iSimangaliso Wetland Park in Kwa-Zulu Natal’s coastline, South Africa

Formerly known as the Greater St. Lucia Wetlands Park, iSimangaliso Wetland Park, true to its name is magical. iSimangaliso in Zulu means magic and wonder which is visibly true for anyone visiting the wetland at KwaZulu-Natal’s coastline.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a World Heritage Site that brings eight unique ecosystems together thereby creating ten amazing destinations. This wetland stretches from Maphelane to Kosi bay, on the Mozambican border to the north.

Its nature is surrounded by astonishing habitats from the Ubombo Mountains to grasslands, forests, wetlands, mangroves, coral reefs, beaches and ancient dune. The world’s highest coastal vegetated dunes, which are 25 000 years old are at iSimangaliso Wetland National Park.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park. [Photo by isimangaliso.com]

Flora and fauna have thrived in the park due to its unique ecosystem. African lions, African leopards, elephants, black and southern white rhino, buffalo, whales, dolphins, leatherback and loggerhead turtles are some of the animals in the wetland. Nile crocodiles, hippos are also common.

The underwater reefs at iSimangaliso Wetland Park have created an ecosystem for millions of coloured fish, octopuses, squid, whale sharks and plankton.