iSimangaliso Wetland Park Eastern Shores
KwaZulu-Natal – South Africa
Eastern Shores of Southern iSimangaliso Wetland Park
One of the 10 jewels of the southern iSimangaliso Wetland Park is the Eastern Shores and Cape Vidal. Another jewel is Lake St Lucia, both situated in the southern parts of the park. We saw them on a recent trip to the KwaZulu-Natal coast. They were certainly sparkling!
Catalina Bay, Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is vast and is South Africa’s third largest nature reserve and the country’s largest protected wetland. It consists of dunes, coastal forest, grassland, lakes and pans that stretch for 220 kilometres from St Lucia in the south to Kosi Bay in the north which borders Mozambique.
eZibomvini - Red Dunes
We explored the eastern shores in the southern section that provide a beach and safari destination in one, on a subtropical coastline.
The marine reserve in the Indian Ocean flanks the park in the east. Much of the rest of the park consists of lakes and pans with Lake St Lucia being Africa’s largest estuarine system. With over 800 hippos and about 1200 crocodiles the lake can easily accommodate them being 80 kilometres in length and 23 kilometres at its widest point.
Parts of Lake St Lucia visible in the distance
Even though the lake covers a huge area, apparently it is fairly shallow with depths ranging from 1 to 3 metres. Not that I plan to test whether it is true. I am certainly not going to compete with those hippos and crocodiles!
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a complex system and St Lucia lake and estuary need to be researched, monitored, rehabilitated and preserved skilfully as any incorrect adjustments can have slow but long-term and disastrous effect.
Large flocks of flamingos, pelicans, ducks and waders will keep any birdwatcher happy but I would suggest good binoculars and if taking photos a great camera and lenses.
Crowned hornbill
The importance of iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Known as Greater St Lucia Estuary and Wetlands Park previously, it was listed in 1999 as a UNESCO World Heritage site, South Africa’ first, because of its exceptional ecosystem and biodiversity. Sections of the park were declared as a wildlife reserve as early as 1895.
Its diverse biomes consisting of pristine coastal forests and marine life as well as estuarine and wetland ecosystems is of paramount importance, not only in South Africa but in the rest of the world.
kuManyamanya Pan
Is it necessary to pay to enter iSimangaliso?
As the iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a reserve it is necessary to pay an entrance fee and obtain a permit. To enter the southern end of the eastern shores the fee is payable at the office next to the Bhangazi Gate where you will enter the park.
Bhangazi Gate
Do you need a four-wheel drive vehicle to self-drive through Southern iSimangaliso?
For the southern parts of iSimangaliso Wetland Park a 4x4 is not required as most of the roads are tarred (asphalt or paved). Some of the roads consist of gravel or grit but can still be traversed with a normal sedan vehicle.
Some of the loops have narrow sections or low overhanging branches, so large vehicles such as RV’s may not be able to pass through. On most of the loops you are not allowed to tow a trailer or caravan.
eMfabeni viewpoint at Lake St Lucia
As it is a wetland park is it necessary to take malaria prophylaxis?
iSimangaliso is classified as a low-risk malaria area. It is advisable for visitors to speak to their health professional before travelling though as it can change in the wet months of November to March.
It is worth having insect repellent.
African Buffalo
Activities at the eastern shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Game drives whether guided or self-drive safaris to see wildlife are not the only unforgettable activities at iSimangaliso. Strategically placed viewpoints will offer you the opportunity to see incredible scenery over panoramic vistas.
We were impressed with the size of Lake St Lucia.
Kwasheleni Tower gives you a 360-degree view across the park and over the Indian Ocean. It is worth the walk up the path and climbing the numerous steps to the top.
Kwasheleni Tower
A loop near Cape Vidal takes you inland past a lake with a viewpoint over kwaLokothwayo where you will see hippo and other wildlife. It is a beautiful stretch.
If you want to explore another beach apart from Cape Vidal, you can go to Mission Rocks. As the name implies, it consists of a rocky shore and swimming and snorkeling is not advisable. About 5km north of the beach is Bat Caves. For those in need of some exercise, you can walk along the beach till you get to it and you will be rewarded with a sighting of fruit eating bats.
Bird lovers can tick off approximately 530 recorded species which makes iSimangaliso a bird watcher’s paradise.
In the Indian Ocean the warm currents and drop offs along the coast are ideal for deep-sea fishing. Two areas to launch from are at Cape Vidal or at St Lucia. Permits are required.
At St Lucia from the jetty at Siyabonga Tourism Centre you can take a cruise to see hippo and crocodile.
Experienced and armed rangers will guide you on foot to explore the park along iSimangaliso’s many designated walking trails to see many of the wild animals in the park.
Waterbuck
You can explore on horseback if you are not keen to walk. A guide will take you on a range of horse trails including beach and/or game safaris.
The iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a major nesting sight for Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles. The nesting ritual starts in November every year. About 70 days later, from January to March the hatchlings will emerge at night. From November to March each year turtle tours operate from St Lucia and Cape Vidal.
Where is Southern iSimangaliso Wetland Park?
Catalina Bay, remnants of World War II
Jock’s Mess at Catalina Bay in Lake St Lucia holds minimal remnants of a Catalina Flying Boat from World War II. A boat base called Eastern Shores was established at Catalina Bay to combat the enemy U-boat attacks.
Unfortunately due to exposure to elements over the years and also because the wreck was used as target practice, during a severe drought in 2003 only minimal remains of a Catalina wreck were discovered.
Catalina Bay, Lake St Lucia, iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Catalina Bay
Picnic area at Catalina Bay
On the left side of the road before entering the town of St Lucia from the south lies Dukuduku Gate. This falls under the western shores of iSimangaliso Wetland Park. We only managed a short drive through the area but is worth adding to the bucket list for another occasion.
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About the Author
ALMA VAN AS | ROAMING FOX
Alma is a South African travel blogger and writer. She hopes to inspire you with facts and fables about her adventures, road trips and international travel.
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