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-whell drive is required.

Tembe Elephant Park
This reserve was established in 1991 for the purpose of protecting the elephants from Mozambique which had been endangered by the Civil War. Once the elephant herds were roaming freely between Maputaland and Mozambique. There are also buffaloes, rhinos, hippos and leopards in the park.

Ndumu Game Reserve
A 10,000 hectares game reserve on the border to Mozambique. More than 400 bird species. White and black rhino, hippo, crocodile and many antelope species.

Important: Maputaland belongs - like the Kruger Park - at the moment to the malaria infested areas of South Africa. It is advised to take malaria prophylaxis.

Please find accommodation and travel Hints in Maputaland on the Tourist Information page.

Top left: Fisherman at the Pongola river.
Centre: Diver at the reef of Sodwana Bay.
Bottom: Kosi Bay. Top right: the "Aquarium" of Kosi Bay. Bottom: Elephant in the Tembe Park (Photo Tembe Elephant Lodge).

Maputaland in the very north-east of KwaZulu Natal belongs to the - at the time being at least - relatively wild and unspoilt areas of South Africa. It has tropical climate and it stretches from the border to Mozambique down to Sodwana Bay. Maputaland is only sparsely populated. The roads are usually untarred. Some destinations, like Kosi Bay, can only be reached with a four-wheel drive, particularly in the wet summer season. In Maputaland are a couple of remote nature and game reserves of outstanding beauty.

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.