Maputaland – biodiversity hotspot
Maputaland defines an ecological area in the extreme north of KwaZulu-Natal and extends from the coast to the Great Escarpment in the west.
It also extends into the southern Mozambique province of Maputo. In KwaZulu-Natal the area should not be confused with the Elephant Coast – the best way to differentiate between the two names is that Maputaland describes a biodiversity hotspot incorporating the Elephant Coast which in turn incorporates the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Game Reserve, the Tembe Elephant Park and the Ndumo Game Reserve.
The Maputaland Marine Reserve includes Kosi Bay in the north to Lake Sibaya (Mabibi) and Sodwana Bay to the south which in turn forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of iSimangaliso.
The main attribute of Maputaland is the fact that it is as authentically as close to nature as it is possible to get in Africa today. Whilst it is strictly speaking in a sub-tropical region it is as close to tropical as one can get in South Africa. The diversity of eco-systems from wetlands and coastal forest to grasslands and tropical forest, lakes, swamps and woodlands, makes the area a veritable paradise for eco-tourists.
The protected areas encompass the southernmost tropical coral reefs in Africa, a RAMSAR protected wetland of international importance, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in South Africa, Big 5 game reserves, the most prolific birdlife in the country and an abundant and diverse marine life.
The Transfrontier Conservation Area Programme is in the process of creating the Lubombo Transfrontier Conservation Area which will include areas of Maputaland such as the Tembe Elephant Park, the Lubombo Conservancy in Swaziland and the Maputo Elephant Sanctuary in Mozambique.
More info on the town of St Lucia | More info on the Elephant Coast area |