Elephant Coast Road Trip
Northern KwaZulu-Natal gets wilder as this road heads away from St Lucia. Estuary, dunes and Maputaland bush replace busy towns, while community stops and remote lodges break up the drive. Fill the tank when the route gives you the chance.
Highlights include:
- Begin in St Lucia beside the iSimangaliso estuary system
- Explore the wetlands, coastal dunes and hippo habitat of iSimangaliso Wetland Park
- Buy fresh produce or crafts at Zamimpilo Community Market
- Stop at Thanda Safari Lodge for Big Five wildlife and Zulu cultural experiences
- Fill up in Mbazwana before continuing to Utshwayelo Lodge at the entrance to Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
South Africa road trip from St Lucia to Kosi Bay (248 km, about 6 hours driving). Plan this trip with Sideroads Africa.
Stops along the way
- St Lucia
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park: UNESCO World Heritage Site preserving ancient estuarine systems, coastal dunes, and hippos in St Lucia.
- Zamimpilo Community Market: Zululand roadside market offering fresh fruit, veg, and crafts
- Thanda Safari Lodge: 5-star safari lodge celebrating Zulu culture and Big 5 wildlife
- Engen Mbazwana: R22 Maputaland fill-up in Mbazwana for Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay travellers.
- Utshwayelo Lodge: Community lodge at the gates of Kosi Bay Nature Reserve