The Elephant Coast runs from north of Durban right up to the border with Mozambique, and offers an array of different experiences. Part of the coastline is incorporated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, whose ecosystems and wildlife are covered in the KwaZulu-Natal safari section of the website. Our focus here is on the northern stretch of the Elephant Coast. This is a wild and remote area, where coastal forests are deep and green, leading right up to the crests of the vast sand dunes set just back from the ocean. The forests are home to a huge array of wildlife, including monkeys, antelope and prolific birdlife. Offshore is equally dramatic, with whales, sharks and turtles all putting in an appearance for the intrepid snorkeller or scuba diver. Whilst not a classic beach destination in the Indian Ocean sense, it is still probably the best place to spend time on the beach in South Africa. In part this is due to the wonderful lodges you can find here, offering exclusivity, luxury and wonderful locations set on fringe between the forests and the beaches. These lodges offer a variety of ways to explore the beauty and wildlife of the region, or simply somewhere to relax and get away from it all.