The Elephant Coast is one of South Africas most beautiful an

The Elephant Coast is one of South Africas most beautiful and unspoilt areas. This narrow strip of land approximately 200 kilometers long and just 70 kilometers wide is home to an incredible 21 different eco-systems. Dense evergreen forests of towering fig trees stand in a lush undergrowth of ferns and wild orchids hanging from the trees. Palm savannahs with thousands of wild date and lala palms dot the white sand of the undulating landscape. Swamp forests with large raffias and tangled masses of greenery that are home to myriads of exquisite birds and behind them mountainous sand dunes that appear to shift with the sighing of gentle winds.

Few areas in Africa have the incredible diversity of fresh water eco-systems found here. There are major rivers, broad flood plains, large coastal lagoons, deep clear coastal lakes, extensive papyrus swamps and small semi-permanent pans. Hippo crocodiles and small game can still be found in the wild and a phenomenal number of bird species abound. There is a wide variety of flora, with well over 2000 plant species, many of which are endemic to the elephant Coast.

The Elephant Coast is bound in the north west by the Ubombo Mountains, in the East by the warm Indian Ocean and in the south by the Umfolozi River just below the St. Lucia Estuary which is part of a World Heritage site. The area is steeped in history and there are a number of paleantological sites of scientific importance.

The Elephant Coast is a perfect destination for all ages and has something for everyone. There are dozens of game reserves, beautiful beaches, deep sea fishing and diving on a number of reefs, mountain trails, cultural activities and a number of historical sites. This is one of the few destinations where a visitor can see the big 5 at a game reserve and within a short half hours drive be able to watch dolphins and whales. There is a variety of excellent accommodation to suit every pocket and a holiday to the Elephant Coast will be enjoyed by everyone from adventure lovers to those who just want to escape to the bush and commune with nature.

Elephant, rhino, The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, Hluhluwe, Umfolozi, Tembe, Ndumu, Maputaland, Kosi Bay, Sodwana, whales and turtles are some of the terms associated with this eco-tourism mecca the Elephant Coast of the Zulu Kingdom.

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