Your tranquil base for exploring Sodwana Bay and Northern KZN
Things to do
Experience world-class diving
Sodwana Bay boasts South Africa’s finest coral reefs, nourished by the warm Agulhas Current. As the only southerly reefs of their kind, they offer an unparalleled underwater experience. We operate our own private dive concession, Twobar Scuba, ensuring Emoyeni guests receive priority booking and the most favorable launch times. Whether you are a seasoned diver ready for a guided excursion or a beginner looking to take your first breath underwater with a NAUI-endorsed certification, our team provides expert-led diving directly from the lodge.
Book hereDeep-Sea Fishing
A few kilometres offshore, the mighty Agulhas
Current turns Sodwana into a game-fish
playground. Our trusted charter partners put
Emoyeni guests first – fully kitted boats,
experienced skippers and all tackle included.
Chase marlin, sailfish, tuna, dorado or wahoo
along the breathtaking iSimangaliso coastline.
Big strikes, epic fights and pure Indian Ocean adrenaline – whether it’s your first time or your hundredth. Just say the word and we’ll book your trip at the best local rates.
Big strikes, epic fights and pure Indian Ocean adrenaline – whether it’s your first time or your hundredth. Just say the word and we’ll book your trip at the best local rates.
Isimangaliso Wetlands Park
Part of South Africa’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, iSimangaliso
Wetland Park stretches 220 km along the northeast coast. Home to
pristine beaches like Sodwana Bay and a dazzling array of ecosystems—
coral reefs, wetlands, savanna and coastal forests—it boasts
exceptional biodiversity both on land and in its protected marine
reserve.
Snorkelling: Perfect for all ages and skill levels let you explore the underwater world without needing a full dive certification. Ask about our snorkel charters.
Turtle nesting tours: At night between November and March, majestic loggerhead and leatherback turtles haul out onto Sodwana’s beaches to lay their eggs. Join a guided open-vehicle night tour for a front-row seat to this ancient, awe-inspiring spectacle.
Whale watching: From June to November, humpback and southern right whales migrate along Sodwana’s coastline. Jump aboard our boat for close-up, breathtaking encounters with these ocean giants
Snorkelling: Perfect for all ages and skill levels let you explore the underwater world without needing a full dive certification. Ask about our snorkel charters.
Turtle nesting tours: At night between November and March, majestic loggerhead and leatherback turtles haul out onto Sodwana’s beaches to lay their eggs. Join a guided open-vehicle night tour for a front-row seat to this ancient, awe-inspiring spectacle.
Whale watching: From June to November, humpback and southern right whales migrate along Sodwana’s coastline. Jump aboard our boat for close-up, breathtaking encounters with these ocean giants
Big 5 Game Reserves
Tembe Elephant Park (55 min drive from Emoyeni) A true Big Five
reserve and home to over 150 elephants in seven breeding herds –
one of the best places in South Africa to see these gentle giants up
close.
Ndumo Game Reserve: (90 min drive) A birdwatcher’s paradise with more than 420 recorded species. Scenic pans fringed by majestic fever trees are home to basking crocodiles and abundant wildlife.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park: (90 min drive) Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve and a Big Five icon. With entrances near Mtubatubaand Hluhluwe, this is a must-visit for classic safari experiences.
Mkuze Game Reserve: (20 min drive from Emoyeni) Explore guided walks through ancient sycamore fig forests, spot hippos in Nsumo Pan, and enjoy world-class bird hides like kwaMalibala and kuMasinga. Taking the scenic route through Mkuze on the way from the N2 to Sodwana Bay is a rewarding alternative drive.
Ndumo Game Reserve: (90 min drive) A birdwatcher’s paradise with more than 420 recorded species. Scenic pans fringed by majestic fever trees are home to basking crocodiles and abundant wildlife.
Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park: (90 min drive) Africa’s oldest proclaimed game reserve and a Big Five icon. With entrances near Mtubatubaand Hluhluwe, this is a must-visit for classic safari experiences.
Mkuze Game Reserve: (20 min drive from Emoyeni) Explore guided walks through ancient sycamore fig forests, spot hippos in Nsumo Pan, and enjoy world-class bird hides like kwaMalibala and kuMasinga. Taking the scenic route through Mkuze on the way from the N2 to Sodwana Bay is a rewarding alternative drive.
Birding
This area boasts diverse habitats including coastal forests, lakes, wetlands,
grasslands, and beaches, supporting over 500 bird species across the park—
making it one of the richest avian areas in southern Africa.
N goboseleni Trail: A popular 3-hour self-guided or guided walking trail starting at the park reception. It winds through coastal forest and around Ngoboseleni Lake, offering easy terrain and excellent close-up views.
Lake Sibaya: South Africa’s largest freshwater lake, with 279 recorded species. Access via the southeastern shore gate.
Muzi Pan and surrounding areas: Further inland wetlands for waterbirds and coastal beaches for seabirds and scrub species.
N goboseleni Trail: A popular 3-hour self-guided or guided walking trail starting at the park reception. It winds through coastal forest and around Ngoboseleni Lake, offering easy terrain and excellent close-up views.
Lake Sibaya: South Africa’s largest freshwater lake, with 279 recorded species. Access via the southeastern shore gate.
Muzi Pan and surrounding areas: Further inland wetlands for waterbirds and coastal beaches for seabirds and scrub species.