ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site found in the northern reaches of KwaZulu Natal province. The park stretches from the Mozambique border over 250km south to the mouth of the St Lucia Estuary and is South Africa's third-largest protected area. It is famous for the biodiversity found within a relatively narrow band of coastal forest and offers many adventure activities for travellers looking to enjoy the things Africa is best at providing - wildlife, sun and hospitality.
What to see
In the northern reaches of the park, around Kosi Bay and Rocktail Bay, visitors are able to see leatherback and loggerhead turtles crawling out of the sea to lay hundreds of eggs on the beach from October to February. When the eggs hatch, it is a made dash for survival as the hatchlings clumsily try to make their way into the sea before predators can pick them off. Very few hatchlings make it to adulthood, whereupon they will return to the same beach to lay their eggs.
Moving south, you will find Sodwana Bay, known as one of the best diving spots in South Africa. Scuba divers visit Sodwana Bay from to dive the coral reefs, host to a variety of Indian Ocean reef dwellers. Sand-tiger sharks are here from November to April to give birth, and whale sharks are often seen at this time of year too, mantas are often seen, and turtles are abundant along this part of the coast. Snorkellers can see lots of reef fish on shallow reefs, and in the winter Humpback whales and Southern Right whales migrate along the coast. Find more information about the diving in Sodwana on our Diving & Snorkelling page.
At its southern end, you will find the St Lucia Estuary, the largest Estuary in Africa and home to a large population of crocodiles and hippos. This is a popular holiday spot due to the wide sandy beaches with warm sea, the sundowner cruises on the estuary and the possibility of taking nature walks in the coastal forests, which are a bird lovers delight. The town of St Lucia is where most visitors choose to stay.
Hippos and crocodiles are not the only animals to be seen here. There is also the chance of seeing the Big 5 at Mkuze Game Reserve, as well as a number of other animals, such as nyala, giraffe, zebras, cheetahs and wild dogs.
Activities
There is a lot on offer here, especially in terms of water based activities. Scuba diving, snorkelling, sunset cruises, kayaking and game drives all feature in the activity lists of many of the towns and lodges found in iSimangaliso.
How to get there
The closest international airport to iSimangliso is King Shaka Airport in Durban, approximately 2.5 hours south of the park's southern fringes. There is also a closer regional airport at Richard's Bay, which is only 1.5 hours away. It is possible to rent a car and drive from either airport, or we can arrange road transfers for you. Driving from Johannesburg is also possible. This will take +- 6 hours.
What to see
In the northern reaches of the park, around Kosi Bay and Rocktail Bay, visitors are able to see leatherback and loggerhead turtles crawling out of the sea to lay hundreds of eggs on the beach from October to February. When the eggs hatch, it is a made dash for survival as the hatchlings clumsily try to make their way into the sea before predators can pick them off. Very few hatchlings make it to adulthood, whereupon they will return to the same beach to lay their eggs.
Moving south, you will find Sodwana Bay, known as one of the best diving spots in South Africa. Scuba divers visit Sodwana Bay from to dive the coral reefs, host to a variety of Indian Ocean reef dwellers. Sand-tiger sharks are here from November to April to give birth, and whale sharks are often seen at this time of year too, mantas are often seen, and turtles are abundant along this part of the coast. Snorkellers can see lots of reef fish on shallow reefs, and in the winter Humpback whales and Southern Right whales migrate along the coast. Find more information about the diving in Sodwana on our Diving & Snorkelling page.
At its southern end, you will find the St Lucia Estuary, the largest Estuary in Africa and home to a large population of crocodiles and hippos. This is a popular holiday spot due to the wide sandy beaches with warm sea, the sundowner cruises on the estuary and the possibility of taking nature walks in the coastal forests, which are a bird lovers delight. The town of St Lucia is where most visitors choose to stay.
Hippos and crocodiles are not the only animals to be seen here. There is also the chance of seeing the Big 5 at Mkuze Game Reserve, as well as a number of other animals, such as nyala, giraffe, zebras, cheetahs and wild dogs.
Activities
There is a lot on offer here, especially in terms of water based activities. Scuba diving, snorkelling, sunset cruises, kayaking and game drives all feature in the activity lists of many of the towns and lodges found in iSimangaliso.
How to get there
The closest international airport to iSimangliso is King Shaka Airport in Durban, approximately 2.5 hours south of the park's southern fringes. There is also a closer regional airport at Richard's Bay, which is only 1.5 hours away. It is possible to rent a car and drive from either airport, or we can arrange road transfers for you. Driving from Johannesburg is also possible. This will take +- 6 hours.
where to stay...
From our visits to the the iSimangaliso Wetlands, we have first-hand knowledge of the accommodation and below you can find the ones we most commonly use. Those include mainly our favourites sorted from low-key to deluxe, which are usually smaller hotels with very personalised service. Open, close, then open each tab again to display the images fully.
isimangaliso itineraries
You can view some sample itineraries including Isimangaliso that focus on land activities below, to get an idea about price and standard. If you are interested in different lodges or if you would like iSimangaliso to be part of a longer trip through South Africa or even other parts of Africa, click on the button at the bottom of the page, or contact us directly to discuss your project. For itineraries that include diving, please check out our diving & snorkelling page.
4-day Hluhluwe Safari & St Lucia Wetland Experience
includes internal transfers from ZAR 11,500 per person sharing interactive itinerary here |
4-day isiMangaliso Beach Break with Thonga Beach Lodge
includes internal transfers from ZAR 19,700 per person sharing STAY A 4TH NIGHT FOR FREE IN MAY, JUN & SEP 2022 interactive itinerary here |
9-day Rhino Ridge, Ghost Mountain & Thonga Beach Lodge
includes internal transfers
from ZAR 34,000 per person sharing
interactive itinerary here
includes internal transfers
from ZAR 34,000 per person sharing
interactive itinerary here
For some more safari itineraries incorporating KwaZulu Natal and some South- & Southern Africa combination itineraries, please click on the buttons below, or contact us directly for a bespoke itinerary.