Visit the wreck of the Jolly Rubino where she lays along the Elephant Coast Just North of Cape St. Lucia on the Extreme Southern edge of the iSimangaliso wertland park of KZN South Africa

[Mbali Khumalo]

 

EKUPHELENI / MAPELANE / JOLLY RUBINO

FULL DAY TRIP R 800.00 per person

To book on this excursion send email to mbal...@gmail.com

 

This is a real Elephant Coast experience and offers you the opportunity to visit the wreck of the Jolly Rubino where she lies resting on the ocean floor. Ekupheleni or Journeys end in English was named by King Shaka, King of the Zulus, and this is the area where it is alleged that the Zulu nation mined for iron in much the same way that RBM is currently mining the Dunes Just South of the Mapelana area, removing the thick black layers of iron rich deposits, then cleaning these in water to remove as much sand as possible before melting the black sludge in clay pots.   The sand dunes in the Ekupheleni area are the tallest vegetated sand dunes in Africa, and are home to a wide variety of creatures, and there are no major predators or dangerous animals here, besides crocodiles and hippos on the Umfolozi flood plane side of the massive sand dunes.   This is a very special trip as we will be driving along the beach to the wreck of the Jolly Rubino. We are only allowed to go onto the beach three hours after high tide, and must be back off the beach 3 hours after low tide. This will dictate our departure times from St. Lucia, and we need to remember that the trip from St. Lucia to Mapelana takes about 1 and a half hours, and we will need to be there at least an hour before we go onto the beach to give us time to evaluate the situation, and discuss and arrange our trip details with the local conservation authorities   You may take your own fishing tackle and bait with but remember a fishing guide is available as an optional extra. The fishing guide will supply all tackle, bait and assist you with tying knots, making traces, casting and other fishing issues.   Remember bookings are essential for this trip

On the way to Ekupheleni we will cross the Umfolozi River, then drive through Banana farming areas Sugar cane farming area, plantations of Gum trees, Plantations of Pine trees , Thick Indigenous Dune forest Luscious swamp forests Rural villages of Sokhulu region And over some huge vegetated sand dunes.   During the drive to Ekupheleni from St. Lucia you may be fortunate enough to see some game and many birds, butterflies and smaller creatures especially within the indigenous forests and the park itself.   Once at Mapelana we will take some time to prepare to go onto the beach, ensuring that the tire pressure on the vehicle is correct and that the 4wd is engaged, and that we have forgotten nothing. We will  also offer you an opportunity to take a walk up the sand dunes to the look out point where you have some wonderful views of the Elephant Coast.   Once on the beach we will not be allowed to drive up and down as we please, so we will take a slow drive to the Jolly Rubino, and perhaps stop at some rock pools or good fishing spots. Those not interested in fishing may swim in the ocean if it is safe to do so or take a walk along the pristine Coastal dunes and relax in the sun.   We will spend some time at the Jolly Rubino so that those who want to take pictures can get the best possible shots. This is also the furtherest south that we have permission to drive, and those wanting to take a walk further down the beach will be welcome to do so before we head back. The total trip time will be about 11 to 12 hours, and include 2 light meals and some cool drinks