About US
explore
our story
The concept of Southern Explorer was conceived when Vicky Wentzel, CEO of Wozani Africa Events was working for Margate publicity, then under the directorship of John Tack. While John was away on a vacation to the United Kingdom, Vicky and her husband Keith took a short trip to the Natal Midlands where they encountered the Midlands Meander. The format of this organisation so impressed Vicky so that she was spurred to identify 78 unique products on the KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, and at a candle lit alfresco garden dinner presented the concept of Southern Explorer (named conjured by Keith) to the interested parties and within a month the brochure was published and was managed by Vicky for a number of years.
The legacy continues
Craig Nanacarrow who had by then become the director of tourism returned the publication to the members and this was definitely a step in the right direction at that time. The members have taken this publication and grown it into a brand that includes three and a half million Rands worth of road signage, courtesy of the provincial roads department.
This product is now in an incredibly strong position and very well branded. There is a feeling of considerable excitement within our community now that Wozani Africa has taken over this project, that in a sense has come full circle. Everyone that we have encouraged to come aboard has joined the cause enthusiastically and there’s a great feeling of hope for the South Coast of KwaZulu-Natal to be showcased as an incredible global holiday destination.
Our region boasts a variety of unique selling points that set it apart. These include:
- The area’s affordability
- The natural abundance and phenomenal scenery
- Safe swimming beaches, including five with Blue Flag status
- Perennially warm weather
- An abundance of excellent golf courses – known at The Golf Coast
- HINTERLAND EXPERIENCES
- Unique experiences such as the annual Sardine Run, the highest gorge swing and world’s smallest desert
- Numerous outdoor activities including surfing, fishing, diving and hiking trails
- A variety of incredible bird- and wildlife, including truly unique marine animals.
escape the stress of life and relax in coastal paradise!
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Why explore with us?
It's summer all year long
Affordability at its best
It’s Paradise
Testimonials
meet the team
vicky wentzel
Director
Vicky Wentzel, CEO of Wozani Africa Events, has over the past 31 years, developed extensive local experience in producing concepts that have specifically marketed the South Coast destination such as the UGU Jazz Festival, The Loerie Awards, Africa Bike Week now known as South Coast Bike Fest, Southbroom New Years Eve, Ramsgate Literature Festival, South Coast Summer Beach Tour, Easter Beach Bonanza, Sardine Beach Tour, Margate Student Festival, Margate Airshow and brochure concepts such as The Golf Coast, Margate Is Magic, The Greatest Shoal On Earth, I’m a likeable local Campaign and The Southern Explorer.
ellen mbele
zulu craft curator
Ellen has a passion for indigenous South African heritage and traditions and is devoted to keeping these stories alive. Since arriving on the South Coast in 1991 she has been involved in the development of many new products as well as the training of artists and hosting arts and craft workshops. She’s a passionate and authentic traditional African jeweller who is identifying local arts & crafts products to be platformed on our global online store. She has worked for many NGOs, one of which was running a project in Pathwa High School in KwaXolo and through her interaction with the scholars she discovered the Khoisan paintings of the KwaXolo Caves and established a route to attract tourists. She and Pauline Duncan were also involved in the establishment of making The Nyandezulu Waterfall a tourist attraction.
Shaun makhanya
hinterland
Shaun has a Bachelors in Social Sciences, Honors in Policy and Development and is currently doing his masters in commerce. He has worked for The Human Science Research Council, South African Breweries, British American Tobacco and CEO at Chilla Nathi Conc3, Co-Founder of Pietermaritzburg Food Festival, Strategic Fundraiser for Duzi Fest and Imbokodo Festival. He is currently an Operator at KwaXolo Caves. He is an incredibly dynamic team member, who will be handling our hinterland tours and assisting with the development of a Township Tavern Tour.
justin klusener
photographer
Dedicated to providing the highest level of quality images and service to his clients, and located in the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal South Coast, Justin is also the founder and co-owner of The Image Mill Photographic Studio & Gallery. Justin is fully committed to photographic development on the South Coast and has served on the Hibiscus Coast Photographic Society Committee, as well as hosting workshops and attending photographic judging courses. He also owns and has created an official South Coast photographic stock library that assists with the marketing of the area. Justin is an incredibly talented photographer who captures the true essence of our beautiful Coast.
yvonne booysen
sales
Yvonne Booysen was greatly involved in the South Coast Tourism Association from 1981 to 1998 as assistant director of publicity and was instrumental in publications such as “Magate is Magic”, “The Greatest Shoal on Earth”, “I’m a likeable local” and “The Golf Coast”. After she completed her time at the South Coast Tourism Association she travelled internationally, working within the tourism accommodation sector at various resorts globally such as YTL Hotel and Properties Malaysia, Pangkor Launt Resort and Tanjong Jara Resort. Yvonne has dedicated the better part of her life to the field of tourism and is an expert in marketing. Since 2016 she has been a part time councilor at the Ray Nkonyeni Municipality and genuinely has the interest of our community at heart.
pearl erasmus
Gen-Z media
Pearl has been a member of the Wozani Africa Events team for the past two-years and heads up our division in the Cape. She is involved in the running of beach events and festivals and manages all of our promotions. At only twenty years of age she has a clear understanding of the new Generation Z market who are entering the workforce. Communication with this sector represents a huge opportunity for sustainable business growth. Pearl is a dynamic team member who is heavily involved in the creative copywriting, so essential to the success of Southern Explorer and is enthusiastic about the growth and development of the Kwa-Zulu Natal South Coast!
lesley van vuuren
Tours & travel
Lesley Van Vuuren has been in the hospitality industry for 18 years, and lives and breathes tourism. She has a wealth of knowledge concerning accommodation and festivals and is passionate about seeing our Coast thrive. She has worked at numerous resorts and recently managed at Fun Holidays. Lesley has also been a part of the founding team for South Coast Bike Fest and Bike Fest SA. She assists in the sales of advertisements for the Southern Explorer team.
josh defilippi
web developer
Josh is our official web developer and local tech wizard who has played a key role in developing sites that not only represent our clients, but that also speaks to target audiences. He is your go-to for personalized web development, software, integrations and all things web related. However, his time isn’t only spent submerged in code. Josh goes far beyond the borders of building websites and is heavily involved in the design and marketing of the Southern Explorer brand!