Why the KZN South Coast is the ideal team building getaway destination
Team building events hold much more appeal when they involve a trip so somewhere beautiful… and a break from the daily grind of life in the city.
From bowls to river cruises, to ziplining and Escape rooms for the adrenaline seekers, Kwazulu-Natal’s south coast offers lots of inspiration for your next team building getaway.
Accommodation at Umthunzi
Just an hour’s drive from Durban, Umthunzi Hotel & Conference, perfectly positioned on one of KZN’s most picturesque shorelines, is an award-winning conference venue, with fabulous facilities for both work and a bit of beach relaxation.
The venue is the ideal base on the lower south coast: a region offering a wide choice of venues and activities that guarantee an entertaining way to get to know your work colleagues away from the office.
Whether you fancy an indoor or outdoor bonding experience, there are lots of options that promise thrills and excitement for everyone!
KwaXolo Cave Adventures
Image: Facebook
If you want to experience magnificent scenery and a chance to view a recent thrilling historic discovery, then a guided Kwaxolo Caves Adventure needs to be on your list for your next team building experience.
Just a 30-minute drive (inland) from Margate, these once inaccessible caves were discovered as recently as 2020 and are home to historical San rock paintings dating back centuries. A fixed cable along the gorge precipice means that you can hike down to the caves along a route where ancient art adorns the walls of these 100 000 year-old open rock shelters.
The cave paintings are of huge cultural and spiritual significance to the San people and are believed to represent shaman journeys into the spiritual world in attempts to bring rain and heal sickness.
Your experienced guide will meet you at the start of the trail, and everyone is fitted with harnesses and safety helmets. The route to the caves is only 300 metres each way, so it’s not strenuous at all.
Hiking into the caves costs R150pp. End your hiking experience w suspension with a suspension bridge walk at R40pp.
To book:
Phone: 061-5093757
Mobile: Shaun Makhanya 074-887-3742
Ziplining at Oribi Gorge
Highest wild gorge swing and game spotting at Oribi Gorge. Image: Sasha Wyatt-Minter
Oribi Gorge offers a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities for corporate team-building getaways. The Wild Gorge Swing drops 55 storeys, and there’s also the 80-metre cable suspension bridge which takes adventurers 130 metres off the ground, and a zipline across Oribi Gorge.
More sedate visitors to the gorge can enjoy a self-drive game spotting experience at Lake Eland Game Reserve in Oribi Gorge, where you will encounter resident buck, zebra, birds and more. There are also wonderful fishing spots and picnic sites around the reserve, as well as a popular restaurant.
EMAIL: info@wild5adventures.co.za ; PHONE: 082 566 7424 ; ADDRESS: Oribi Gorge, South Coast, KZN.
Umzimkulu Adrenalin River Cruises
Image: thesardine.co.za
Situated just 6km (and a 10-minute drive) from Umthunzi Hotel, Spillers Waterfront in Sugar Mill Road, Port Shepstone, is the departure point for unique river cruise experiences.
Umzimkulu Adrenalin River Cruises offers a serene yet exhilarating experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the region’s rich biodiversity while enjoying unparalleled views of the surrounding scenery.
Keep an eye out for sightings of indigenous bird species, including fish eagles, kingfishers, loeries and herons, as they soar gracefully overhead or perch along the riverbanks. Lucky passengers may even catch a glimpse of a green, loggerhead or leatherback turtle or some of the members of the colony of Cape Clawless otters who have made their home in the estuary.
With four decades of experience, the company offers group cruises for up to 17 people.
Contact Sean on +27 79 326 9671 or email umzimkulu@gmail.com
Victory takes teamwork at the Xcape Room
Image: Facebook
You have 1 hour and your mission is simple: escape!
Crack the clues, solve the puzzles, and outsmart the clock. It’s more than just an indoor activity – it’s a battle of wits.
Take your team skills to the next level in Xcaped rooms are designed to challenge teams to work together to save the world as we know it.
Address: Corner of Homestead and, 3-6 Homestead Road, Erasmus Rd, Margate, 4275
Phone: 082 290 6906
Team up for Padel: More fun – More action – More social
Image: Port Shepstone Country Club
Just 6km from Umthunzi Hotel and Conference, is the legendary Port Shepstone Country Club, offering two great team-building activities that never fail to provide fun and lots of laughs – bowling and padel.
Padel tennis is one of the fastest growing sports in the World. A fun and dynamic sport; using a tailored ball and racket, it takes the best parts of Tennis and Squash and creates something more.
It’s an ideal game for all ages, friends and family which also means it can easily be played with mixed skill levels; as points are won by strategy more than by sheer strength and power.
Bar and café, free wi-fi and night lights
After your game, head to the bar and café for a well-deserved drink and some delicious food. You can stay connected with free and courts are equipped with night lights, allowing you to play even after the sun goes down.
Padel Courts: OPEN DAILY 7am – 9pm
Whatsapp 071593 2970 or 039 695 0141
Email play@sheppiepadelclub.co.za
Bowling is a ball for all ages
Image: Facebook
Lawn bowls is always guaranteed to give everyone a good time – and ideal for teams of all sizes (and fitness levels).
Fun under the floodlights
The club also offers bowling after dark on Wednesday and Friday evenings under the lights.
For enquiries call Marco Pallini on 082 578 4940
Address:
R102 (Old Coast Road),
Port Shepstone, 4240, RSA
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Sasha Wyatt-Minter
