Travel to Elephant Coast

pleasantly remote coastal reserves

Elephant Coast is located in the KwaZulu Natal region of South Africa.

This area covers the most northerly 80 km of coastline up to the border with Mozambique. It contains some of the best beach lodges in the country and is well known for its sub-tropical diving.

Lake Sibaya

Lake Sibaya is the largest freshwater lake in the country, covering an area of around 50 square kilometres, separated from the ocean by less than 1km of coastal dunes.

Surrounded by reed beds, the lake plays host to a good range of fish and birds, as well as crocodiles and hippos.

East of the lake lies a band of huge vegetated sand dunes interspersed with patches of subtropical forest, leading down to some spectacular white sand beaches.

Offshore is some seriously good snorkelling, plus dolphins and whales in season.

The best accommodation option in this area is Thonga Beach Lodge, a relatively remote and high-end beach option, one of the finest in the country.

Rocktail Bay

The Rocktail Bay area lies between Lake Sibaya and Kosi Bay and comprises beautiful sandy beaches backed by huge vegetated dunes.
Inland there is a mix of small-scale shamba and larger commercial cashew farming.

The area offers some particularly good snorkelling and diving, plus opportunities for turtle tracking, guided forest walks, horse-riding, quad-biking and cultural visits.
Rocktail Beach Camp is the best lodge in this area, a relatively simple but remote and well run operation.

Kosi Bay

The last section of coast leading up to the border with Mozambique is the extremely beautiful Kosi Bay, backed by a string of riverine lakes which connect to the sea and surrounded by impressive sub-tropical palm forests.

Although backed inland by some areas of relatively dense population, once out amongst the lakes and coastline the area feels properly wild.

Days here can be filled with snorkelling, turtle tracking, beach picnics, canoe expeditions and hikes.

The best accommodation option by a distance is Kosi Forest Lodge, a relatively simple but well operated camp set deep amongst the raffia palm forests.

Sodwana Bay

Further to the south, Sodwana Bay is situated in the extreme northeast corner of the St Lucia Wetlands reserve, a protected coastline containing some stunning beaches, backed by dunes and sub-tropical forest.

This is the southernmost extent of the coral reefs, a major centre for snorkelling and diving.

However the area contains a rash of lower cost resorts and campsites, which are mainly used by local South Africans.

The Elephant Coast tends to feature relatively rarely in trips, mainly because it has to compete with the more tropical beaches of Mozambique, Madagascar and Mauritius. However, it is definitely worth considering if you are intending to explore KwaZulu Natal.

The usual stay duration is 3-6 nights.

Seasonality

The best time to visit the Elephant Coast is during the May-Sep cool dry season.
This happens to coincide nicely with the best period for safari across most of southern Africa.

The converse season is hotter and experiences higher rainfall, but may still be worth considering.

a surprisingly wild and exotic coastline