Experiences in Zululand & The Elephant Coast

What to do in Zululand & The Elephant Coast

Just before South Africa merges with Mozambique, there is a little-visited and rather fabulous stretch called the Elephant Coast. Much of it is dominated by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where nature trails lead between forests, mangroves and estuaries, and the beaches are ideal for snorkelling and boat rides to see whales, dolphins, manta rays, sharks and sea turtles. Two such idyllic spots are Sodwana Bay and Cape Vidal, a hub for scuba diving, turtle watching and watersports. Inland, you’ll find some of the oldest game reserves in Africa, where rhino, elephant and countless plains game roam the land. Depending on the lodge, there are bush walks, canoeing, and day and night drives on offer.

Explore the marine ecosystem of Sodwana Bay

Part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Sodwana Bay on South Africa's east coast is rich in natural biodiversity, a place of whales, sharks, dolphins, manta rays and turtles. Go fishing, scuba diving or kite-surfing, join a turtle tour, and explore the area's birds and wildlife on nature walks, quad bikes or game drives.

Spot the wetland wildlife of Elephant Coast

Explore the miracle of iSimangaliso Wetland Park with its eight ecosystems, beaches and diversity of plants and animals. There's lots to do, from nature trails, boating, fly-fishing and snorkeling to bird-watching and game drives in search of leopard, elephant, rhino, buffalo and giraffe. Visit 700-year-old fish traps and learn about the area's cultural heritage.

Go on a walking safari in Zululand

Imfolozi Game Reserve, in Zululand, is famously known as the place where the southern white rhino was saved from extinction. It remains the best place to see both white and black species. There are two trail options: one where you stay in and walk out each day from a base camp, and the other where you walk between satellite camps; but fear not, donkeys carry the heavy stuff. The chances of not seeing rhinos here are slim, making it just about the only place left in Africa where that claim can be made. The spectre of Zulu history pervades the place.

Enjoy a big five safari drive in Zululand

There are few things more iconically African than setting out at dawn in an open game viewing vehicle and watching the crimson sun creep over the horizon as a herd of majestic elephants ambles across the dusty road in front of you.