iSimangaliso Wetland Park is KwaZulu-Natal's coastal World Heritage Site. Previously known as The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, it comprises an array of natural lakes situated along the north-eastern coastal plain. It is one of South Africa's largest protected areas spanning 280 kilometres of coastline from the Mozambican border in the north to Mapelane, south of the St Lucia estuary.
Covering approximately 3,280 square kilometres this wetland park consists of five interlinked ecosystems - the marine system; the coastal dune system; the lake system, including estuarine and freshwater habitats; swamps and the inland terrestrial system. The terrestrial section of the park varies from one to twenty four kilometres wide and the marine reserve, extends five kilometres off-shore. The wetland and coastal ecosystems are claimed to be universal because of their evolution after the fragmentation of Gondwanaland Super–Continent.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park includes the St Lucia Game Reserve, False Bay Park, St Lucia Marine Reserve, Cape Vidal, Ozabene Tewate Wilderness Area and the Mkuzi Game Reserve. The St Lucia Game Reserve is not as well-known as some of the larger African parks such as Kruger but boasts an impressive variety of wildlife species. These include the White and Pink Backed Pelican, Greater and Lesser Flamingos, Madagascar Fish Eagles and some 530 other bird species. It also has the largest population of hippopotami of all South African parks. In addition, two turtle species use the beaches to lay their eggs.
This tour includes a magnificent scenic guided launch cruise on the estuary with a light lunch being served on-board. Thereafter a drive up to Cape Vidal provides an opportunity to view a wide variety of game and bird life.
- A scenic, guided launch cruise.
- Light lunch served on-board.
- A game drive to Cape Vidal.
- Visit a wetland park which hosts five interlinked ecosystems.