PRACTICAL GUIDE · ROADS

Where the tar ends

Where ordinary-road travel gives way to sand tracks in Maputaland, and when a 4x4 or a lodge transfer is the sensible call.

The main towns are not the difficult part

Hluhluwe, Mbazwana and Manguzi are all on the paved network. The question is what happens after you leave those roads for Kosi Mouth, Bhanga Nek, Lala Nek, Mabibi and the other coastal destinations.

Kosi Mouth and the remote coast

Deep sand is normal on the final approaches to most of the far northern coast. A route that looks short on a map can take a long time, and track conditions change with rain, traffic and maintenance. If you're travelling independently, treat a proper 4x4 as the default unless the property tells you otherwise.

Sodwana is different

Reaching the Sodwana and Mbazwana area is straightforward in an ordinary vehicle. Dive launches and specific beach access are managed through the protected area and the operators, so follow the instructions that come with your booking.

Ask the property, not the app

Your accommodation knows what the final road is like today. A mapping app knows that a line exists. Those are not the same thing.

This guide summarises the access information used on the Coastal Forest, Kosi, Sodwana and Getting Here pages. Always confirm current conditions before you leave the tar.