iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa's very first World Heritage site since 1999 (Unesco), it is also the third largest protected area in South Africa.
- Situated in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, this Wetland Park covers an incredible 332000 hectares. It's a place of wonder, miracles, and wildlife. The largest Estuarine system in Africa (St Lucia Estuary) 526 bird species and the second highest vegetated sand dunes are just some f the incredible sightings that await you while in iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
- iSimangaliso Wetland Park covers 10 unique destinations namely, Kosi Bay, Coastal Forest, Lake Sibaya, Sodwana, Mkuze Game Reserve, False Bay, Western Shores & Charters Creek, Lake St Lucia, Eastern Shores & Cape Vidal, and Mphelane.
It's without a doubt a wildlife paradise.
- There are 5 predominant interlinked ecosystems found in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The species list of iSimangaliso Wetland Park is of the lengthiest in the region. Over 6500 plant and animal species including 521 bird species. The diversity of habitats (Aquatic, Coastal, Wetland, and Terrestrial) supports an impressive array of animal species.
- Consisting of 13 separate but contiguous conservation units totaling 239 566 hectares and 85000 hectares of marine reserves. Conservation dates back to 1895 created by the Zululand government.
Featured Activities in the Wetland Park
The Wetland Park offers a diverse array of Activities ranging from Horse Back Safaris to Bird Watching.
Look out for the Turtle Spotting Tours from November to end February each year. Whale Watching from June to end November each year.
Nelson Mandela's Words
iSimangaliso must be the only place on the globe where the oldest land mammal (the rhinoceros) and the world’s biggest terrestrial mammal (the elephant) share an ecosystem with the world’s oldest fish (the coelacanth) and the world’s biggest marine mammal (the whale)
Nelson Mandela
The 10 Distinct areas within iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Kosi Bay
Primarily known for its traditional Tsonga fishing traps, Kosi Bay offers impressive scenery and history. Kosi Bay Estuary is situated a mere 2km from the Mozambique border.
Kosi Bay is interlinked by four lakes in Maputuland, KwaZulu Natal.
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Sodwana
This area is known as the top diving destination in South Africa. With numerous reefs and incredible selection of fish species it is no wonder.
Situated in the northern section of iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
Mphelane
A fisherman's paradise, with breath-taking views. Nestled in the vegetated sand dunes. Access from the N2 either from Mtubatuba or Richards Bay.
iSimangaliso Activities
Western Shores
This is a Big 4 Reserve with Buffalo, Rhino, Leopard and Elephant. The Western Shores Reserve is situated just outside of St Lucia Town prior to entering the village.
An incredible and magnificent area to wonder and explore. Numerous loop roads make for some adventurous safari's.
Lake St Lucia
Home to more than 800 Hippo's, 1000 Nile Crocodiles and an abundance of Bird species. This area is accessed from the town of St Lucia.
The ideal place to be memorised by the African Sunset.
Coastal Forest
Please note that this area is only accessible by 4x4, areas include Mbibi, Island Rock, Rocktail Bay and Black Rock. Pristine and breath taking.
iSimangaliso Activities
Lake St Lucia Activities
Hippo & Croc Boat Cruises, Birding, Nature Walks, Pristine Beaches and more.
Eastern Shores
Accessed from the town of St Lucia, this impressive and incredible reserve is home to the African Big 3, Rhino, Buffalo and Leopard.
This is one of the very few reserves that offer both wildlife sightings and access to the pristine beaches of Zululand. Home to the second highest vegetated dunes.