One of South Africa's most unspoilt
and beautiful areas, the Elephant Coast is a narrow strip of land - about
200 kms long and 70 kms wide, running down the coast of Kwazulu-Natal.
The area is home to an incredible
21 different eco-systems, with dense evergreen forests of fig trees, lush
ferns and wild orchids, and palm savannahs with wild date and lala palms.
Visit swamp forests with large raffias and greenery which is home to many
exquisite birds and view mountainous sand dunes.
Fresh water ecosystems include
major rivers, flood plains and large coastal lagoons and lovely clear coastal
lakes. Game includes hippo, crocodile and many small game and bird
species. Over 2000 plant species, many of which are endemic to the
region, brighten the landscape. The Elephant Coast runs from the
north west, by the Ubombo Mountains, to the east and the warm Indian Ocean,
and in the South by the Unfolozi River, just below the famous St Lucia
Estuary, part of a World Heritage site. Many paleantological sites
of scientific importance can be found in the area.
A holiday destination with
something for everyone - gorgeous sandy beaches, game reserves, fishing
and deep sea fishing, water sports including diving on various reefs, mountain
trails, historic sites and cultural activities. Imagine viewing the
Big 5 in a game reserve, then driving a short 30 kms to watch the dolphins
and whales!
Hluhluwe
is a tiny town surrounded by fabulous game reserves and some wonderful
cultural attractions. You could visit a traditional Zulu weaving operation
where you could buy baskets, mats and other woven goods, or do a tour of
Dumazulu Cultural Village – a living museum of traditional Zulu culture
and lifestyle. The nearby Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest
game reserve in South Africa and is renowned as the place where an eleventh-hour
conservation push rescued the white rhino from the very brink of extinction
in the 1960s. Think about it – we came a hair’s breadth from never ever
seeing a white rhino, and every one in southern Africa is descended from
those few that survived in Hluhluwe.
Things have changed, though.
Now it’s the black rhino under threat – so get in there and have a look
at one while you still have a chance. Another claim to fame of this fabulous
park, which was originally two different parks, Umfolozi and Hluhluwe,
is that it was here the first wilderness safaris were run. It took a couple
of years, but eventually the idea caught on and now many other reserves,
among them the Kruger National Park, now offer this exciting experience.
Hluhluwe is at the southern
end of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, where you can do a boat ride
to see hippos and crocs, kayak on the lakes, or do a hike or a horse trail.
Keen birders should visit Mkuze, which has the reputation of being one
of the best birding spots in South Africa, and divers will love the nearby
Sodwana Bay, with its lovely coral reefs, extensive dive infrastructure
and party atmosphere.
Note: If you are planning
to travel to Hluhluwe/Umfolozi please be aware that this region is malarial.
Consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice and refer to our article
on malaria.
Bushlands
Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE Centrally situated in Zululand
within 300 acres of bush and game area and surrounded by over 300 000 acres
of national parks, including Hluhluwe, Umfolozi, Mkuzi, Nduma, Sodwana
Bay and The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park. Bushlands Game Lodge offers
guests the ultimate African bush experience. Fully air-conditioned,
en-suite accommodation blends seamlessly with the African bush and includes
a telephone, air-conditioner, radio and tea/coffee making facilities.
The rooms are connected by raised wooden walkways which lead to the main
dining room, bar, swimming pool and Boma.
Bushwillow,
Lodge, HLUHLUWE Bushwillow is a stylish,
unique bush lodge, situated in 150 hectares of beautiful indigenous sand
forest. The lodge is fully serviced and offers a bush experience where
the only disturbance will be that of the game visiting the lodges’ own
small waterhole. Guests may enjoy walks on the self-guided walking trails
where they are likely to have encounters with zebra, giraffe, wildebeest,
nyala, warthogs and other ‘safe’ game. The abundance of bird life and the
variety of trees and other flora makes for a great African experience but
with the luxury and comforts of a 4-star graded establishment. Bushwillow
is ideally situated for visitors exploring the splendour of The Elephant
Coast, KwaZulu Natal.
Emdoneni
Lodge & Game Farm, HLUHLUWE Situated in the heart of
Zululand and the newly proclaimed St Lucia World Heritage Site. Emdoneni
Lodge is situated on a small game farm, with sand forest vegetation. Walk
with the wildlife including Impala, Nyala, Grey Duiker and other antelope.
Birdlife is abundant. Approximately 2 hours drive from Durban and 5 hours
from Johannesburg. Only 4 hours drive from the Kruger National Park via
Swaziland and 30 minutes from the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve and Lake
St Lucia. Accommodation is in the form of 3 self-catering rondavels
and 12 chalets. Our accommodation offers intimacy and comfort and is set
in a lovely well-maintained garden with swimming pool and braai (barbeque)
facilities.
Falaza
Game Park, Lodge, HLUHLUWE Falaza Game Park is a privately
owned, owner run game farm centrally situated 15km from Hluhluwe, bordering
the St. Lucia World Heritage Site. Accommodation is in luxury en
suite tents, with all the modern convieniences and luxuries. there are
15 tents each sleeping two persons. Meals of very high standard are
served in the tatched restaurant, reed walled boma or under the stars -
at a bush dinner. Game Drives, guided walks, boat cruises and horse
trails are offered on the property. Friendly white rhino graze on
the lawn daily. Great for game viewing and birding with over 300
different bird species.
Gazebo
Safari Lodge, HLUHLUWE Gazebo Safari Lodge offers
stylish accommodation and boundless hospitality in one of the most beautiful
settings of the Zulu Kingdom, on the outskirts of the Hluhluwe village
and on the doorstep of St Lucia World Heritage Site. The lodge is
graciously set on 500ha which borders two rivers. The riverine forests
contribute to the variety of birdlife on the property. The two lounge areas,
elegant dining room, cosy bar, pool amid sprawling lawns with wildlife
grazing near, boma with campfire and attentive service promise a memorable
stay.
Leopard
Mountain Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE Winner of the 2001, 2002
and 2003 and Hall of Fame for 2004 and 2005 in the AA Travel Guides Accommodation
awards for Game & Nature Reserves. There is a place for you in
the heart of Africa - Leopard Mountain Game Lodge is the ideal getaway
where everybody from the old to the young, will enjoy a fascinating experience
in the wild. Close to 'Big Five' country - the place to see elephants,
leopards, rhino, buffalo and giraffe in the wild. Discover them all
in the unspoilt wilderness that surrounds our luxurious lodge. You can
track elephant on foot, or follow them in air-conditioned comfort.
You can climb mountains, go on trails or enjoy leisurely walks...
Malala
Lodge, HLUHLUWE Malala Lodge offers you,
the discerning visitor, and true “Old World” hospitality set within the
splendour of untamed Africa. This owner-managed lodge, which nestles
amongst tranquil sand forest, abundant Lala Palms, rolling grasslands and
thriving wetlands, provides a perfect base for visitors to explore the
vast and singular beauty of the Kingdom of the Zulu. Malala Lodge
is situated on a 300-acre private estate in the Bushlands area, 10kms south
of Hluhluwe, between the world renowned Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve,
Mkuze Game Reserve, Sodwana Bay and St. Lucia. Malala Lodge is in the centre
of the birding hotspot of Kwa-Zulu Natal, with over three hundred and fifty
species of bird having been recorded in the area.
Nkonka
Game Ranch, HLUHLUWE Close to Hluhluwe and Mkuze
Game Reserves, Tembe Elephant Park & in the heart of Maputaland, Nkonka
Game Ranch offers guests the perfect weekend getaway. Set within
the borders of developed private Game Parks, Nkonka Game Ranch offers full
board, catered accommodation and consists of six en suite chalets.
Nkonka Game Ranch consists of 1300 acres and is home to a wide variety
of wildlife, including Rhino, Buffalo, Giraffe, Zebra, Impala, Waterbuck
and many other species.
Sand
Forest Lodge, HLUHLUWE Discover the magical quality
of wetlands and ancient sand forests on the western shores of the greater
St Lucia Wetland Park - one of the worlds most remarkable estuaries, at
Sand Forest Lodge. The lodge is situated on a game fenced nature reserve,
just 10 minutes drive from the village of Hluhluwe and 20 minutes from
the oldest Game Reserve in Africa - Hluhluwe/Umfolozi. Accommodation
comprises a number of comfortable one and two bedroomed cottages, tastefully
decorated in Elegant Afro Colonial style.
Shayamoya
Tiger Fishing & Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE Shayamoya is a true gem
offering genuine hospitality, unique settings with stunning panoramic views
across the Pongolapoort Lake (also known as Jozini), Lebombo Mountains,
and the Phongolo Nature Reserve. Our speciality is the challenging
sport of tiger fishing where the record is 8.3kg, however we also offer
game drives, boat cruises, canoeing, elephant tracking and rhino and bush
walks. 10 Luxurious thatched chalets are individually situated with
their own private viewing deck, ensuite wooden bathroom and enclosed outdoor
showers that makes the experience truly romantic. A central lodge
accommodates the lounge, bar, cellar, sundeck, and the restaurant which
serves scrumptious SA cuisine.
Sungulwane
Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE Sungulwane Hills Game Lodge
is situated between Hluhluwe & Mkuze in the Natal bushveld. This 1000ha
Conservancy is home to diverse species of wildlife, including white rhino,
buffalo, leopard and an incredible variety of birds. Our chalets
are all non-smoking & en-suite, with private entrances & patios,
air conditioning and tea & coffee facilities. Full linen, towels &
basic toiletries are provided and rooms are serviced daily. We have four
double and three twin rooms. The main building has two comfortable
lounge areas, a fireplace, dining room, bar, satellite television, a book-exchange,
a tea & coffee buffet and patio overlooking a waterhole. We have a
big swimming pool and provide pool towels.
Thanda
Private Game Reserve, HLUHLUWE Winner of 'Africa's Leading
Luxury Lodge' at the 2007 World Travel Awards, Thanda Private Game Reserve
is situated 23km north of Hluhluwe in northern Zululand, South Africa,
and is set on a 6000 hectare Big Five private game reserve. The five-star
facilities include a Main Lodge, Tented Camp and Award-Winning Wellness
Centre. Thanda, meaning ‘love’ in Zulu, unites romantic decadence
and exclusivity with Zulu culture and wildlife. The nine luxury bush villas
at the main lodge have private infinity pools, viewing decks, private salas
(thatched outdoor day bed areas), lounges, fireplaces and full bathrooms
with both inside and outside showers. The individual bomas at each villa
offer guests absolute dining privacy should that be their choice.
Thula
Thula Private Game Reserve & Safari Lodge, HLUHLUWE Only 2 hours north from
Durban, and 45 minutes from Richardsbay, in a malaria free area, Thula
Thula, the oldest private game reserve in Kwazulu Natal, once part of the
private hunting grounds of legendary Zulu King Shaka, founder of the Zulu
Empire, is today home to the Big 4 with buffalo, elephant, rhino, leopard,
giraffe, hyenas, crocodile, nyala, kudu, wildebeest, zebra and many more,
as well as 370 species of birds, including raptors. Exclusive bush
experience and absolute luxury, with only 8 thatched chalets decorated
in flavours of ethnic and colonial elegance, the Elephant Safari Lodge
offers superb accommodation with as much privacy and comfort you could
wish for...
Ubizane
Wildlife Reserve (Three Cities Group), HLUHLUWE Ubizane Wildlife Reserve
boasts a wide variety of game, including white rhino, giraffe, wildebeest,
and most species of antelope. You can view the game from the comfort of
equipped game viewing Land Rovers, on foot for a more thrilling encounter
or on horseback for a wonderfully unique experience. Adjacent Ubizane is
the renowned Hluhluwe / Umfolozi Game Reserve, the oldest in Africa where
the Big-5 roam the bush. (The Big-5 are made up of lion, elephant, rhino,
buffalo and leopard.) Ubizane consists of two distinctly different
lodges for you to choose from. Zululand Tree Lodge: Set in
the cool, whispering tranquillity of a fever tree forest, a mere 5 hours
drive from Johannesburg, Zululand Tree Lodge in the heart of Zululand...
Zulu
Nyala Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE Zulu Nyala private game
reserve provides a unique and authentic taste of the African bush in the
heart of South Africa's most diverse conservation regions. Nestled
between Mkuze, Hluhluwe and St. Lucia reserves, this section of paradise
is home to a wide variety of game from majestic elephant, rhino, buffalo
and stealthy predators to abundant plains game and a wealth of bird life.
The stunning stone and thatch hilltop ledge offers comfort and hospitality
with tastefully decorated rooms and suites that pay tribute to the region's
magnificent ethnic heritage. Personal attention is provided by a
host ranger, who plans each guest's activities to squeeze the most out
of every precious moment spent in the bush...
Dinizulu
Cottage, Self-catering, HLUHLUWE Situated 1km from entrance
gate to False Bay Park, 13 km from Hluhluwe town, 30 km from Hluhluwe-Umfolozi
Game Reserve. Apartments have inter-leading door and can be used
as one unit. View of Lake St Lucia. Paved patios with braai facilities.
Fully fenced with security gate. Walks on property, excellent bird-life.
Other Activities In The Area: Walks in False Bay Park. Horse
rides. Open vehicle game drives in Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve.
Fishing at False Bay. Dumazulu Cultural Village. Ilala weavers.
Boat cruises. Whale watching at St Lucia. Beaches: Sodwana
& St Lucia.
iZungla
Lodge, Self-Catering Game Lodge, HLUHLUWE iZungla Lodge is a luxurious
and discreet self-catering game lodge, accommodating up to eight people,
situated within Weavers, a securely fenced nature park 18 kilometres from
Hluhluwe. It stands in 150 hectares of pristine, indigenous sand forest
in the heart of the Elephant Coast on the eastern seaboard of South Africa,
a conservation area of unparalleled diversity. iZungla is a secluded, secure
and private haven where one can be alone or with friends, lying at the
private swimming pool or sitting around the fireplace and enjoy quiet walks
and view the trees, the birds and the plains game.
The
Canopy, Self-Catering, HLUHLUWE A visit to the Canopy Lodge
is an experience to savour, remember and repeat. Located within Weavers
Nature Park – a 150 hectare private reserve where untamed bush and parkland
unite to create a jewel within the Kingdom of the Zulus. A superb situation
midway between the sandy beaches and coral reefs of Sodwana Bay and the
world famous, Big 5 Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Park. In terms of comfort
and the ultimate luxury experience, the Canopy has been constructed to
allow for maximum privacy. This mini lodge comprises a beautifully appointed
bedroom for 2 with DSTV, a complete, fully equipped kitchen...
The
Orchard Farm Cottages, Self-Catering Cottages, HLUHLUWE Self-Catering cottages situated
on a subtropical fruit farm 1km outside the village of Hluhluwe.
Ideally located for day trips to Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve, St Lucia
and Sodwana Bay.Although the cottages are self-catering they are within
walkin distance of Ilala Weavers which includes an African Art Gallery,
Zulu Craft Village,museum, curio shop and a licensed A La Carte Restaurant
which is open for breakfast, lunches and teas, 7 days a week from 9am-4pm.
There are two cottages and each comprises of two bedrooms en-suite with
an open plan lounge/dining/kitchen with all the comforts of home including
DSTV.
Ghost
Mountain Inn, MKUZI At the foot of the legendary
Ghost Mountain lies the privately owned 4 Star Ghost Mountain Inn, a perfect
setting for taking time out to relax and experience the charms of Africa
in comfort and style. Unwind by the pool or indulge your senses with
a skin or body treatment in our Spa. For the more adventurous our
Safari company offers a variety of guided tours to explore this diverse
region with a variety of game drives, birding walks, hikes, tiger fishing,
boat rides and Zulu cultural trips. Relax in one of our 52 tastefully appointed,
en suite bedrooms complete with television, telephone and air conditioning
or take in the golden African sunset from your very own garden patio.
Mkuze
Falls Private Game Reserve, MKUZI Mkuze Falls Game Reserve
now offers a new and adventurous experience at their Tented Lodge.
Five 'Hemingway'-style East African safari tents are uniquely situated
on the Mkuze River, where a wide variety of animals come to drink.
The tents are built on wooden decks raised on stilts with beautiful views
of the lush countryside. The facilities include a lounge, bar, boma
and swimming pool The luxurious and beautifully decorated East African
safari tents enhance your bush experience in comfort and style. Each tent
has double / twin beds, a mini bar, airconditioning and overhead fan, mosquito
nets and en-suite facilities including a Victorian-style, free-standing
bath and an inside / outside shower.
Pakamisa
Private Game Reserve, MKUZI Pakamisa Private Game Reserve
- this unique new holiday resort, majestically positioned on top of the
Pakamisa Mountain, counts to the top addresses for the gourmet traveller.
Whether you desire an activity based holiday or simply wish to relax, each
guest selects his or her favourite and personal holiday itinerary.
We offer horseback safaris for experienced and inexperienced riders, guided
bush-walks and game drives, riding, mountain biking, clay target shooting,
birding, swimming, fishing, cultural and botanical seminars. Pakamisa
Private Game Reserve is a malaria free area, Children welcome, special
rates.
SODWANA
BAY ACCOMMODATION - ZULULAND / ELEPHANT COAST
Mseni
Lodge, Self- and Fully Catered, SODWANA BAY Our Cabins are hidden away
in lush dune forest, private and secluded. All cabins are serviced
daily and are equipped with guest amenities and tea and coffee. Our
Restaurant is open for breakfast from 07h00 till 11h00 .Pub lunches available
throughout the day. A la Carte menu for dinner from 19h00 till 21h45.
Kiddies menu available from 17h00. The Bar has most stunning seaview
- Watch the humpback whales swim past. We offer Conference facilities for
up to 25 people . Satelite TV for major sporting events. There are
4 five bed self-catering cabins. Fully catered option available; Cabins
have two and a half bedrooms and two bathrooms....
Sea
Escapes Cabins and Cottages, SODWANA BAY Sea Escapes Cabins and Cottages
offer Accommodation, Scuba diving, & Tours. Sodwana Bay is in
the heart of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a proclaimed World Heritage
Site and home to golden beaches, fertile swamp forests, lush wetlands with
dolphins playing in the surf. Experience a close-up encounter with Africa’s
spectacular wildlife, from the mighty elephant to the captivating dung
beetle. Or escape to an underwater world of incredible beauty, fascinating
aquatic life and pristine coral reefs, abounding in Indo-Pacific fish,
whale sharks, turtles, and manta rays. We offer a boutique diving
service with exclusive boat charters, pleasure cruises, tours and personal
attention for the discerning diver.
Sodwana
Bay Lodge, SODWANA BAY Sodwana Bay Lodge and Hotel
Resort is placed in the heart of Maputaland on the western shore of Lake
Shazibe, bordered by the world’s highest naturally vegetated dunes which
shelter the golden beaches of the lush interior. The area is surrounded
by fertile swamps and sand forests with rare and protected animal and plant
species, as well as wide lakes and extensive river estuaries which are
full of life. The careful design of the lodge has been done in order to
match the rustic, Eco-orientated nature of the Kwa Zulu Natal region. There
is a full range of dive courses offered and is run by the fully equipped
PADI five star IDC scuba centre.
Hluhluwe
is a tiny town surrounded by fabulous game reserves and some wonderful
cultural attractions. You could visit a traditional Zulu weaving operation
where you could buy baskets, mats and other woven goods, or do a tour of
Dumazulu Cultural Village – a living museum of traditional Zulu culture
and lifestyle. The nearby Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve is the oldest
game reserve in South Africa and is renowned as the place where an eleventh-hour
conservation push rescued the white rhino from the very brink of extinction
in the 1960s. Think about it – we came a hair’s breadth from never ever
seeing a white rhino, and every one in southern Africa is descended from
those few that survived in Hluhluwe.
