With all its beaches open for bathing and the holiday almost here, the KZN South Coast has launched its I Love Summer festive season programme with fun activities taking place throughout the Paradise of the Zulu Kingdom. Holidaymakers and residents can look forward to an exciting schedule of free festive season fun happening along KZN South Coast beaches and hinterland locations.

“Being home to the highest number of Blue Flag Beaches in the province, world-class dive sites, as well as great fishing and surfing, the KZN South Coast has always been a popular summer holiday destination. This is made even more special with the I Love Summer holiday programme that has something for the whole family to enjoy,” said Phelisa Mangcu, CEO of South Coast Tourism and Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “The KZN South Coast offers visitors a variety of accommodation options, for all budgets, with fantastic outdoor activities from the beach to the hinterland.”

KZN South Coast I Love Summer Programme

Programme organiser, Michael Bester of One Way Productions, said they were planning a bumper programme for what’s expected to be a great summer season on the KZN South Coast.

“The I Love Summer programme will kick off with a great treasure hunt and sandcastle-building competition for the kids before the sport contests get going,” explained Bester. “In line with the Football World Cup, we will be setting up some fun beach soccer games, but there will also be the popular touch rugby and volleyball action! There will be lots of prizes up for grabs, thanks to all our sponsors involved in making this the most wonderful summer programme ever! Visitors of all ages are all welcome to participate in all the activities...free of charge. So head to the KZN South Coast for some summer fun!”

More I Love Summer action includes:

 Hula hoop competitions Sack races Cone diving Musical freeze Tug-of-war

When?

Dates: 9 December 2022 to 3 January 2023 (except Christmas and New Year’s days)

Times: 10am to 2pm daily

Where?

Beach venues:

 Wild Coast Sun Waterpark  Southbroom Main BeachPort Edward Main Beach St Michael’s Main BeachRamsgate Main Beach Margate/Lucian Main Beach Scottburgh Main Beach Southport/Sunwichport Main Beaches Hibberdene Main BeachMarina Main Beach

Hinterland venues:

 Mzukelwa Primary School in UmuziwabatnhuNtelezi Msani in Mthwalume  KwaXolo Cave Adventures in KwaXolo near MargateKwalaTshoda Hall in KwaNzimakwe  Uvongo Town Hall

*Please note that I Love Summer activations will happen at different venues daily and the programme might be adjusted due to weather and load shedding schedules. Organisers retain the right to change any portion of the programme due to visitor demands or safety concerns.

KZN South Coast festive season events

Outside of the I Love Summer programme, there is so much happening along the KZN South Coast this festive season. Here is a taster of what’s on offer:

Kasified Colour Run & Picnic

When: Friday, 16 December

Time: 9am to late

Where: TB Molefe Stadium, Gamalakhe

Cost: R40 for adults, R20 for kids

Contact: 078 573 3801

Details: This is a family-friendly 5km colour fun run and picnic. Register between 1 and 16 December.

Crocworld Holiday Programme

Where: Crocworld Conservation Centre, Scottburgh

Contact: www.crocworld.co.za

Details: The centre hosts daily reptile interactions and demonstrations, juvenile crocodile handlings as well as stork and vulture feedings.

Henry’s Birthday Celebration

When: Friday, 16 December

Where: Crocworld Conservation Centre, Scottburgh

Contact: www.crocworld.co.za

Details: Celebrate the 122nd birthday of the world’s oldest Nile crocodile, Henry! There will be free cupcakes for visitors so get there early!

The Oribi Gorge Farmers’ Market

When: 16 to 18 December

Where: Lake Eland Game Reserve

Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Simon Mbhele 5 Aside Soccer Tournament

When: Saturday, 17 December

Time: 9am to 8pm

Where: KwaMasengeni Taxi Rank, Gamalakhe

Contact: 072 141 7698

6th Annual Kasified Eksperience

When: Saturday, 17 December

Time: 9pm until late

Where: Kasified Eksperience, Gamalakhe

Cost: R50 general, R100 VIP

The Sweetdale Christmas Market

When: Friday, 23 December

Time: 6pm to 10pm

Where: The Packshed, Margate

Contact: www.thepackshed.co.za

Details: Get all those Christmas gifts from these well-stocked stalls, with great food, drink and music setting the scene.

The Sweetdale Night Market

When: Friday, 30 December

Time: 6pm to 10pm

Where: The Packshed, Margate

Contact: www.thepackshed.co.za

Details: Visitors can enjoy local crafts, food, and drink from over 45 vendors paired with live musicians in a secure, magical and romantic setting.

Kasified New Year’s Eksperience

When: Saturday, 31 December

Time: 6pm until late

Where: Kasified Eksperience, Gamalakhe

Cost: R50 general, R100 VIP

New Year Family Fun Day with Colour

When: Sunday, 1 January

Time: 10am

Where: Ugu Sports & Leisure Centre

Contact: 071 996 3171

Holidaymakers are encouraged to share their holiday pics from selfie frames at Margate and along Umzumbe River Trail using #SouthCoastTourism and #SummerReady!

The KZN South Coast is #SummerReady with great beaches, golf courses and activities on offer! Download the free ‘Explore KZN South Coast’ app from Google Play and Apple stores; visit the ‘South Coast Tourism’ on Facebook or YouTube; @infosouthcoast on Twitter or Instagram; ‘Info Ugu South Coast Tourism’ on LinkedIn; www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za to check out the Events Calendar, the KZN South Coast Meeting Planner Guide and more!

To access previous SCTIE press releases, visit: https://www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za/category/press-release/