Golden Gate Highlands National Park (Free State Province) to Sodwana Bay (KwaZulu-Natal Province, North Coast)

Welcome to our road trip of December 2021. We are travelling by car across South Africa (from the west coast → north coast → KZN south coast → back to the west coast). The distance we will cover, will be around 5,000km (3,106 miles).

Our main purpose for this trip, besides seeing places we have not seen before, is for Berto to scuba dive in Sodwana Bay and then to be a little more adventurous … diving with sharks in the ocean in Umkomaas on the south coast of KwaZulu-Natal. We hope to share lots of pictures to show you our beautiful country.

Accommodation – Day 4 to Day 10:

Coral Divers at Sodwana Bay

It was time to get back on the road again. Today – via Durban to Sodwana Bay – we intend to travel more than 700km (434 miles) on the main roads. This meant that we would face more traffic, but at least there would be fewer potholes.

We left just after 7 o’clock and hooray for no rain! We will still drive about 20km through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park. This road winds through some of the most spectacular scenery South Africa has to offer and we hoped to see some wild animals during the drive as well.

More stunning geological formations on the road
Driving through the Lichens Pass at the Golden Gate Highlands National Park

And we were lucky … we saw many different antelopes near the road as we drove through the park. Since it was early morning, we were just about the only people and so could occasionally stop safely along the way to take some pictures.

Wild antelopes close to the road

After passing through the Golden Gate Highlands National Park, we passed the village of Phuthaditjhaba (I tried in vain to pronounce this name). From there we followed the road to Harrismith and then took the N3 highway to Durban.

The perfect highway for the next 300km to Durban

Somewhere along the way, we stopped at a garage to refuel the car, which was also a golden opportunity for a hot cup of takeaway coffee. I love these ‘pit stops’ on our road trips.

A takeaway coffee for the road
An enjoyable dual carriageway

Howick Falls

As we drove, I read in our tour atlas that we would drive past the town of Howick. It reminded me of something I learned many moons ago in primary school – there is a waterfall in Howick. I convinced Berto to take the turnoff so we could view this waterfall.

The Howick Falls

Howick Falls is a 95-meter (310 feet) cascade into a broiling, restless pool – regarded by the local Zulus with grave superstition and said to be the place of the spirits of ancestors. Local legend believes that in the pool lives a giant snake-like creature and probably because of this, only sangomas are safe close to the falls.

The Howick Falls’ other name is KwaNogqaza (“The place of the tall one”)
Some other well-known falls are mentioned here

On our way to the waterfall, we walked past colourful art and craft stalls of the locals. I couldn’t resist buying something colourful for our Christmas table.

Colourful handmade items
There are a variety of items on sale
My choice fell on this red Christmas reindeer – made of wire and beads

Then it was time to brave the busy highway between Pietermaritzburg and Durban. Durban is the largest city of the KwaZulu-Natal province and the third most populous city in South Africa. But I’m assuming some of our blogger friends still won’t think it’s a busy highway when they look at the photo below.

Driving on the outskirts of Durban

But fortunately, we soon left the busy highway behind and followed the N2 to the north.

The N2 highway, on our way to Sodwana Bay

As we took the turnoff to Hluhluwe, dark clouds gathered in front of us. I worriedly said to Berto that it didn’t really look like beach weather to me!

Threatening rain clouds on our way to Sodwana Bay

On this stretch of road, we must always drive carefully. It’s not really cars that pose a danger on the road, but rather animals that assume the road belongs to them.

Goats next to the road – you never know which way they want to go
And cattle … in no hurry to leave the road

Ah, and then, finally, we reached the tree-lined road that took us to Sodwana Bay National Park – located in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

A beautiful stretch of road – we are now very close to our destination

We will be staying here at Coral Divers for the next 6 days – a favourite spot among scuba divers (and their families).

After 2200km, we are finally here

Coral Divers is a PADI 5-star resort and diving center. But don’t be fooled … you will not find high-rise buildings, restaurants and pubs here. Although the accommodation, which is in the form of cabins, is rustic, it is equipped with bedding and bath towels – some have air conditioning, while others have fans. For us, it’s the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city for the next week.

Our cabin at Coral Divers
Love the bathroom – when you’re in the shower, there’s no roof over your head. Have you ever tried to shower in the rain where there’s no roof? It’s a fun experience!

But you don’t quite miss out on the luxuries when you’re at Coral Divers. They have a sparkling clean pool for visitors to enjoy. There is also a bar and restaurant where you can sit down for delicious meals. But if you prefer to prepare your food yourself – such as to braai – they also have that facility.

Swimming pool at Coral Divers
Time to relax at the braai area

It’s great to be back at Sodwana Bay (and Coral Divers) after our last visit about a year ago. As always, we had a braai on the very first evening!

Corn on the hot coals to be enjoyed with a lamb chop and a grilled sandwich (the traditional South African ‘braaibroodjie’)

I know, we haven’t even shown you the beach yet! But don’t worry, in our next post we’ll take you there … yes, even if it’s raining.

You can read about the beach here.