Once one of
South Africa's best-kept tourism
secrets, the past decade has seen Maputaland fast evolving to become
one of our country's most popular wilderness destinations. Game
fishermen, 4x4 fundis and eco-tourists have long journeyed into these
northernmost parts of Kwazulu-Natal, but it is only very recently that the
many attractions inherent to the region gained widespread appeal.
Most notably, this tourism upswing may be attributed to key developments in the region, foremost the declaration of the greater St Lucia wetlands system as a World Heritage Site and the re-introduction of elephant into Maputaland
Encompassing a vast swathe of Northern KZN, Maputaland stretches from the scenic splendour of St Lucia in the south to South Africa's border with Mozambique in the north. Enfolded between the azure shimmer of the Indian Ocean in the east and the rugged Lebombo mountains in the west, the region is blessed with a diverse range of ecosystems and a fitting degree of natural splendour.
Together with the world-renowned St Lucia wetlands, the Kosi Bay estuary and majestic Lebombo ranges, the turgid flow of the Pongola shapes the topography of this ancient land. Surging from the sluice gates of Lake Jozini - a 17 000 hectare body of water once known as the Pongolapoort Dam and regarded as one of the follies of the old regime - the mighty river meanders along the eastern base of the Lebombo mountains.
En route to the ocean, the Pongola merges with the Igwavuma and Usuthu Rivers along a course graced with placid natural pans and spectacular pockets of sand forest. Both the waterway and dam have become integral to the sustainable development of agriculture and conservation projects in the region, and partnerships between the Department of Water Affairs, KZN Wildlife and private operators aim to unlock its full potential through careful planning and consultation.
Sodwana
Bay National Park
In the southern part of Maputaland. Forested dunes, lakes,
swamps with a great variety of game. The coral riff at the coast
of Sodwana Bay is known to be one of the best diving grounds of
the world. The water is warm with an excellent under-water
visibility.
Kosi
Bay Nature Reserve
It is situated in the northern part of Maputaland, at the mouth
of the Kosi River. Lakes, lagoons, mongrove swamps, palm forests
and dunes. The coral reef of Kosi Bay is an ideal spot for
diving and snorkeling. Because of the great variety of maritime
species, the place is also called aquarium. To protect the
highly sensitive ecosystem, the number of visitors is limited. A
four-wheel drive is required.