Mabibi, Elephant Coast
Set in the remote region of the Maputuland coast in KwaZulu Natal, Mabibi lies between Lake Sibaya and Sodwana Bay, forming part of the Kosi Bay coastal forest reserve.
It's one of Natal's most spectacular coastlines. But what makes it even more enticing is that it is the only tropical dive site in the country and lies alongside Africa's most southern coral reefs - you can understand why people don't talk about it much. Who would want to broadcast some of the best diving in the world?
The reefs off Mabibi are home to more than 1200 species of fish, and the warm waters attract schools of bottlenose dolphin, sharks, whale sharks and turtles. The turtles in particular are reason to visit Mabibi during February and March to see the hatchlings mad dash for the ocean, just moments after emerging from their eggs.
The crystal clear water provides ideal conditions for most of the year, due to the subtropical weather in Mabibi and the warmth of the Indian Ocean. Snorkelling and scuba diving are without equal in the rest of the country on this bit of coastline.
Possibly the most attractive aspect to staying in Mabibi is its seclusion. The sheltered beach lies bordered by beautiful rocky outcrops and dune forest sweeps away from the beach. Add to this the element of sustainable tourism - Thonga Beach Lodge and the Mabibi campsite are part of the SappiWWF TreeRoutes Partnership, from which the local Mabibi community directly benefited during building and since, through a trust and employment - and the prospect of time out in Mabibi becomes more than enticing.
Travellers' Reviews
1 Review from SA-Venues.com travellers. All reviews are verified.
Verified review
We came to Mabibi with the express purpose of SCUBA diving but nothing could've prepared us! It really was like something out of National Geographic. The waters were so clear, it felt like we were floating on air and we saw plenty of very cool fish.
Grant (Durban)
In the vicinity
Hotels & other accommodation options
Thonga Beach Lodge
This intimate, luxury 24 bed lodge is nestled on the pristine coast of Maputaland, within the Isimangaliso Park. It's the ideal place to explore ...
Things to do in the area
Scuba Diving at Thonga Beach Lodge
Mabibi lies adjacent to Africa's southern-most coral reefs making it the only tropical dive site in South Africa. In global terms, Mabibi offers ...
Scuba Diving Courses at Thonga
Thonga Beach Lodge gives guests the opportunity to discover the incredible world beneath the waves. The lodge has a resident Instructor and offer...
Turtle Tracking at Thonga Beach Lodge
Research has shown that the mother returns to the same beach and that eggs are laid within metres of where the mother emerged as a hatchling year...
Mabibi Beach
Indulge in the serene ambiance of Mabibi Beach, cradled by verdant coastal forests and kissed by soft sands beckoning you to wander or simply bas...
Noteworthy attractions
Kosi Bay Nature Reserve
The Kosi Bay Nature Reserve is situated on the coast in the northern part of KwaZulu Natal and surrounds the Kosi Bay lake system. The system con...
Lake Sibaya
Lake Sibaya is the largest fresh water lake in South Africa with a surface area of 77 kmē and an average depth of 13 m. The lake was previously c...
Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park
The Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park was declared South Africa's first Natural World Heritage Site on 1 December 1999. It is considered South Afric...
Mapelane Nature Reserve
Mapelane Nature Reserve is the southernmost reserve within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The Mapelane Nature Reserve is situated on the south ba...
Ndumo Game Reserve
Ndumo Game Reserve (adjacent to the Tembe Elephant Park) is a small but impressive game reserve. Proclaimed in 1924 Ndumo Game Reserve is one of ...
Sodwana Bay National Park
The small Sodwana Bay National Park consists of a narrow coastal strip of forest covered sand dunes. Sodwana Bay National Park was proclaimed in ...
Tembe Elephant National Park
The largest African elephants in the world, along with rhino, buffalo, leopard, hippo and antelope species in a 300kmē park on the South Africa /...
Enseleni Nature Reserve
The Enseleni Nature Reserve is a small reserve of 293 hectares lying just inland from the town of Richards Bay, almost midway between Empangeni a...
Maputaland Marine Reserve
The Maputaland Marine Reserve lies within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, known as one of the 'jewels' of South Africa's coastline and a UNESCO de...
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FIND / South Africa Accommodation / KwaZulu Natal Accommodation / Elephant Coast Accommodation / Mabibi Accommodation