iSimangaliso Wetlands Park - a Place like No Other on Earth!

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park was listed as South Africa's first World Heritage Site by UNECO in recognition of its superlative natural beauty and unique global values. Today, the 332,000 hectare Park contains three major lake systems, and eight interlinking ecosystems, comprising Africa's largest estuarine system, with 526 bird species and countless coastal dunes, which are the highest in the world.

The name iSimangaliso is a Zulu word meaning miracle and wonder, which aptly describes this unique place

The Wetlands Park

iSimangaliso encompasses several distinct ecological zones:

The coastline: comprises a marine ecosystem containing coral reefs teaming with fish, whales and dolphins, offering fantastic snorkeling and diving opportunities, as well as top fly-fishing opportunities.

The Eastern Shores Ecosystem: its beaches feature some of the highest vegetated sand dunes in the world, as well as grassy plains and a variety of wetlands. Lake St Lucia is Africa's largest natural estuary, is populated by hippopotamus, crocodile and water fowl.

The Mkuze Swamps: a reed and papyrus wetland, featuring South Africa's unique mangrove species and the only place where naturally occurring Raphia palms exists.

The Western Shores: dry savannah and thornveld with rich deposits of fossils.

Lake St Lucia - The gateway to the !Simangaliso Wetlands Park

Lake St Lucia is Africa's largest estuarine system, and is home to over 800 hippos and 1,200 crocodiles; this eco-system supports large flocks of water fowl, a variety of fish, and other aquatic species.

Tourist amenities include fishing, estuary boat tours, the St Lucia Crocodile Centre, and short self-guided trails through the coastal forest. Swimming in the lake is prohibited due to the crocodiles. Malaria precautions are necessary.

Accommodations in the Park

Campsites are found in Kosi Bay, Mabibi, Sodwana Bay, uMkhuze, False Bay (currently closed), Cape Vidal, Lake St Lucia Estuary and Maphelane.

Various options are available, from safari tents to log cabins, to more exclusive bush lodges such as Makakatana Bay Lodge.

General Activities in !Simingaliso Wetlands Park

• Whale watching

• Birding

• Turtle tours

• Zulu cultural villages

• Sea-Kayaking safaris

• Horse riding

• Game viewing

• Boating

Conclusion

Where else can one take an early morning stroll and see freshly imprinted four-toed hippo's feet, or see in the distance, huge wave-like clouds of birds in flight, or sand-dunes so large, that one may mistake them for small mountains? !Simingaliso, a place like no other on earth.