The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, stretches for 200 glorious kilometres, from the Mozambique border to Maphelane, at the southern end of Lake St Lucia. With the Indian Ocean on one side, and a series of lakes on the other (including Lake St Lucia), the 328,000- hectare park protects five distinct ecosystems, offering everything from offshore reefs and beaches, to lakes, wetlands, woodlands and coastal forests. Loggerhead and leatherback turtles nest along the park’s shores; whales and dolphins occur offshore and the park is occupied by numerous animals, including antelopes, hippos and zebras. The ocean beaches pull big crowds during the holiday season for their beach and water activities, from diving to fishing.
Within the park, Lake St Lucia is Africa’s largest estuary. Despite its past healthy water levels, it is currently at its lowest level for 55 years, due to a severe drought. The estuary mouth is currently closed; controversy surrounds a long-term solution to the management of the lake, with both animal and plant species being affected by changing ecological factors.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater St Lucia Wetland Park) relaunched its eco-destination image in 2008, including the park’s renaming; iSimangaliso means ‘Miracles’ and indeed, given its extraordinary beauty, it’s an appropriate title.
There’s a wonderful range of accommodation, from camping to private lodges and excellent options managed by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife. Unless otherwise specified, all the latter must be booked at Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife with 48 hours’ notice. Less than 48 hours before, try your luck directly with the lodges and campsites.
