The Elephant Coast stretches from St Lucia in the south right up to the Mozambique border in the north and from the coast to the Lubombo Mountains in the west. It forms the greater part of the Maputaland Biodiversity Hotspot and includes some of the most diverse ecosystems in the world. The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was the first area in South Africa to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wetlands within the park have also been recognized as RAMSAR sites being “Wetlands of International Importance”.
This amazing area of South Africa is probably unique in the world. Where else will you find Big 5 game reserves, beautiful beaches, fresh water lakes, major rivers, huge floodplains, extensive estuaries, mangrove swamps and mountains – all within a relatively small area 200 km long and 70 km wide? There are 21 different eco-systems in the area. The vegetation is as diverse from coastal dune forest to grasslands, raffia palms to tropical forest, extensive wetland vegetation and over 2000 plant species.
The animal life is spectacular. The Big 5 Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve was the first reserve to be declared in South Africa, the Tembe Elephant Park has the largest free-roaming herds of elephant in South Africa, the Ndumo Game Reserve has more bird species than any other area in the country. There are many other important nature and marine reserves such as Kosi Bay and Sodwana Bay where the endangered leatherback and loggerhead turtles lay their eggs every year. The coastline is famous for its bottlenose dolphins and whales that visit the area annually to give birth. The most southerly tropical reefs in Africa are found here, attracting an amazing number of fish species.
With this incredible diversity, the opportunities for visitors to experience nature at its most dramatic and in all its glory are endless. Where else can you see lions and elephants, hippos and rhino, whales and dolphins all within hours? Some of the best fishing spots in the country are found here and the diving spots are world-class.
There is something for everyone. For nature lovers, the area is beyond comparison but if you are interested in the history and culture of the Zulu nation there are many cultural activities and historical sites to visit. If lazing on secluded beaches, like Mabibi, is your thing there are endless choices.
One Response