iSimangaliso is entering a new era!

Big changes are coming to one of South Africa’s UNESCO Heritage Sites, iSimangaliso Wetland Park in northern KwaZulu-Natal (KZN). From 1 March 2026, iSimangaliso will officially take over all ecotourism facilities within the park, ending Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife’s long-standing management role in these operations.

Both organisations have confirmed a smooth, structured transition, with conservation remaining in Ezemvelo’s hands. As Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife CEO Sihle Mkhize explained, this move aligns each organisation with its core purpose: iSimangaliso will lead tourism development, while Ezemvelo safeguards the park’s biodiversity.

For you, the biggest change will be on the tourism front!

iSimangaliso is already strategising, tapping into public–private partnerships to upgrade, refurbish and expand visitor facilities. Sizo Bukhosini, iSimangaliso Wetland Park CEO, says the goal is clear: improve sustainability, elevate the visitor experience, and boost benefits for surrounding communities.

Bookings will also move across to iSimangaliso’s platform from March. All affected staff will be transferred, and no job losses are expected.

Fun Fact: Did you know the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is South Africa's first World Heritage Site? It was listed in December 1999 for its outstanding natural beauty, from coral reefs to ancient coastal dunes.

Plan your visit to the Jewels of iSimangaliso 

iSimangaliso Wetland Park spans 3,280 km² of land and sea, with 280 km of coastline extending from Maphelane, south of St Lucia, to the Mozambique border in the north. 

Depending on your entry point, the drive from central Durban is roughly 370–380 km. The park’s size and diversity mean you can experience everything from hippo- and croc-rich lakes to coastal dunes, forests, savannahs, and coral reefs - which is exactly why it’s called “iSimangaliso,” isiZulu for “miracle and wonder.”

For visitors coming in, there are multiple access gates depending on which “jewel” of the park you want to explore. The full magic really unfolds when you stay overnight or use a local base, such as St Lucia.

Explore the park’s most iconic places:

1. Western Shores & Charters Creek - A dense forest-savannah region on the western side of the park, home to elephant, rhino, buffalo, and leopards.
2. False Bay - A narrow Ramsar-protected wetland of sand forest, thornveld, and savannah, noted for its marine fossils and ecological diversity.  
3. uMkhuze - This reserve has over 400 bird species plus mammals like giraffe, rhino, zebra, and hippo.
4. Lake St Lucia - Africa’s largest estuarine lake, spanning some 80 km, teeming with hippos and crocodiles.
5. Kosi Bay - A series of four interlinked coastal lakes with clear estuary waters, mangrove swamps, and abundant birdlife, including rare vultures and kingfishers.
6. Eastern Shores & Cape Vidal - A diverse mix of coastal dunes, forest and grassland.
7. Lake Sibaya - Home to KZN’s second-largest hippo and crocodile populations!
8. Maphelane - Discover the beauty of the unique coastal dunes region at the mouth of the Mfolozi River. 
9. Sodwana Bay - A world-class dive site with an extensive coral reef and over 1000 fish species, including the rediscovered coelacanth. 

What Does iSimangaliso Offer?

Whether you're an adventurer, wildlife fanatic or beach-lover, iSimangaliso’s offerings are hard to match:

• Whale Watching
• Turtle Tracking (see loggerhead and leatherback turtles nesting)
• Surfing
• Snorkelling & Scuba Diving in world-class dive waters
• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Hiking & Guided Walks with expert rangers
• Game Drives with Big 5 sightings
• Fishing along the deep-trench coastline
• Cultural Tours with local Zulu communities

To find out more or make your next booking, visit www.isimangaliso.com. 

ALSO SEE: Turtle nesting season has begun in northern KZN

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