Back on the Road: Our Sodwana Adventure

After seven long months of transforming our tiny home on wheels into a cozy haven, with a lot of tears, sweat and cheers! We were finally ready to embark on our new adventure—one that promised to be more comfortable and longer-lasting than ever before.

With tearful goodbyes behind us and a sense of boundless anticipation, we hit the open road, steering our way northward, with Mozambique as our ultimate destination. Our first stop? The breathtaking shores of Sodwana, a place we had only dreamt of until now.

Nestled within the natural embrace of this paradise, we found ourselves at Flat Cat, our spirits soaring as we stepped into this hidden gem.
Owen, the groundskeeper and our gracious host, was quick to usher us to what he deemed the perfect spot. Spoiler alert: Owen wasn’t kidding! Flat Cat unveiled its charms with grounds and facilities meticulously maintained to perfection, and security was an absolute priority. Given that we were often the sole campers at the site, this was particularly reassuring. What truly set this place apart, however, was the service—it was nothing short of exceptional.

Our initial visit to the beach came with a surprise. It turns out that you have to pay for beach access in Sodwana. While there was a “free” parking option, safety and security was paramount for us. After some research and friendly inquiries, we discovered the Rhino card—a golden ticket granting free entry to the beach while requiring only a modest R7 per person levy. At R570 for two people, the Rhino card became our ticket to seaside bliss. Not to mention, it unlocked free entry to all Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife parks for an entire year. With this newfound freedom, we set out to explore Mkuze Game Reserve and the enchanting Kosi Bay River Mouth.

Weekends and holidays in Sodwana came with an exciting perk—you could drive right onto the beach! Our Saturday and Sunday mornings were often filled with awe-inspiring sunrise drives, though we did have to contend with some blustery beach days. Nevertheless, those early mornings were worth every gust.

A delightful surprise awaited us when Warrick’s brother and his partner and a friend joined us in Sodwana for a weekend. With the addition of another vehicle, we seized the opportunity to explore Lake Sibiya. The bumpy ride was a blast, and the breathtaking views at the end were the icing on the cake. Such escapades were made infinitely more memorable when shared with kindred spirits. However, we couldn’t help but acknowledge the challenges of traveling as a duo. Many 4×4 routes recommended traveling in pairs, a lesson we took to heart.

With the weekend drawing to a close, Daz and Kel and Jordyn set their sights on Kosi Bay, extending an invitation for Warrick to join them on an exciting fishing charter. The adventure was a resounding success, punctuated by the exploration of Kosi Bay River Mouth and enchanting snorkeling escapades.

Birdwatching had become an abiding passion for both Warrick and me. Though I was still a novice, Warrick possessed an impressive knowledge of avian wonders. Inspired by Daz, we decided to embark on the Fig Tree Forest bird walk at Mkuze Game Reserve before leaving. Unfortunately, our timing proved imperfect once again, as the park had just undergone controlled burning, leading the wildlife to seek refuge elsewhere. Nonetheless, our journey into the park was greeted by the adorable sight of two chubby leopard cubs, an unexpected encounter that filled our hearts with joy. An elephant roadblock, caused by a steadfast ellie that refused to budge, added a touch of excitement to our day, and we were also fortunate enough to spot wild dogs.

The bird walk itself was nothing short of extraordinary. Although we arrived late, courtesy of our ellie friends, the guide and fellow guests kindly waited for us, understanding that the best experiences are worth the wait. Our eyes were treated to the sight of an African Finfoot and several other winged wonders. The guide’s knowledge, combined with his passion, transformed the walk into an educational odyssey. While the elusive Pels Fishing Owl eluded us, the prospect of finding it one day only fueled our determination.

In truth, our personal assessment of Mkuze Game Reserve suggested a park in need of some TLC. The camping facilities were less than impressive, marked by non-functional power points, an empty swimming pool, and kitchen facilities overrun by nature’s relentless advance. However, the park’s natural splendor shone through, boasting serene hides ideal for wildlife observation. The bird walk alone justified our visit, showcasing the beauty that lay within the park’s core.

As we reluctantly packed our bags at the end of our month-long sojourn, bidding farewell to newfound friends and familiar landscapes, our hearts brimmed with anticipation. The road ahead beckoned, leading us into Mozambique’s embrace. Our journey continued, a tapestry of experiences woven with each passing kilometer, and we couldn’t wait to uncover what Mozambique had in store for us!