iSimangaliso

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on South Africa’s northeast coast in KwaZulu-Natal. The name iSimangaliso means “miracle and wonder” in Zulu. Designated a World Heritage Site in 1999, the park preserves a remarkable sequence of coastal ecosystems along the Indian Ocean, encompassing dunes, swamps, lakes, forests, savannas, and coral reefs.

Geography and ecosystems

The park spans a coastal corridor that includes Africa’s largest estuarine system at Lake St. Lucia, as well as extensive dune fields, wetlands, and coastal forests. Its marine and shoreline habitats support a wide range of life, from coral reefs and beaches to inland woodlands and savannas. The area hosts diverse animal communities, including large populations of hippos and Nile crocodiles in the estuaries and a rich assemblage of bird species, marine mammals, and seasonal migrants.

Biodiversity and conservation

iSimangaliso protects an exceptional tapestry of habitats and species, including sea turtles that nest on its beaches, migratory and resident birds, and various coastal and inland mammals. The park plays a key role in conservation, sustaining biodiversity and enabling ecotourism that emphasizes sustainable use and community involvement.

Management and tourism

The park is managed by the iSimangaliso Wetland Park Authority with cooperation from national and provincial agencies and local communities. It is a major ecotourism destination, offering activities such as birdwatching, snorkeling and reef viewing, boat trips in estuaries, hiking, and whale watching, all conducted with an emphasis on conservation and local livelihoods.