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Nestled behind South Africa’s sand dunes and plush greenery sits Sodwana Bay – a not-so-hidden gem that caught with author Jade McGee lengthy after she visited the coastal vacation spot.
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As Christmas got here to an finish in 2023, I started packing for a easy SCUBA vacation with the household. Regardless of having been to Sodwana 10 years earlier, I felt the anticipation of an unseasoned traveller rising in my abdomen. I used to be 14 the final time I had visited there, with one factor on my thoughts – getting tan.
However now that I used to be older, I might expertise the tranquillity of Sodwana for the primary time, with contemporary eyes, a renewed sense of function, and an urgency to get again into the ocean sporting a wetsuit, fins, a masks, and a cylinder.
From Joburg, the drive went on for about 8 hours. It most likely might have gone a little bit quicker, however the N2 is a little bit treacherous and riddled with potholes. The shortage of usable street ready us and the BMW for the journey forward, as Sodwana doesn’t precisely have tarred roads. You gained’t want a totally geared up 4×4 to take pleasure in your time there, however simply take into account that sand is in every single place.
When you (as a passenger) can keep awake for the drive, you’ll be handled to a few of SA’s most stunning sights and older cities. Particularly when you enter northern KZN – the place you’ll get a peak of some unbelievable mountains, and hectares upon hectares of pineapple farms. Imagine it or not – much more attention-grabbing than corn fields (I stated what I stated).
When you hit Hluhluwe, you may spot a wild animal or two – though we weren’t so fortunate this time round.
Once we arrived in Sodwana, and let our tyres down, it was late. However I couldn’t assist however admire the shortage of industrialism, the shortage of cell service, and the realisation that I might lastly recharge after an extended 12 months.
The quaint city has one sandy street stretching by way of it, which turns into tarred as you drive in the direction of the reserve, and alongside that street sits just a few selection lodging choices, a number of eating places (belief me – you gained’t go hungry right here), diving and fishing charters, and curio retailers. That’s it. And it’s fantastic.
I felt transported to a distinct nation as soon as we drove into Sodwana Bay, secluded from the noisiness of metropolis life. Having lived on the coast and in Gauteng for a while, I treasured the calm, and ease that Sodwana provides. As I sit right here, reminiscing about my December vacation, I crave the peace and the sand on my ft….
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Whereas Sodwana is thought for its unbelievable diving (which nonetheless awes divers from all around the world with over 100 dives underneath the belts) and fishing experiences, it’s a spot for everybody to take pleasure in.
I took this little household vacation as a chance to share what first-timers might count on – and it’s easy: good meals and a recharged physique and soul.
Instagram | @msenibeachlodge
We ate out each night time of our vacation, and every meal blew us away. I’ve travelled to Rome, Florence, and Amsterdam, and in some circumstances, the meals tasted higher than a number of the famend worldwide eating places I’ve eaten in. EAT had the perfect hen alfredo I’ve ever tucked into, and The Lighthouse had essentially the most delicious toasted sandwiches, ever.
For a little bit of a splurge, we went to Mseni Seaside Lodge for a late lunch midway by way of our journey. The restaurant sits contained in the reserve, overlooking the bay. Your 360-degree view is made up of a hanging blue ocean and kilometres of lush forestry. And the meals? Impeccable.
Instagram | @msenibeachlodge
The seaside in Sodwana is clear, lengthy, and broad. Avoiding the dive charters is straightforward sufficient that you simply gained’t really feel such as you’re in the midst of a launch web site – although you might be. These not eager to strive SCUBA diving (though you need to, it’s an expertise price grabbing) can guide sport drives, strive snorkelling, mountain climbing, or just chill out on the seaside.
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As a ‘first timer’ Sodwana could be a shock to the system. Those that haven’t travelled to Mozambique or are used to holidaying in KZN and Cape City may be stunned on the rustiness of the city. However, when you wash the make-up off and throw on a cozzie, you’ll relish within the tranquillity.
Sodwana is a vacation spot that everybody is aware of about – both by way of SCUBA Divers or fishermen they know, or as a result of they’ve holidayed in Hluhluwe or Kosi Bay. However seldom do folks add it to their South African journey bucket lists.
You gained’t consider what an unbelievable (and inexpensive) expertise Sodwana actually is till you go to. You don’t must be a SCUBA diver or fisherman to take pleasure in this journey, R&R is sufficient of a cause to make the journey. So why not add it to your checklist?
Written by Jade McGee for Girl&Residence.
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