Kosi Bay to Ponta do Ouro Road Trip

This coastal route runs north through Maputaland from St Lucia. Wetlands, dune forest and beaches lead across the border to Ponta do Ouro.

Highlights include:

• Exploring the estuaries and dunes of iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• Visiting the reefs and beaches around Sodwana Bay
• Camping in coastal forest near the Kosi Bay lakes and estuary
• Crossing the border between Kosi Bay and Ponta do Ouro
• Finding a quieter stretch of sand at Ponta Malongane
• Swimming at Ponta do Ouro Beach
• Joining a boat trip to snorkel with dolphins and reef fish

multi-country road trip from St Lucia to Ponta do Ouro (261 km, about 4 hours driving). Plan this trip with Sideroads Africa.

Stops along the way

• iSimangaliso Wetland Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving ancient estuarine systems, coastal dunes, and hippos in St Lucia.
• Sodwana Bay Lodge: Dive-and-beach lodge at Sodwana’s world-class reefs
• Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth: Coastal forest camp near the pristine Kosi Bay lakes and estuary
• Kosi Bay Ponta Border: Far-north KZN border crossing toward Ponta do Ouro — sandy tracks and the gateway into southern Mozambique beaches.
• Ponta Malongane: Quiet dune beach just north of Ponta do Ouro — snorkelling reefs and a softer alternative to the busier town beach.
• Ponta do Ouro Beach: Legendary Mozambique beach town at the tip of Maputaland — warm water, dolphins, and a short hop from Kosi Bay.
• Ponta do Ouro dolphin snorkel: Boat trips from Ponta do Ouro to snorkel with dolphins and reef fish along the Maputaland coast.

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