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Hippo viewing at St. Lucia Wetland Park- Author; Jessica Leonard-

Top 10 Facts St Lucia Wetland Park

St Lucia Wetlands, also know known as iSimangaliso Wetland Park is South Africa’s first world heritage site.

Situated in the heart of Zululand Natal, the area stretches from St Lucia in the South to the border of Mozambique.

With a lot to see and do within the area, one may travel to St Lucia as a base. This small quaint town was formerly known as a fishing town offering an abundance of fish species year-round. Till today, grunter and shad make their appearance on the shores and game fish species vary during the year from marlin to bottom fishing.

1. It is an amazing destination because of its unspoilt beaches

iSimangaliso Wetland Park (South Africa)- Author; Francesco Bandarin-

St Lucia Wetlands is an incredible destination with unspoilt beaches stretching as far as the eye can see. It is the second highest vegetated sand dunes in the world.

Because of how diverse and pristine it is, wildlife in the area can be able to roam freely within unhindered spaces.

2. You will find the big 5 at St. Lucia Wetland Park

Wildlife- Image by Michael Siebert from

Mkuze Game Reserve now also part of the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, offers you incredible birding as well as the Big 5 within its fences.

St Lucia Wetlands as its name suggests, offers exactly that ; wetlands from the largest Estuarine system in Africa.

3. It also offers a wide variety of accommodation, amenities and outings

Observation deck at iSimangaliso Wetland Park- Author; Ossewa-

Why choose St Lucia Wetlands as a destination, peace tranquillity and wildlife? Simple. The area offers a wide variety of accommodations, amenities and outings.

One of the outings that one has to participate in is the Hippo & Croc boat cruise on the St Lucia estuary. These two hour boat outings offer you close-up sightings of Hippo’s playful yawns, crocodiles basking on the banks and Fish Eagles hunting.

Leopards have also been seen hunting on the banks of the estuary so ensure you take a camera along to capture the unforgettable moments you are sure to have.

4. You can easily participate in organised safaris while St. Lucia

Tourists on a safari- Author; Wegmann-

The wetlands cover a large area that accommodates self-drive or just participating in one of the organised safaris.

Cape Vidal bay, a protected bay, gives one an opportunity to swim and see some tropical fish.

Cape Vidal is also a great place to launch your boat, should you decide to do some deep sea fishing. It is however important to note that, it is a protected area and no bottom fishing is allowed.

5. It encompasses diverse habitats for marine systems

UShaka Marine World, Durban, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa photo by South African Tourism –

The park has 280km of near-pristine coastline and comprises 328 000 hectares of magnificent scenery.

This, therefore, means that the greater St Lucia Wetlands Park encompasses an immense mosaic of habitats ranging from marine systems (coral reefs and beaches) and coastal forests (from salt and fresh water marshes to the open estuarine waters of Lake St Lucia itself) from lush coastal plains to the drier woodland areas.

The park is also situated at the southern end of the Mozambique coastal plain near the towns of St Lucia, Mtubatuba, Hluhluwe, Mkuze, Mbaswana and Manguzi.

This is a transitional zone in terms of fauna and flora between the temperate forms of the south and the tropical forms in the north and many species are endemic to this coastal plain.

The protected area is home to the largest population of hippopotamus and approximately 1,000 crocodiles as well as a wealth of plant and animal life.

6. The largest mammal is found at St Lucia Wetland Park

Humpback Whale- Image by shadowfaxone from

The largest mammal found in the Greater St Lucia Wetlands Park is the humpback whale and on land, the African Elephant.

In 2001, Elephant was introduced into the wetlands system and this has brought this area closer to “big five” status. It has even re-introduced a key ecological vector.

Other mammals include Buffalo, Rhino, Zebra, Eland and Kudu.

7. It has a diverse array of birdlife

Stunning birds on a branch. Photo by Zdenek Machacek-

Of great interest, is the staggering array of birdlife to be found in the St Lucia Wetlands.

Over 500 different species of birds are resident or pass through the wetland system annually and comprise marine, wetland and forest birds.

8. It is also home to the most diverse variety of frogs

A specie of frog- Image by Susanne Jutzeler, Schweiz, from

The park has one of the most diverse varieties of frogs and their choruses can often be heard at night and on dull rainy days.

The highly endangered specie and a large variety of other snake species reside in this subtropical coastal dune forest.

Other reptiles, such as the marine turtles, the Leatherback Turtle and Loggerhead Turtles utilise the protective beaches of the St Lucia Wetlands Park to breed in November of each year.

9. There are so many activities to do at St. Lucia Wetland Park

Fishing at St. Lucia Wetland Park- Author; Darren Glanville-

The St Lucia Wetlands Park is a popular destination and offers a wide range of activities.

Fishing, boating and bird-watching, scuba-diving, hiking and camping are all on offer and the region offers marvellous photographic opportunities to amateur and professional photographers alike.

10. It is Africa’s largest estuarine system

St. Lucia Wetland Park- Author; Darren Glanville- Wikimedia

Lake St Lucia is Africa’s largest estuarine system. It is a unique lake that stretches for an expansive 38 000 hectares offering some of the most diverse wildlife and outdoor experiences in the country.

The lake supports an enormous population of crocodiles and hippos, and there are also Rhino, Buffalo, Waterbuck, Impala, Nyala, Kudu and a host of other wild animals.

There is even an exciting addition of elephants, which have recently been reintroduced to the Park. Migrant humpback Whales, Dolphins and an incredible variety of fish can be seen along the coastline and there are guided tours to see the ancient breeding cycle of endangered leatherback and loggerhead turtles.

In addition, the Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park comprises some of the highest forested dunes in the world.

The region is of global importance and boasts different ecosystems such as swamps and wetlands, lake systems, beaches, coral reefs, woodlands and coastal forests. Lake Sibaya is South Africa’s largest freshwater lake, covering an area of 77km², and is intensely blue and crystal clear.

Lake St. Lucia is also fed by seawater and is therefore a unique lake system of fresh and salt water.