'Miracle' in isiZulu, this wetland is home to abundant sea and animal life
iSimangaliso Wetland Park covers approximately 332.000 ha, including its marine reserves, making the park the third largest protected area in South Africa. In 1999, the park was officially designated as a natural UNESCO World Heritage site, the very first in the country. With a wide range of pristine marine, coastal, wetland, estuarine, and terrestrial environments, iSimangaliso Wetland Park is home to a diverse range of species, with over 6.500 plant and animal species, including over 500 bird species found across the 5 interlinked ecosystems within the protected area. From scuba diving in Sodwana Bay to whale watching in St. Lucia or birding at Lake Sibaya, iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers travellers a one-of-a-kind experience right by the Indian Ocean.