 |
 |
 |
 |
| Phone: |
+27 21 813 9091 |
| E-Mail: |
 |
| Skype: |
 |
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
 |
| Home / Articles / Culture and Heritage / World Heritage Sites - iSimnagaliso Wetland Park/ St Lucia Wetlands |
| World Heritage Sites - iSimnagaliso Wetland Park/ St Lucia Wetlands |
Greater St Lucia Wetland Park re-named 'iSimangaliso' (marvel in Zulu) in 2007, is South Africa’s third largest Park. Spanning 280km east KwaZulu-Natal coastline, the park includes Lake St Lucia and its estuary, a wildlife reserve, various islands, and part of the coastal Marine Reserve. The park boasts five unspoiled ecosystems including lake systems, coral reefs, swamps, wetlands, woodlands, coastal forests and beaches. The largest estuary in Africa also has the world's largest forested sand dunes-up to 180 m! When lake salinity is high, water seeping through the dunes feeds the swamps, providing sanctuary to freshwater life.
While not as famous as the bigger African parks, it supports more species of animals, as well as the greatest number of hippos and crocodiles in South Africa, and 530 bird species including lesser and greater flamingos. It’s the only park in Africa where crocodiles, sharks and hippopotami can be found in the same area.
St Lucia Park is a home to the coelacanth, an ancient fish species presumed extinct till a live specimen was discovered in 1938 off the African coast. Protected by international law, more of the four-legged fish have since been found in very deep marine environments.
MUST DO'S IN ST LUCIA:
Crocodile Centre- Kids will love watching crocs lunch break! View hatchlings and crocs up to 4m and explore exhibits. Meet the African Nile, dwarf and long-snorted crocodiles. There’s also a snake park.
Hippo cruises- These corpulent creatures can be viewed on a leisurely two-hour 16-seater canopy cruise, tugging along the mangrove shoreline. (St Lucia Safaris)
Kayak safaris- Make your way past the mangrove swamp forest, stopping for refreshments under St Lucia Bridge. Hippos, crocs, birds and sea creatures are all part of the water Safari.
Beaches- The stunning Cape Vidal, with its meringue dunes is a perfect spot to unwind after an adventure-filled day. Weather is great year-round, and in October, you can spot humpback whales!
|
|
|
|
| Safari information that may interest you: |
List of World Heritage sites in South Africa
|
|
|
 |
|
