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South Africa’s Elephant Coast

South Africa’s coastline is almost 3,000 km long, offering a wonderful variety of experiences. In this series, SA Blog dips a toe in the country’s major destination coasts.

The Elephant Coast

Where: The northernmost stretch of Indian Ocean coast in KwaZulu Natal Province, between St. Lucia Bay and Kosi Bay.
Attractions: St. Lucia Wetland Park, a World Heritage Site with an astounding abundance of wildlife.
How to get there… By car: From Durban, it’s a straight shot north up the N2, and can be reached in a day if you start early. (At the end of the trip, you turn right on to the R618 for the final 50kms to St. Lucia.)
By Baz Bus: *Best Option* Just hop on! Takes you straight to St. Lucia, with a shuttle to another Elephant Coast stop, Sodwana. See Baz Bus route map | Book Baz Bus ticket

By plane: Fly to Durban Airport, stay a night, then drive; or fly to tiny Richards Bay Airport (on SAAirlink), which takes you to the doorstep of the Elephant Coast.

If you’re wild’n'crazy (& with at least one travelling companion): A. Proceed to the Durban minibus taxi terminus, in the city centre. B. Ask about long-distance taxis to Richard’s Bay. C. Go to Richard’s Bay. D. Find the coastal town/area that looks most interesting to you, and enquire. E. Catch the taxi, and you’re off into the Elephant Coast!
Highlight: A wide variety of eco tours, especially Turtle Tours: go find a giant leatherback amidst the other large fauna in the St. Lucia Wetlands (including the Big 5)!
Malaria: Prevalant, precautions are necessary.
More information: