South Africa Travel Forum

Have any Virtual Tourists been to Sodwana Bay recently?? I have eight spare days in Africa from the 5th of August. I would like to dive, kite-surf and fish. Are all these possible at Sodwana?? Is it an OK time of the year?? How would I get there from J'burg?? Any recommendations on where to stay??
Thank you in anticipation,
Happy traveling,
Bruce

Go to the page of mikeatsea he has a top 5 page on Sodwana.
You should be able to kitesurf, fish, dive and snorkel there.
Easily accessed from Durban (if you are flying there)

Hi. Yes, you should be able to do all of the above. Diving is meant to be especially good. August should be nice - it can get very humid in the SA summer. However it's unpredictable - you could end up with rain and wind. But it shouldn't be properly cold. Best options to get there are to either:

1) Fly. 1.5 hours from Joburg. You might consider flying to Richards Bay rather than Durban because it's closer. However less airlines fly there. 1time, Mango, SAA, Kulula or BA are main internal airlines in SA.

2) Drive direct. Head down N3 for 6 hours to Durban then take N2 up the coast to Sodwana (probably another 1.5 hours).

3) Given the time you have, there are some pretty cool driving options. I've done the same trip taking the N4 to Nelspruit (you're very near Kruger so could do a bit of safari), turn off to Barberton before heading though Swaziland.

[Below is an extract from my website because it's one of my favourite drives in the world!

Certainly not the quickest route to Swaziland from the Kruger area. But definitely one the most scenic ways to get from one country to another in the world! Until the road is fully upgraded, this requires a sense of adventure - it can’t be rushed and at times you are driving on dirt tracks with many potholes but we’ve done it twice in saloon car, including in torrential rain, and had no problems.

From Baberton you climb rapidly up to Saddleback Pass through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. The road is tarred and in good condition, and you’re grateful for that because the drops are not worth thinking about. Every corner presents you with a kaleidoscope of changing views down to remote valleys sprinkled with mud huts and waterfalls.

Near to the Swaziland border the road becomes a dirt track, however it’s in relatively good condition and in the process of being upgraded. Finally you round a corner and you’re at the border crossing – a series of small buildings and huts staffed by a few sleepy guards. Guantanamo Bay this is not. The lack of queues and self-important border guards contrasts refreshingly with the more commonly used Oshoek Border Gate.

On the Swaziland side the road descends slowly through intense forest and plantations on a poor, but passable road. Take your time because potholes probably lie around the next switchback! This used to be big mining country, so you can see a lot of signs of human habitations, but most the settlements feel like ghost towns now. Once you hit the highway at Piggs Peak it’s a quick dash down to Malolotja Nature Reserve, Mbabane and beyond.]

From Piggs Peak you can dash through Mbabane - Big Bend - Sodwana. This trip would probably take 3 days, although you could do it in 2 hard days. But they are definitely not wasted: you get to see the most amazing 'off-the-beaten-track' (and safe) parts of Southern Africa.

Enjoy! If you need recommendations on where to stay, get in touch.

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply.
Great advice.
Iam looking forward to my holiday.
Cheers,
Bruce