North-Eastern Route

Attractions:

The North Eastern section of the Elephant Coast is pure, unspoilt coastline stretching from Sodwana in the south to Kosi Bay and the Mozambique border in the north. The northern section of this area is the land of the Thonga people.

Sodwana provides an access point to 50km of unspoilt reefs for beach revellers, divers and anglers to indulge in the spectacular coastline and warm Indian Ocean (above and below the surface). The famous coelancanth – once believed to be extinct – is just one of 1 200 fish species identified here.

Lake Sibaya is a large freshwater lake with a surface area of 77km² and an average depth of 13m! Once connected with the sea, it has a bed of white sand and crystal-clear water, and is home to several endemic fish species and numerous marine invertebrates and vertebrates. Enjoy a boat trip on the lake and take in the tranquil surroundings.

Mabuso Game Reserve is a 6 000ha Community Game Reserve with 20km of lake shorefront on the western shores of Lake Sibaya, easily accessible from the new access road linking Hluhluwe to Kosi Bay. The game reserve is suited to 4x4's, and offers diverse habitats including savannah grasslands, coastal dune forests and swamp wetlands.

Mabibiis a spectacular section of uncrowded coastline remotely situated on the coastal side of Lake Sibaya. It is bordered by a rocky outcrop with channels that contain beautiful tropical fish and invertebrates.

Kosi Bay is a pristine lake system made up of four interlinking lakes, and is famous for its traditional fish traps (first lake), forests, bush and pristine shoreline bordering Mozambique. Kosi Bay Reservesurrounds the lake system and is home to a large variety of birds, hippos and crocodiles. Enjoy a spectacular view of the interlinked lake system and particularly the traditional fish kraals that criss-cross the first lake. Activities at Kosi Bay include canoeing, hiking and horse riding.

Banganek is situated on the northern section of the coastal forest between the lakes and the Indian Ocean close to Kosi Bay mouth. Experience the natural and cultural diversity of the Kosi Bay area at one of the four community-owned and run campsites or forest camps. Local guides are available to explain the unique ecosystem and fishing methods of the amaThonga. Half- and full-day trips to the Kosi River Mouth, Black Rock and Dog Point are available, as are trips to view turtle nesting sites during the summer months (November – January).

History: The Thonga people

Legend has it that in about 1550 there lived a man by the name of Tembe whose home was on the shores of the bay of Lourenco Marques (now Maputo). His people had long wandered into this area from Zimbabwe. They settled there, growing crops and fishing, and learnt from the visits of Arab and Portuguese traders to be porters and peddlars – trading beads, cloths and other imported novelties such as maize and the domestic cat into the interior of Southern Africa in exchange for ivory, horns, gold, copper and hides. They prospered and increased in number, eventually dividing into two sections – one retaining the name Tembe the other calling themselves after a chief named Mabudu – the European spelling of the name was Maputo.

The Mabudu clan migrated south from the bay and made their way into the flat sandy tree-covered area known as Thongaland. The name Thonga (meaning 'ruled race') was a derogatory name that the Zulu people used to refer to all people living in Mozambique.

The most prominent culture in the Elephant Coast area is the Zulu culture, strongly influenced in the northern region of the Elephant Coast by the Thonga and original Tembe culture. This is reflected in preserved artefacts as well as those currently being produced. The Thonga knowledge of basket weaving and wirework has been integrated into the development of various crafts and the distinctions between the origin of design and technique are blurred. Undoubtedly the Thongas also shared their knowledge of trade – and contributed to the spirit of entrepreneurship that exists in the broader area today.

Nearby routes

Amajuba Route

In the north-western corner of KwaZulu-Natal, this route has an ABC of core attractions: adventures, art, animals and ambles; berg, battlefields and birds; culture, crafts and charm.

Drakensberg Experience Route

The Drakensberg Experience is located in the Midlands of the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. The route is centred on the Drakensberg World Heritage Site, which includes Giant’s Castle and the Central and Northern Drakensberg. The route extends from Hidcote in the south to Sterkfontein Dam in the north.

Elephant Coast Route

A large route stretching from St Lucia in the south to Kosi Bay in the north and inland to the N2 national highway, this route has a wealth of attractions, accommodation options and activities. It contains outstanding wildlife reserves covering a diversity of habitats.

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