One of the top dive sites in the world with an unspoilt coastline and tropical reefs

Sodwana Bay is the laid-back, unspoiled jewel of the KwaZulu-Natal north coast. Situated in the Maputaland Marine Protected Area, Sodwana Bay is world-renowned for scuba diving, offering a paradise for watersports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Home to more than 1.200 species of marine life, Sodwana Bay is known for marine megafauna such as whale sharks, great white sharks, leatherback turtles, and coelacanths. From June to November, travellers can look forward to humpback and southern right whales travelling past the Sodwana coast on their journey to their tropical calving grounds off the coast of East Africa.

Highlights

1
Explore Sodwana Bay’s reefs and rich marine life with an exciting scuba diving session.
2
See the Big 5 on a thrilling safari drive at Hluhluwe-Imfolozi Park, Africa’s oldest nature reserve.
3
Learn more about leatherback and loggerhead turtles when visiting iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
4
Grab your binoculars and go birding with an extensive hike along Lake Sibaya North.

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Best time to go to Sodwana Bay

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Sodwana Bay has a humid subtropical climate with water temperatures usually above 20°C and up to 29°C in the summer, perfect conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling along the bay. The summer months run from September to May, with February being the wettest month in the rainy season. This is the best time for birding in Lake Sibaya or observing the arrival of ragged-tooth sharks, manta rays, and nesting turtles during seasonal migration as the water is at its warmest this time of the year.

Featured Sodwana Bay stays

Sodwana Bay Lodge Hotel Accommodation

A rustic, forested eco-lodge set on the beautiful beaches of Maputaland
From$65 /ppn
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