Situated just north of Durban along South Africa's scenic coast, Kosi Bay lies only two kilometres from the Mozambique border. It encompasses a pristine system of four lakes that form part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and eventually drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian Ocean. Beachgoers can enjoy a calm, quiet beach and a river mouth with exceptionally clear water, home to an abundance of fish species. Other faunas in the area include duikers, hippopotamuses, crocodiles, bull sharks, loggerheads, and leatherback sea turtles – which lay their eggs on the beach – and diverse birdlife. An interesting fact about Kosi Bay is that it is home to the Kosi Palm, which has the largest leaf of any plant in the floral kingdom.
Set on South Africa’s northeastern coast, the UNESCO-listed Maputaland Marine Protected Area falls within the awe-inspiring iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three protected areas: Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve, and Rocktail Bay. Extending all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south, it encompasses forests, wetlands, lakes, marshes, and coral reefs near glorious, deserted golden-sand beaches. Local wildlife includes large numbers of leatherback turtles, numerous bird species, and many species of freshwater fish - also look out for Nile crocodiles and hippos at Lake Sibaya. A superb dive site (arguably one of the best in the world) can be found at Sodwana Bay, with its magnificent 50 kilometre-long reef complex.
The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park is the jewel in the crown of the KwaZulu Natal game reserves. Proclaimed in 1895, it is also the oldest game reserve in Africa. Initially two separate reserves, they were joined to create a single 94 000 hectare reserve which is home to one-fifth of the world's black and white rhino population. It was here that the internationally acclaimed Operation Rhino started in the 1960s, successfully capturing and relocating white rhino to havens within South Africa and abroad. The Hluhluwe–Imfolozi Park was the first reserve to introduce walking safaris and its Wilderness Trails are internationally renowned. Visitors can also look forward to visiting a traditional Zulu village, enjoying a horse riding safari, and spotting the world-renowned Big Five as well as a wide variety of bird species.
Situated 46 kilometres southeast of Dundee on the Battlefields Route in South Africa, Rorkes Drift is the site of one of the most famous battles of the Anglo-Zulu War. Today it is known for its rich history and majestic natural beauty. Visitors can look forward to learning about history of the region by visiting the Rorke's Drift Battle Museum, which has displays models and audiovisual depictions of the battles that were fought in the region.
Resting in the foothills of the beautiful Southern Drakensberg, within in the South African province of KwaZulu-Nata, Himeville serves as an excellent stopover for visitors en route to the world-famous Sani Pass and the enthralling landscapes of the uKhahlamba Drakensberg Park. It offers excellent fly-fishing and river rafting opportunities in its vast network of sparkling rivers and dams, as well as a variety of stunning mountain trails (such as the Giant’s Cup Hiking Trail) and incredible birdlife along the Sani Pass. Other reasons to visit include three pristine golf courses, horse riding, polo, and a fascinating museum. The annual Splashy Fen Music Festival (usually in April) is one of South Africa’s biggest music festivals.
