Mabibi, Elephant Coast
Set in the remote region of the Maputuland coast in KwaZulu Natal, Mabibi lies between Lake Sibaya and Sodwana Bay, forming part of the Kosi Bay coastal forest reserve. It’s one of Natal’s most spectacular coastlines. But what makes it even more enticing is that it is the only tropical dive site in the country and lies alongside Africa’s most southern coral reefs - you can understand why people don’t talk about it much. Who would want to broadcast some of the best diving in the world?
The reefs off Mabibi are home to more than 1200 species of fish, and the warm waters attract schools of bottlenose dolphin, sharks, whale sharks and turtles. The turtles in particular are reason to visit Mabibi during February and March to see the hatchlings mad dash for the ocean, just moments after emerging from their eggs. The crystal clear water provides ideal conditions for most of the year, due to the subtropical weather in Mabibi and the warmth of the Indian Ocean. Snorkelling and scuba diving are without equal in the rest of the country on this bit of coastline.
Possibly the most attractive aspect to staying in Mabibi is its seclusion. The sheltered beach lies bordered by beautiful rocky outcrops and dune forest sweeps away from the beach. Add to this the element of sustainable tourism - Thonga Beach Lodge and the Mabibi campsite are part of the SappiWWF TreeRoutes Partnership, from which the local Mabibi community directly benefited during building and since, through a trust and employment - and the prospect of time out in Mabibi becomes more than enticing.
Related Links
Featured Attractions in (or near) Mabibi
Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site on 1 December 1999. It is considered South Africa's third largest park and extends from Mapelane (Cape St. Lucia) in the South, to Kozi Bay in the North. The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park incorporates ... more information
iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Now known as the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, St Lucia Wetland Park lies on the north eastern edge of KwaZulu-Natal. The incredibly beautiful series of beaches, coral reefs, lakes, swamps, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands that stretch all the way from Kosi Bay, virtually on the Mozambican ... more information
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is situated on the coast in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal and surrounds the Kosi Bay lake system. The system consists of four lakes and a series of inter-connecting channels which drain via a sandy estuary into the Indian ocean. It is home to a variety of birds and wildlife ... more information
Lake Sibaya
Lake Sibaya is the largest fresh water lake in South Africa with a surface area of 77 km² and an average depth of 13 m. The lake was previously connected to the sea and with the closure of the estuary, numerous invertebrates and vertebrates were trapped in a fresh water enviroment. Lake Sibaya is a ... more information
Maputaland Marine Reserve
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known as one of the 'jewels' of South Africa's coastline and a UNESCO declared World Heritage Site, is an incredible assimilation of beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, swamps, lakes, woodlands, coastal forests and grasslands that used to be known as the Greater St Lucia ... more information
Ndumo Game Reserve
Ndumo Game Reserve (adjacent to the Tembe Elephant Park) is a small but impressive game reserve. Proclaimed in 1924 Ndumo Game Reserve is one of South Africa's oldest reserves and considered to be one of the finest in KwaZulu Natal. Ndumo Game Reserve is situated in the Maputaland region of ... more information
Sodwana Bay National Park
The small Sodwana Bay National Park consists of a narrow coastal strip of forest covered sand dunes. Sodwana Bay National Park was proclaimed in 1950 and is an angler’s paradise. Sodwana is a fairly remote area but people travel a long way to drive along the endless beaches in their four-wheel drive vehicles ... more information
Tembe Elephant National Park
The largest African elephants in the world, along with rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo and antelope species in a 300km² park on the South Africa / Mozambique border. Excellent birding opportunities exist and scuba diving on the nearby Tongoland reefs. Situated in Maputaland, the north-eastern region ... more information
Related Links
Things To Do in Mabibi
Turtle Tracking at Thonga Beach Lodge
Where: Mabibi
How much (per person): On Request
Research has shown that the mother returns to the same beach and that eggs are laid within metres of where the mother emerged as a hatchling ... more information
Scuba Diving at Thonga Beach Lodge
Where: Mabibi
How much (per person): On Request
Mabibi lies adjacent to Africa’s southern-most coral reefs making it the only tropical dive site in South Africa. In global terms, Mabibi of ... more information
Related Links
On Holiday in Mabibi
• Mabibi Accommodation
• Mabibi Hotels
• Elephant Coast Accommodation
• Elephant Coast Hotels
Visiting Mabibi?
Also see Things To Do in Elephant Coast or check out Things To Do in KwaZulu Natal to view activities by category, including watersports, sightseeing activities, arts & crafts and many, many more.
- Introduction to KwaZulu Natal
- Destination Guide
- Accommodation Guide
- Search by Map
- KwaZulu Natal Conferences
- Wedding Guide
- Touring KwaZulu Natal
- Transport & Travel Arrangements
- Out and About
- Südafrika Reise
Für Deutsche Besucher
Suedafrika-Reise.net bringt Ihnen das umfangreichste Angebot an Links, um Südafrika zu "bereisen": hier und jetzt auf Ihrem Bildschirm.
Urlaub in KwaZulu Natal
