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Up the Elephant Coast – the perfect bush and beach break

Posted by: Tailor Made Safaris.  Article from Africa Geographic Blog.

Of course, everyone who thinks of travelling to South Africa wants to visit the world famous Kruger National Park and Cape Town. And indeed, these are phenomenal destinations.

However, due to their popularity, they have also become fairly crowded and expensive. For those who are looking for a great alternative, which is also a lot more cost effective, read on. The perfect bush and beach holiday is to be had in the Elephant Coast of South Africa!

Let’s see where the Elephant Coast is, and what three weeks spent up this magical region might look like:

Elephant-Coast

You could start your holiday with two days at Mkhuze Game Reserve, part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Highlights here include the famous Fig Forest Walking Safari, the Kumasinga Hide built inside a popular waterhole, and of course looking for all of the Big 5 in stunning savannah scenery!

Mkhuze-Elephant-Coast

After a few days of safari, you can head off to the beach! Kosi Bay, also part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is famous for its pristine beaches, fantastic snorkelling opportunities in the lagoon, boat cruises on the lake watching hippos and birds, and from November till March you can partake in a turtle tour, and watch turtles nesting!

Kosi-Bay-Elephant-Coast

Then, after a few glorious relaxing days at the beach, it is time for a safari again. In less than an hour’s drive we find Tembe Elephant Park. Tembe is the place with the biggest tuskers in the Southern Hemisphere. Accommodation is in luxury safari tents, and guides take you in open game viewers through this 30,000 hectare park, looking for all members of the Big 5, as well as for African wild dogs.

Tembe-Elephant-Coast

After a week of doing safaris and snorkelling, you can enjoy a holiday within your holiday at St. Lucia Estuary; a quaint little town at the South of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, completely surrounded by nature.

Hippos graze the laws here at night, and there are tons of activities to do. Think about whale watching, hiking, enjoying the beach, boat cruises or horse rides, visiting the crocodile centre, or use it as a base to explore neighbouring parks. For example, the Eastern Shores Game Reserve, also part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a mere five minute drive from St. Lucia.

St. Lucia=Elephant-Coast

From there you can leave early on a game drive in the park, and watch the many animals. Then arrive at Cape Vidal, a beach location in the park, and enjoy the warm Indian Ocean whilst snorkelling or swimming.

Cape-Vidal-Elephant-Coast

You can close off your three-week holiday at the world-famous Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Explore this 96,000 hectare park, with rolling hills of savannah landscape as far as the eye can see, by means of game drives or walking safaris. Home to the Big 5, as well as to African wild dogs, hyenas and cheetahs.

Hluhluwe-iMfolozi

Want visit the Elephant Coast? Check out Tailor Made Safaris, We specialise in tour packages to the Elephant Coast, fully guided or self-drive in a rental car with guided activities at destinations. Follow us on Facebook to hear all about our specials to the region. And follow this blog, where we’ll be highlighting one of these destinations each post. Until next time!

About Tailor Made Safaris

Tailor Made SafarisTravel Southern Africa with Tailor Made Safaris if you want to spend as little time on the road whilst enjoying as much time experiencing destinations and activities! We provide self-drive tours & private guided tours, and cater for a mid-range to luxury budget. Visit our website to see what we do!

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