iSimangaliso Wetland Park: Western Shores section now open to visitors

The iSimangaliso Wetland Park has opened its brand new 25 000ha Western Shores section to visitors on 14 December 2013. The area was previously only seen by guests of three of the park's concession operators. The new Western Shores section of the park covers approximately 25 000ha and is home to herds of waterbuck, reedbuck and kudu; the numerous pans and wetlands of the section host not only hippos and crocodiles, but a plethora of birdlife, particularly waterfowl.
The opening of the Western Shores sections forms part of several new initiatives aimed at enhancing the visitor experience at iSimangaliso Wetland Park. Those include the re-introduction of game, a major land care and rehabilitation programme, a new network of game-viewing roads, view sites, hides and picnic sites on the western shores of Lake St Lucia.

New Western Shoes attractions include:

• The new Dukuduku gate complex including craft market - the first "Park and Pay" complex operating in iSimangaliso Wetland Park
• uMphathe and uMdoni Loop game drives (2x4 access)
• uMthoma Aerial Boardwalk and viewing deck overlooking the Lake St Lucia narrows
• uBhejane Picnic site
• eMgadankawu Hide
• Several additional viewpoints have been installed affording sweeping views towards the Eastern Shores

Dukuduku Gate Opening Times:

• Summer - November to March - 05h00 to 19h00
• Winter - April to October - 06h00 to 18h00

Dukuduku  Gate Entry Fee:

• Adults - R35
• Children under the age of 12 - R25
• Community Levy - R5 per person
• Vehicle charge - R45 if < 20 people; R80 for 10-20 people; R150 for >20 people

Important info:

• Daily vehicle limits will apply.
• A minimum of 1 hour transit time between Dukuduku gate and Nhlozi gate will apply.
• Roads are gravel. During times of excessive rainy weather certain roads will be closed.
• Work is ongoing putting finishing touches to some of the attractions and constructing new.
• Vehicles towing boats, trailers and caravans are not permitted on the Western Shores and will not be given access through the Dukuduku gate. Vehicles towing boats have access to Charters Creek only via the N2 and Nhlozi gate.
• As the Western Shores still incorporates areas under commercial forestry, please observe the "No Entry" signs and booms prohibiting access along forestry and management roads.