iSimangaliso Wetland Park

South Africa - Kwazulu-Natal (Durban)

Previously known as the St Lucia Wetland Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park lies on the northeastern edge of KwaZulu-Natal in the sublimely beautiful region known as the Elephant Coast, includes Lake St Lucia, St Lucia and Maputaland Marine Reserves, the Coastal Forest Reserve, the Kosi Bay Natural Reserve and Mkuze Game Reserve with no fewer than 328 000 hectares of pristine natural ecosystems, and the countryā€™s third-largest protected landmass.

With a wealth of bird and animal life ranging from whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and incredible waterfowl – such as storks, pelicans, terns and herons, there are well over 500 South African bird species including the Madagascar fish eagle, the Nile crocodile.

South Africaā€™s largest hippo population, elephant, black and white rhino, giraffe, buffalo and a range of antelope that includes waterbuck, impala and kudu can be discovered here.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park Hotels

Makakatana Bay Lodge$$$$

You will get to experience the home to more than 1000 hippo and 1200 crocodile on a personalized adventure filled safaris exploring this treasured park. Passionate guides take you on full-day safaris to explore the Wetlands, coastal dune forests, pristine beaches seeking out wildlife and over 530 bird species. The Lodge itself only has 8 individual suites set privately in the dune forest and interconnected via raised walkways, it is small and intimate. An outside boma is the preferred locati...

Makakatana Bay Lodge
smiling white male wearing a backpack

Ready to discuss your trip to South Africa?

Speak to one of our travel specialists and weā€™ll create your personalised itinerary just for you.

Start Planning