Maputaland

Also known as ‘Elephant Coast’, Maputaland is the name given to an ecoregion lying between the foothills of the Drakensberg mountains and KwaZulu-Natal’s northern coast. It’s a unique environment made up of an array of ecosystems, from thick - from thick, humid bushlands and wood thickets close to the sea, cooler mountainous areas covered with meadows and forests to the east, and lower-lying, more arid plains featuring succulents and spiky vegetation to the south. A large part of Maputaland is made up of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its scenic beauty and rich animal life. Species found here include elephant, crocodile, hippo, rhino, giraffe, leopard and a colourful array of bird life. The coastal waters lapping the park’s shores are a marine reserve frequented by a kaleidoscope of marine life, including whales, dolphins, turtles and over 1000 fish species.