KwaZulu-Natal, north-east coast · South Africa
A vast wetland and coastal park of estuaries, hippos, crocodiles, forested dunes, coral reefs and turtle beaches, with rhinos at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi close by.
Photo: Ossewa · CC BY-SA 4.0
iSimangaliso Wetland Park, on the north-east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, stretches for about 220 km along the Indian Ocean, from the Mozambique border to Maphelane. Its name means miracle and wonder in Zulu, and it was South Africa's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 1999. The park protects a mosaic of habitats, including coral reefs, long beaches, coastal forest, dunes, lakes and swamps, and it is home to hippos, crocodiles, elephants, rhinos, leopards, turtles, whales, dolphins and hundreds of species of bird.
The centre of the park is Lake St Lucia, Africa's largest estuarine lake, and the small town of St Lucia, at its mouth, where hippos occasionally wander at night and boat trips leave to see them and the crocodiles. To the east, a sandy road leads through coastal forest to Cape Vidal, with warm-water reefs and beaches, and further north Sodwana Bay is a top diving destination, while Kosi Bay and the Maputaland coast have lakes and turtle nesting beaches. Leatherback and loggerhead turtles nest on the beaches from November to January.
Nearby, Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park, one of the oldest game reserves in Africa, has the Big Five and is known for its white rhino conservation success. Together, they make a rewarding trip for wildlife lovers who want a mix of bush and beach. The region is a malaria area, and it is best visited in the drier winter months.
Why visit
iSimangaliso combines beach, wetland and bush wildlife, with a relaxed atmosphere and good value.
Estuary cruises get close to some of the biggest hippo populations in Africa.
Warm water, coral, snorkelling and diving, without the crowds.
Nesting turtles from November to January, and humpback whales from June to November.
Hluhluwe–iMfolozi and other reserves have rhinos, lions and elephants.
Over 500 species, including fish eagles and pelicans.
Main attractions
The park has several areas, and most visitors base themselves in St Lucia town.
A two-hour boat trip up the estuary, where you can see hippos, crocodiles, fish eagles and other birdlife from close range.
Tip Book the late-afternoon trip.
A beach and camp on the coast, about 30 km from St Lucia, with reefs for snorkelling, a lookout for whales and a wildlife-rich drive through forest and grassland.
Tip Go early in the morning.
One of South Africa's top diving spots, with warm water and reef fish, about 1.5 hours north of St Lucia.
Tip Dive schools offer courses.
One of the oldest protected areas in Africa, established in 1895, with the Big Five and one of the best places to see white and black rhinos.
Tip Go in the dry season.
Leatherback and loggerhead turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches of Maputaland, and guided night trips are available from November to January.
Tip Book a guided tour, and follow the rules.
A remote set of lakes and channels on the Mozambique border, with traditional fish traps and pristine beaches.
Tip A 4x4 is needed.
Things to do
Water and wildlife activities fill the days.
See hippos and crocs at close range on the estuary.
Tip Go at sunset.
Warm water and reef fish.
Tip Check the tide.
See rhinos, elephants and lions.
Tip Book a guided drive.
Humpback whales pass from June to November.
Tip Look from Cape Vidal.
Guided night tours in summer.
Tip Book far ahead.
Forest and dune walks.
Tip Use a registered guide.
Local food
Food in St Lucia is casual, with seafood and braai.
Grilled prawns and line fish.
Where to try it Restaurants in St Lucia.
Barbecue with steak and boerewors.
Where to try it Lodges.
Curry in a bread loaf, from Durban.
Where to try it Takeaways.
Pineapples, mangoes and bananas.
Where to try it Markets.
Local breweries.
Where to try it Restaurants.
Accommodation
Stay in St Lucia town, or in a lodge nearer the park.
Transport
St Lucia is about 250 km north of Durban.
A car is best, and the park's sand roads need care.
When to go
iSimangaliso has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers and mild, dry winters.
Hot and humid, with turtles nesting and rain.
Warm, dry and clear.
Mild and dry, with whales and good game viewing.
Warm and dry.
Worth planning around: January and February for heat, humidity and malaria risk.
Itinerary
Estuary, beach and big game.
Hippos.
Coast.
Big game.
Travel tips
A few tips help you stay safe.
FAQ
Three days is ideal.
Yes. Consult a travel clinic.
April to October, with turtles from November to January.
At some beaches, such as Cape Vidal, with care. Never swim in the lake.
Yes, at Hluhluwe–iMfolozi.
Yes, if you follow wildlife safety rules.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with St Lucia, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
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Don't miss Standing beneath the Amphitheatre, a five-kilometre rock wall towering above the Royal Natal National Park.
Explore Destination — The DrakensbergLimpopo and Mpumalanga, north-east South Africa, South Africa
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Don't miss A dawn game drive that ends with a leopard resting in a tree beside the road.
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