Maputaland is a pristine marine ecosystem in the north east of KwaZulu Natal South Africa. Maputaland is where sultry saltwater currents swirl against unspoilt coral reefs, caressing tropical beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. And within this perfect paradise, for one moment envision governmental organisations and private enterprise forging a partnership with rural communities, working together towards a common goal. this is Maputaland.

Maputaland - KwaZulu Natal South Africa Once one of South Africa's best-kept tourism secrets, the past decade has seen Maputaland fast evolving to become one of our country's most popular wilderness destinations. Game fishermen, 4x4 fundis and eco-tourists have long journeyed into these northernmost parts of Kwazulu-Natal, but it is only very recently that the many attractions inherent to the region gained widespread appeal.

Most notably, this tourism upswing may be attributed to key developments in the region, foremost the declaration of the greater St Lucia wetlands system as a World Heritage Site and the re-introduction of elephant into Maputaland

Encompassing a vast swathe of Northern KZN, Maputaland stretches from the scenic splendour of St Lucia in the south to South Africa's border with Mozambique in the north. Enfolded between the azure shimmer of the Indian Ocean in the east and the rugged Lebombo mountains in the west, the region is blessed with a diverse range of ecosystems and a fitting degree of natural splendour.

Together with the world-renowned St Lucia wetlands, the Kosi Bay estuary and majestic Lebombo ranges, the turgid flow of the Pongola shapes the topography of this ancient land. Surging from the sluice gates of Lake Jozini - a 17 000 hectare body of water once known as the Pongolapoort Dam and regarded as one of the follies of the old regime - the mighty river meanders along the eastern base of the Lebombo mountains.

En route to the ocean, the Pongola merges with the Igwavuma and Usuthu Rivers along a course graced with placid natural pans and spectacular pockets of sand forest. Both the waterway and dam have become integral to the sustainable development of agriculture and conservation projects in the region, and partnerships between the Department of Water Affairs, KZN Wildlife and private operators aim to unlock its full potential through careful planning and consultation.

Areas of Maputaland

Maputaland - Sodwana Bay Sodwana Bay National Park
In the southern part of Maputaland. Forested dunes, lakes, swamps with a great variety of game. The coral riff at the coast of Sodwana Bay is known to be one of the best diving grounds of the world. The water is warm with an excellent under-water visibility.

Maputaland - Kosi Bay Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
It is situated in the northern part of Maputaland, at the mouth of the Kosi River. Lakes, lagoons, mongrove swamps, palm forests and dunes. The coral reef of Kosi Bay is an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. Because of the great variety of maritime species, the place is also called aquarium. To protect the highly sensitive ecosystem, the number of visitors is limited. A four-wheel drive is required.

Accommodation in Maputaland

Amakhulu Central Reservations
Merle offers a very friendly and professional service to book accommodation in South Africa. She specializes in the Zululand and Maputaland Game Parks.
Accommodation in Maputaland
This website is the best I have yet come across for accommodation in South Africa. You communicate directly with the accommodation establishment and the entire booking is carried out online.