Coastal Maputaland, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa

Swimming, snorkelling, diving and turtle-tracking

· Pristine unspoilt coast with vast empty stretches of beach
· Turtle-tracking from November to February
· Whales from July to November
· Excellent snorkelling and diving
· PADI dive courses on offer
· Exnticing network of freshwater lakes
· Nature drives, walks and canoeing
· Birding at Ndumo Wilderness Reserve

The Maputaland Marine Reserve stretches 200km north from Lake St Lucia - one of the world’s finest marine sanctuaries teeming with water birds, crocodiles and hippo - to Kosi Bay near the Mozambican border. Within this marine reserve, the Kosi Forest Coastal Reserve is an unspoilt wilderness region of pristine golden beaches backed by forested dunes and captivating freshwater lakes. It’s also a mecca for keen divers, with spectacular coral formations and a number of magnificent reefs teeming with tropical fish.

Coastal Maputaland truly is a magical area, untouched by large-scale tourism development. The intimate coastal lodges practice sustainable tourism with significant local community involvement. Their activities mostly revolve around the ocean and the lakeland system with snorkelling for tropical fish, diving, canoeing and awe-inspiring evening excursions in the summer to view the rare giant leatherback turtles as they lay and hatch their eggs (Oct to Feb). From July to November you may also be lucky to see the magnificent Southern Right whales as they come into the bays to breed. Whilst other reserves in this area, the charming Tembe Elephant Park and Ndumo wilderness reserve, offer some of the finest birding in Southern Africa.

The unspoilt nature of Coastal Maputaland is partly because it is remote. The easiest way to visit is to add a Maputaland beach or lake stay to with some time on safari at one or two of the private game reserves in KwaZulu, and perhaps another KwaZulu destinations such as the Zulu Battlefields. You can drive a rental car (on a good tarred road) to the lodge’s collection point and then a 4x4 transfer takes you through the reserve to the lodge. Road transfers are also available but tend to be expensive given the distances involved. You can also fly direct from the Greater Kruger Park area to Coastal Maputaland airstrips by charter flight and then get a 4x4 transfer to the lodge. This is not a cheap option but saves much on travelling time.