The Elephant Coast is the only tourist destination in South Africa where in a single day, visitors can view 'The Big 5', snorkel or scuba-dive at one of the world's most highly-rated dive sites, explore the shores of southern Africa's largest fresh water lake, and visit a 180 000 year old archaeological site believed to be the cradle from which modern man evolved. It showcases many of the splendors South Africa has to offer. Included in The Elephant Coast is the iSimangaliso Wetlands Park World Heritage Site, The iMfolozi Hluhluwe Game Reserve, Duma Zulu Cultural Village, Pongola Reserve, Jozini Dam and many Cultural Experiences in between.
With a mind-blowing range of natural systems - an incredible 21 different ecosystems - ranging from dune, swamp and coastal forests to rocky and sandy shores, coral reefs and submarine canyons, mangroves, savanna grassland, thickets, woodlands, and the largest protected wetland in southern Africa, it is a cultural and ecological mecca.
Accommodation options suit all pockets - ranging from luxury game lodges to hotels, guest farms, B&B's, Zulu homestays, self-catering units and camping. Choose any one of these as an ideal base from which to explore the many corners of this diverse landscape.
Game viewing opportunities range from self-drive to luxury lodges, and the birding is worldly. You can paddle on the various lakes, checking out hippos, birds and game on the shore. There is a wide variety of flora, with well over 2 000 plant species, many of which are endemic to the region.
Beautiful hard and soft coral are alive in the coral reefs - all of which are the least affected by global warming in the world - with over 1200 species of fish in addition to a wide variety of marine life. These include humpback whales, ragged tooth sharks, whale sharks, tiger sharks, manta ray and giant morays to name a few.
Snorkelling at Cape Vidal, Black Rock and Kosi Bay is great and, if you're a more serious diver, Sodwana Bay is still the most popular diving destination in the country. For a more exclusive dive experience you can head up to Rocktail Bay or Mbibi. All of these are in the Indian Ocean where the water temperature seldom drops below 68 degrees Farenhiet!
The most notable difference between the Elephant Coast and other destinations is the nature of the people who live in it! The Zulu's embrace change in a dynamic world where tradition and customs incorporate innovation and transformation.........this is the Zulu Kingdom!
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Lidiko Lodge is situated in the village of St.Lucia, set above the Great St.Lucia Lake, on a coastal dune and with stunning views of the estuary. Enjoy this special place where the big 5 of the terrestrial meet the big 5 of the marine.
Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa
The lodge is situated a stone's throw from the warm Indian Ocean and one of the most incredible beaches in South Africa. Built out of the wind within the canopy of evergreen dune forest, Rocktail Bay Lodge offers a very different beach holiday.
Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland coast and KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. This 24-bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of the most unspoiled wilderness beaches left on the African continent.
