways and custom made view points allows individuals to experience awe-inspiring views of rural KZN. Overrock is fast becoming one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Green Corridors network.
Just south of Durban, in the welcoming community of uMgababa, Mnini Dam boasts two fantastic sites: Thulas’ Adventures and the Mnini Dam Tourist Resort. Ideal for picnics, canoeing, fishing, birding, hiking, and biking trails, these sites promise a warm and memorable experience.
Close to the Blue Lagoon on Durban’s scenic beachfront, the GreenHub offers an array of eco-tourism activities. Individuals can immerse themselves in birding, hiking, canoeing, and, on selected days, discover the enchanting Ezemvelo Beachwood Mangroves with its truly unique ecosystem.
Most Green Corridors sites can be accessed as self-drives, although the guided tours are recommended to enhance the experience. Guides are all trained and accredited and have deep knowledge of the areas in which they live and work. The guided experience includes a shuttle tour in an air-conditioned mini-bus.
Additionally, guests can also be accommodated overnight in the very comfortable “pop-up camp” with or without catering.
A range of cultural tours are also available including a visit to the Rasta Caves in Inanda, and the Inanda Heritage Route, and Waterfalls.
Camping and activity fees may vary and contribute to the growth of the local tourism economy in these vibrant areas.
To explore the many options in more in-depth, visit this link: https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/our-work/tourism
Bookings are essential and can easily be made by calling
+27 (0)81 268 3787 or emailing [email protected]