In 1999 the iSimangaliso Wetland Park was declared South Africa’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, spanning over 358,534 hectares, rich in diverse ecosystems and stunning natural landscapes the park boasts South Africa’s largest estuarine system, pristine beaches, coastal forests, and diverse wetlands rich with wildlife. 

Since 1 August 2019, the iSimangaliso Wetland Park’s marine protected area (MPA) expanded significantly, with the result that the World Heritage Site is now 1,328,901ha in extent (marine and terrestrial combined). The Park is now South Africa’s second largest protected area after the Kruger National Park, incorporating the country’s largest MPA – also the only Transfrontier MPA as it joins Mozambique’s protected waters.

Guests can spot hippos and crocodiles in Lake St Lucia, and snorkel among vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life in the Indian Ocean. From birdwatching in the wetlands to exploring some of the world’s highest coastal dunes, every corner of iSimangaliso offers a breathtaking experience.