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.
iSimangaliso - meaning miracle, or the greatest thing you will ever see - is centred around the Lake St Lucia lagoon system, and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. The Park includes the lake, beaches, grasslands, dune forests, and marine reserve. It is home to exceptional biodiversity, featuring over 500 bird species. This is the largest estuarine system in Africa and includes the southernmost extension of coral reefs. Among its attractions are the world's highest forested sand dunes, large numbers of nesting turtles, whales, dolphins, whale sharks, and huge numbers of waterfowl including large breeding colonies of pelicans. In recent years, buffalo and elephants have been reintroduced onto the eastern shores of the lake.
Located on the North Coast of KwaZulu Natal, the little resort town of Umdloti lies at the mouth of the Mdloti River on the Dolphin Coast. The word ‘Mdloti’ in Zulu is a wild form of tobacco grown in the area. This stunning seaside town is known for its balmy subtropical climate, beaches, natural rock pools, and sparkling warm ocean, perfect for swimming. Visitors can look forward to spotting dolphins, whales and a myriad of sea life and exploring the Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Reserve, covering over 26 hectares it boasts a scenic picnic area, and an array of bird species, wonderful hiking trails and the ruins of an Iron Age shell midden. Other popular activities include: relaxing on pristine beaches, fishing, surfing, diving, windsurfing, horse riding, kite surfing, golfing and much more.
