iSimangaliso Wetland Park

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General Information

iSimangaliso Wetland Park, formerly known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, was listed as South Africa’s first World Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1999.

The name iSimangaliso means “miracle” in Zulu and appropriately describes this beautiful and magical place. The Park spans over 3 000kms of coast, grasslands, wetlands, forests and lakes. This incredible slice of South African beauty extends from Maphelane in the south to Kosi Bay in the north bringing together eight inter-locking ecosystems and 10 exceptional destinations.

The Park includes:

Coastal forest which is only accessible by off-road vehicles
Eastern shores / Cape Vidal
False Bay
Kosi Bay
Lake Sibaya - Southern Africa's largest natural freshwater lake
Lake St Lucia
Maphelane
Sodwana Bay
uMkhuze – a bird watcher’s paradise as more than 420 species of birds can be found here
Western shores / Charters Creek

Accommodation in iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Accommodation offered includes self-catering tents and cabins, cottages and lodges. For accommodation advertisers please click here.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Activities

There is so much to see and do within the Park including:

Over 220kms of pristine and protected beaches
Bird watching – the bird life is prolific and truly spectacular
Deep sea fishing - ideal for game fishing
Estuary boat cruises
Game drives – including the Big 5
Guided walks
Kayaking
Scuba diving
Horse riding
Turtle tours – be part of the ancient nesting rituals of Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles, which do not nest anywhere else in Africa
Whale watching