The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park boasts five ecosystems which are: the marine system, the eastern shores, the lake system, the Mkhuze and Umfolozi swamps, and the western shores. It’s this massive variety of scenery and diversity that makes the Wetland Park a highlight for any traveller on a South African safari with us.
The Greater St Lucia Wetland Park is the result of a union of thirteen neighbouring and protected areas, which include Lake St Lucia, the Maputaland Marine Reserve, the coastal Forest Reserve and the Kosi Bay Natural Reserve. It’s a jewel on the coastline and the first park in South Africa to be declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, as well as the third largest park in South Arica.
Whilst on a visit to the Wetland Park with us, you’ll be able to witness the natural diversity of the Park which comprises of coral reefs, amazing sandy beaches, dunes, swamps, wetlands, woodland, coastal forest and Africa’s largest estuarine system. This mixture of salt and fresh water, as well as the combination of the tropical and the subtropical, has resulted in the area generating a unique variety of species, including 521 bird species. Whilst visiting the Wetland Park with us, you can spot leopards, antelopes, bush pigs, buffalos, as well as black and white rhinos. You can also experience the biggest crocodile and hippo population in the Greater St Lucia area. Another unique highlight not to be missed is the endangered nestling Loggerhead and Leatherback turtles on the beaches.
Travellers on a South African safari with us can slip beneath the surface and do one of the world’s best scuba dives to admire giant Manta Rays, Ragged-Tooth or Whale Sharks the seemingly boundless coral gardens. Other activities in the region include wonderful hiking trails, whale watching, boating and horse riding, making a stopover at the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park a combination of a subtropical coastline and a classic African game park experience.
Have a look at our range of South African safaris that include the iSimangaliso Wetland/Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, or read about other South African attractions whilst on your South African safari with us.
