iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Location: KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a protected area located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. It covers a diverse range of ecosystems, including beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, lakes, and coastal forests. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several species that are rare or endangered.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of iSimangaliso Wetland Park include:
History: The area that is now iSimangaliso Wetland Park has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. The park is home to several sites of archaeological and historical significance, including the remains of a 19th-century trading station and the Ophathe Game Reserve, which was established in the 1930s to protect wildlife from hunting and poaching.
Fun Fact: The name "iSimangaliso" means "miracle" or "wonder" in the Zulu language, and was chosen to reflect the park's exceptional natural beauty and diversity.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a variety of activities in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, including game drives, birdwatching, snorkeling, and boat tours.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for iSimangaliso Wetland Park varies depending on the type of vehicle and the number of passengers. As of 2023, the fees are as follows:
How to Reach It: The park is located in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, and is accessible by road or air. The nearest major airport is King Shaka International Airport in Durban, which is about a 3-hour drive from the park. There are also several shuttle services and private tour operators that offer transportation to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, including campsites, chalets, and lodges. Some of the most popular options include:
Year of Inscription: 1999
Criteria: (vii) to contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance;
(viii)to be outstanding examples representing major stages of earth's history, including the record of life, significant on-going geological processes in the development of landforms, or significant geomorphic or physiographic features;
(x) to contain the most important and significant natural habitats for in-situ conservation of biological diversity, including those containing threatened species of outstanding universal value from the point of view of science or conservation.
Overview: iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a protected area located in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. It covers a diverse range of ecosystems, including beaches, coral reefs, wetlands, lakes, and coastal forests. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including several species that are rare or endangered.
Prominent Features: Some of the most notable features of iSimangaliso Wetland Park include:
- St Lucia Estuary: A large estuary system that is home to a diverse array of aquatic species, including crocodiles, hippos, and several species of fish and birds.
- Coastal dunes: The park includes several stretches of coastal dunes, some of which are among the highest in the world.
- Coral reefs: The park contains several coral reefs, which are home to a variety of marine species, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
- Wetlands: iSimangaliso Wetland Park contains several important wetland areas, including the Mkuzi and Sibaya wetlands, which are important breeding grounds for waterbirds.
- Game reserves: The park includes several game reserves, including Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which is home to the "Big Five" (lions, elephants, leopards, rhinoceroses, and Cape buffalos).
History: The area that is now iSimangaliso Wetland Park has been inhabited by humans for thousands of years. The park is home to several sites of archaeological and historical significance, including the remains of a 19th-century trading station and the Ophathe Game Reserve, which was established in the 1930s to protect wildlife from hunting and poaching.
Fun Fact: The name "iSimangaliso" means "miracle" or "wonder" in the Zulu language, and was chosen to reflect the park's exceptional natural beauty and diversity.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can enjoy a variety of activities in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, including game drives, birdwatching, snorkeling, and boat tours.
Entry Fees: The entry fee for iSimangaliso Wetland Park varies depending on the type of vehicle and the number of passengers. As of 2023, the fees are as follows:
- Car with up to 5 passengers: 220 ZAR (about 15 USD)
- Minibus with 6-10 passengers: 550 ZAR (about 38 USD)
- Bus with more than 10 passengers: 1,100 ZAR (about 77 USD)
How to Reach It: The park is located in northeastern KwaZulu-Natal, and is accessible by road or air. The nearest major airport is King Shaka International Airport in Durban, which is about a 3-hour drive from the park. There are also several shuttle services and private tour operators that offer transportation to the park.
Where to Stay: There are several accommodation options within iSimangaliso Wetland Park, including campsites, chalets, and lodges. Some of the most popular options include:
- Mysteriously Yours - This lodge is located in the heart of the St. Lucia Wetlands and offers a unique, eco-friendly experience. The lodge is built in the shape of a Zulu shield and features natural materials like thatch, reeds, and wood. It has a restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool, and offers various activities like bird watching, hiking, and cultural tours.
- Makakatana Bay Lodge - This luxury lodge is situated within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and overlooks the Lake St. Lucia estuary. It has spacious, well-appointed rooms and suites, a restaurant and bar, and a pool. The lodge offers game drives, bird watching, and boat cruises.
- Lidiko Lodge - This boutique guesthouse is located in the historic town of St. Lucia and is a short drive away from the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. It has stylish rooms and suites, a swimming pool, and a tranquil garden. The lodge offers various activities like guided walks, horse riding, and boat cruises.
- Monzi Safari Lodge - This lodge is situated in a natural sand forest near the town of St. Lucia and offers comfortable, rustic accommodation. It has a restaurant, bar, and outdoor pool, and offers activities like bird watching, hiking, and fishing.
- Bhangazi Lodge - This lodge is located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park and overlooks the Lake St. Lucia estuary. It has spacious rooms with private decks, a restaurant and bar, and a swimming pool. The lodge offers game drives, bird watching, and boat cruises.