ELEPHANT COAST SAFARIS

This is one of South Africa's most beautiful and unspoilt areas. This narrow strip of land is home to an incredible 21 different ecosystems. Explore dense evergreen forests of towering fig trees stand in a lush undergrowth of ferns and wild orchids hanging from the trees. Admire palm savannahs with thousands of wild date and lala palms that dot the white sand of the undulating landscape. Experience the swamp forests with large raffias and tangled masses of greenery that are home to a myriad of exquisite birds, and behind them mountainous sand dunes appear to shift with the sighing of gentle winds.

Action Safari

Activities under this type of safari include horse safaris, sea kayaking, kite boarding, quad biking and canoeing.

Big six Safari

This type of safari adds whale watching to the Big Five experience. Ezemvelo KZN wildlife properties, Hluhluwe Imfolozi Game Reserve and Tembe Elephant Park are definitely the place to view the big five. To view the sixth you need to go on the SA Whale Route from St Lucia.

Birding safari

The elephant coast is home to over 70 different birding spots and 600 species in a variety of habitats. Elephant, rhino, iSimangaliso Wetland Park (The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park), Hluhluwe, iMfolozi, Tembe, Ndumu, Maputaland, Kosi Bay, Sodwana, whales and turtles are some of the terms associated with this ecotourism Mecca of the Zulu Kingdom or South Africa's province of KwaZulu-Natal.

The Zululand Birding Route is a project of Birdlife SA which focuses on conserving our birds and their habitats by promoting and developing birding tourism in the region.

Cultural Safari

These safaris are based on the Zulu and amaThonga cultures and include cultural tourist villages and walking trails through rural communities as well as visiting historical sites such as the Battle of Ghost Mountain, Dingaans'Grave and the Border Caves.

Fishing safari

Drought and the ban on beach driving in the area have led to a decrease in tourists. You can choose from fishing for tiger fish at Jozini Dam and Pongola River, fly fishing at Cape Vidal and Kosi Bay, deep sea launches for St Lucia and Sodwana Bay or rock and surf fishing.

Ocean Safari

The Elephant Coast ocean safaris provide access to a range of experiences that include whale watching, deep sea fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling. The coral reefs off Sodwana Bay are home to hard and soft corals and a lot of fish species. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles come ashore here each year during October and January to breed. What a sight!

Wellness Safari

On the Elephant Coast there are a lot of wellness centers and spas offering massages, facial, pedicures, body wraps and manicures