South Africa

Baz Bus

2010-12-17T01:25:45Z

Baz Bus stops at the backpackers in St Lucia and at the Isinkwe BP Filling Station in Bushlands. From Bushlands you can arrange to get a shuttle to Sodwana Bay via Coral Divers (035-571-0290).

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Transportation

2010-12-17T01:23:35Z

It is difficult to get public transport to the park entrances and there is no public transport within the park. Your best option to get around the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is with your own transport or with a tour guide. Some areas of the park, particularly in the northern section, require a 4x4 or high clearance vehicle.

Kosi Bay Camp

2010-12-17T01:21:26Z

The Kosi Bay Camp is situated on the largest of Kosi Bay's four lakes with three spacious self-catering cottages set slightly back in the bush with an outside deck and braai area. There are also 16 campsites with power points situated directly on the lakeshore.

]]> (S 26 57.587 E 032 49.483, 035-592-0236, reservations 033-845-1000, www.kznwildlife.com, 8am-4pm Mon-Sat, 7am-3pm Sun, camping R90/person, cottages R310/person)

Kosi Bay

2010-12-17T01:18:52Z

Kosi Bay is a network of four lakes linked by channels situated at the northernmost point of the park, just south of the Mozambique border. These channels have been fished via a traditional reed kraal method for more than 700 years, a technique that has been passed down from generation to generation and can still be seen today. Area activities include hiking, fishing in the ocean and at the Kosi Bay Mouth, and loggerhead and leatherback turtle tours (November-February).

To get there, take the R22 to KwaNgwanase and turn east onto a gravel road (S 26 56.753 E 032 46.766) and continue straight for 5 km to the Kosi Bay Gate (S 26 57.296 E 032 49.438). The Kosi Bay Camp, and an area for day visitors are situated on the coast just 1 km past the gate.

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Rocktail Beach Camp

2010-12-17T01:16:14Z

Rocktail Beach Camp has 17 lovely cottages that surround a main central lodge with a viewing deck and cocktail bar. It is located in the green-forested dunes about 700 meters from endless stretches of empty beach in both directions. The lodge is owned by a large company that operates accommodations throughout southern Africa. There is great scuba diving to be had on the many nearby reefs.

]]> (S 27 15.690 E 032 46.141, www.safariadventurecompany.com, s R2,030, d R3,700, swimming pool)

Mabibi Camp

2010-12-17T01:14:02Z

Mabibi Camp is a basic camp with 10 sites located a short walk from Mabibi beach and Thonga Beach Lodge. There are hot showers, water taps and braai stands but no electricity. People staying at the campsite can usually head over to the Thonga Beach Lodge bar and it is possible to join diving activities based at Thonga Beach Lodge if there is availability.

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Thonga Beach Lodge

2010-12-17T01:11:48Z

Thonga Beach Lodge is a luxury lodge with 12 huts spread out just inside of the forest. With views of the ocean, Thonga Lodge is only steps from Mabibi Beach. Rates include three quality meals, guided walks, kayaking and sundowners at Lake Sibaya. Transfers can be arranged for R175/person.

]]> (S 27 19.776 E 032 44.998, 035-474-1473, www.isibindiafrica.co.za, R2,250-2,800/room, breakfast, lunch & dinner included)

Lake Sibaya and Coastal Forest

2010-12-17T01:08:37Z

The Lake Sibaya and Coastal Forest section of the park is only accessible by 4x4 vehicles and access to specific day visitor sites is limited to a handful of vehicles, but for those who do venture to this northern section of the park it is well worth it. Pristine beaches framed by lush coastal dunes stretch out as far as the eye can see. Permits are available at Manzengwenya Office (S 27 15.687 E 032 46.157, 035-574-8998, 7am-4pm).

The Lake Sibaya itself is South Africa's largest freshwater lake at 65 square kilometers, and is second only to Lake St Lucia for its population of hippos and crocodiles.

Scuba diving and snorkeling are popular off the beaches of Mabibi (S 27 19.862 E 032 45.039) and Island Rock (S 27 16.624 E 032 46.385), while Lala Nek (S 27 13.482 E 032 47.669), Rocktail Bay (S 27 11.115 E 032 48.382), Black Rock (S 27 08.054 E 032 49.800) and Dog Point (S 27 06.391 E 032 50.518) are popular beach and swimming spots. Other activities include birding, hiking and fishing.

To get there, take the R22 18 km north of Mbazwana and turn east at the Coastal Forest turnoff (S 27 13.174 E 032 32.831). Continue along this road for 23 km until just before the coast where there is a southbound trail to Lake Sibaya signed Thonga/Mabibi, or continue another 2 km to the Manzengwenya Office (S 27 15.687 E 032 46.157) and northbound trail signed Rocktail Bay.

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Sodwana Bay Camp

2010-12-17T01:05:26Z

Sodwana Bay Camp is located right near the beach at the mouth of a river that empties into the ocean. There are 20 chalets and hundreds of campsites. The park entrance is only 2 km away, where you can find a small supermarket with an ATM and a filling station. There are also a handful of private lodges in the area.

]]> (S 27 32.513 E 032 40.604, office 035-571-0051, reservations: 033-845-1000, www.isimangaliso.com, 8am-4:30pm Mon-Thurs, 7am-4:30pm Fri & Sat, 7am-3pm Sun, camping R75/person, chalets R360/person)

Coral Divers

2010-12-17T01:02:50Z

Coral Divers is the largest privately run dive operator in the bay with lodging in safari tents (you must bring your own linens) and basic cabins spread around a large central communal area where guests gather after a day of diving. Dives and full equipment rental is available (R300/day).

]]> (S 27 33.262 E 032 39.995, 035-571-0290, reservations: 033-345-6531, www.coraldivers.co.za, safari tent d R350, cabin d R580, en suite cabin d R1,000)

Sodwana Bay

2010-12-17T00:59:36Z

Farther north in the park, Sodwana Bay attracts swaths of South African vacationers during the holiday season. Miles of pristine shoreline and a colorful coral reef that is swarming with fish make the bay one of the most popular diving spots in the country. There are a handful of diving operators that can outfit you with scuba gear and take you out to the popular diving spots just off the coast. In the summer, loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest on the beaches of Sodwana Bay, which make for wonderful night turtle walks. There is also the 5 kilometer long Mgoboseleni Trail through the green dune forest with an overlook of Lake Mgoboseleni. Day beach driving permits (R300) can be purchased at the main camp (limited to 10 permits per day) for those who want to drive along the beach. To get there, take the R22 to the Mbazwana exit and head east. After about 200m take a right towards Sodwana Bay and continue 16 km to the Park entrance gate.

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Nhlonhlela Bush Lodge

2010-12-17T00:56:59Z

Nhlonhlela Bush Lodge is secluded, with four separate en suite chalets overlooking the Nhlonhlela Pan with spectacular views of birds and animals, depending on the water level. The camp comes with a field ranger and cook (you bring the food).

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Mantuma Camp

2010-12-17T00:52:56Z

Mantuma Camp is the main camp in the park. It has a swimming pool, a small shop selling ice, beverages and basic supplies, and the Rhin-o-Dino restaurant. There are a range of accommodation options including cottages, chalets, en suite safari tents, and a group of rest huts sharing a self-catering kitchen and ablution facilities.

]]> (S 27 35.804 E 032 13.140, 035-573-9004, reservations 033-845-1000, www.kznwildlife.com, 8am-4pm Mon-Sat, 7am-3pm Sun, rest huts R190/person, safari tents R320/person, chalets R260/person; restaurant 7am-9:30am, 11am-2pm & 5pm-7pm)

uMkhuze Reserve

2010-12-17T00:50:29Z

uMkhuze Reserve is an inland game reserve with a dizzying array of wildlife. Black and white rhino, elephants, cheetah, buffalo, hyena and various antelope, not to mention over 420 species of birds call this park home. Guided walks through the reserve are an excellent way to explore. Take a guided tour of the Sycamore Fig Forest or set your own pace with a self-guided drive.

There are two entrance gates into uMkhuze: the eMshophi Gate (S 27 38.746 E 032 09.049) on the western side and the Ophansi Gate (S 27 35.953 E 032 17.910) on the eastern side. To get to the eMshophi Gate (S 27 38.746 E 032 09.049), get off of the N2 at the town of Mkuze, continue 2 km through the town and turn right at the T-junction. Continue along a gravel road for 6 km and turn left at the sign indicating the uMkhuze section of iSimangaliso. Continue for 9 km until you reach the gate. To get to the Ophansi Gate (S 27 35.953 E 032 17.910) turn west off the R22 onto the D820 (S 27 39.154 E 032 25.279), roughly 28 km south of Mbazwana and 50 km north of Hluhluwe. Continue on the road for 14 km and follow the sign to make a left turn into uMkhuze.

]]> (S 27 35.804 E 032 13.140, Apr-Oct: 6am-6pm, Nov-Mar: 5am-7pm, R35/vehicle, adult R25, child R15)

False Bay Camp

2010-12-17T00:48:11Z

False Bay Camp has a lakeside campground with basic campsites and a small store with ice and drinks. There is also the Dugandlovu Rustic Camp (R130/person) for those hiking on the Dugandlovu Trail. There are four huts that sleep up to four people each and have fridges, but you'll need to bring your own linens.

]]> (S 27 58.113 E 032 22.867, off R22/Lubombo Rd, 035-562-0425, reservations: 033-845-1000, www.isimangaliso.com, 6am-4pm Mon-Sat, 7am-3pm Sun, camping R65)