Experience iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Formerly known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, "iSimangaliso" is a Zulu word meaning "miracle" or "something wondrous." The park stretches 220 kilometers along the Indian Ocean coastline, from Maphelane in the south to the Mozambique border in the north. It is comprised of eight interlinking ecosystems, including the vast St. Lucia Estuary, ancient 25,000-year-old vegetated coastal dunes, swamp forests, and coral reefs. Its unique geography allows for an incredible diversity of life, serving as a critical refuge for species that are threatened elsewhere in Africa. It is managed with a focus on ecological integrity while empowering the local communities that have lived alongside these wetlands for generations.
Explore on Map
Popular Safaris in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Things to Do
Where to Stay
4
Iconic Highlights
1
St. Lucia Estuary: Home to one of the largest populations of hippos (approx. 800) and crocodiles (approx. 1,200) in South Africa.
2
Cape Vidal: A stunning stretch of beach where the "safari meets the sea," offering snorkeling alongside dune-dwelling wildlife.
3
Turtle Nesting: One of the few places in the world where Leatherback and Loggerhead turtles lay their eggs on the shore (seasonal).
4
Lake Sibaya: South Africa’s largest natural freshwater lake, surrounded by forested dunes and home to a unique variety of birdlife.
5
Coastal Forests: Rare sand forests that host specialized endemic species found nowhere else.
Wildlife & Nature
Elephant
Rhino
Leopard
Buffalo
Hippo
Giraffe
Dolphin
Whale
Flamingo
Photo Gallery
Climate & When to Visit
Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Monthly Averages
| Month | Temp High | Temp Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apr | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Aug | 25°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Dec | 29°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Feb | 30°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jan | 30°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jul | 24°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Jun | 24°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Mar | 29°C | --°C | -- mm |
| May | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Nov | 28°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Oct | 27°C | --°C | -- mm |
| Sep | 26°C | --°C | -- mm |
Travel Requirements
Entry: Valid passport and South Africa entry visa (where applicable).
Health: The park is located in a low-risk malaria area. Prophylaxis is recommended, particularly during the wet summer months.
Permits: Separate entrance fees apply for different sections (e.g., Eastern Shores, Western Shores, Sodwana Bay).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is iSimangaliso better for sea or land animals?
It is unique because it offers both. You can see rhinos in the morning and whales in the afternoon.
Can I visit the park in a normal car?
The main routes to Cape Vidal and the Western Shores are accessible via paved roads, but a 4x4 is required for more remote areas like Kosi Bay.
What is the best way to see the hippos?
A boat cruise on the St. Lucia Estuary is the most popular and safe way to view hippos and crocodiles at close range.
When do the turtles hatch?
Nesting begins in November, but the hatchlings typically emerge from the sand between January and March.