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The Elephant Coast has a wide variety of hostels and backpackers
to choose from. Every hostel on the Elephant Coast and in
South Africa is a unique entity. There are no mass produced
hostelling franchises here. Have a look at each of the hostels
and backpackers below and you are sure to find one that
suits your budget, your needs or your particular taste.
St Lucia backpacker hostels are ideally suited for exploring
the St Lucia world heritage site.
Elephant Coast Introduction
A unique safari destination. The Elephant Coast boasts
the best of wildlife both on the ground and in the water.
The Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and the Greater St. Lucia
Wetland Park are both world-class conservation areas. The
area is also still steeped in Zulu tradition and has a great
rural feel.
What to see and do
St Lucia Wetlands Park
A World Heritage site. The vast Greater St. Lucia Wetlands
Park comprises coral reefs, long sandy beaches, coastal
dunes, lakes, lagoons, swamps and an estuary. As if that
isn’t enough, the rich waters are also home to many
species of fish, birds, over 800 hippo and 2500 crocodiles.
Hluhluwe Umfolozi (shu-shlu-wi)
A world-renowned rhino sanctuary. Hluhluwe Umfolozi specializes
in the conservation of the white rhino, 1600 of which live
in an area of 880sq km together with 300 of the more dangerous
black rhino. The BIG 5; lions, elephants, rhinos, leopards
and buffaloes can be spotted here.
Diving in Sodwana Bay
Popular with divers and snorkellers for its diversity of
fish and invertebrates and its collection of hard and soft
corals. The waters are warm, seldom dropping below 20°C.
The average visibility is 15m and can reach 30m. In summer,
turtles leave the ocean to nest on the beach.
Tsonga fish traps - Kosi Bay
A network of traditional traps used to net fish in the estuary. The method is
primitive, but still effective. Traps are passed on from Tsonga father to son.
Where to stay
Khula Village
The Khula settlement is situated on the outskirts of St.
Lucia. You can do all
the things you want in the area and even get another perspective
of South African life. Accommodation is provided in authentic
Zulu huts. Tour the village and watch women weaving grass
mats and other daily activities.
St. Lucia
A holiday resort town on the banks of the St. Lucia estuary
with fun activities for everyone – kayaking with the
hippos on the lake, whale watching in season, snorkeling
at Cape Vidal and so much more.
Hluhluwe Umfolozi
Sodwana Bay
Kosi Bay
A string of four lakes with swamps, mangroves and banks lined with raffia
palm forests. The estuary is very good for snorkelling with many species of
colourful tropical fish. The beaches are stunning. Sea turtles venture onto
the beach to lay their eggs. Ponto do Ouro in Mozambique is 2km away.
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