Elephant Coast - iSimangalizo Wetland Park

This long coastline of 280 kilometres stretches from the border with Mozambique, near Kosi Bay, to the town of St Lucia. All this area is nicknamed the 'Elephant Coast' even though elephants are quite rare. Nowadays, one has to go inland to see those large mammals (for example, in the Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park or in the Mkhuze Reserve).

This region could have been named the 'Wild Coast' since there are very few villages or development. Beaches, all along the shoreline, are important nesting grounds for the Leatherback and Loggerhead Sea Turtles. Unfortunately, these turtles won't be in the area for another 6 months... no chance to see this fabulous show of nature.

Eastern Shores

A nice region, but it's worth paying attention to some potentially dangerous animals; elephants, hippopotami, and crocodiles.

New unknown species.

Cape Vidal - Eastern Shores

This velvet monkey took advantage that I was distracted away to start foraging in the van. He was quite aggressive and I had some difficulties chasing it away.

Is it a new species?

Bushbuck.

An interesting point about this ecosystem is, among others, the plants and even forest that grow on the dunes that form the coast and the inland.

Under all this vegetation, it is sandy.

Sodwana Bay

Coastal Forest Reserve

The Coastal Forest Reserve protects a vast forested territory that, as its name suggests, grows on the coastal dune.

Inland, there is a sandy trail that follows the coast where it is permitted to drive. It is not an easy trail, but it's an ecosystem unique and interesting to see.

Near Lake Sibaya, I stumbled upon a nesting site for a species of cormorant(?).

Photographing flying bird is not easy; it necessitates a lot of practice and patience. I only managed a few shots...

Lake Sibaya.

The sandy trail was quite narrow for the van. Even by removing the jerrycans I normally carry on the roof, I had some difficulties to sneak through some area.

Fishing is strictly controlled.

This plant has some curious fruits. This cone is the size of an American Football ball.

Bhanga Nek

A ranger's house can be seen. They are quite active when the turtle nesting season is going on.

Kosi Bay

Kosi Bay is a region of lakes that eventually flows out to the ocean. One can visit the lake area as well as the mouth where the lakes reach the ocean.

Kosi Bay camping.

Local people's lives from traditional fishing (it seems fishing is on a large scale).

Kosi Bay lake system.

The river mouth. Waves from the ocean are visible in the background. Snorkelling in the area is interesting.