Durban - A new type of tourism has just been mounted on the South Coast – and for some who enjoyed the experience it is another tick off their bucket list.
Gary Coetzee, who has stables in Amanzimtoti, has been teaching riding to locals and holidaymakers for 13 years, taking them on outings to nearby beaches.
Now Coetzee, working with the Sapphire Coast Tourism organisation, has launched a new experience: guiding riders through rural areas to the dramatic Nungwane Waterfall in Umbumbulu, one of the hidden treasures of the area.
The recent two-and-a-half-hour trailblazing launch trek took Coetzee and his eight riders through rugged terrain they would not normally see or experience.
Their transport was mainly Boerperd-cross-Arabian horses: combining the hardiness of the Boerperds and the endurance of the Arabians.
After leaving Coetzee’s stables in Doonside, the riders struck out to the rural area, where the fascinated locals waved and bid them “good morning”.
Inquisitive cattle that wandered up to the adventurers along the trail added to the excitement of the expedition.
The riders, who were chatting and catching up on their news along the way, crossed the R603, passed an old Catholic mission, then followed the Nungwane River, trekking into and along the valley.
“The scenery along the way was beautiful. We did not race, but had a few canters and were trotting some of the way,” said Coetzee.
It was a “stop go, stop go” experience as they did not know what obstacles lay ahead. But not knowing what lay around the corner merely added to the adventure, the riders said.
Kim McCarthy, who chairs Sapphire Coast Tourism, made her way to rendezvous with them at the Nungwane Waterfall in her 4x4, turning off the N2 at Winklespruit and heading right to take her along the R603 for 19km, then turning left at the Ekudeyeni School sign.
Just 4km later, she took a narrow dirt track winding down through trees to the valley and the waterfall, a journey that should not be tried without a 4x4 or bike as rocks and rough terrain have to be negotiated. Plans are afoot to put gravel on the 300m track.
By then, the riders were already at the waterfall, stretching their legs while the horses were drinking at the many picturesque rock pools.
“I loved the trip – it was long overdue,” raved one rider, Ciska Elston.
“Taking part in this trail is definitely a tick off my bucket list,” beamed Elston, who made the trip with her 13-year-old daughter, Isla.
Another rider, Crystal Botes, said the experience opened her eyes to things she never knew existed.
Richel Barlow, 18, who emigrated to New Zealand from Toti three years ago, was thrilled not only to be back home but to have taken part in the launch trip.
“I would do it again if I got the chance,” she said.
Coetzee said only intermediate or experienced riders should join the trail as they had to spend a lot of time in the saddle.
Another consideration was the obstacles that had to be negotiated.
While the riders tucked into a braai, McCarthy pointed to a house at the top of the gorge.
It’s the spot where it’s hoped that a lookout point will be set up where tourists can get refreshments, said McCarthy.
It would also be the spot to start local home stay visits, which have proved popular with international tourists.
The local inkosi backed the scheme, which would bring much-needed employment to the area.
The overnight home stay would target tourists who travel by horse or horsepower.
Contact Coetzee by e-mail ([email protected]) or at 084 205 9797, or McCarthy at [email protected] or at 082 213 3321. - Sunday Tribune