Isimangaliso & Coastal Maputaland

The glorious coast of northern KwaZulu Natal is one of South Africa’s best-kept secrets: a region of vast beaches, turquoise waters, and wild natural beauty. cIt an be divided into two discrete areas.  Divided into two distinct areas, Coastal Maputaland in the far north and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park near St Lucia, this stretch of coast offers both marine adventure and quiet wilderness.

Coastal Maputaland

Remote, pristine, and blissfully underdeveloped, Coastal Maputaland lies north of Sodwana Bay near the border with Mozambique. Its isolation is its magic. Here, clear waters invite snorkelling, diving, and kayaking, while inland lakes shimmer among the sand forests.

From November to February, the beaches come alive with one of nature’s most extraordinary spectacles — the nesting of giant leatherback and loggerhead turtles, followed by the hatchlings’ race to the sea in January and February.

Between July and November, you may also see humpback and southern right whales migrating northwards.

For divers, this is a marine paradise. The Maputaland Marine Reserve is part of a protected UNESCO zone and offers vibrant coral reefs, accessible from lodges such as Thonga Beach Lodge, where you can dive, snorkel or simply walk the endless sands.

While getting here requires a little more effort, that’s part of the reward. (However now you can fly directly into, or out of,  Thonga from either Durban or Richards Bay.)

Many travellers add a few days in Coastal Maputaland after a KwaZulu-Natal safari for the ultimate bush-and-beach combination.

TIP: Consider Maputaland as an alternative to Mozambique if you prefer to stay entirely within South Africa yet still crave the same turquoise-water experience.

Isimangaliso Wetlands Park

Just north of the town of St Lucia lies the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where lakes, beaches, and forests merge into one remarkable ecosystem. It’s one of the few places in Africa where you can enjoy a safari, beach, and lake cruise all in a single day.

The wetlands are separated from the ocean by coastal dunes which tower 120 meters above the beaches.  It is home to an estimated 1,500 crocodile, 700 hippos, and abundant birdlife from flamingos to fish eagles.

Activities include snorkelling at Cape Vidal, boat cruises on Lake St Lucia, and guided or self-drive game viewing. ISimangaliso offers surprisingly good general game viewing, with antelope, zebra, giraffe and occasional predators to be seen.

Stop off for a couple of hours of R&R at the beautiful Cape Vidal beach. The park also lies along the migratory route of humpback whales, while turtles come ashore to nest in late spring and early summer.

Getting There:

Conveniently, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Game Reserve is just 40 minutes away, allowing you to combine safari, sea, and wetland adventures without changing accommodation. St Lucia itself lies about two and a half hours’ drive from Durban airport.

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Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time to see turtles in Maputaland?
Turtle tracking occurs from November to February. Night-time beach excursions offer the chance to watch females laying eggs in November and, later in the season, the hatchlings emerging between January and February.

Can I combine iSimangaliso Wetlands Park with a safari?
Yes, Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park lies only about 40 minutes away, making it easy to enjoy both wildlife viewing and beach relaxation from the same hotel.

Is it suitable for families?
Absolutely with warm water and golden beaches. Activities such as beach walks, shallow snorkelling, lake cruises and gentle game drives make this a wonderful region for adventurous families.

Discover the unspoilt beauty of KwaZulu-Natal’s northern coast — contact Cedarberg Africa to combine your KZN safari with the beaches of Maputaland.