Ugu South Coast Tourism is proud to announce that a group of 25 unemployed people sourced from rural areas, are now fully trained, qualified and registered as Tourist Guides (as nature and culture specialists). 19 of these guides started operating last year, and as mid-January 2016, the remainder 6 guides have been formally registered.

Says Maxwell Mhlongo Development Coordinator, Ugu South Coast Tourism `The guides are so passionate about the South Coast and truly appreciate the value of tourism. We are thrilled that the process is now complete and would like to encourage industry and members of the public to utilize their skills. There is so much more to learn about a place than just driving through it â€" so who better to educate you than a local resident, who is well versed in history, geography, tourism (and safety) protocol? It is so important for tourists to experience both coastal and hinterland experiences when visiting our destination and to really reap the full value from the offerings. Using the services of a Tourist Guide can most certainly enhance your experience and it is for this reason that Ugu South Coast Tourism has taken these 25 individuals through the training’.  

Part of the Guides’ mandate is to strengthen the link between rural and urban tourism and to showcase previously unknown, or inaccessible, facilities to tourists, highlighting cultural experiences and to encourage tourists to support local products.  ‘This way the value chain of tourism can be realized by the communities at large’, says Mr Mhlongo. 

Tourists can now visit a number of places in the hinterland such as Isivivane SikaShaka, Ntelezi Msane Heritage Centre in uMzumbe, Nyandezulu Waterfall, Ntantana Mountains  in Nyandezulu,  KwaXolo Caves, KwaFodo Cultural Village and many more.  They can also buy products from local crafters, visit traditional healers and local communities to experience the culture and hospitality. 

The tourist guides are listed in the Southern Explorer Route Guide and Ugu South Coast Tourism website www.tourismsouthcoast.co.za.