iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most ecologically diverse protected areas in the country. Stretching 220 kilometres along the KwaZulu-Natal coast the park encompasses a remarkable mosaic of five interconnected ecosystems including Africa’s largest estuarine system at Lake St Lucia, pristine coral reefs, coastal forests, wetlands, and grasslands. The name iSimangaliso means miracle and marvel in Zulu — fitting for a park that supports over 6500 plant and animal species. Highlights include the highest concentration of hippo and crocodile in South Africa at Lake St Lucia, nesting loggerhead and leatherback turtles on the beaches, whale sharks and dolphins offshore, and a growing population of elephant, rhino, and buffalo in the western sections. The park offers an unmatched combination of marine and terrestrial safari experiences.