Where to stay
There’s plenty of accommodation in Maputaland’s coastal strip. Here are the campsites where we either spent the night or investigated and found the facilities satisfactory.
Cape Vidal has 50 stands, all with electricity, under dense shade trees and next to the sea. It’s a popular resort so consider yourself lucky if you get a stand at short notice.
Price R280 pd out of season and R840 in peak season.
Contact * 033 845 1000 isimangaliso.com bookings@kznwildlife.com
The Futululu Caravan Park is located 17 km south of St Lucia and there are 35 stands under giant trees that cast more than enough shade. There is also a swimming pool and the management runs guided tours to surrounding attractions.
R250 pn for 4 people out of season and
R400 in the peak season.
Contact * 035 550 4431 futululu.co.za info@futululupark.co.za
Sodwana Bay has a total of 413 stands – some with power points and others without. The resort’s shop is a supermarket with everything you need for a wonderful holiday by the sea.
Price R230 pd out of season and R270 in the peak season.
Contact 033 845 1000 isimangaliso.com bookings@kznwildlife.com
The Mabibi Beach Camp has eight stands, each with a tap and braai area, but no electricity. The water is not potable and is only suitable for washing dishes and ablution facilities. Don’t rely on getting hot water in the showers.
R146 pppn (half price for children). Minimum R292 per stand.
Contact 035 474 1504 res@mabibibeachcamp.co.za mabibibeachcamp.co.za
The Kosi Bay Resort has 15 stands, all in shade and within walking distance from the lake. The narrow path with its sharp turns inside the resort makes it a bit difficult to tow an off-road caravan, but it is possible if you keep your head.
Price R230 pd out of season, and up to R660 in the peak season.
Contact 033 845 1000 isimangaliso.com bookings@kznwildlife.com
The Utshwayelo Kosi Mouth Lodge and Camp has 14 sites, most of which are fenced, all with water and electricity. There’s plenty of shade, but not all stands are level.
Price R235 pppn (R120 for children 6-12). Contact 082 909 3113 kosibay.info info@kosimouth.co.za