The iSimangaliso Wetland Park, a Unesco World Heritage site, stretches for 220 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 (including Lake St Lucia) on the other, the 2038-sq-mile (3280-sq-km) 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 appear 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 everything from diving to fishing.
iSimangaliso means ‘Miracle’ or ‘Wonder’ and, given its extraordinary beauty, it’s an appropriate title.
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout iSimangaliso Wetland Park.
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Just south of the border of Mozambique is Kosi Bay, located within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park. The coastal lakes and estuary that make up the area are far enough away from the busy shores further south that it retains a quiet tranquility not found in many beaches in KwaZulu-Natal. Kosi Bay is known for its exceptional snorkelling, but note that stone fish are present here, so protect your feet if walking in the estuary.
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Caught between dense forest and pristine sands you'll find Sodwana Bay, a well-loved vacation destination for locals and tourists alike. Popular activities include guided walking and birding trails, especially along the 5km Mgobozeleni Trail, a route featuring coastal forest and grassland. Serious deep-sea fishing draws many, but scuba diving is king here given the diverse and alluring undersea life in the area.
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It doesn't have the flashy name recognition of Hluhluwe-iMfolozi or Tembe, but uMkhuze is a hidden gem of a reserve. Lions were introduced in 2014, but even before that visitors came for terrific hyena, rhino and elephant sightings set against dense scrub. The park's claim to fame, however, is the more than 400 bird species that call it home. Birders will tell you it's one of the top birdwatching spots in South Africa.
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The region northwest of St Lucia Estuary is called the Western Shores, and comprises two stunning lakeside spots, known as Fani’s Island (closed to visitors at the time of research due to drought conditions) and Charters Creek (entrance is off the N2, 18km north of Mtubatuba and 32km south of Hluhluwe), an area of dense coastal forest and grasslands.
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The four scenic routes in the Eastern Shores – pan, vlei (marshland), coastal dune and grassland – each reflect their different features and ecosystems. Hides, decks and viewpoints provide vistas and wildlife-viewing opportunities. For those looking to stay in the area there's an excellent accommodation option: Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife manages the pretty Cape Vidal Camp, near the shores of Lake Bhangazi. Minimum charges apply.
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If you ask anyone in the know what to see in the iSimangaliso Wetland Park they'll most likely suggest Cape Vidal. Some of the forested sand dunes here rise 150m high and the beaches are excellent for swimming. There's also decent wildlife viewing en route to the beach and you'll likely have the sightings of hippos, antelopes, buffaloes and crocs to yourself. It's 20km north of Mission Rocks (30km from St Lucia Estuary), taking in the land between Lake Bhangazi and the ocean.
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Mission Rocks is a rugged and rock-covered shoreline known for the rock pools that have a fabulous array of sea life on view during low tide. It's important to note that there's no swimming here. They are located about 14km north of the entrance of the Eastern Shores.
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Hikers should head to the Mt Tabor lookout, where three trail loops lead to spectacular views of Lake St Lucia and the Indian Ocean. It's about 4km before Mission Rocks.