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.
Clustered along the western edge of Inhaca Island, the village of Inhaca takes its name from Tsonga chief Nhaca, a local leader famed for sheltering shipwrecked Portuguese sailors centuries ago, and now functions as the island’s bustling heart. Its centre hums with a small market, general dealers, lively bars, and simple eateries where fresh local seafood is served. At low tide, families wade into tidal flats to gather shellfish while colourful fishing dhows rest on sandy shores nearby. From here, local guides organise snorkelling and scuba diving trips to reefs like Coral Gardens and Santa Maria Wall, where underwater gardens teem with marine life. Elevated guesthouses overlook the shore to the south, contrasting with campsites near the runway to the north. Functioning as the practical base for exploring the island, Inhaca connects visitors to beaches, forests, and mangroves through walking trails, tuk-tuk routes, and boat trips.
