The corridor, south to north
Most itineraries start at St Lucia, at the southern edge of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, then head inland to Hluhluwe-iMfolozi for Big Five game viewing before rejoining the coast at Sodwana Bay, Lake Sibaya and Rocktail Bay, finishing at Kosi Bay near the Mozambique border. A western loop from Hluhluwe town reaches Mkhuze, Tembe and Ndumo, and further west, Pongola.
Self-drive vs guided touring
The route is well suited to self-drive travel on tarred and well-maintained gravel roads, with fuel, shops and lodges concentrated in a handful of hub towns such as Hluhluwe and Mbazwana. Travellers who prefer not to drive themselves, or who want specialist access, can book guided transfers and tours through local operators and guides rather than self-driving the full loop.
How to structure an itinerary
A short trip typically pairs one reserve stop with one coastal stop — for example Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and St Lucia. Longer trips can string together three or more anchors, allowing two nights at each so there's time to explore rather than just pass through. Booking accommodation and any guided activities ahead of time is advisable in peak season.
Getting oriented before you go
Route22 lists each major stop as its own page with quick facts and things to do, plus a directory of accommodation, tours and guides at each anchor point — a useful starting point for building a day-by-day plan before you set off.