Tourism · Infrastructure · Investment Promotion
Route 22 Tourism Corridor
Transforming the R22 Provincial Road into a premier tourism and investment corridor.
The Route 22 Tourism Corridor is a strategic tourism development initiative aimed at transforming the R22 Provincial Road into a premier tourism and investment corridor linking Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe, False Bay, Mkuze, Tembe Elephant Park, Kosi Bay and the Mozambique Border.
The corridor will connect major conservation areas, tourism attractions, cultural heritage sites and local communities while stimulating investment in accommodation, hospitality, retail, recreation and tourism-supporting infrastructure.
The project forms the backbone of tourism development within the district and provides opportunities for local communities to participate in the tourism economy.
Project Status
Endorsed as Flagship Investment Programme
Source: DDM One Plan One Budget 2026/27.
Corridor Development Plan
Service provider being procured; Plan to be prepared and approved by 30 June 2027
What the Plan Delivers
A corridor spatial framework, a prioritised investment pipeline and a GIS-based investment and infrastructure atlas
Source: uMkhanyakude District Municipality SDBIP 2026/27 (KPA F3.9.1); PED Portfolio Committee, 8 September 2026.
Route 22 is positioned as the wild and cultural heart of uMkhanyakude, linking the district’s conservation areas, Zulu and Thonga cultural sites, coastal adventure and community enterprises into a single, well-branded and navigable circuit. The concept rests on three pillars: conservation and sustainability, community and cultural engagement, and adventure and immersion.
The Route
The corridor is structured as a loop of three connected segments, so a visitor can enter at any point and travel the circuit rather than returning the way they came.
Northern Segment
Tembe Elephant Park → Ndumo Game Reserve → Kosi Bay → Jozini Dam. Wildlife encounters, coastal adventure and cultural immersion.
Central Segment
Mkuze Game Reserve → Pongolapoort Dam → Makhasa Community Reserve. Birdwatching, community-based tourism and outdoor adventure.
Southern Segment
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park → iSimangaliso Wetland Park → Sodwana Bay. Big Five safaris, marine adventure and coastal relaxation.
Experience Themes
Delivery and Governance
Lead Institution
uMhlosinga Development Agency hosts the Route 22 Coordination Committee and provides strategic oversight
Branding and Marketing
Delivered through the Elephant Coast Tourism Association’s established channels
Local Delivery
Community Tourism Organisations act as on-the-ground implementation nodes and information offices
Policy and Funding
uMkhanyakude District Municipality, through the Integrated Development Plan
Source: uMkhanyakude Route 22 Tourism Route Concept. Supporting partners include Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority and the Ingonyama Trust, under formal agreements.
Where Private Investment Fits
Accommodation across the range, from lodges to community homestays; wellness and retreat product; guiding, shuttles and transfers; craft retail and food trails; and events, including the established dive market at Sodwana Bay. Revenue models provided for in the concept include site and park fees, revenue sharing with private lodges, craft sales and event hosting, with conservation financing routed back through community trusts.
Key Investment Opportunities
Strategic Outcomes
- Position Route 22 as an international tourism destination.
- Increase domestic and international tourist arrivals.
- Promote community-based tourism.
- Stimulate private sector investment.
- Create employment.
- Improve regional connectivity.
Interested in this project?
Get in touch with the Invest uMkhanyakude team to request the full project brief.