iSimangaliso Wetlands Park

A World Heritage Site


iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a huge protected area along the coast of South Africa's KwaZulu-Natal province. The park's centrepiece is the vast Lake St Lucia, home to a large number of hippos, crocodiles, pelicans and flamingos. Elephants, giraffes and leopards inhabit the grasslands and forests of the nearby Western Shores and Charters Creek areas. To the north, Sodwana Bay is known for its colourful coral reefs. Maphelane is an excellent fishing spot.


10 Jewels of the Wetland Park Lake St Lucia
Coastal Forest Eastern Shores & Cape Vidal False Bay
Kosi Bay Lake Sibaya Western Shores & Charters Creek
Maphelane Sodwana Bay uMkhuze

UNESCO Registration Information:

  • Established: 1895
  • Area: 3 280 km squared
  • Reference No.: 345
  • UNESCO Site ID: 914
  • Designated: 2 October 1986