RegionElephant Coast
The eco-tourism mecca of South Africa's Zulu Kingdom
The Elephant Coast is a 220 km stretch of incredible pristine coastline that contains some of the most ecologically abundant and precious natural spaces in the world. Located in the northern section of KwaZulu-Natal along the Indian Ocean, the Elephant Coast is a sustainable traveller’s paradise. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, and South Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve, Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, the Elephant Coast boasts a huge diversity of wildlife and incredible natural beauty. Travellers can go on safaris to see the Big 5, visit various birding spots, experience breathtaking hikes, scuba dive in crystal clear waters, or stroll along secluded beaches admiring the massive forested sand dunes.
The Elephant Coast is a 220 km stretch of incredible pristine coastline that contains some ...
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Viatu Top Picks
Suggested Trip Templates
14 nights
The Best Self-Drive Safari & Beach Adventure: Explore 2 Countries in 2 Weeks
From $4,213 /person
- 16 nights
Bush to Beach: A Luxury KZN Safari, Drakensberg Escape and Coastal Adventure
From $6,114 /person
- 13 nights
Luxury Beach & Safari Adventure: Explore South Africa's Untamed East Coast
From $3,980 /person
0.608t CO₂
- 14 nights
Coast to Coast: Discover The Best of the Cape Winelands and KZN Safari Destinations
From $3,192 /person
Best time to go
FAQs
Best time to go to
The subtropical climate of the Elephant Coast offers visitors year-round warmth thanks to the Indian Ocean and closeness to Mozambique. The region has hot, wet summers and cooler, dry winters. With most of the rainfall occurring during the summer months, the best time to visit varies depending on what activities travellers would like to do. November and January are the best for tracking turtles, while whale watching is great between June and November. For the best beach weather, visit between April and September.
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Featured Stays
Discover the extraordinary
South Africa- •
andBeyond Phinda Homestead
Phinda Homestead integrates luxury, conservation, and adventures in untamed landscapes, an exquisite bush retreat.
From $1,040 /person
- South Africa
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andBeyond Phinda Mountain Lodge
Phinda Mountain Lodge offers sustainable luxury, interactive dining, wildlife adventures, and diverse conservation experiences amid stunning South African landscapes.
From $710 /person
- South Africa
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andBeyond Phinda Rock Lodge
Stone-sculpted suites boasting Zululand valley views in Phinda Private Game Reserve
From $1,026 /person
- South Africa
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andBeyond Phinda Vlei Lodge
Phinda Vlei Lodge seamlessly blends tranquility, exclusivity, and unmatched bush-to-beach adventures in pristine natural surroundings.
From $1,026 /person
- South Africa
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andBeyond Phinda Zuka Lodge
Phinda Zuka Lodge offers intimate luxury and untamed adventure with bush suites and wild wonders.
From $737 /person
- South Africa
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Ezulwini Game Lodge
Ezulwini Game Lodge offers wildlife, reserves, beaches, and cultural richness just an hour away.
From $33 /person
- South Africa
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Hluhluwe Bush Camp
Off-grid glamping tents overlooking iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s False Bay
From $46 /person
- South Africa
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Hluhluwe Bush Camp Glamping Village
Uncover luxury in our camp with well-appointed tents, amenities, and natural charm
From $26 /person
- South Africa
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Hluhluwe River Lodge
Find tranquility in our forest lodge, ideal for Hluhluwe wildlife explorations. Genuine hospitality awaits.
From $62 /person
- South Africa
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iGwalagwala Guest House
Nature's retreat, homey, authentic, near the Indian Ocean and wildlife.
From $42 /person
- South Africa
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Kosi Forest Lodge
A wilderness lodge hidden in Kosi Bay Nature Reserve’s coastal dune forest
From $236 /person
- South Africa
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Lidiko Lodge
Retreat in St Lucia village, near wetlands, beaches, and unique wildlife.
From $48 /person
- South Africa
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Little Eden St Lucia
A Self-catering Haven Near Beach, Restaurants, and Wetland adventures
From $32 /person
- South Africa
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Luxury Tents @ Urban Glamping
A luxury tented stay in the lush St Lucia
From $53 /person
- South Africa
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Makakatana Bay Lodge
Explore iSimangaliso Wetland Park at this beach safari getaway on Lake St Lucia
From $434 /person
- South Africa
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mFulaWozi Wilderness Biyela Lodge
Explore Zululand's Untamed Beauty, Following in the Footsteps of Legends, and Encounter Wildlife Up Close
From $554 /person
- South Africa
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mFulaWozi Wilderness Mthembu Lodge
A 5-star lodge with incomparable wilderness views in the heart of Zululand
From $393 /person
- South Africa
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Ndiza Lodge & Cabanas
Privately-owned luxury lodge with panoramic views, genuine hospitality, and unforgettable experiences.
From $40 /person
- South Africa
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Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge
A luxury private safari lodge nestled in the Hluhluwe iMfolozi Park
From $260 /person
- South Africa
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Rhino River Lodge
Experience the perfect blend of comfort, nature, and South African hospitality at Rhino River Lodge.
From $219 /person
- South Africa
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Sodwana Bay Lodge Hotel Accommodation
A rustic, forested eco-lodge set on the beautiful beaches of Maputaland
From $64 /person
- South Africa
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The St Lucia Eco Lodge
Experience the wonders of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park at a relaxing eco lodge
From $40 /person
- South Africa
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Thonga Beach Lodge
A sustainability centred beach-side luxury lodge within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park
From $393 /person
- South Africa
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Turaco Guest House
Turaco Guesthouse in St Lucia offers a tranquil retreat with 4 inviting bedrooms and delightful breakfasts.
From $52 /person
- South Africa
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Umlilo Lodge
Umlilo Lodge: 4-star guesthouse in St. Lucia, surrounded by a World Heritage Site, blending relaxation and adventure.
From $58 /person
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What our travellers are saying
Because of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified Traveller
With super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified Traveller
What can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified Traveller
Our Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified Traveller
We had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified Traveller
Our South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified Traveller
I spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified Traveller
We booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified Traveller
We had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified Traveller
I had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified TravellerBecause of the easy way we communicated with our Viatu expert, it felt like planning our holidays with a friend. It made it really flexible and perfectly suitable for our needs. The accommodations that he suggested were just wonderful and a perfect mix of everything we needed.
Nicole
Verified TravellerWith super short notice, they organised a trip that was just perfect. Loved everything about it! Will definitely recommend Viatu to all my friends!
Margherita
Verified TravellerWhat can I say? We've had an absolute blast traveling through Namibia. Soooo many good new memories! We booked our trip a bit last minute but had amazing support from Viatu to get all the information in time.
Anna
Verified TravellerOur Viatu experience was just amazing, starting with the first discussions and the planning of our trip to Namibia. The Viatu team did a great job planning the trip according to our wishes and preferences.
Stefano
Verified TravellerWe had the most wonderful experience with Viatu and the trip of a lifetime. My sister and I travelled for 3,5 weeks through Namibia and South Africa, and everything was perfectly planned and just amazing.
Valerie
Verified TravellerOur South Africa vacation managed by Viatu based on our request turned out perfect. All logistics and transfers worked seamlessly with local professional personnel.
Svein
Verified TravellerI spent one of my most exciting and beautiful holidays with Viatu in Namibia. From unforgettable game drives, lodges with stunning locations, delicious food and an adventurous cycling trip through the desert, we got the full package.
Manuel
Verified TravellerWe booked our 3.5-week honeymoon with Viatu, and it was simply wonderful! We had the most amazing time in South Africa and will book holidays with Viatu again!
Linda
Verified TravellerWe had an incredible journey with Viatu and many unforgettable memories in South Africa. The journey was tailor-made to our wishes and the communication with Alex really easy, friendly and helpful. All the information was accessible online at any time, nicely presented and structured in an overview.
Michèle
Verified TravellerI had a once in a lifetime trip with Viatu. It was extremely exciting, adventurous and diverse! As my first trip, I found it to be very enjoyable. Everything was totally planned out from A to Z.
Irina
Verified Traveller