Not known but a hidden treasure in the mighty kingdom of the Zulu.

 

This portion of coastline stretches along the north-eastern shores of South Africa in the Kwa-Zulu Natal province. No one really knows about this secret eden, and because of this I have decided to set up a Safari package that will share the beauty of this area with my clients.

The Elephant route was born: Two points of departure. One from Richards Bay airport and the other from Durban International airport,185km South from Richards Bay. Richards Bay is more of an industrial city, but interwoven in this steel and concrete jungle is the wonders of nature, while driving on the John Ross Parkway one might just come across a wondering hippopotamus. Or the odd crocodile in the town centre, heard that lamb is on a special…? Richards Bay grew from a small little village into one of the fastest growing cities in South Africa. With big industrial names like  BHP Biliton, Tata Steel, Foskor and RBM to name a few. But with all these giants around we still have pelicans coming to rest in the tranquil waters of lake Mzingazi. It is things like this that makes Richards Bay an interesting stop over.

North on the N2 the town of St Lucia awaits, my best hide away. It feels like you being transported into another world as soon as you enter the town. Tourists and colourful markets dress the side of the roads, and what better than a good cup of coffee while listening to the call of a fish eagle flying over.

There is so much to do and see. Its like a one stop shop.

St Lucia or as its called now, Isimangaliso World Heritage Park, was declared a World Heritage site in 1999 due to the biodiversity and cultural heritage.

Sit back and relax as we glide over the waters of Lake St Lucia, home to the mighty Nile crocodile. A hippo snorts in the distance and one would never say that this funny looking fat animal is responsible for the most fatal killings of humans in Africa.

St Lucia Eaustury is also home to the highest number of Nile crocodile in Southern Africa. Lying on the sand banks, smiling at you. The cruise is entertaining and very educational. This area is also well known for the vast amount of bird species. A birders paradise.

As the sun set in the west we sit back around the supper table at one of the many restaurants and give a bit of insight on ourselves. So who is this Kobus guy, and why do some call him Stefan too? Time to spill the beans…I’m Afrikaans and my full names is Stefanus Jacobus. For many international clients its very difficult to pronounce thus the Stefan portion of my name came in very handy and much easier to pronounce… Also stories is told over a glass of wine. I always say “One who travels, have a story around every corner” Like the time when I was studying. I always want to know more and for me animal tracks in the sand were always very fascinating. Thus I got in contact with some people in the Northern Cape area, Kalahari Desert. They are called San people or traditionally “Bushmen”. They agreed to take me in and show me a few of their skills but I’m only allowed to go with the clothes that I had on me. The deal was set and off I went with these short people of the sand for two weeks. This was one of the best experiences I have ever had. I learned so much. Also I ate things that I don’t even think they sometimes eat, but I’m still alive to tell the story. For these people the sand, is like a story book. If you can not read the pages, you can not interpret the story. Thus they taught me to read… And soon Mother Nature was talking to me too.

I still go and visit my short friends of the red dunes, but much has changed over the last few years and sadly some of their traditions is also being lost in the winds of westernisation.

The next day we set off further north into the heart of the Isimangaliso world heritage park. The Maputuland Marine reserve and a place called Mabibi. Blue oceans and white beaches. Tropical waters, boasting with an array of colourful fish and coral. This piece of earth is untouched and can only be reached by a four-wheel drive vehicle. Mabibi campsite and a well established lodge, Thonga beach lodge, is the only accommodation in this area. The roads are not very user-friendly and sometimes even the well salted drivers have difficulty conquering these. Thus it is always better to use a tour company that can transfer you to the area.

Now lets talk about Mabibi. Just north of Sodwana Bay this piece of lost eden awaits us. Hold on tight as the roads might be a bit bumpy. The engine of the Hummer works hard through the soft sand but soon we break over the dunes and its as if a blue curtain of tropical ocean fills the sky. Mabibi camp, topical forest provides a camping paradise. Soft white sand under you feet and the roar of the ocean in the back ground. This is food for the body and soul.

Down to the beach where turtle nests are marked by the research team. Leather back turtles comes here year after year to nest. And who knows if you might be in this lost eden on the right time, November to February, you might have a glance a the trance state of a leatherback mom as she lays her eggs one by one.

Waves running to shore like the wild horses of Aus, crushing their hoofs deep into the earth, thundering down the long stretches of white sand.

 

Another day has come and gone. Moments that one can never hold in your hands again. But memories etched in your mind forever. Softly the fire burns in the night and the strong aroma of seafood fills the air. Traditional seafood potjie is on the menu tonight, and the restaurant, Mother Nature’s beach, lit up by stars and the moon. Moments like this are forever….

 

Join me as we travel further North in this forgotten paradise.