Few places in the world rival the magnificence and wonder of the Isimangaliso (previously Greater St Lucia) Wetland Park. Situated on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal, this World Heritage Site’s isiZulu name tells you that ‘you are in the land of miracles’.
A Land of Miracles
It is said that when Zulu King Shaka died, Ujeqe, his aide given to keeping all his secrets, fled as it was customary for this person to be buried with his monarch. He wandered into Thongaland (present-day Maputaland) and on his return exclaimed, ‘I saw wonders and miracles in the flat land and lakes of Thonga.’
And so it is in this place where the sun rises to kiss each leaf and open every flower. The waves rush to crash on the beach in applause. The cry of the African fish eagle summons you. These, and other wonders, are all elements in one of nature’s greatest works of art.
World Heritage Status
Isimangaliso was declared a World Heritage Site in 1999. It covers approximately 300 000 hectares, including 220 kilometres of pristine Indian Ocean coastline. It extends from the north in Kosi Bay, where ancient fishing communities thrived, to the village of St Lucia in the south.
The park is a robust interaction of eight inter-linking ecosystems, which are home to a profusion of fish species and fauna and flora. Then there are the 25 000-year-old coastal dunes, which are amongst the highest in the world. They have been linked to old agricultural practices, trading routes and Zulu explorations.
A Rich Culture
While the park focuses on protecting natural resources, it also promotes its rich cultural heritage.
The Zulu people – with Swati, Shangaan, Tonga and a relict group of Gonda speakers – call this home. A visit to their cultural village allows you to get close to their languages, crafts and traditions.
Adventure Haven
The Park is also a haven for adventure seekers. For those wanting an adrenaline rush, Sodwana Bay with its deep-water coral reef has been rated 1 of the 10 best diving sites in the world.
Some resorts in the area offer a ‘resort course’ for those pressed for time. This allows for a 3-hour pool training session before going out to sea with a diving instructor. This, however, only allows you to dive to a depth of 12 metres.
Horse Safaris
While the waters of the Indian Ocean offer exciting adventure, its beaches make for happy play. Kite surfing, shore and rock angling, and walking are some of the more popular activities.
For something different, you can enjoy a horse ride on the beach with Bhangazi Horse Safaris in St Lucia. They also offer horse trails through the bush, which is an excellent way to take in this natural paradise. You may even spot the resident leopard!
Whale and Turtle Watching
Less physically demanding, but just as pleasing, are the popular whale watching tours from June to November. During this time, the humpback, minke and southern right whales migrate from the feeding grounds of the Antarctic to breed and calve on the coasts of Mozambique and Madagascar.
Advantage Tours of St Lucia is the only operator in the region permitted to go within 300 metres of the whales. ‘The boat ride out to sea may be a little bumpy,’ explains a tour guide with the company, ‘but it’s worth it to see a whale breach right in front of you.’
The coastline is a popular breeding ground for leatherback and loggerhead turtles. Turtle tours operate from St Lucia, Cape Vidal, Sodwana Bay, Rocktail Bay, Mabibi and Bhanga Nek between November and March.
Accommodation for All
Accommodation can be found along the northern, central and southern routes of the Park. For those seeking the thrill of the bush, various camping sites and caravan parks can be found within the game reserves. Many guesthouses and B & B’s offer charming hospitality at affordable rates. They are a popular feature in the towns of St. Lucia, Kosi Bay, Hluhluwe and other surrounding areas. In the north-eastern region of the Park, Sodwana Bay and the Coastal Forest are home to some of the country’s luxurious resorts. Rocktail Bay, situated along the coast offers tranquillity with a large helping of natural beauty.
Game Viewing
A leisurely boat cruise on Lake St Lucia, meandering through dense thicket gives many opportunities to spot families of hippo and crocodile enjoying the afternoon sun. If twitching is your thing, then head for the renowned birdwatcher’s paradise of uMkhuze Game Reserve, which is within the park. Look out for the wild dog and cheetah.
Within close proximity are the St Lucia Game Reserve and the Hluhluwe-Umfolozi Game Reserve, which is the oldest proclaimed park in Africa. Here you can see the Big 5 and a host of other iconic animals.
Hippo Tales
After dark, when the hippos crawl out onto the streets in search of food, you can enjoy a romantic meal under a starry sky. Or share conversations and make friends at drinking holes before climbing safely into a warm bed in one of the many lodges.
Tomorrow, the magic begins all over again.
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