Isimangaliso Wetland Park safari
Isimangaliso means “wonder” or “miracle”, both terms suitable to depict this enchanting region of South Africa.
Isimangaliso Wetland Park safari is recommended for:
- who has already visited the Kruger region and Cape Town;
- who wants to combine a safari experience with the beaches of the last coastal forest of South Africa;
- birdwatchers.
The trip
This itinerary is diverse and original, stretching from sub-tropical forests endless sandy beaches. Many the activities available: game drives, walking safaris, canoeing and excursions by 4×4. You will be exploring the swamps and the sub-tropical forests of the Mkhuze Game Reserve, the beaches and the lagoons of the Elephants Coast, the bushy hills of the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve.
Possible extensions:
- Cape Town and the Cape region;
- try the ultimate diving experience in Sodwana Bay,
- make a cultural experience in a Xhosa village of the Transkei;
- relax on the secluded beaches of the Wild Coast.
What to do
4×4: the 9 last km to get to Kosi Forest Lodge are made of snaky sand tracks through local Tsonga villages. Kosi mouth is about 1 hour drive from the Lodge, mainly on gravel roads and sand tracks through the Raffia forest in the end. To reach Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Game Reserve or Sodwana Bay, one can drive along Lake Sibaya on narrow sand tracks through the coastal forest.
Canoe: an easy and pleasant excursion (included) from the Kosi Forest Lodge. You will be paddling on the gentle waters in the middle of the Raffia forest, home to hippos, crocodiles, vultures and the majestic African Fish Eagle.
Hiking: in the Raffia forest (from the Kosi Forest Lodge), or in the ghostly Fig forest in the Mkhuze Game Reserve.
Natal Shark Board: from Durban, leave at dawn on board of Natal Shark Board’s boat to monitor the shark nets off the city beaches. This was a pioneer and controversial project. One hand, shark attacks dropped dramatically; on the other, the nets can occasionally kill also other sea creatures, like turtles and dolphins.
Snorkeling: in the Kosi mouth, where you can spot schools of colorful fishes who join the lagoon with the high tide. You can still find some small reefs in the lagoon.
What to see
Durban: the Miami of Africa, with its vibe and the beautiful skyline along the ocean. The starting and ending point of this trip.
Hluhluwe-Imfolozozi: a magnificent reserve with a hilly landscape, perennial rivers and sub-tropical forest. Home to the big 5, though the icon of the reserve is by all means the Rhinoceros. A great conservation project, a successful story who paved the way to many others in Africa.
Kosi Mouth: stunning lagoons where the fresh water of the lakes meet the Indian Ocean, with only a strip of sand in between. The water temperature is very pleasant even in winter, while in summers can be boiling! Be careful to protect yourself by the right sun lotion, especially when snorkeling. We have seen even black people changing the skin on their back after a very short while!
uMkhuze Game Reserve: beautiful game reserve, part of the Isimangaliso Wetland Park, now honored by the “big 5” status, following the reintroduction of lions. However, truth be told, the scarcity of roads doesn’t help with animals spotting, especially with regard to the large predators. Better to wait patiently at one of the hides of the reserve, strategicamente posizionati vicino. Mkhuze is a real haven for birdwatching, particularly in the summer months (November-March).
