The South African government has introduced some changes to Level 3 lockdown regulations, referred to as ‘advanced’ Level 3.
These have opened up more sectors of the economy and allowed for more recreational activities.
While inter-provincial (between province) travel is still only allowed under strict conditions, intra-provincial (within the province) day trips and excursions are permitted.
Research is indicating that outdoor activities are safest right now, as the virus particles are dispersed more quickly, so here is a look at some of the outdoor day trips you can take during this time.
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia
This UNESCO world heritage site consists of a range of indigenous habitats, including grasslands, forests, wetlands, mangroves, dune forest, stretches of beach and off-shore coral reefs.
It is renowned for the many hippo and crocodile which can be spotted on the St Lucia estuary by taking a flat-bottom boat tour.
Mission Rocks, 16km north of the estuary, has picnic sites and ablution facilities for day visitors.
The rock pools provide hours of fascinating exploration during low tide and Dunetop Lookout point has spectacular views of the lake, the eastern shores and the ocean.
Just north of St Lucia village is the Crocodile Centre, which offers interesting information on the lake system and some of the world’s oldest creatures – the crocodile.
For more information, call St Lucia Tourism on 035 5901247; Santa Lucia cruises on 035 5901340 or the Crocodile Centre on 035 5901386
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park
Take a self-drive tour of the African savannah in the continent’s oldest game sanctuary, home to all manner of dangerous and beautiful creatures.
There are several game viewing hides overlooking watering holes, as well as picnic spots and ablution facilities around the park.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park is also home to the world’s largest population of rhino – black and white.
For more information, visit www.kznwildlife.com
Cape Vidal
Although relaxing on the sea sand and swimming in the ocean is still prohibited, recreational fishing is allowed, and one of the best fishing spots to try out is Cape Vidal.
This forms part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and has a unique variety of marine life.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, Cape Vidal is a great place to cast a line – just remember to have your permits in order.
Sardine run on the South Coast
Although we’re on the tail end of the sardine run, the KZN south coast has been experiencing a bumper year with more sardine activity than has been seen in the past two decades.
The sardine run, known as #thegreatestshoalonearth, is the planet’s biggest biomass migration that sees these little silver fish moving along the KwaZulu-Natal coastline in winter.
It’s a spectacle to behold as the fish attract a feeding frenzy of sharks, dolphins and sea birds.
Even if you miss the action, the south coast has a number of outdoor adventures to try, such as the KwaXolo Caves Adventures – a wire walk along a rocky outcrop to these historic caves that house prehistoric San artwork.
Lake Eland Nature Reserve has the exciting 80m Lake Eland suspension bridge, 130 metres off the ground; and Oribi Gorge, home to the wild gorge swing, a 55-storey drop off the edge of Lehr’s Waterfall.
For more information visit www.visitkznsouthcoast.co.za
Durban in winter
There’s no end to exciting outdoor activities in the bustling city of Durban.
A day trip to the city will give you the chance to take a cycle along the newly-refurbished Golden Mile promenade, an easy ride for the whole family.
There are also many parks and reserves, including Mitchell Park and the must-visit Botanic Gardens, both of which are free of charge.
Remember that all Covid-19 precautionary measures must be adhered to whenever leaving the home.
These include wearing of face masks, regular hand washing or sanitising, and maintaining social distancing of between 1.5m and 2m.
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