The Place of Perpetual Travellers, Digital Nomads and Earth Pilgrims
The small island of Bali has nestled itself safely inside my heart in a way that no other place could. After living in Bali and returning to South Africa, we desired to find a space to settle that would set our spirits alive in the same way that the small island had done. This is when we decided to move to the South Coast. We had already decided before we had even left Bali.
At the end of the day, people don’t travel to Bali to take photos on swings overlooking the rice fields or swim beneath turquoise waterfalls, eat tropical food and drink coffee made by the Balinese, or visit monkeys in some of the richest jungles on the equator. Bali is filled with digital nomads, people who work from a space of freedom and who choose to explore the world whilst creating and offering up their services online.
The Deep Transformation of Africa
Bali has its own unique energetic signature, one that cannot be matched by any other space. Its lush jungles sit on the equator, which makes it the perfect space for growing rice and tropical fruits. It has two seasons: rainy and not-so-rainy. Africa, on the other hand, has one of the richest and most powerful energetic signatures I have felt. There is a deep presence and spirit that resounds beneath the earth, some even say it was the birthing space of mankind. It is a space of fire and deep transformation – and our winters on the Highveld can attest to that. The South Coast, on the other hand, carries a rich balance of both these signatures of Bali and Africa. There is a sacred and quiet fire within the winter – the land dries and the trees shed partially for winter. It is gentle and subtle, yet still as powerful. Bali is indeed a space of great spiritual connection, but it cannot be matched by the power that is held within Africa, particularly within the South Coast of KZN.
Jungles and Pristine Natural Surroundings
For those who are looking for a physical comparison – yes, the South Coast has always reminded me of Bali. It is wild, free and pristine in every sense of the word. There is an organic opulence that permeates the space, with wild rivers, forested belts, mountainous spaces, and an ocean that comes alive no matter the season. The natural surroundings instil a sense of calm and peace, which is why so many travellers choose the South Coast for summer and winter vacations. Whether you are travelling for the warm summers settled on the beach, a spring hike near Oribi Gorge, or a season of whale and sardine watching in the winter, every season is eclipsed by a unique kind of beauty that cannot be replicated anywhere else across South Africa. This was the first thing we fell in love with and the first reason why we moved here. We loved to be beside the natural streams, to see the sun hit the gossamer wings of the dragonfly as it settled upon a lily pad, to see the natural glow of a firefly beside the river at night (yes, it happens, we have already experienced this within our garden). By gazing at the South Coast with new lenses, you may begin to feel that the magic is abundant and larger than anything you previously dared to dream would be possible. It all starts with a shift in perspective and a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that eclipses our coastlines.
Monkey Forest – Monkey Forest Everywhere
Ever dreamed of walking down the winding pathways of Monkey Forest before skipping over to the Jatilu with rice fields in Tabanan? Well, on the South Coast you can walk through monkey forest any day, any time. The wild vervet monkeys that are present on the coastline are plentiful. Although it is strongly advised to not feed them in any way, we would like to invite you to settle beneath the trees and simply admire how they approach life. While there, your eyes may even spot a water monitor, the natal water snake, or a blue kingfisher. Oribi Gorge has some of the best hiking trails, allowing visitors to get lost in the flora and fauna for hours on end. Is deep forest vegetation not up your alley? No worries, the south coast is home to many hidden jewels in the form of beaches that are hidden away down side roads, between rocks and amongst quaint little suburbs, five of which are blue flag beaches.
Textures, Interiors and Natural Artefacts
From hand-woven baskets and local items curated by artisans, to indigenous fruits picked by local growers and displayed in fruit and veggie markets, the South Coast brings the natural kingdoms to life and then shares them with all who walk upon her soil. Drawing in tourists from across South Africa, it’s easy to see why this rich essence of Africa is celebrated far and wide. Come rain or shine, this rich paradise never fails to deliver. Celebrated for having the warmest winter in Africa, it is a season-by-season haven for digital nomads, families, and solo travellers.
Tantalising the Taste Buds
From small boutique hotels to quaint Airbnb’s, to restaurants owned by locals – the South Coast offers up some of the best when it comes to food. From burgers to gin, to authentic Italian pasta, ribs and curry – there is something for every taste bud along the South Coast coastline. If you are wanting to experience coffee grown in the humidity and mountains of our very coast, then you are in for a treat.
The Connection of Hearts
“A place is less about the place and more about the people” – said every well-versed traveller always. I will always remember that this was the one thing that stood out in Bali – it was the kind, gracious, and loving energy that emanated from the locals that made us feel at home and accepted. The island has always offered itself up for tourism as a space for weary visitors to rest and heal. Over time, I have come to see that the South Coast does the same.“ Kerry Killan