National Park in South Africa
A World Heritage coast of lakes and dunes
iSimangaliso Wetland Park is a World Heritage Site on the north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, a long strip of coast where Africa's largest estuarine system, golden dunes, coral reefs and forests meet the warm Indian Ocean. The park is a haven for hippos, crocodiles, turtles, whales and birds, and a wonderful stop for nature lovers.
St Lucia estuary is the heart of the park, and a boat trip there brings you close to hippos and crocs. Between November and February, leatherback and loggerhead turtles come ashore to nest on the beaches, and from June to November humpback whales pass offshore. Cape Vidal, Sodwana Bay and Kosi Bay have sandy beaches, coral reefs and snorkelling.
The park has more than 800 hippos and 1,000 Nile crocodiles, along with rhino, elephant, buffalo, leopard, giraffe and dozens of antelope. The beaches host nesting leatherback and loggerhead turtles, and the reefs of Sodwana Bay are among the best dive sites in Africa.
Chance of seeing
Our estimate for a stay of two or three nights with a good guide. Wildlife is wild, so nothing is promised.
Forested dunes rising behind a white beach, a wide estuary, lakes and wetlands, and coral reefs offshore.
Activities here
iSimangaliso has a subtropical climate, with hot, humid summers (days of 28°C to 32°C) and mild, drier winters. Rain falls all year, heaviest from December to March.
| Month | Day °C | Night °C | Rain mm |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 29 | 22 | 140 |
| Feb | 29 | 22 | 120 |
| Mar | 28 | 21 | 110 |
| Apr | 27 | 18 | 90 |
| May | 25 | 15 | 60 |
| Jun | 23 | 12 | 40 |
| Jul | 23 | 12 | 30 |
| Aug | 24 | 13 | 40 |
| Sep | 24 | 16 | 70 |
| Oct | 26 | 18 | 90 |
| Nov | 27 | 20 | 120 |
| Dec | 28 | 21 | 130 |
Approximate long-term averages. Higher ground is cooler, and forests can rain in any month.
May to September is drier and cooler, with clear skies and calm seas. It is the best time for game viewing and whales.
November to March is hot, humid and wet, with thunderstorms. Turtle nesting is at its peak.
November to February is the time of turtle nesting. June to November is whale season. May to September is best for game and cooler weather.
Best time to visit Jun to Aug, Nov to Feb
iSimangaliso is about 250 kilometres from Durban, a drive of three and a half hours to St Lucia, and about two hours from Richards Bay. It lies on the road between Hluhluwe-iMfolozi and Mozambique.
Park fees are included in our safaris. Many nationalities, including most of Europe, the UK, the US, Canada and Australia, can enter South Africa without a visa for up to 90 days. Please check the rules for your passport.
iSimangaliso is a low-risk malaria area, with the highest risk from October to May. Please take advice before you travel. Swim only in marked areas, as crocodiles and strong currents are present.
National ParkKruger National ParkSouth Africa's great wilderness
City & TownCape TownMountain, ocean and a city full of flavour
RegionCape WinelandsVineyards beneath the mountains
City & TownJohannesburgGateway city
Wildlife Reserve & SanctuaryMadikwe Game ReserveMalaria-free Big Five for families
Private ConservancySabi Sand Game ReserveThe leopard capital of AfricaOur take
“Our take”
iSimangaliso is a good beach finish to a bush trip. Time it for turtles or for whales, and give it three nights.
Safaris from
US$4,042 per person
Plan your time in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
Every safari we run is private and built around you. Tell us your dates and what you hope to see, and we will shape the route, the lodges and the permits.
Made to measure
Tell us how you like to travel and we will build a private journey around it: the right lodges, the right pace and the permits already in hand.
Start planningCookies
Essential cookies keep this site working. With your permission we also remember the safaris and places you have viewed. You can change your mind any time from Cookie settings in the footer.
