iSimangaliso Wetland Park★★★
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park) on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal was South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. The name means "miracle and wonder" in Zulu — and that's exactly what it is.
On 332,000 hectares, the park combines five different ecosystems: coral reefs, beaches, lakes, swamps, and dry coastal forests. The biodiversity is extraordinary.
Highlights
- St. Lucia Estuary: The largest estuary in Africa. Boat tours to hippos and crocodiles — you get closer to them here than anywhere else. 350 ZAR (€18). Evening tours at sunset are particularly beautiful.
- Cape Vidal: Remote beach with dune forest. Snorkeling in natural rock pools, turtle nesting sites (Nov–Feb). Camping possible.
- Kosi Bay: In the far north — a system of four interconnected lakes with traditional Thonga fish traps, used unchanged for centuries. Snorkeling in the estuary with tropical fish.
- Sodwana Bay: South Africa's best diving and snorkeling area. Tropical coral reefs, whale sharks (Nov–March), dolphins, manta rays. The southernmost coral reefs in Africa.
- Turtle Season (Nov–March): Leatherback and loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the beaches. Guided night tours available — an unforgettable experience.
