The KZN South Coast, boasting immense natural assets and heritage sites, provides a wealth of tourism investment opportunities for discerning investors. A prime example is the R8-million expansion of KwaXolo Caves Adventures – a landmark initiative aimed at enhancing rural tourism while creating significant investment potential within the Ray Nkonyeni Local Municipality.
Strategically located near the coastal hubs of Margate, Southbroom, and Port Edward, the KwaXolo Caves site is uniquely positioned to attract both domestic and international visitors. Already an established tourism asset, the caves – which are reached using a sophisticated Via Ferrata system – are renowned for their ancient San rock art, breathtaking gorge views, and cascading waterfalls. This, combined with new adventure offerings, makes KwaXolo Caves Adventures a distinctive heritage and adrenaline tourism destination.
Realising the potential, KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) – an agency of the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) – alongside Tourism KwaZulu-Natal (TKZN), identified KwaXolo Caves Adventures as a flagship project in its mandate to develop this into a must-visit global destination. Spearheaded by the KZN EDTEA and TKZN, the current multipurpose building expansion forms part of a phased strategy to unlock the area’s untapped tourism potential.
“The KwaXolo Caves Adventures project is more than just a tourism development; through key investment opportunities, it’s becoming a catalyst for social and economic transformation,” said Dr Vusumuzi Sibiya, CEO of South Coast Tourism & Investment Enterprise (SCTIE). “By integrating rural areas like KwaXolo into the mainstream tourism economy, we’re unlocking the investment potential while creating sustainable jobs and supporting local businesses. This project demonstrates what is possible when communities, government, and investors work together toward a shared vision of inclusive growth.”
Progress in the KwaXolo Caves Adventures Expansion
Phase 1 of the R8-million expansion project was completed in January this year. It includes a reception building with a meeting hall, staff ablutions, gravel access roads and parking, paved pathways, water tanks, a soakaway sewage system, and a pedestrian bridge over a wetland.
Phase 2, which is currently underway, involves the construction of a multi-purpose building that will incorporate a restaurant, coffee shop, visitor ablutions, and storage areas. Additional amenities under development include a guardroom, communal braai area, picnic sites, a children’s play area, and water and sewer systems. Despite ongoing construction, the site remains open to visitors, demonstrating the area’s resilience and ongoing appeal.
Phase 2 also involves the construction of further adventure elements, such as a 1.06 km zipline – connecting two edges of the valley – and a high-wire bridge. These activities, funded with R4 million from IDWALA Holdings, will adhere to stringent adventure tourism standards, positioning KwaXolo as a pioneering adventure tourism destination within a rural setting.
The expansion has already created employment for 14 local workers, including women and youth, underlining the project’s focus on community upliftment and skills development. A dedicated Safety Officer has also been appointed to ensure Occupational Health and Safety compliance.
Future investment opportunities await
Building on the current success, Phase 3 of the KwaXolo Caves Adventures project has been reviewed and approved by the KwaXolo Trust. This ambitious phase envisions the development of 10 luxury chalets, an amphitheatre, and a 100-seater hall – all positioning this as a key MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) destination.
Phase 3 represents a significant opportunity for investors seeking to participate in a sustainable tourism venture with a strong social impact. Investment options include equity participation, the construction of the accommodation and venue offerings, as well as support for small businesses offering horse riding, bungee jumping, tent rentals, security services, team building and school adventures, and food and beverage outlets.
“The KwaXolo Caves Adventures expansion not only enriches the KZN South Coast’s tourism portfolio but also exemplifies a forward-thinking, community-centered model of rural development,” notes Dr Sibiya. “By investing in KwaXolo, stakeholders have the opportunity to be part of a landmark project that promotes heritage preservation, socio-economic upliftment, and sustainable tourism.”
Now’s the time to invest in the KZN South Coast!
