Explore the Elephant Coast through our interactive map. Visit Durban, Drakensberg, The Elephant Coast, Pietermaritzburg, Midlands, Zululand, South Coast and North Coast.

For more information on Kwa-Zulu Natal see www.kzn.org.za

Mhlosinga is in Hluhluwe which is within the Elephant Coast of South Africa.

Area Activties on the Elephant Coast in Kwa-Zulu Natal

The Elephant Coast is one of South Africa's most beautiful and unspoilt areas. It extends approximately 200km from Ubombo Mountains to the Umfolozi River to the Indian Ocean coast. It has 21 different eco-systems. Vegetation is dense evergreen forests, lush undergrowth and trees. Swamp forests with numerous splendid birds and massive beach sand dunes. There is an array of flora and some 2000 plant species.

The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park include Elephant, Rhino, Giraffe. Hluhluwe, Umfolozi, Tembe, Ndumu, Maputaland, Kosi Bay, Sodwana Bay, whales and turtles are sights within South Africa's province of KwaZulu-Natal.

There is an extraordinary diversity of fresh water eco-systems in this area. There are major rivers, swamp and large flood plains, fresh and sea water lagoons, deep water lakes. Animals within the Elephant Coast include Hippopotamus, Giraffe, Crocodiles on lagoons and some beaches and small game often roam freely.

This is an incredible area to visit as a holiday destination. There are few destinations in the world where one can view the Big 5 at the local game reserves and see Whales and Dolphins all in a day. Due to the vast activities available this is an ideal holiday destination for families to adventure seekers.

The area includes St Lucia Estuary which is part of the World Heritage site and Sodwana Bay, South Africa’s best diving area with visibility hardly ever less than 15 metres. There are many game reserves, spectacular unspoilt beaches, deep sea fishing and reef diving, walks, mountain trails and cultural activities.

Lodge staff are more than happy to help visitors plan activities and also book it for them.

Where to go and what to see

• Hluhluwe Game Reserve (38km)
  The oldest game reserve in Africa with the "big five". Established in 1895, game viewing is the prime attraction. Viewing hides overlook waterholes enabling visitors to see animals at close range. The Park covers some 96 000 ha and contains an immense diversity of fauna and flora. Hluhluwe is characterised by hilly topography, and this northern section of the park is noted for its wide variety of both bird and animal life. There are two options to explore the game park. Self-drives through the reserve or a 3 hour open vehicle 4x4 game drive with a ranger. The lodge staff can book this for you.
  
  
• Hippo and croc tours (110km)
  Exclusive 2 hour boat trips on the St. Lucia estuary to view hippopotamus, crocodiles, mangrove swamps, prolific birdlife, oyster banks with stories of days gone by, the 2nd highest vegetated Dunes in the World etc.
  
  
• Cape Vidal (140km)
  Cape Vidal is renowned for its sport fishing and snorkeling. The bay has a designated launch site for skiboats. It is sheltered and superb for snorkeling at a low tide. Cape Vidal is situated north-east of St Lucia and falls within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park (St Lucia Marine Reserve). Wildlife, especially birds are abundant and self-guided trails enable visitors to see some of the surrounding wetlands and Lake Bhangazi. Cape Vidal also boasts access to the eastern shores of Lake St Lucia where there is a variety of game including reedbuck, other antelope, hippos, crocodiles and buffalo, spectacular water, forest and grassland birds and the wonderful Indian Ocean shore line with its startling array of marine animals.
  
  
• Traditional village (40km)
  Experience the Zulu lifestyle and culture with a show. The village consists of woven Zulu round huts, arranged according to the tradition in a circle around the cattle kraal. There are a shield maker, a potter, a basket weaver and many dancers. Visitors are being accompanied by a guide, who provides them with detailed information on history and tradition of the Zulu people.
  
  
• Elephant education (15km)
  Educational talk and interaction
  
  
• Cheetah and serval project (38km)
  Guided tour and feeding
  
  
• Sodwana bay (80km)
  Sodwana Bay lies in the cultural heartland of KwaZulu Natal's Elephant Coast and is globally renowned for its bio diversity, both on land and below the oceans surface. The spectacular coral reefs are amongst the southern most tropical coral reefs in the world and the shallowest sighting of a living "fossil", the coelacanth was filmed and documented in the off shore canyons. The coastline is largely undisturbed and natural migrations still occur with sightings of whale sharks, ragged tooth sharks, nesting turtles, whales, mantas and dolphin being reported at different times through out the year.
  
  
• Horse trails (45km)
  A string of 15 well-schooled safari horses and experienced trail guides to accompany guests on either a scenic bush trail or a more specialized safari ride. The rides are unique as one has a chance to view game from horseback and offers you a surreal riding experience. On a bush trail one might encounter Zebra, Wildebeest, Nyala and small antelope. The Safari ride affords a unique opportunity to encounter some of the peaceful giants - White Rhino and Giraffe. This ride is suitable only for experienced riders as one rides in an area where larger game occurs (ie rhino/buffalo).