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An estuary system at Kosi Bay and shallow reefs along the coast offer exceptional saltwater fly-fishing as well as superb rock and beach angling, while deep sea operators offer game fishing charters as well. Fishing activities are by no means restricted to the sea alone - at Nkwazi Fishing Lodge on Lake Jozini, anglers may also spin for tigerfish, rated by many afficionados as Africa's most exciting freshwater species. On a different note, close encounters with leatherback and loggerhead turtles may be arranged during November to February, but it is imperative that these evening walks are booked well in advance. For those visitors prepared to forgo the comforts of terra firm, a scuba diving excursion into the indigo domain of reef sharks and manta rays will be the highlight of their holidays. Bring your own gear or preferably arrange a dive charter with one of many professional operators who know the Maputaland coastline like the backs of their hand. Otherwise opt to drift in rock pools or above shallow tropical reefs, revelling in a safe snorkelling environment abundant with a myriad colourful creatures of the sea. Whichever way, sublime sightings of scorpion fish, eagle-spotted rays, sea cucumbers and groupers will remain with you for at least one lifetime. Or leave behind both land and water, defying gravity to take to the skies with a Zumat bush pilot to indulge in aerial sightseeing from a three-seater, fixed wing plane. Meeting the interesting people of Maputaland should feature high on the agenda of any visitor to the region. Explore the Makatini Flats along a scenic route traversing subsistence farms and spectacular sections of sand forest before boarding a canoe to paddle along below ancient sycamore figs and mahogany trees. Dine on traditional delicacies at Zeph's Tavern, indulge in a trance dance with a practicing sangoma or learn more about rural vegetable farming. Ultimately the choice is yours ... either cope with the rush hour traffic, the concrete mega-malls and the incessant cell phone ring tones or escape to Maputaland to experience the peaceful rush of what must be of the world's last truly wild places. Copyright © 2002 Jacques Marais. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the permission of the author is prohibited.
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