FIVE MUST-DO-THINGS!

1 SEE THE TURTLES December to February is breeding time for loggerhead and leatherback turtles. It is the only place in the country where you can see these unique creatures lay their eggs and witness the babies hatch.

2 DIVE OR SNORKEL This part of the coast is also known for stunning coral reefs and a variety of fish species. In Sodwana Bay and Ponta do Ouro there are various operators that will take you to the best diving spots. (You don’t have to be Jacques Cousteau either. I’ve snorkelled a kilometre or three offshore with a diving operator and the water was a balmy 28°C. – Jaco)

3 TAKE THE BACK ROADS The unspoilt nature of this coastline is the reason for a mass of sand tracks that cuts through beautiful scenery from one place to another. Just remember your GPS with a Tracks4Africa map. It’s easy to lose your bearings on this cobweb of tracks.

4 RELAX ON THE BEACH The unspoilt beaches on this route are some of the most spectacular in the country and they are mostly deserted. After driving for a day or two to reach these places you deserve to treat yourself and enjoy the solitude in all its glory. I mean, who doesn’t love the beach?

5 HOP OVER THE BORDER If you are travelling to Kosi Bay you might as well bring your passport and drive across the border to Mozambique. Ponta do Ouro and Ponta Malongane are only about 25km from Kosi Bay, so soon enough you’ll be sitting on the beach with an ice cold 2M beer or even the infamous R&R (rum and raspberry cooldrink)!