See South Africa's wildest animals from the water

South Africa's evocative Elephant Coast is one of the country's great natural attractions, boasting 21 different eco systems, ideal for adventure holidays in the wild.

The area is home to some of the world's tallest natural dunes, coral reefs, swamps and long rivers that snake through areas with a huge diversity of wildlife, both in the rivers and on the banks.

One of the most exciting safari adventures holidaymakers can have is a trip to the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa's first World Heritage Site.

A game viewing adventure on the waters of the wetlands takes in the region's stunning mountain and swamp scenery and animal species including buffalo, wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, elephant, impala, black rhino, lion, leopard, cheetah, hyena and jackal.

And that is just out of the water. Holidaymakers visiting the 64 kilometre-long St Lucia estuary will see hippos and crocodiles in large numbers - the area has the highest concentration of both animals on the continent.

One of the best ways of experiencing the estuary is on a boat. Though paddling in croc infested waters may seem dangerous, it is hippos that present the biggest threat.

Hippos are more dangerous to humans than any other mammal on the continent, able to charge down their victims at 40 kilometres per hour on land, and so are best viewed from the water.

Other predators lurking the waters of the estuary are the rugged tooth and Zambezi (Bull) sharks, which lucky paddlers might be able to spot from the boat.

The estuary is also known for its teeming bird life, more of which can be seen by the Hluhluwe Dam, further inland, which has over 300 different species, as well as families of hippos and the elusive Nile crocadile.

The dam is not always accessible for boat trips due to low water levels, so holidaymakers should check with their tour operator before booking.

More easily accessible is Shongweni Dam, around 30 minutes drive from Durban, located in a deep depression formed by the Mlazi, Sterkfontein and Ugede rivers.

The game reserve at the dam has 15 conservancies and also contains a bird sanctuary with over 200 different species recorded among the sandstone cliffs, deep gorges and valleys, forests and open plain, as well as being home to rhino and buffalo.

Not far from Shongweni is Krantzkloof Gorge nature reserve, where holidaymakers can see small antelopes, bush pigs, monkeys and several cats.

Among the tour operators offering safari holidays to the region are Nature Trek, Virgin Holidays, Iglu and Responsible Travel.

For more information on the KwaZulu-Natal province, see www.kzn.org.za

For more on the Shongweni Dam, see www.msinsi.co.za and for general information on South African Nature Reserves, see www.nature-reserve.co.za XXX