Durban: It has been a long tough grind for those in the tourism industry hard hit by the COVID-19 regulations and travel bans. So it is not surprising that one small exquisite spot in Durban has begun to capture the imagination of local tourists, and things appear to be on the rise.
Nestled in a far corner of the expansive Inanda Dam is the Green Corridors eNanda Adventure Park – a 30-minute drive from central Durban, and an ideal spot to enjoy now that holidays are upon us. This is one of the many “green spaces” managed by this NPO, which has as its vision for people and nature to connect and thrive together. And an ideal spot to enjoy
This particular spot, with secure parking, is easily accessed via the M25, which runs east to west from the N2. The park boasts a picturesque picnic site on the dam for day-trippers, with accommodation in either rustic cabins, glamping-style tented camp, or in the Ezweni Lodge self-catering establishment set up on the hill overlooking the park. There are many exciting activities to choose from with trained and experienced local guides, including hiking and MTB trails, canoeing, and birding-watching. There is also a fast-action bike pump-track for the die-hard cyclists wanting to test their mettle on a world-class developed tarred circuit. There is something for the whole family here.
The Inanda Adventure Park is managed by businessman and owner of Ezweni Lodge, Futhi Sibiya, who says he has been “surprised at how local tourists have been discovering the beauty of their back yards.”
“The Green Corridors ethos is to act as an enabler for people to work within green spaces, and this goes hand in hand with the development of local skills and businesses which key to the community’s well-being,” says Sibiya.
Recently Sibiya has introduced a small craft market, which operates every Saturday from 8am to 2pm, where one can get takkies/ sneakers washed, buy locally made jewellery, clothes, and food, and even get a back massage.
Seeing a gap in the corporate market for authentic adventure team building in nature, Sibiya has introduced several packages in which companies and organisations can spend a day in a beautiful rural setting, learning team-work skills and bond, with everything from catering to the programme included.
‘We have seen an incredible increase in local visitors booking hikes and enjoying the park, much more than in the past. I think people have become tired of being locked away in their homes. This is great news for us - the more people that visit this community, the more the local economy in this rural heartland will benefit.”
There is a nominal fee of R30 for day visit to the site which is falls away when guests pay for any of the other activities in the park. Hikes, trails, and canoeing also attract a nominal fee. There is no bike hire, so bring your own bike, and helmets must be worn. All Covid-19 protocols are adhered to.
For more information go to https://durbangreencorridor.co.za/ or to book contact 031-3226062 or 073 189 6780.
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