Industry info
Trip-planning guides, seasonal tips, conservation background and operator resources for the Elephant Coast.
How the Route22 Elephant Coast route works
The Elephant Coast is best understood as a corridor rather than a single destination: a string of reserves, lakes and coastal towns linked by the R22 and its feeder roads, running from St Lucia in the south to Kosi Bay in the north, with a western arm out to Pongola.
Read more →Best time to visit the Elephant Coast
The Elephant Coast is a year-round destination, but different seasons favour different activities — game viewing, diving, turtle tours and whale watching each have their own rhythm.
Read more →Conservation and community tourism in Maputaland
The Elephant Coast's reserves are not just scenic backdrops — the region has a long conservation history, and tourism plays a direct role in funding protection and supporting neighbouring communities.
Read more →Self-drive safari tips for Zululand's reserves
Several of the Elephant Coast's reserves, including Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and Mkhuze, are well suited to self-drive game viewing in an ordinary vehicle, provided you plan around a few basics.
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