iSimangaliso Wetland Park Tours and Activities

Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism
Photo provided by South African Tourism


This nature reserve spans a diverse range of coastal, lake, savannah and wetland habitats teeming with hippos, leopards, elephants, antelope, whales and turtles.

Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, or iSimangaliso Wetland Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage site on Kwazulu-Natal’s east coast. It encompasses three different lakes, the bright coral habitats and sand beach of Sodwana Bay, the Lubombo Mountains and swamp forests. Dive with whale sharks, take game and bird watching tours, kayak on the lakes, and angle for Marlin. 

Take a game tour around the Hluhluwe–iMfolozi Park for close encounters with hippos, rhinos, lions, cheetahs, elephants, crocodiles and hogs. Observe nocturnal animals on a late night safari through hippo territory. Mhuze Falls Private Game Reserve offers accommodation in the heart of the habitat of lions, rhinos, buffalos, leopards and elephants. 

Bird lovers will enjoy taking long walks around the lakes, where you can spot hundreds of species of waterbirds. See flamingos, predatory eagles and scrub dwelling songbirds. Take a boat tour around the wetlands to spot waterbirds and their crocodile predators. 

See crocodiles feeding and in their infant stages at the park’s Crocodile Centre. The zoo also keeps snakes, tortoises and alligators. 

Come to Greater St. Lucia in November to see loggerhead and leatherback turtles laying their eggs in the soft sand beaches. About 60 to 70 days later hatchlings emerge and can be seen scurrying towards the water. Turtle season runs from November to March. Sign up for a tour for the best chance to see the turtles with a guide.

Relax after your wildlife adventures on the beaches along the coast. Cape Vidal and Sodwana Bay are good swimming beaches and surfing spots, where dolphins and whales can sometimes be seen off the coast. Go scuba diving on the coral reefs off Sodwana Bay to see sharks, tropical fish and turtles. 

Plan to spend a number of days in Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park, as there is much to see and do. There’s accommodation throughout the park to suit most budgets. Many lodges and hotels can help book tour operators and rental equipment. The park is roughly 170 miles (275 kilometres) from Durban, and is accessible by car. Rent a 4-wheel drive to enjoy picturesque drives along the beaches.  

Tours & day trips

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History & culture

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Popular places to visit


Top iSimangaliso Wetland Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Nibela Lake Lodge by Dream Resorts

Nibela Lake Lodge by Dream Resorts

4 out of 5
Nibela Peninsula, Simangaliso Wetland Park, KwaNibela, KwaZulu-Natal
Nibela Lake Lodge by Dream Resorts
Makakatana Bay Lodge

Makakatana Bay Lodge

4 out of 5
Nyalazi Rural St. Lucia, Makakatana, KwaZulu-Natal
Makakatana Bay Lodge
Emdoneni Lodge

Emdoneni Lodge

3.5 out of 5
District Road 123, Bushlands, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Emdoneni Lodge
Gooderson Bushlands Game Lodge

Gooderson Bushlands Game Lodge

3 out of 5
Lot H99, Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Gooderson Bushlands Game Lodge
ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe

ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe

4 out of 5
104 Main Road, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
ANEW Hotel Hluhluwe
Bonamanzi Game Reserve

Bonamanzi Game Reserve

3 out of 5
Bushlands Road, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Bonamanzi Game Reserve
Ezulwini Game Lodge

Ezulwini Game Lodge

3 out of 5
Lot H108, P414, False Bay, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Ezulwini Game Lodge
The Wilds Guest House

The Wilds Guest House

3.5 out of 5
66 Park Ross Avenue, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
The Wilds Guest House
Falaza Game Lodge

Falaza Game Lodge

4 out of 5
D540 False Bay Road, Hluhluwe, KwaZulu-Natal
Falaza Game Lodge
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near iSimangaliso Wetland Park

Explore the diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes of iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where you can visit various game reserves. Enjoy thrilling safari experiences to see the Big Five and other incredible animals in their natural habitat. Take part in guided tours, birdwatching, and boat trips on the estuary to fully immerse yourself in this UNESCO World Heritage Site's breathtaking beauty and rich biodiversity.

Shopping

In iSimangaliso Wetland Park, you can find local markets offering unique crafts and souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit St Lucia’s shops, around 16.1km away, where you can discover a range of local artwork, handmade gifts, and traditional Zulu crafts.

Recreation

Monzi Golf Club offers a relaxing outdoor atmosphere, perfect for a leisurely round of golf surrounded by stunning landscapes. Enjoy the fresh air and the camaraderie of fellow golfers while taking in the vibrant sports vibes of this charming club, located 38.6km from iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of game drives in iSimangaliso Wetland Park, where you can spot the Big Five in their natural habitat. Enjoy kayaking on the serene estuaries, surrounded by stunning scenery, or embark on a guided night walk to witness the park's nocturnal wildlife in action.

Nightlife

In iSimangaliso Wetland Park, the nightlife is serene yet vibrant, with options like the St. Lucia Estuary for sunset boat cruises. The local pubs and restaurants offer live music and traditional cuisine, creating a charming atmosphere to unwind after a day of exploration.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near iSimangaliso Wetland Park

iSimangaliso Wetland Park offers a stunning mix of beaches, cultural experiences, and outdoor adventures. You can explore the park's diverse landscapes, embark on a wetland safari, or visit local galleries. For convenience, consider staying at nearby hotels or accommodation options to fully enjoy this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Don't miss the chance to relax on the beautiful beaches and immerse yourself in the rich biodiversity of the region.

  • Cape Vidal: Located 9.7km from iSimangaliso Wetland Park, Cape Vidal offers stunning coastal scenery and pristine beaches. Experience the tranquil beach vibes, ideal for swimming, snorkelling, or simply relaxing on the sandy shores while enjoying the natural beauty surrounding you.
  • The Gallery-St Lucia: Situated 29.0km away, The Gallery-St Lucia is a cultural gem that showcases local art and craftsmanship. Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region as you explore various exhibitions that highlight the artistic talent of KwaZulu-Natal.
  • Cape Vidal Lighthouse: Also 9.7km from the park, this historic lighthouse offers a glimpse into maritime history. Enjoy the cultural vibes while taking in panoramic views of the coastline and learning about the lighthouse's significance in guiding ships safely through these waters.

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for iSimangaliso Wetland Park

To save money on your visit to iSimangaliso Wetland Park, consider travelling during the off-peak months of May to June or October when prices are lower. Book your accommodation about a month in advance, and look for last-minute deals on Expedia for potential discounts. Saturday is typically the cheapest day to stay, while Monday is the priciest. Use Expedia's search tool to filter options by budget and location, and consider package deals that combine accommodation with flights and activities for extra savings. Enjoy exploring the park’s natural beauty, which is often free!

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around iSimangaliso Wetland Park are May to June and October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around iSimangaliso Wetland Park about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around iSimangaliso Wetland Park is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around iSimangaliso Wetland Park is Monday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, including your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your iSimangaliso Wetland Park hotel stay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.