Expert Reviews of iSimangaliso Wetland Park (1 Reviews)

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is one of South Africa’s most diverse and spectacular protected areas, stretching from subtropical forests and wetlands inland to picture-perfect beaches along the Indian Ocean. St Lucia, a charming town near the park’s southern tip, is the ideal base for exploring its myriad habitats.

A highlight is a boat trip along the St Lucia Estuary. Gliding past papyrus-lined banks, you’ll see hippos wallow in the shallows and crocodiles lurk along the banks. Birdlife here is exceptional, making any early-morning or late-afternoon trip most rewarding.

The park’s coastal treasures are equally compelling. Cape Vidal offers pristine beaches, gentle hikes and snorkelling opportunities, while further north, Sodwana Bay is renowned for diving, its coral reefs brimming with colourful fish, turtles and the occasional reef shark.

Inland, uMkhuze Game Reserve, also part of iSimangaliso, is a Big Five destination and a photographer’s

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dream. The well-designed hides at uMkhuze, positioned above waterholes, are perfect for observing wildlife during the dry winter months. From here, you can watch a constant parade of zebras, wildebeest, warthogs, nyalas and impalas as they come to drink, occasionally sharing the space with rhinos and elephants. With patience and luck, predators such as lions or even elusive wild dogs may appear.