Maputaland Marine Reserve
KwaZulu Natal Battlefields
March 3, 2020
Manyoni Game Reserve
March 3, 2020
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Located on South Africa’s northeastern coast, the Maputaland Marine Protected Area falls within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and comprises three protected areas, Lake Sibaya Nature Reserve, Kosi Bay Nature Reserve and Rocktail Bay. The reserve extends all the way from the northern Mozambican border to Sodwana Bay in the south. This gorgeous sub-tropical paradise includes immaculate forests and wetlands dotted with lakes and marshes as well as coral reefs and deserted golden-sand beaches and forest-clad coastal dunes. The local wildlife includes numerous bird species, reptiles and freshwater fish, making this an ideal destination for nature-loving travellers. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy excellent diving opportunities at one of the world’s top dive sites at Sodwana Bay with its magnificent reef complex.
You most certainly can! In fact, as beach holidays go, we absolutely love including this reserve as the perfect ending to a South African safari. We have a delightful lodge in the area which will give you the chance to enjoy not only the beautiful white beaches but also the incredible marine life, including turtles and some phenomenal fish species when you dive under the water. Absolutely divine.
We absolutely love Thonga Beach Lodge which is right on the beach and has just 12 eco-sensitive rooms with either ocean or forest views. It’s a bit of an adventure to get here as it really is off the beaten track, and gives you the perfect opportunity to really enjoy being in a peaceful spot with all the marine activities you could hope for! A visit here can take you out into the open ocean by boat, where you can find dolphins, whales and a variety of other gorgeous sea creatures. Or you could dive beneath the waves as the property has a dive centre with all you could need to head out and explore this incredible marine area. If you’re here during the turtle season you can also witness giant Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, so those who are here from November through to February can watch this remarkable spectacle (under close supervision!). Cultural tours are also highly recommended as are the sundowners by the lake… Or indeed you could simply sit back and relax, enjoying the sound of the sea from the comfort of your veranda or pop into the spa for some serious pampering!
The Maputaland Marine Reserves lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and extends from roughly 11 km north of Jesser Point all the way to the Mozambique border. As part of Maputaland, it has the most incredible biodiversity and is truly a wilderness worth exploring. There is a landing strip which accepts charter flights, and the nearest airports are Richard’s Bay (3.5 hours drive away) and Durban (5.5 hours drive away). Remember, here at Tailormade Africa we design all of our trips entirely bespoke and will help you get to this beautiful reserve without you having to worry about a thing. The reserve is a wee bit out of the way which means it’s truly exclusive and as such a beautiful spot well worth the effort to get there!
Located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the unique coastal geography and position on the African continent makes for varied weather conditions throughout the year at the Maputaland Marine Reserve. The summers are hot, with an average temperature of about 26C and it can get quite humid from January through to March. The winters are mild and pleasant, making the reserve an ideal beach destination even if the cooling morning temperatures bring in some beautifully eerie mists first thing, it usually clears as the sun comes up and heats everything up! In short, given this part of the world is quite unique, let us help guide you as to when is best to visit for the activities you wish to do – we’re here to help.
Maputaland Marine ReserveAccommodation
Thonga Beach Lodge is set on the pristine shores of the Maputuland Coast, KwaZulu-Natal. This 24 bed luxury lodge is the ideal place to discover one of Africa’s last unspoilt wilderness beaches. It is a magical place of coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer South Africa’s best snorkelling and excellent off-shore SCUBA diving and excellent birding opportunities... Learn more
