Cape Vidal South Africa
For those special moments in your life!
Cape Vidal, South Africa Overview
Cape Vidal may be accessed from the quaint town of St Lucia. The park is known as iSimangaliso Wetland Park and is truly enormous. Starting in the South (Mphelane Lighthouse) to the border of Mozambique in the North. Please do take note that Mkuze Game Reserve is now also part of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Traveling to Cape Vidal is done from St Lucia, en route to Cape Vidal one will be absolutely surprised by the incredible beauty and splendid wildlife. From St Lucia to Cape Vidal 32 km however there are numerous loop roads, hides, and more to visit especially Mission rocks situated halfway between Cape Vidal and St Lucia.
Cape Vidal, South Africa has for years been very popular however since its world heritage status (iSimangaliso Wetland Park) in 1999 the area has truly become a top destination while in the province of KwaZulu Natal. iSimangaliso Authority has for years seen the upgrading of infrastructure and amenities throughout the last few years thus ensuring your experience while in the park.
Once at Cape Vidal South Africa
Accommodation Style: Log Cabins, Camping and Lakeside Bush Lodge (Bhangazi Lodge)
Activities: Swimming, Snorkeling, Rock and Surf fishing (permit required), Deep Sea Fishing
Highlights: Wildlife within the camp and surrounding area, Turtle Nesting, and Ocean Activities
The bay of Cape Vidal offers some extraordinary snorkeling opportunities while in a protected bay. Witness a wide array of fish species including some game fish. Keep an eye out for the Dolphins and during the winter months Humpback Whales as they migrate past.
Why not enjoy a picnic, please note that there is a small convenience shop however it is advisable to take all food along.
Cape Vidal Beach
Launching in Cape Vidal South Africa
There is a dedicated launch site for deep sea boats, please do ensure that your vessel is surveyed and does have all the required safety equipment at all times as you may be checked prior to launching. All vessels are also required to have fishing permits which are attainable from the St Lucia Post Office. Note that skippers are required to have additional permits, please. The launch site in Cape Vidal also has a limited amount of vessels allowed to launch please do inquire at the launch office. It is also important to know how many fish species are allowed to be caught per angler.
Snorkeling Cape Vidal South Africa
Snorkeling in Cape Vidal has to be done at specific times only, this is due to rip currents during the incoming and outgoing tides. The best Times to snorkel is 1 hour before and after high tide. Please be on the lookout for vessels launching and beaching while snorkeling and stay within the designated snorkeling area. Snorkeling in the area is very impressive with a wide variety of fish species. Please note that removing of Crayfish is not permitted.
Wildlife in and around Cape Vidal
Cape Vidal falls within in the Eastern Shores of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Wildlife within this section of the park include:
- Black & White Rhino
- Buffalo
- Leopard
- Elephant (occasionally migrate from the Western Shores)
- Kudu, Waterbuck, RietBuck, Duiker, Hippos, Hyenas
- Abundance of Birdlife
Numerous smaller wildlife species as well.
Camping in Cape Vidal South Africa
Cape Vidal has a large camping area, however, due to popularity, they do get booked up early especially over the festive season. All camp spots do have electricity points with ablution blocks.
Log Cabins Cape Vidal South Africa
The Log Cabins offer one an ideal way to enjoy this magnificent area with the sound of the ocean at night. For bookings please call Ezemvello KZN Wildlife.
Cape Vidal Gate Times
Opening and closing times:
April to October 06h00 to 18h00
November to March 05h00 to 19h00
Visitors overnighting within the Park: R8.00 per person per night
Community Levy: R5.00 per person
Launching a Vessel: R100.00 per vessel
Cape Vidal Entry Fees (Eastern Shores & Cape Vidal)
Per Person
- Adults: R51.00
- Children (under 12yrs): R37.00
Vehicle Entry Rate
- 1-5 people: R61
- 6-12 people: R90
- 13-20 people: R124
- 21+ people: R213
Cape Vidal Distances
- Cape Vidal to St Lucia Town 32 km
- Cape Vidal to Hluhluwe Town 110 km
- Cape Vidal to Imfolozi Park 83 km
- Cape Vidal to Durban 260 km
Cape Vidal Organised Tours & Safaris
Heritage Tours & Safaris would like to invite you on a full or half day safari tour to explore and discover this incredible area on Safari. The company offers open game drive safaris departing daily from St Lucia and they will absolutely ensure that you not only get to enjoy discover and learn more about this the very first world heritage site in South Africa. The full day safari tours include game drive, snorkeling with a traditional braai lunch. Sit back and enjoy the loop roads, hides and much more. The half day tours include game drive and snorkeling at Cape Vidal.